Summer refresh

Story by Loren Desbruslais

With sunny days and long evenings ahead, it’s the perfect time to embrace outdoor living. Here are 20 ways to give your garden a summer spruce-up.

Natural beauty

1. A splash of fresh colour is an essential ingredient to a summer garden glow-up. Head to your local nursery for vibrant potted colour and blooming shrubs. Some bright beauties include: Plectranthus ‘Mona Pink’, Agastache ‘Pink Sceptre’, echinaceas, everlasting daisies (Xerochrysum spp. and cultivars), kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp. and cv.) and fan flowers (Scaevola spp.).

2. Remember, it’s not all about the new – breathe life into your existing potted plants with a trim, fresh potting mix, an application of seaweed solution and a sprinkle of slow-release fertiliser.

3. Invest in a few standout plant pots – or refresh old pots with a lick of paint! Group three pots of the same style but different sizes to create visual impact.

4. Get your outdoor kitchen ready for feasting. Set up a collection of herb pots near the barbecue to keep flavours within easy reach for cooking and cocktails. Summer-loving herbs include basil, mint, chives and thyme.

5. One of the pleasures of the summer garden is the delightful mix of scents. Indulge the senses with aromatic flowers such as Brunfelsia ‘Sweet Petite’, roses, ‘English Summer Purple’ lavender, native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) and cherry pie (Heliotropium arborescens).

6. Take advantage of vertical space by creating a lush green wall with cascading plants, or hang pots of trailing plants to add life to a corner.

Photo credit: Plant Growers Australia, Plant echinacea for a burst of bold colour.

Herb pots for your summer garden — Photo credit: Robert Frith/Acorn Photo, grow herbs near the barbie for easy access

Garden reset

7. Grab your secateurs and give the garden a trim. Shrubs, hedges and climbers always need a tidy after their exuberant burst of spring growth. Prune overgrown branches that are encroaching on paths and deadhead spent flowers to keep the blooms coming.

8. Get your lawn looking its vibrant best before outdoor gatherings by applying a hose-on lawn fertiliser a week or two in advance. Then, just before the event, edge and mow the grass – or simply rake
up any fallen leaves if that’s all it needs.

9. Weeds thrive in the warmer months, so take time to remove them before applying a generous layer of fresh mulch to garden beds. This will hinder new weed growth while helping to regulate soil temperature and retain soil moisture.

10. Maintain a consistent watering schedule so your plants are looking their best (follow any water restrictions in your area) or consider setting up a reliable irrigation system.

Get the lawn ready for summer garden parties — Photo credit: iStock

Prep & polish

11. Spend some time cleaning and revitalising your hard landscaping. Remove any debris such as fallen leaves and branches from the deck or patio, and pressure wash paved areas, garden paths, steps and house walls. Give the deck a clean and restain if needed.

12. Revamp your outdoor furniture. Sand and restain wooden chairs and tables to bring back their original charm. Wash outdoor fabric cushions in a bucket of warm soapy water to remove dirt and mould then dry in the sun (check the label for specific washing instructions).

13. Think up some shady solutions for your summer garden so you can enjoy the outdoors on hot days. Pop a seat under a tree for a shaded spot to enjoy your morning coffee. No shade tree in sight? Install a canopy or garden umbrella and consider planting a tree in autumn for future summers. (See our story on terrific shade trees.)

14. Introduce outdoor storage to keep your entertaining area neat. Use it to stow toys, outdoor equipment, firewood, and gardening tools and shoes.

Photo credit: iStock, sand and repaint to renew garden furniture

Your summer garden needs shade — Photo credit: iStock, provide some shade over sitting and dining areas to maximise the time you can spend outdoors.

Up the ambience

15. Set the scene for summer soirees by adding outdoor lighting. A mix of lights creates unique effects and moods. Try stake lights along pathways, a spotlight over the barbecue and lanterns to add a warm glow to the patio. Make your entertaining spaces magical with festoon lights or solar-powered fairy lights – hang them from a pergola, weave them through greenery and let them sparkle in the trees.

16. Install a fire pit to create a cosy atmosphere, and encourage guests to gather under the stars.

17. Add a water feature such as a pond or potted fountain. Even something as simple as a sealed pot filled with water and a couple of aquatic plants will do the trick. (See our story on beautiful summer-flowering waterlilies.)

18. Create special nooks in the summer garden for relaxation – string up a hammock or install a hanging chair.

19. Include a birdbath to create an eye-catching focal point and welcome feathered friends – who doesn’t enjoy the comforting sound of birdsong!

20. Bring personality to your outdoor entertaining area with stylish touches and decorations. Top the table with candles, fresh flowers and greenery. Complete an outdoor lounge area with a rug, vibrant printed cushions and a few throw blankets to keep guests warm on brisk nights.