Make some distant memories
Get your outdoor spaces ready for welcoming guests as the rules are relaxed
AS THE restrictions of lockdown are eased, we’re allowed to have people over again, so I’ve been dreaming up ways to enhance our outdoor spaces. Gardens aren’t just about what you look at – they’re about our interaction with nature and they’re places to gather. Maybe it’s just friends coming round for a pizza... but you can always create a sense of occasion and make the place look great. Bring out the twinkly lights and pick some flowers to arrange in vases, or even old tin cans on the tables. Take your indoor furniture outside and use vibrant colours everywhere. Here are my tips for getting your garden ready for a party... BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
LIGHTING of any style enhances our enjoyment of gardens. As the sun sets we can highlight areas of interest or beauty, and leave the untidy bits in the shadows. But when entertaining it’s wonderful to use outdoor lights to set the scene and add to the drama. From a practical standpoint if guests are walking through your plot after dark make sure to light access routes. If you’re planning a gentle get together why not brighten up the gathering area by using some of your Christmas lights? A set of twinkling white lights always looks great draped over topiary trees or shrubs. An old chandelier crystal adapted for outdoor use looks wonderful hanging from a tree over a formal dinner table. And tea-light candles placed in jam jars set among the foliage creates an instant warm, magical touch. USE SCENTED PLANTS
EVENING scent in a garden is a wonderful thing. Some plants which require pollinating by night-flying insects have adapted to smell stronger after dark. Plan a route through the garden to your gathering spot using perfumed species. A star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) could welcome visitors at the back door, perfuming the air in summer while cladding your home with its evergreen foliage. Nicotiana is a dramatic flowering tobacco plant which can be grouped en-route through the garden to your final destination. The South American native is an upright grower with unusual large, oval leaves. Tubular flowers open after dark and on cloudy days, and are fragrant at night. Plant the wonderful lily Casa Blanca in pots around your terrace, deck or patio to produce its luminous white architectural flowers and sweet evening aroma. This Asian lily will If you’re planning a gentle get together... A set of twinkling white lights always looks great draped over topiary trees or shrubs. bloom in August and September. CHOOSE COMFY FURNITURE
IN my plot I have chairs everywhere. They set the scene, and even when not in use they convey a message of rest. Whether it’s traditional styles in teak, or a relaxed woven outdoor three-piece suite, all garden furniture can be dolled up with different cushions and covers, made using water resistant fabrics. Garden beanbags have become a thing and are very popular with youngsters who watch Love Island! They can set a party vibe and be used to enhance a layout along with offering seating ideas. And now there are even outdoor rugs available to soften the terrace, patio or even to create a statement on your lawn. WATER HAZARDS
BE careful if you have ponds, pools, hot tubs or other open water sources in the garden. Water is especially dangerous for young children who have a tendency to wander off and explore. Fence off any hazards. FOOD AND DRINK
GROW herbs – they are great in summer, many of them hailing from the Mediterranean and are drought tolerant. Cocktails are enlivened with them – think mint mojitos, basil transforms a tomato salad, or pop some home-grown rosemary on the barbecued lamb.