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Create the Perfect Garden for Entertaining this Summer (in 5 Simple Steps)

With the summer sun fast approaching, BBQ season is just around the corner. Whether you’ve got dreams of hosting cookouts for small groups of friends, or aspirations to throw a big summer bash, now’s the time to get your garden prepped for the months ahead.
Creating the perfect garden for entertaining involves crafting a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, as well as defining distinct areas for a relaxing, well-designed space.
Here are 5 simple steps for creating the perfect space to entertain this summer.
1. Don’t Get Left in the Dark – Lighting is Key!
Lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a great space for entertaining. Not only is it a practical addition to the garden, making it easier to stay outside until late (whilst also highlighting pathways and hazards), it also helps create ambience.
Fairy lights can be used to enhance a cosy seating area, whilst solar torch lights can give a warming effect. There are loads of lighting options to choose from; why not consult a professional service to find out what would work best for your space?
At The Real Green Gardener, our garden building services include lighting design, sorting everything from aesthetics to logistics (like wiring). We’re garden transformation specialists – just waiting to get your space ready for summer!
2. Define a Clear Seating Area
If you tend to just put out a few deckchairs when guests come round, creating a clearly defined seating area will really boost the entertainment potential of your garden. Decking makes the perfect space for dining and enjoying some drinks in the summer; it’s close to the house and separate from the garden. With hard flooring that means guests don’t get muddy shoes.
Decks can also be sheltered by pergolas and retractable roofs, creating a seating area that can be used rain or shine (and let’s be honest – with UK summers it’s likely rain will threaten at least one of your get togethers!).
3. Plan Privacy Carefully
No-one likes being overlooked, and there’s nothing less relaxing when trying to enjoy a peaceful summer BBQ than having your neighbour watch your every move.
Improving privacy in the garden will help make the space feel like a more private setting that is well suited to entertaining in peace. Fences, pergolas and trees can all be used artfully to improve privacy without blocking out light.
It’s all about careful planning – for example, higher fences can be used for privacy, with lattice tops to prevent the space feeling too dark.
At The Real Green Gardener, we’re experts in devising creative solutions to create privacy, without detracting from your garden. Our team can assess the unique requirements of your space, listening to your concerns, coming up with results that create the perfect garden for relaxing and entertaining.
Check out our garden design service.
4. Factor in Sun Protection
There are times when the UK summer can reach scorching temperatures and it becomes uncomfortable to sit outside without adequate shelter – not ideal for entertaining! To make the most of the summer sun, it’s best to plan ahead and factor sun protection into your garden design.
Gazebos, pergolas, awnings and shade sails all create the perfect environment for entertaining in summer, making sure that when the sun comes out, there’s no need to hide indoors.
5. Make Low-Maintenance Choices
When it comes to entertaining in the garden, it helps if you don’t have to do a lot of garden maintenance before your guests come round. Much like tidying the house before visitors arrive, gardens can require time to get ready, whether that’s mowing the lawn, pruning hedges or picking out weeds.
There are some low-maintenance choices you can consider, to make sure your garden is summer-ready, leaving you with more time to relax and plan your social calendar.
For example, if you want to avoid lawn maintenance altogether, you could install fake grass. It’s extremely hardwearing – perfect for heavy footfall – and maintenance free. It won’t need time to bounce back and won’t suffer from droughts either.
Alternatively, you could call in the help of a garden maintenance service, leaving the work to the professionals, and be left with the perfect space for entertaining with minimal time and effort.
Get Your Garden Ready for Summer Entertaining
If you’re looking forward to the summer and want to make sure you’re ready to entertain as soon as the sun starts peeking through the clouds, why not get in touch with The Real Green Gardener.
We’re an award-winning garden design service, covering everything from garden maintenance and landscaping to building and fabrication. Our team of professionals are trained in horticulture, with over a decade of experience in designing gardens that help people get the most out of their space.
Take a look at our garden building services.
Organise a free consultation, or get in touch with any enquiries, via our contact form or by calling 01202 722943.