5 Steps to a Summer-ready Garden: Day Two – Create a Sheltered Spot
Whether it’s baking sun or a flash rain shower, having a stylish space to shelter in your garden is a plus
It’s day two of our get-your-garden-ready guide and it’s time to turn our attention to shelter.
If there’s one thing we can be certain of with the great British summer, it’s that there will probably be the odd shower. And if we’re blessed with glorious sunshine, we’ll need somewhere shady. Whether it’s a simple parasol, a clever canopy or a more permanent pergola, here are a few ideas to weatherproof your garden and make it usable (almost) every day.
If there’s one thing we can be certain of with the great British summer, it’s that there will probably be the odd shower. And if we’re blessed with glorious sunshine, we’ll need somewhere shady. Whether it’s a simple parasol, a clever canopy or a more permanent pergola, here are a few ideas to weatherproof your garden and make it usable (almost) every day.
Build a solid shelter
If you have the space, create a permanent, open-fronted shelter, ready for relaxing, dining or playing in any time of day. Give it a lovely secret garden mood by framing the entrance with climbing plants.
If you have the space, create a permanent, open-fronted shelter, ready for relaxing, dining or playing in any time of day. Give it a lovely secret garden mood by framing the entrance with climbing plants.
Create a clearing under some trees
It seems obvious, but look around you and make the most of what you’ve got. If a clump of trees in your garden forms a natural canopy, clear an area underneath for picnics. It’s quick, and it won’t cost you a penny!
It seems obvious, but look around you and make the most of what you’ve got. If a clump of trees in your garden forms a natural canopy, clear an area underneath for picnics. It’s quick, and it won’t cost you a penny!
Pop up a pergola
A pergola will look pretty all year round with a selection of seasonal plants growing over it, but it will come into its own during summer. It’s a great way of zoning off your garden and a useful spot for entertaining. For extra protection, drape a tarpaulin over the top to protect from downpours, or a light cotton sheet to provide gentle shade when the sun shines.
See how to create a chill-out zone in your garden
A pergola will look pretty all year round with a selection of seasonal plants growing over it, but it will come into its own during summer. It’s a great way of zoning off your garden and a useful spot for entertaining. For extra protection, drape a tarpaulin over the top to protect from downpours, or a light cotton sheet to provide gentle shade when the sun shines.
See how to create a chill-out zone in your garden
Extend your kitchen with a canopy
A well-placed canopy can provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, creating the impression of more space. This is a great idea for summer barbecues and parties, particularly if you have a small kitchen. Pick one up in your local garden centre or, if you have an awkward-shaped space, buy some waterproof material and cut it to size, using carabiner clips to fasten it.
See 10 ways to create an indoor/outdoor space
A well-placed canopy can provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, creating the impression of more space. This is a great idea for summer barbecues and parties, particularly if you have a small kitchen. Pick one up in your local garden centre or, if you have an awkward-shaped space, buy some waterproof material and cut it to size, using carabiner clips to fasten it.
See 10 ways to create an indoor/outdoor space
A sturdy parasol is a British garden staple, and you can pick them up fairly cheaply at your local garden centre or supermarket. They’re great if you have a small space and they’re incredibly versatile. Choose one with a solid base and you can easily move it around for maximum effect.