The warm, sunny weather has arrived and it’s time to start heading outdoors more. Did you know that almost two-fifths of people in the UK have changed the way they use their gardens? 35% of those asked said they have transformed it into a place for relaxing and 11% had even made theirs into an extra living space!
So, how can you make your back garden the best place to enjoy summer sun in 2018? Check out these top tips to find out…
The best garden furniture for 2018
A stunning environment that you want to spend time in relies on having beautiful garden plants and flowers. However, plants aren’t the only part of a fantastic garden. Did you know that sales of garden furniture, barbecues and accessories are expected to grow by 3-4% annually to 2021? So, get searching for top deals on a range of tables, chairs and more!
Al fresco dining has long been a trend, but what makes it special in 2018? Forget plastic chairs and paper plates; why not create a sunken fire pit in your garden, surrounded by some cosy cushioned seats and colourful plastic dinnerware for snacks and drinks? With a comforting source of heat in your back garden, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself outdoors more than you would have thought.
Although getting the right climate for them is sometimes difficult in the UK, Brits love a barbecue. In fact, between 2006 and 2016, the average number of barbecues held per family each summer rose from 2.5 to 10 — demonstrating our growing love for outdoor dining. Of course, you can go as premium or as basic as you like with your barbecuing, depending on the size and features that you’re after. More people are making purchases of verandas now too, allowing them to spend time outdoors despite what the weather is like!
Don’t fret if your garden is petite; back yards of any size can be home to the 2018 trend for alfresco living. If you have a small garden, you can be space efficient and keep clutter out of the way by building a shed. The Posh Shed Company saw a massive 300% increase in sales of its Chelsea shed in 2017. This type of shed is all about space-saving and has features such as built-in shelving on the outside so that internal space isn’t compromised — great for keeping your garden clear and looking nice.
The best plants for your 2018 garden
To begin, why not make your garden come alive with colour by planting an assortment of pretty plants and flowers?
If you have a lot of time to potter around your garden, it might be a wise move to opt for easy-to-maintain plants — such as the shrub. You can use shrubbery to line the pathways of your garden and the lawn edge, filling in a space that might’ve been left bare. When planting shrubs, remember to plant them at least half the width of the shrub apart from other shrubs and boundaries as they can grow outwards.
Growing your own is only going to get bigger and more popular, so don’t get left behind! When cooking for your guests, you can head to the bottom of the garden to gather some fresh herbs and vegetables to go with their meal.
Furniture and flowers are two simple ways to make your garden fit for al fresco life in 2018. Spending more time in the garden is guaranteed to lift your mood and stop you getting cabin fever — so give it a go.
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