July is the month for busy gardeners is to sit back and enjoy the warm days of summer stretching into long, balmy evenings. It is a good time to add some functional accessories to your patch though, as they will help your garden serve as an extension to your living space.
Read on for our top tips for making the most of your garden this summer, from investing in a good quality garden parasol to planting late-blooming perennials.
Things to do in the garden in July
Garden furniture & garden parasols
You are far more likely to spend time in your garden if comfy seating lures you out. Invest in a relaxing lounger or sofa and add padded cushions and throws to metal, wooden or plastic chairs.
A feature sun umbrella will not only be practical in the heat of the day but will also add a colourful focal point to any garden setting. The exquisite Helena and Wolfie round bamboo parasols (shown above) from East London Parasol Company are well worth the investment, as they will last for many summers to come.
Garden lighting
Make your garden glow when the sun goes down with hanging lights and lanterns. Lights4fun has a wide range of sparkling string lights in various sizes and colours that will add a magical vibe to trees, fences or wrapped around pergolas.
If you don’t have an outdoor power source, opt for either the solar-powered sets, which are maintenance-free, or easy to install battery-powered ones.
Patio heater
Stretch out al fresco evenings with friends and family by installing an outdoor heater close to your seating area. For contemporary or traditional gardens we love Not On The High Street’s Tall Chimney outdoor fireplace (pictured above) – crafted from iron, it radiates warmth over a wide area.
Plant late-blooming perennials
In the flower garden, fill any empty gaps in the border with late-blooming perennials, to keep the continuity of colour alive until the first frosts. Hard-working and reliable varieties to try include Sedums, Rudbeckia fulgida, Verbena bonariensis and Liriope muscari.
For garden tasks to keep you busy all year round, check out all our previous monthly gardening jobs lists!
Words by Louise Midgley
This is a digital version of a feature that originally appeared in Your Home magazine. For more inspirational home ideas, why not subscribe today?