You probably spend a fair amount of time over the course of the year looking after your garden – so spring and summer is the perfect time to make the most of it! The long days and (mostly) warmer temperatures open up a variety of ways to enjoy your space. And with all our years of experience with wrought iron gates here at SL Wrought Iron, we’re no strangers on how to enjoy gardens and outdoor areas. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here are our top suggestions!
Create a relaxing outdoor space
You hopefully already view your outdoor space as pretty relaxing to start with, but if you’re thinking it could do with a couple of extra touches, then outdoor garden furniture is a great place to start – perhaps with a sturdy table and set of chairs, or maybe a hammock or reclining lounger for a more laid-back feel. Adding cushions and throws can make your seating area even more inviting and cosy. Don’t forget to choose materials that are durable and weather-resistant to ensure your outdoor furniture stands up to the summer elements, making your garden a comfortable retreat throughout the season.
You also might want to think about incorporating a pergola or outdoor canopy to provide some shade and make the space usable even during peak sunlight hours. For a touch of elegance, a wrought iron gate or trellis can help to define the space and add a classic touch.
Use outdoor rugs and throws
Extend your indoor comfort to the outdoors with the addition of outdoor rugs and throws. These elements can help define different areas of your garden, such as a dining nook or a lounging area, and make your outdoor space feel more like an extension of your home.
As with your outdoor furniture, you’ll need to ensure that you choose rugs that are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, such as moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean materials. Throws can add a pop of colour and offer extra warmth on cooler summer evenings, making your outdoor space more versatile. Layering rugs can also create a sense of depth and comfort, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Consider matching throws with your outdoor cushions and pillows to tie the look together.
Add colourful planters and hanging baskets
Once you’ve got the basic infrastructure down (although that might be quite a cold word for it), you can start adding some fun extra layers. For example, you can brighten up your garden with colourful planters and hanging baskets to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Theres all sorts of plants you can choose from, ranging from vibrant flowers to lush foliage that’s brilliant for adding visual interest and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.
You can even mix and match different types of planters, such as ceramic pots, wooden crates, and metal containers, to add dimension and texture. If you want that distinctive cohesive look when looking at plants, you can choose colours that complement your garden’s existing design scheme.
As for where to put them, you can place planters and baskets strategically around your garden, including along pathways, near seating areas, and at entry points, to create focal points and bring life to various spaces.
Incorporate garden art and decorative features
As well as the practical touches like garden furniture, garden art and further decorative features can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space and give it a unique personality that can make it feel truly your own. Sculptures, wind chimes, and (more ambitious) water features are all elements that engage the senses and contribute to the overall ambiance.
Choose pieces that reflect your personal style and complement the design of your garden. If you’ve got a smaller space to work with, you may want to consider incorporating reflective elements, like mirrors or metallic finishes, to create an illusion of space and light. They’re great for enhancing the visual interest of your garden, while also provide conversation starters and create a distinct atmosphere that guests will appreciate.
And speaking of conversation starters…
Host garden parties and barbecues
Summer is synonymous with outdoor entertaining, and the warm weather is perfect for hosting garden parties and barbecues. Before you start sending out those invites though, you’ll want to start thinking about creating a dedicated area for cooking and dining, and ensure there’s ample seating for your guests. A well-designed garden can serve as an excellent backdrop for memorable summer gatherings.
If you plan for your garden party to continue into the evening (as many of them do), you can enhance the atmosphere with string lights or lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets. You might also include a fire pit or outdoor heater for those cooler evenings. And of course, you’ll want to make sure that there are areas for both dining and mingling to accommodate different activities and provide a pleasant experience for everyone.
Those are just a couple of our top ideas – but ultimately, it’s all up to you! And of course, it’s always worth mentioning the element that has perhaps the single biggest influence on your garden, both in terms of style and practicality, are of course your wrought iron railings and gates. That’s exactly where we can help here at SL Wrought Iron. Here at SL Wrought Iron we have a great variety of ranges to choose from, encompassing everything from Wilpshire and Chatburn to Longridge and Barnoldswick. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
