How to improve your outdoor space for Spring-Summer time

I love those late Spring days when you can suddenly venture outside in your pyjamas and slippers with a cup of tea on a Saturday morning. Hanging out the washing, listening to the chatter of birds and contemplating cleaning the windows - these are among the conversations in my mind, as I reach for my book and procrastinate with a chapter or two. But what about the space that you are wandering out into? After the long winter, finding ways to enhance and improve the natural ambiance of your outdoor space during the spring-summer season in Ireland can create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Here are my top tips to achieve this:

1. Incorporate Native Plants

Choose native plants and flowers that thrive in Ireland's climate and landscape. These plants are well-adapted to the local conditions and will require less maintenance. Consider colorful blooms like bluebells, foxglove, wild rose, daffodils, primroses, wood anemone, forget-me-nots and lavender to add vibrancy and fragrance to your outdoor space. Not only will they typically do well here, but they also attract pollinators and encourage biodiversity (the buzzword for 2024 and beyond). Whether you have a big garden or not, you can collect an array of different planters to fill with different flowers.

2. Create a Herb Garden

Grow your own herbs in a designated area of your outdoor space - the closer to the kitchen door the better. You will be much more likely to use them this way. Not only will this add a touch of greenery, but it will also provide you with fresh herbs for cooking and infuse the air with delightful scents. Basil, rosemary, mint, and thyme are popular choices that do well in Ireland. Mint can spread rapidly, but has shallow roots. If you prefer you can keep it in pots. Or you can incorporate herbs into wall beds which provide interest as well.

3. Install a Water Feature

Add a water feature, such as a fountain or a small pond, to your outdoor space. The sound of flowing water can create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, water features attract birds and other wildlife, enhancing the natural ambiance of your garden. Ponds are lovely as you can add water lilies and surround them with natural grasses.

4. Incorporate Natural Materials

Use natural materials, such as wooden furniture, wicker chairs, and stone pathways, to blend with the surroundings. These materials not only add a rustic charm but also create a harmonious connection between your outdoor space and the natural environment. Perhaps you can source some wood barrels to use as planters? Often it is the most unusual planter that can bring you the most joy, like an old water can or some vintage tins. Wooden chimes are another gorgeous addition to a garden on a Summer’s day - the sound is relaxing and the natural wood is elegant. Add a natural rope and wood sing from a tree branch. We are lucky enough to have a weeping willow in the garden which is the perfect draping shade for a swing.

5. Use Outdoor Lighting

Install outdoor lighting to extend the usability of your outdoor space into the evening hours. Opt for soft and warm lighting options, such as string lights or lanterns, to create a cozy and magical atmosphere. Lighting can enhance the natural beauty of your garden and allow you to enjoy it even after the sun sets. You can find long sets of bulbs to swing between trees or along beams, add low lanterns along a pathway, string fairy lights along a table or around plants- You can find such an array in shops now, such as coloured spheres or simply, chic white.

6. Provide Cozy Seating Areas

Create comfortable seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space. Use weather-resistant cushions, pillows, and throws in natural colors and textures to blend with the surroundings. Consider placing the seating areas strategically to take advantage of the best views and natural focal points. There are also lovely weather resistant boxes that you can buy for outdoors to store your cushions in bad weather and use as an extra bench seat, or table top for trays otherwise. Umbrellas are pretty to provide shade and blankets are a must for a day that meanders into evening in an Irish garden. Keep a selection of pretty floral patterns for this purpose and to add brightness and joy.

7. Encourage Wildlife

Set up bird feeders, bird baths, and insect-friendly plants to attract wildlife to your outdoor space. The presence of birds, butterflies, and other creatures will add to the natural ambiance and create a sense of harmony with the environment. They are a lovely focal point to watch their activities and feel in touch with nature. Bird feeders all year round, outside a kitchen window, are cheering. Just be sure to feed all year as wild birds can get accustomed to these. In Summer and winter alike they also need water.

8. Add Outdoor Art and Decor

Incorporate outdoor art and decor pieces that complement the natural ambiance. Install garden sculptures, or place decorative planters with colorful flowers. Look to the past in the great gardens of Europe where all these elements were carefully thought through as part of the design. Art will add visual interest and create a unique and personalized outdoor space. My parents have statues of the four seasons which are so pretty.

Remember to maintain your outdoor space regularly by pruning, weeding, and watering as needed. It is often easier with the excitement of creating, to forget about longevity. I like to have a handy pair fo gardening gloves and pruning shears so that I can potter with a glass of wine on a sunny evening after dinner. Build up in layers over time, collect elements when you travel, keep your eye out for unusual bits and bobs, and you can create a tranquil and inviting haven where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the spring-summer season in Ireland. Be sure to invite friends over to enjoy the space with you, whether simply for some aperitifs or for long lazy lunches when the weather and free time collide perfectly!