Expert guide: preparing for a summer garden party
We’ve already had some beautiful weather this summer, with more yet to come. Why not take advantage of the glorious sunshine with a party in the garden?
Whether you’re planning a chilled barbecue with friends, or a more lavish alfresco celebration, here’s our guide: how to get your garden ready for summer parties.
Part 1: preparing for a summer garden party
Before you begin decorating your garden, it’s important to get the basics right. As the UK’s leading online garden machinery retailer, we’ve got everything you need to get your garden summer-party ready.
A well-maintained garden is the perfect backdrop for your party. This means taking time to tidy bushes, to remove weeds and fallen leaves from your lawn and borders, and to neaten-up low-hanging branches:
• Weeding
In summertime, it’s important to stay on top of weeding, as growth tends to be faster. We recommend weeding with a manual hoe or a powered tiller, rather than with a chemical weedkiller.
• Pruning
Although it’s likely you’ve tackled any major pruning earlier in the season, a little trim will help to neaten things up ahead of your summer garden party. We have a range of products for the job, from loppers and hedgetrimmers, through to long-reach pole pruners and numerous petrol, mains-electric and cordless battery chainsaws.
• Mowing
For real lawn kudos, use a rear roller mower to get that sought-after striped effect. The RHS website has tips on how to achieve different shapes and stripes in your lawn.
Tip: during the summer months, it’s better to mow slightly higher to avoid excess moisture loss, and to limit the turf’s exposure to the sun – we recommend a mowing-height between 75 and 90mm.
• Cleaning
A powerful pressure washer will make quick and easy work of blasting dirt and grime off your decking, patio, walls and garden furniture.
Part 2: How to get your garden ready for summer celebrations
Once you’ve spruced up your garden, it’s time to think about creating a comfortable space and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re still wondering how to organise a summer garden party, here are some further considerations:
•Seating areas
Depending on the size and configuration of your garden – and the number of guests – you could set up some seating areas with chairs and tables, or possibly lay some floor cushions and rugs across the lawn.
We offer a range of sturdy wooden furniture, including tables and chairs with matching cushions and parasols, as well as alfresco bar sets, benches, and swing-seats with canopies.
•Shade options
If you’re holding your party during the day – or even in the early evening – it’s important to think about providing shade. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to step out of the blazing sun, so a parasol or gazebo will provide the ideal solution.
•Garden heating solutions
We’re all prone to romanticising that summer evenings in the UK will be as balmy as they are on foreign holidays, but – sadly – things can suddenly feel a little chilly!
Worry not! We have a range of stylish gas patio heaters, as well as woodfired globes, firepits and fire bowls. These will provide extra warmth, and will add to the atmosphere once the sun sets.
•Lighting your party
For evening garden parties, placing lanterns or candles on tables, and illuminating trees with festoons of fairy lights, will create a soft ambience.
• Garden party food & drink
A barbecue is a delicious catering option for summer parties.
- We’ve got a range of models, from sturdy charcoal kettle designs, to premium gas barbecues with burners and grills for larger-scale entertainment.
- If you’re looking for something a little extra, perhaps for a smaller party, how about a pizza oven?
- Alternatively, if you’re a major foodie who’s seriously into outdoor entertainment, our deluxe stainless-steel gas-powered BBQ island will make a superb addition to your garden.
- When it comes to summer drinks, they need to be kept cool and refreshing. We have a drinks cooler that will reliably chill your party-drinks of choice.
Our Home & Garden department has a great range of products, any of which will enhance your outside space, and all with express delivery. With everything from furniture to firepits, take a look and style-up your garden with MowDirect!
Prepare for your party in the garden
With a little planning, and the right tools for the job, preparing your garden for a summer party can be simple, and will transform your outdoor entertainment space.
Investing in high-quality garden machinery, furniture and other touches will make a big difference to your enjoyment of your garden – not just for one party, but for years to come, when it’s just you and the family at home.
Browse our website for an extensive selection of garden products, or contact our friendly team for help and advice. Call us on: 020 3026 8712 or email: [email protected].
