LONDON — We’ve had our first glimpse of warmer weather, so it won’t be long before we’re dining alfresco, holding family barbecues and having outdoor parties. If you’re planning on entertaining in your garden this year, now’s the time to get your gardening gloves on and start making your outdoor space the perfect spot for relaxing with friends.
Lawn gardens
Choose a granular feed to slowly feed your lawn over the summer months, but if you have an important event, use a soluble feed a few days before for faster results.
Edge your lawn to give a nice, clean line between the lawn and the flower bed — an easy way to make your garden look tidier.
If moss has been a problem, use a moss killer, then rake it out. You can then over-seed (or re-seed) to thicken the lawn and fill in any empty patches.
Large spaces are perfect for growing a wildflower meadow, and various mixes are available to attract different kinds of wildlife (butterflies, ladybirds, bees, etc.) To ensure fresh growth next year, simply mow at the end of the season.
Plant perennials in your flower beds for beautiful colors that come back year after year; then fill in any gaps with summer bedding plants.
Patio gardens
If you don’t have flower beds or a big space to work with, fill pots and containers with summer bedding plants in a variety of colors.
Give dirty patios a good scrub or blast with a pressure washer to remove moss and dirt.
Make tired wooden garden furniture look as good as new by treating it with teak oil.
Place solar lights around your patio for an eco-friendly way to light up your outdoor space when the sun goes down.
Plant some climbers — they’re perfect for covering unsightly old fence panels or walls.
