It’s time to get mow-tivated!

IT has certainly been a mixed summer – we’ve basked in sweltering heat and endured depressing drizzle, often on the same afternoon.

When the weather is favourable, the only place to be is outdoors and now is the time to get ready for what will hopefully be a sunny August.

But how is your garden looking right now? Is it up to scratch if family and friends are coming round for a barbecue and drinks? Will there be anywhere for them to sit?

Gardens are beautiful if they are properly looked after, but can quickly become untidy if they are not maintained.

From the weeds popping up through the patio to the grass growing like wildfire, it might be hard to picture your garden as the perfect outdoor space.

But with a little expense and effort you can guarantee your garden will look lovely.

A great way to approach it is to think of the big jobs first.

Perhaps you fancy firing up a new fence, creating a cool courtyard or even adding some designer decking?

Of course, doing it yourself is always an option – there’s a DIY enthusiast buried somewhere inside most people – but why not call in the professionals to get a quote?

After all, spending a little amount of money could be key when it comes to adding a lot of value to your home.

Tradesmen are the best way to ensure you get that manicured finish – without getting your hands dirty.

You never know, it might cost less than you think – and it is almost guaranteed to be a quicker job than if you tackle it yourself.

If you’re fed up tripping over that bike in the hallway, why not spring clean with a shed to keep all of your outdoor gear safe and secure – or create a relaxing haven with a summer house at the bottom of the garden? And how good is your garage? Perhaps you might want to spruce up what is already there with a new door, a freshly paved path or even convert your shed into a home office, games room or guest suite?

Sheds have never been more popular.

You can’t seem to turn on the TV these days without someone talking about men and their sheds and that is reflected in the wide array of them in shops and garden centres.

There are also garden rooms and garages available, with something for just about every budget.

But it isn’t just the big stuff. You might not need more than a safe, waterproof box to keep the lawnmower and edging tools in.

Hiring a landscape gardener is the best way to get your shrubs in shape, but if you don’t have that much to spend, doing it yourself is the next best alternative. Invest in a good lawnmower and strimmer, as well as the essentials like shears and a shovel – and let your green fingers go wild.

Weeding is inevitable, the blighters get everywhere, but there are some good tools available to make the job of rooting them out as easy as it can be. And there’s lots of fancy furniture available to help perfect the finishing touches.

All in all, there are great gardening options to suit every lifestyle and budget – all you need is a bit of mow-tivation!