Now that summer’s here – and so far it looks set to be a good one, with long sunny days positively inviting us to have a barbecue every week – it is time to spend more time in the garden, enjoying flower beds, children playing and even making some vitamin D by sitting in the sun. But no matter how nice the weather, not having a cosy place to sit to enjoy it can make the whole experience a bit anticlimactic and not as much fun as it should be. Here are some useful ideas for designing a cosy outdoor living area, no matter how big or small your garden is.
Good Deck
A firm base on which to place your chairs or garden set is a must. Constantly sinking into the ground is no fun for anyone! Soggy ground too is depressing – sitting on the lovely green lawn only to feel the ooze of mud chilling your bottom and staining your outfit is one of the worst things that a British garden can do to a hopeful picnicker! You can lay down a wooden deck, crazy paving patio or even build a professional base on which to enjoy your outdoor meals, and doing so can transform your garden from a fair-weather rarity into somewhere that you want to spend all your spare time.
Stay Warm
Even in summer it can be chilly sometimes, especially in the evening when the temperature can plummet 10°C in an hour or two. Having a heat source close to your decking or patio is a great way to ensure that everyone stays comfortable while you make the most of the long days and sunshine. Invest in a chiminea or fire pit that will throw out a soothing warmth to keep the party going for longer. Moreover, for getting chimineas in the UK, you can check at Forest Fuel.
Garden Furniture Choices
When it comes to garden furniture, you want to avoid the cheap and cheerful sets that will be broken or battered within a few weeks. Instead, opt for waterproof, sturdily framed furniture that can stand up to the elements, albeit with a waterproof/ sunproof cover thrown over it, teamed with soft and comfortable fabric cushions that can be brought inside or put away when not in use.
Storage
Speaking of storing things, investing in a small outdoor storage unit or shed is vital if you like a nice tidy garden. As well as keeping everything in one place, being out of the elements will keep it in great condition, no matter if it is a few frisbees, a large paddling pool or even equipment for outdoor games. You can also tuck your barbecue and the various tools in the store, making sure that when you are not barbecuing you get to enjoy uninterrupted views of your garden and the surroundings.
Be Generous with Space
When you are laying out your outdoor living space, be as generous as you dare. There is little worse than feeling cramped or claustrophobic when you are trying to enjoy fresh air and a sense of freedom! Do leave enough space for children to play, but otherwise space out your garden furniture so that people can move around, refreshing drinks, popping inside for a moment or fetching more snacks without everyone having to budge up and take a deep breath.
There is little as beautiful as a good summer day in the UK – mainly because there is always the threat that the weather could change in a few minutes – and you should be able to enjoy it in comfort. With the above tips in mind, now you can!
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