By Jude 
There’s still a chill in the air, but the days are getting longer and brighter. Before we know it, summer will be here, and we’ll be desperate to spend as much time as possible in our backyards soaking up the sunshine. Being proactive in getting your outdoor space ready can help you save time and effort and make the most of your yard when warmer climes arrive. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple tasks to tackle now to get your garden summer-ready.
Clearing, tidying, and decluttering
The first job on your to-do list is clearing, tidying, and decluttering. Many of us are guilty of neglecting outdoor areas during the fall and winter. This often means we end up with yards filled with leaves, mud, dirt, and debris. Set aside some time to clear up, remove dead leaves, sweep patios, and jetwash driveways, decks, terraces, and paths. It’s amazing the difference a tidy-up operation can make, especially if you haven’t ventured into your backyard for several weeks or months.
Investing in storage is a great idea if you have lots of accessories, outdoor furniture, and ornaments. From sheds and plastic containers to log cabins and summerhouses, there are options to suit all budgets. If you have a designated place for everything, this makes keeping outdoor areas clean and clutter-free a breeze. You can also prolong the lifespan of your furniture by protecting it from the elements.
Clearing up can help you create more usable space, enhance the look of your yard, and reduce stress. It’s much better to look outside and see an inviting al fresco oasis rather than mounds of leaves, dirty paths, and stuff everywhere.
Prepping your lawn
It’s common for wintry weather to take its toll on our lawns. Low temperatures, heavy rain, ice, and snow can impact growth and cause surfaces to become soggy and patchy. Once it starts to get warmer, you can implement some lawn care strategies to increase the chances of regrowth. The first task is to inspect your lawn, identify areas of damage, and remove weeds.
It may be tempting to cut the grass, but it’s best to wait until spring to mow. If you don’t have a good-quality lawn mower, or you’re looking for something more advanced or high-tech, start browsing now. Look for articles and reviews to find the best electric lawn mower, compare makes and models, learn more about features and settings, and create a shortlist. Once you’ve got products in mind, use the Internet to compare prices to get the best deals.
Before summer arrives, it’s beneficial to boost growth using fertilizer. If you have worn patches or significant loss, it may be wise to consider buying replacement strips of turf.
Getting ready for planting
Spring and summer are synonymous with blooming flowers and blossoming trees. If you’re eager to celebrate new growth and color in your backyard, now is the time to get ready for planting. If you have flowerbeds in your garden, remove debris and weeds, add nutrient-rich soil, aerate the soil, and think about what you want to plant. You can research and get ideas online, take inspiration from visiting parks and public gardens or watching TV gardening shows, or take a tour of local nurseries and garden centers. Read planting instructions. Times and locations vary, depending on which plants you choose. Some need to be planted earlier than others. It’s important to choose the right spot. Some flowers need plenty of sunlight, while others thrive in shadier places.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, low-maintenance alternative to planting bulbs and seeds, you can buy plants and flowers and display them in containers or create a feature, such as a living wall. Apps like Pinterest and Instagram are packed with innovative ideas for small spaces, urban gardens, and large yards that lack interest and personality.
Creating a moodboard for a revamp or refresh
If you’re thinking about freshening up your outdoor space or carrying out a revamp for summer, now is the time to create a moodboard. Think about the aesthetic you want to achieve, get ideas from seasonal trends and themes, cut out pictures and photos, save gardens you’ve seen online, and start building a vision. It’s also beneficial to think about how you want to use the space. Many of us enjoy being outside and we like to participate in a range of activities. Consider how you want to spend your time. Do you want to design a serene sanctuary to read, listen to music, or do yoga? Do you want to exercise or entertain? Do you want to create a yard that’s fun and child-friendly? Or are you eager to build something that caters to multiple people and interests using designated zones?
It’s helpful to plan now to help you get a clear idea of what you want, set out a timeline, find the relevant services if you’re planning to hire local businesses or contractors, and figure out a budget.
Maximizing functionality
We spend a lot more time outside in the warmer months than in the colder seasons, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’d love to maximize time outside, you can do so by adding shelter and shade. This allows you to get outside and enjoy the benefits of outdoor living, whatever the weather. From gray, drizzly days to scorching summer weekends, you can design a space that’s comfortable and functional come rain or shine. Simple ways to do this include adding a covered patio or awning to your home, or investing in a gazebo, summerhouse, garden room, or cabin. You can add extra warmth during the winter, early spring, and fall using soft furnishings, fire pits and outdoor heaters and stay cool in the summer using parasols and sails.
Summer is on the horizon. Before we know it, we’ll be looking forward to al fresco dinners and breakfast on the patio. If you’re dreaming of warmer climes and eager to embrace outdoor living, it’s wise to start getting your backyard ready. There are lots of tasks you can tackle now, including clearing, tidying, and decluttering, prepping your lawn, getting areas ready for planting, and creating a moodboard for a spring revamp. It’s also beneficial to think about how you want to use the space and find ways to maximize usability and functionality throughout the year.