The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to chill! There’s no better way to spend a summer’s evening than relaxing in the garden with family and friends over a glass of rosé while you watch the sun go down. And whether it’s a special occasion or an impromptu get-together, it’s nice to have the garden ready to receive your guests. Here I’ve put together a few pointers to head you in the right direction.
Lawns and edges are the most important chore to attend to if your garden is to look really tidy. Do this a day or so before a big party – firstly, to give the lawn a bit of recovery time and, secondly, to make your party day a little more stress-free! Read on if you have time for more…
Tidy containers by clearing away the usual clutter of small pots and put ting them behind the garden shed. Give large containers a facelift by sweeping and cleaning beneath them, removing dead foliage and reshaping the plant by giving it a light trim if necessary. Feed plant with slow-release fertiliser and brighten up by adding pebbles or coloured glass mulch.
oove them back into position, placing pot feet under containers – these aid drainage and protect the under surface. Lastly, give plant s a long, refreshing drink of water. Fill gaps in the garden with potted colour. Impatiens are the best value for shaded spots – they’ll last well into autumn and beyond in warmer areas. Tropical impatiens are even better, but come at a price. For sunny spots, I like zinnias, petunias, Californian poppies, cosmos, marigolds and red or blue salvias. Plant annuals in well-composted soil and scatter slug bait around after planting.
ooonlight baskets are romantic and really stand out in fading evening light. Use white or pastel- coloured flowers (such as Petunia ooonlight and mini chrysanthemum) and silver foliage (like Cineraria Silver Dust). Cascading fuchsias also look stunning hanging around al fresco dining areas, but be sure to use reasonably large baskets so they won’t dry out or become depleted of nutrient too readily.
Scented plants add another dimension to the garden. Some of the most alluring summer scents are tropical frangipani,
GETTING READY
Coloured glass brightens up old containers gardenia, Port Wine oagnolia, angel’s trumpets, roses, heliotrope and border pinks. Plant scented-foliage plants – including lavender, diosma, scented geraniums and rosemary – around seating areas where their scent will be released as foliage is brushed against.
Lemon ironwood ( Backhousia) has the most delicious citrus-scented foliage, which can be snipped into fine pieces and placed in bowls near seating areas.
THE FUN
Fairy lights and lanterns make for a very cheerful atmosphere and kids love them. Cheap ones are fine in the short term, but if you want to leave lights on outdoors year-round, invest in good quality, commercial-grade garden lights. String lanterns from eaves and pergolas and wind garlands of fairy lights around tree branches to create stunning silhouettes. Visit www.decolightco.biz for ideas.
Gazebos and patio heaters are a great addition if you’re having a crowd over. A gazebo on the lawn provides extra space to put tables and chairs or set up a bar. Patio heaters create a cosy atmosphere and take the edge off the cool evening air. These can be hired for special occasions.
A brazier adds the finishing touch. Flickering flames not only enhance the festive atmosphere, they’re also a great conversation piece and a wonderful way to stay warm if you’re done with dancing!
CITRoNELLA FLARES
These are a must in areas where mossies and sandflies dwell. Light them well before dark so their aroma permeates the garden and wards off these annoying little insects.
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