5 Top Tips for a Blooming Lovely Summer Garden

Need a little inspiration as to how to get the most out of your garden now the long, warm evenings are upon us?

Spending time outside in nature, whether alone or with loved ones, is one of the most healing and peaceful gifts we can give ourselves. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden to tend to, you have the opportunity to create an enchanting space that you will want to spend time in. To get you started, here are our top tips for creating a magical mid-summer garden.

What to plant now

From now until the middle of July, it is the perfect time for planting beans and summer squash from seed. If you are lucky enough to have the space for a vegetable patch, over the next couple of months plant cool-season vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, chard, spinach, lettuce, potatoes and onions.

With regards to flowers, try to avoid buying plants already in full bloom (no matter how pretty they are!). If you can be patient and plant younger plants they will far out-bloom anything you plant now. For an instant hit of vibrant colour in your garden, add to your borders and planters smaller colourful annuals such as lobelia and petunias.

The all-important H20 and fertilizer

Now is the time to make absolutely sure that everything you have planted is kept well fed and watered.  Use organic fertilizers to feed and a good quality compost that contains micronutrients to top dress. Make sure you keep the ground covered with the top soil – it builds from the top down so you are looking after the worms and the micronutrients.

Install a water feature

Water features are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also work wonders in terms of creating a tranquil and relaxing environment with the sound they create.  Whether you wish for something contemporary or are more classically minded, you’ll be spoilt for choice at most garden centres and home stores – be sure to do your research as some require more assembly effort than others. If your creative juices are really flowing, perhaps consider commissioning a landscape gardener to design and create a feature especially for your garden.

Build an outdoor kitchen

They say families who eat together, stay together. And where’s a better place to spend quality time with loved ones than your own private sector of the great outdoors?  One of the tricks to encourage your nearest and dearest to spend time in the garden is to build a small summer kitchen with a grill, a sink and counter space for preparation. Get into the French spirit – prepare and eat all of your meals outside and suddenly eating with the family just became fun again!

Add atmosphere with lighting

If you are planning on having a gathering in the garden this summer, adding lighting to take you into the evening can really make your party sparkle.  Create a focal point by illuminating your table(s) with pretty tea light candle holders and lanterns. Group candles together to form a cluster and place to one side of the table or in the corners of your garden, maximising the soft, warm and intimate glow of candlelight.