It’s Sunny, so Let’s Focus on Exterior Design

The forecast promises great weather in the coming weeks, so let’s turn our focus to exterior design. What do we need to transform our gardens into the perfect location for social get-togethers or quietly watching the sunset?

Getting a Garden Summer Ready

On warm days and long evenings, outdoor spaces provide additional room for relaxing, al-fresco dining and entertaining. From courtyards and balconies to large lawns and kitchen gardens, outdoor space is something to treasure.

The difficulty is that we’ve often neglected outdoor spaces through the winter months. When we first step foot outside, the space can look sparse and untempting. What can we do to bring the space back to life?

1. Blitz the Clean Up

Grab the broom and brush down the patio, decking, garden furniture and any other surfaces. Hot soapy water and a sponge, or a power hose can then be used to get things clean.

2. Time for a Trim

Mow the lawn, prune back unruly trees and shrubs and remove dead plants from the borders.

3. Add Colour and Comfort to your Exterior Design

A closer look around the garden and you might spot signs of emerging buds and blooms. If you want some instant colour, pot up a selection of bedding plants from your local garden centre.

Another way to add colour is with home furnishings for the garden. Rugs, blankets cushions, throws and other soft furnishings aren’t just for inside the house, they can become part of your exterior design! Holy Cow Home even stocks a range of soft, stylish rugs and blankets that are made from 100% recycled plastic!

From calming pastels or vibrant tones to traditional Indian textiles or bold prints, mix and match your soft furnishings to create an informal yet coherent look. Why not create an interesting centrepiece using a selection of houseplants, a large fruit bowl or unique ornaments.

4. Consider Outdoor Shade

Some of us love the sun, but others prefer a seat in the shade. If your outdoor space is in full sunlight, consider draping fabric or using decorative parasols to control the light infiltration.

5. Make Outdoor Spaces Inviting into the Night

Soft furnishings are one way to draw family and friends outside, but consider how to maintain appeal as the evening draws in. Lanterns, tealight holders and other lighting options can enhance the mood and atmosphere.

This may sound like a lot of work, but with a big push, you can clean, shop and dress your outdoor space in a day. Then it is just a case of deciding who to invite over!

Garden Design Inspiration

If you are lacking garden design inspiration, you are in luck; there are plenty of events to attend and in some cases watch on TV. Here are details of four options in May:

National Open Gardens Scheme – private gardens across the country will be opening their doors to visitors and raising money for health and well-being charities in the process. Find participating gardens and details on the NGS website.

National Flower Show – visit Hylands House in Chelmsford on 20-22 May to visit the estate grounds and see a wonderful selection of floral exhibitors. Further information is available on the Hylands Estate website.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show – the world-renowned flower show is held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 24 – 28 May. Event highlights will also be broadcast on the BBC each day. Details of the Show Gardens, Houseplant Studio, Balcony & Container gardens, as well as exhibitors are found on the RHS website.

Kent Garden Show – organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, this event runs from 27th to 29th May in the Kent Showground near Maidstone. Further details can be found on the event website.

Remember to also find time to pop into Holy Cow Home to pick up a selection of home furnishings for the garden! You might also be tempted by our South African Summer or English Garden herbal infusions!