Keep outdoor space as tidy as indoors

British summers are characteristically erratic, with the occasional sunny day in amongst the grey skies and rain. When the sun does finally come out from behind the clouds, make sure that you are able to make the most of it, instead of spending all your time outdoors tidying, cleaning and sorting. With a little bit of careful planning, you can relax and enjoy the sunshine from your garden lounger.

Plan Ahead

You wouldn’t buy furniture for your house without thinking about where it’s going to go, the purpose that it will serve and whether it fits in with other furniture that it will sit in a room with. Why should the garden be any different? Identifying the right products and having a place to put them is crucial to creating a look that friends and family can enjoy.

Children will always enjoy playing outdoors, so consider all-weather toys that can remain outside all year round in a designated area of the garden. Sandpits usually come complete with a cover or lid, so always replace this at the end of a hard day’s playing to keep out unwanted pets and unexpected downpours.
Trampolines are usually weather resistant and can remain outside throughout the year, but remove leaves and any pools of rainwater on a weekly basis to keep it clean and ready for use whenever the weather allows.

Try to keep up with the gardening on a regular basis so that it never becomes too much of a chore. Keeping the lawn mowed and the weeds under control takes up very little time if it is done often enough, allowing you to make the most of sunny days instead of rushing around in the heat trying to get everything done.

Storage

Keep garden tools in a shed or lean-to and repair or replace any that need attention during the winter months. Make sure that your lawnmower is serviced too, so that it is in full working order for when you need it most. A snaking hose can be an eyesore and a trip hazard, so keep it out of harm’s way or invest in a wall bracket to keep it tidy.

A chiminea makes an interesting focal point in the garden and can be used all through the year, but any other sort of barbecue should be stored in the shed until needed. Likewise, store garden parasols, gazebos and any garden furniture that could be damaged by leaving it out in all weathers.

Most patio furniture is weatherproof and can be left out all year round, but check to make sure that yours is suitable. Remove any cushions, fabric or padding at the end of each day and store these safely in a dry area.

Everything in the garden should have a place and remember that if you put things away as soon as you have finished with them, you will never have to tidy up again! Then you will always be able to relax and make the most of those elusive sunny days whenever they occur.