FIVE THINGS TO DO NOW TO PREP YOUR GARDEN FOR SUMMER

• It’s prime time to get tedious jobs such as weeding and cleaning out of the way – not forgetting artificial grass maintenance
• Consider how you’ll be using the garden this summer – is it time for a new installation such as a garden bar or decking?
• Earn extra green points by making your outside space even more sustainable

 
Following two years of pandemic-inflicted restrictions, it seems fair that summer 2022 will be filled with garden parties, barbecues and opportunities to reconnect in person while taking in the great British sunshine.
 
With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee kicking off a summer of celebrations this June, what odd jobs need completing around the garden before it’s fit for a Royal?
 

1. Maximising space

If this is the year you plan to install decking in your garden to really get the most out of the space, get a head start on it now so you can enjoy the fruits of your labour from this summer onwards.
 
To help with planning your decking, first consider its main purpose; will you be creating an area to socialise, somewhere for the children to play, is it simply replacing lawn space to help reduce maintenance or is it a foundation for a hot tub or pool?
  Jack Knight, category manager at Drainage Superstore, part of CMOStores.com, comments: “Once you have a specific reason for the decking, you can weigh up how big a space you want it to cover and the impact this will have on the existing garden. If you’re installing a hot tub or pool, you’ll be limited as to where to place it but for other purposes, consider things like the existing foundation, sun exposure and surroundings such as trees and plants which may become oversized in coming years.”
 
Double check if you need any planning permission and then choose your layout; horizontal and vertical decking is always popular, as is diagonal. Slightly more complicated are the chevron or ‘picture frame’ style which combines a frame-like surrounding with diagonal decking in the centre – there are options to suit all garden aesthetics and lifestyles.
 

2. Weeding artificial grass

While artificial grass saves us time and energy in mowing the lawn, trimming and generally keeping up with the neighbours, unfortunately weeding is a task that still comes around.

As weeds are generally more self-sufficient and need little moisture to grow, it’s entirely normal to see them sprouting up through artificial grass.
 
To help prevent weed growth, consider placing a layer of weed control fabric underneath the artificial grass at installation.   

 
For general maintenance, clearing weeds from artificial grass is no different than normal. Ensure leaves, moss and other debris which is likely to build up is brushed away often, to prevent issues with drainage; use a leaf blower, stiff brush or a plastic rake for best results.
 
Jack advises: “As well as using weed killer a couple of times a year, trimming any hedges or over-hanging trees can help limit the number of leaves falling to the ground, therefore reducing the likelihood of seeds being spread and unwanted weeds erupting.”
 

3. Spring clean

As well as weeding, trimming and re-potting, there’s no better time to get your garden, patio and driveway looking its best than with a clean, courtesy of a pressure washer. Easy and efficient to run, find a multi-purpose pressure washer and you’ll be set for smaller DIY projects, big cleaning jobs and have the perfect piece of kit when it comes to keeping your outdoor spaces looking fresh all year round.
 

4. Introduce sustainable features

If you’re looking for ways to be more sustainable in your garden, consider installing a water butt. Increasing in popularity and designed to collect and reuse rainwater, quench the thirst of plants and provide all the nutrients they need, while saving money on ever-rising water bills.
 
Although some gardens may require the installation or re-positioning of a downpipe to maximise the water butt system, with products available from DrainageSuperstore.com in an array of colours including green, grey, terracotta and deep brown, there’s an aesthetic to suit every garden. Being more sustainable has never looked better.
 

5. Relax in style

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how we can maximise our outdoor spaces and bring a little extra joy to our homes. Garden bars and converted sheds are continuing to be a growing trend – and provide cover for unexpected summer downpours mid-barbecue.
 
Get ahead of the game with the Shire Pent Garden Bar from Drainage Superstore which offers a useful storage space as well as a sturdy bar – perfect for serving up cocktails and fruity concoctions over summer. 
 
For added garden-envy, consider a larger summerhouse such as the Shire Alnwick Shiplap Summerhouse. The Georgian glazed double doors let in plenty of light making it the perfect place to relax with a book as the warmer days seep in, while the built-in veranda offers shelter from the unpredictable British weather.
 
Jack adds: “While there are maintenance and gardening jobs to be done all year round, as it’s getting warmer outside it definitely gets a little more enjoyable. Ahead of a summer of relaxing, hosting and celebrating, now is the perfect time to tick off some of the peskier jobs such as weeding and cleaning as well as considering any new features to help make the most of our outside spaces this year.
 
“At Drainage Superstore, we’re continuing to see an increase in garden sheds and summer houses as people have spent the last couple of years getting creative, turning them into outdoor office spaces, gyms, bars and more – whether people are planning for bigger projects or smaller tasks, we’ve got plenty of advice and products ready to help them.”