Developing your garden for summer
Latest Interiors gives some advice on making the most of your outside space this summer
Nuthurst Garden Centre The jetty over the ravine garden, architectural plants, Nuthurst 01403 891772 www.architecturalplants.com
Tropical rainstorms, gale force winds and chilly evenings: Admittedly, summer so far has been more miss than hit.
At the time of writing, Brighton has spent the day bathed in a (rather patchy) warm glow… so has the sun finally got his hat on? Just in case you’re tempted to venture into the garden (or yard, patio, balcony, square or even local park) this summer, Latest Interiors has a few ideas to keep you busy while you’re out there…
Quiet space
The great outdoors is perfect for reflection, meditation and daydreaming. Organise your space so that it has a place for rest and reflection: invest in a hammock, sun deck, hot-tub or swing seat, and feel the stress ease away.
Of course, the right accessories will help: tea lights and fairy lights, soft floor cushions, garden incense and (if you want to cut out noise) an MP3 player will help to create a calming atmosphere.
Cushions from a selection, www.debenhams.com
Play outside
Go on, blow some cobwebs away. Or as grandma used to say, put some roses in your cheeks. There’s nothing like a bit of running around outside for raising your mood and sharpening the mind. Easy, if your outside space is the local park: go for a walk, jog or start a game of Frisbee (not so easy if you’re on your own, unless you can run very, very fast). But there are plenty of games you can play in smaller spaces, for young and old.
For those with lawns, croquet and boules are back in vogue. Other retro games like swingball, and Tesco’s ‘sports day’ set – all you need for sack race, threelegged race, beanbags and egg and spoon) have been hot sellers this year – just mix with friends and a few bottles of wine!
Food and drink
And speaking of wine, have you entertained outdoors yet this year? It just wouldn’t be a Brighton summer without impromptu barbeques on the beach, in friends’ gardens or the local park.
If you have the space, why not go a step further and transform your yard, garden or balcony into an extension of your home: comfy chairs, a table, some shelter and the right lighting will all help a warm summer evening pass by. Use it while you can.
Growing up green
And finally, there’s always gardening. Grow some prize dahlias (it’s not too late!) or improve your green credentials by using outside space to top up your supplies of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Olive Pintura dining range from £6.50, www.debenhams.com
Even the smallest windowsill can play host to some greenery. Invest in a gardenfriendly eglu (compact chicken house and run: www.omlet.co.uk) and you could soon be popping out to collect some freshly-laid eggs. Add a composter and a water butt, and things get greener still: you might not have quite enough space to live off the land, but an omelette made with eggs from your own hens and pesto made from home-grown basil has got to be a slice of the good life.
