Summer nights

Garden designer Kirsty McLean shares how to get the best from your garden on long summer evenings…

This is the perfect time to enjoy your garden and make the most
of the outdoors. Here are some ways you can enhance your outdoor living and create a beautiful and welcoming garden:

If you enjoy hosting parties or having guests over, consider zoning your space and creating an entertaining area within your garden. These spaces can be formal or informal, depending on your preference. You can set up fixed or portable outdoor furniture, a fire pit, a BBQ grill, or even an outdoor bar.  Drape a string of festoon or fairy lights onto any structure or fence and you will instantly create a party atmosphere!

If you’d prefer to relax on your own, consider a hammock, swing sofa or a lounger, complete with side table for a glass of wine and chill out with a book, your favourite podcast or just watch the clouds drift by. 

If you love to cook, consider creating an outdoor kitchen. This space
can include a pizza oven, grill, smoker or BBQ, shelving and outdoor worktops using polished granite, slate or stainless steel for prep areas that are easy to clean. Add outdoor sockets to be able to use other appliances.

Adding night-scented plants to your garden can enhance the atmosphere and create a welcoming ambiance. These plants include fragrant flowers such as jasmine, Regal lily, sweet rocket, honeysuckle and annuals including nicotiana and night scented stocks, all of which release their scent in the evening evening.

Consider creating a paradise for relaxation and contemplation, just for you. You can build a garden sanctuary by adding a gazebo, pergola or garden building for activities such as yoga practice, reading or simply ‘being’ in nature.

Decide on your garden’s style based on your preferences. If you love
a neat, tidy-looking garden, go with a formal garden. If you like a lush and more natural setting, an informal garden is good for you. Supporting the local wildlife who share your space. Add natural water features like a shallow pond complete with a branch or something to let wildlife climb back out! Make or purchase a feeding station or nesting boxes for birds. Plant native perennials and wildflowers to support pollinating insects. All you need is a pile of decaying twigs and branches in a corner of the garden to create a great habitat for all sorts of insects.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your garden this summer by making make the most of your outdoor living space. Relax and unwind, slow the pace. Being in nature and the outdoors can
help generate good health, happiness and contentment!