I will be the first person to admit that I am not a gardener. I love being outdoors and having fun with the kids in our garden, but the relentless nature of gardening, particular in the summer, isn’t my favourite. I know it must be done though, so I have been enjoying a much more low maintenance garden this summer.
We used to have large flowerbeds and veg patches that were inherited from the home’s previous owner, but they were just so hard to keep up with, so last year, we made some changes when we extended our home. Although technically the garden is smaller than before, the actual lawn feels bigger than ever before, as we have taken out some flowerbeds and put down grass. So as a result, I have been looking out for how we can spruce up the garden a little, and make the most of the space that we have. With this heatwave that we have been enjoying over the past few days, outside is where we have been other than when it is time to sleep.
I have teamed up with TJ Hughes this summer to show you that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to update your outside space, no matter the size of it. Have you ever heard of TJ Hughes before? I hadn’t, but I’m wondering how I missed it, as they are a discount department store, specialising in a whole range of things, from fashion, to interiors, to garden furniture, and technology. All with up to 70% off the RRP; there is so much choice so there will be something to suit everyone.
But without further ado, here are some of my tips for making the most of outside space this summer:
Grow Your Own
When we had a couple of vegetable patches, they were mage hard to keep up with, but that was because they just gerund grew, and to be honest, I was pretty clueless about what to do. But if you are looking for a reason to get outside, especially for the kids over the summer, for instance, then growing your own is a good idea. I think it is a good idea to keep things small to start with, as things like strawberries can easily sprout out. You should also make the most of vertical space, as things like raspberries and tomatoes can be grown tall, rather than out.
Solar Lighting
I know in the UK we often laugh about the sunshine, or lack thereof (not at the moment, though), which is why having some solar lighting can be a great idea for some garden accessories. The lights can charge up in the day, and then by night, glow perfectly. This works for when you want to be sat outside with friends in the evening, or if a family BBQ goes late into the night. I got a rattan table lantern (£6.99) and a pack of 10 solar lights (£5.99) to dot around the garden and use when entertaining. We have felt the benefit of them already this summer, and know we will later own the line too.
Low Maintenance Plants
I am all for a low maintenance garden. And while I can’t quite get my head around artificial grass in gardens, there are plenty of other things that you can do for a low maintenance garden. I all all of artificial plants, and we have had some either side of our front door for while now, as they don’t die, don’t need water, and can just sit there; my kind of gardening. We had our driveway done last year too, but the stone sitting around the edge have looked quite bare, so I thought an artificial bamboo tree (£24.99) would work well on the side of the drive. The colour is really striking, the leaves looks glossy and realistic, and the best thing, no maintenance. Succulents are pretty low maintenance plants too, so if you’re looking for the real thing, that is where to look.
Heat Source
Even in the summer, the evenings can be a little cool. And something that can last all year round is a heat source in your outside space. If you just have a patio or a balcony, then a heat lamp could do the trick. I chose a fire pit (have wanted one for a long time). We have used it for marshmallows and s’mores, and know it will be great in colder months to keep us warm when we want to be outside (fire pit sold out – similar here).
Be Practical
Do you have enough seating for the family plus any unexpected guests? If you want to treat the outside like it is any other room in the home, then you need to replicate the feel of a living area outside, which is going to be all about heating. You can totally go for a little mis-matched with bold deck chairs, some hanging egg seats, bean bags, as it can give your home a rustic feel, as well as keeping it all bright.
Have you got any other tips that you would add? It would be great to hear what you think of the things I chose.
*the items were gifted in exchange for this post – all words and opinions are my own, and I would only recommend something I would actually purchase myself.
