Today I’m sharing some free and easy ways to make your garden the perfect summer escape. As summer approaches, you’ll want to spend as much time in the sun as possible. The idea is for you to enjoy such a time with family and friends and what better place to do it than the garden. I hate cutting the grass so much, I’ve been considering investing in robotic lawn mower technology. Have you seen how they work?

You’re thinking, “My garden is a mess right now, how am I going to get it ready for summer without spending too much?”

There’s good news for you! There are free and easy ways to make your garden summer-ready just in time.

This article will give you ways to make your garden the perfect summer escape without breaking your savings.

Consider your Garden Design Features 

Before you start, grab some paper and pencils and plot out your garden. It’s easier if you do this to scale. Once you’re done, think about what you want to do with your garden. Do you want a grassed area for the kids to play in? Do you want to grow fruit and vegetables? Do you want a secluded area that’s ideal for getting some relaxation time?

Several features can help bring any garden to life—for example, a composite decking with some outdoor furniture and potted plants would look great in the right spot.

Mow the Lawn

Never underestimate the serenity a freshly mowed lawn brings to your garden. If you have grass, keep it short and less chaotic. 

Remember, summer is about relaxing not struggling with overgrown grass attached to the hem of your clothes while you lay to rest or play around your garden. If your lawn has bald spots, grab some quality grass seed in springtime, and your lawn will be looking perfect by the time school’s out for Summer!

Make your Landscape with Beachcomber Treasures

Save money on your garden landscaping and make your garden rockery by using beachcomber and foraged finds. The idea is that you are using recycled whelk shells to light up the ground. It can also be used to hide the dark soil beneath the trees in your garden.

Make Your Compost

You never have to buy bags of compost from the garden centre again if you begin to make your compost before it’s summer. You can start anytime, the sooner the better. Collect food scraps like peelings and egg shells, and when you come around potting your plants in summer, you’ll have enough to use.

You can also use the compost to make raised garden beds—this is suitable if you have kids and don’t want them to destroy your potted plants while they play around the garden.

Pick Self-seeding Flowers

The most economical and free way to get flowers in your garden is by getting self-seeding flowers. Consider them your best friend from today. Get your first batch of seeds from a friend or neighbour for free. Then you simply plant and let them do their stuff. 

As they die, they’ll drop new seeds which are self-seeding and you’ll see brand new flowers the following year, all without spending a penny. But you’re wondering, “Which flowers are self-seeding?” 

You can try alyssum, amaranth, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, or Calendula, or opt for a wild flower mix.

Make a DIY Mini pond

A DIY mini pond is a perfect focal point for your garden. Water features are usually top gardening ideas and yours shouldn’t lack one. A washing-up bowl, a large plant pot, or a disused sink can be repurposed as a mini pond, as summer approaches.

Deep Clean Your Patio

If you have a patio or decking in your garden, use a pressure washer to spray away any dirt and slime that might have built up over the winter months. A thorough cleanup will ensure it’s much more pleasing to the eye when you’re sitting outdoors in the summer.

Divide Your Plants

If you plan to increase the number of flowers and plants in your garden, without additional cost, now’s the time to divide or split summer-flowering plants. 

By dividing your plants, you’ll add more colour and diversity to your garden and give your original plant more room to grow and be healthy.

Experts recommend  ‘Primroses, daylilies, gentian, sea hollies, buttercup, and lily-of-the-valley’ as suitable for dividing. 

To separate your plants, dig up the clump while gently loosening the soil. Use a trowel or your hands to carefully pull the plant apart, making sure every section has plenty roots still attached to it. Then replant the new sections in your garden or the mini pond you made.

Rearrange and Repaint Your Furniture

The position of your furniture matters. You may decide to place it in a shaded area or out in the open but keep in mind that the position of your furniture can alter the outlook of your garden layout.

Non-fixed outdoor seating allows you to change things up at your leisure. While you are at it, you can give your outdoor furniture a makeover with fresh, light paint.

You don’t have to buy new paint, leftover paint from building projects or renovation can be used to give life to exciting garden paint ideas.

Move a Mirror

Instead of buying a new mirror for your garden, move one of the mirrors indoors to your garden. You’ll be surprised by the difference it can make in your space.

Create Garden Zones

Creating different zones can make your space feel bigger. This can be easily done by moving garden furniture such as chairs or outdoor tables into one section to create a seating space and children’s play items into another section to create a mini play area for your kids.

Consider extending your garden’s functionality by creating a durable, visually appealing concrete pathway or driveway that seamlessly connects various zones. A well-designed concrete driveway not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also provides a solid foundation for garden furniture, making it easier to maintain and rearrange your outdoor spaces.

You might want to get help from a local concrete driveways service to ensure the project is done professionally and lasts for years to come. For those in Melbourne, there’s an excellent option to get help from a local concrete driveway service that can provide bespoke designs tailored to your garden’s layout, ensuring that each zone is both functional and stylish.

This can go a long way to ensure the whole family can take some quiet time when they are not feeling sociable.

Set Up Lighting For the Night

One thing you want to consider is how your outdoor area will look at night. One of the best ways to use your garden is by hanging out after the sun sets. And for that, you want lights! Stringing cafe lights is affordable and SO magical! Honestly, there isn’t anything better than sitting under sparkly lights.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Make Your Garden the Perfect Summer Escape

The above tips can give you a head-start in making your garden the perfect summer escape where you can unwind, and get that tan you’ve always desired with family and friends.