Spring is nearly here and – finger crossed – so are the visitors!
That’s right. All being well on 29 March 2021, lockdown restrictions will begin to ease. Allowing gardens to open up and welcome back in up to 6 people or 2 different households.
It’s the news we’ve all been longing to hear. And after so long apart – whatever the weather and whatever the state of your garden – we’ll bet nothing is going to stop you from spending some long overdue time with friends and family. But for such a joyous occasion, wouldn’t it be nice if you could make it feel a little more special than a hastily dusted down deck chair stuck by the back door?
Well don’t worry – you can!
Here the decking experts at Modern Garden, take a look at a few easy ways you can get your garden in top shape and ready to receive visitors.
How to prepare
- Spring clean
As temperatures begin to rise, days lengthen and we’re tempted back outdoors, even if you’re not preparing for guests, now is the perfect time to tidy things up after the long winter months.
Mowing the lawn, sweeping up leaves and debris, pulling out weeds and pruning back bushes will all help to smarten things up.
- Sort out seating
It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to socialise, so it’s likely you’ll have much to talk about. Standing for hours on end just won’t cut it – so where is everyone going to sit?
The key is to make sure you’ve thought about this in advance. Wipe over and set out any patio furniture. And if you own a garden bench you could give it a clean and shuffle it up the garden to provide additional seating. If you’re short on chairs, how about having a pile of blankets and cushions handy so that people can get comfy on those instead?
- Where will everyone go?
Keeping a distance still remains crucial so it’s important to space out your chairs as much as possible. If you only have grass, or a very small patio area, perhaps it’s time to think about another option?
Composite decking can provide you with a perfect setting to socialise. No more chair legs sinking into the grass or soil clad shoes. And – unlike wooden decking – composite doesn’t hold moisture, so once it’s been dried off from any rain you can throw your blanket down and relax without any fear of a soggy bottom!
- Stay warm
There can still be quite a chill in the air at this time of year so factor in dealing with cold temperatures. Fire pits and chimineas are a great way of providing warmth and help to create a cosy atmosphere but be sure to remind guests to wrap up warm too.
If you don’t have any means of outdoor heating, keep a few fleecy throws to hand for snuggling under instead. And dig out your old hot water bottles too as these are another great way to keep people toasty!
- Keep dry
Let’s not forget ourselves. This is the UK, and the weather is – at best – unreliable. But don’t let the rain dampen spirits. Have a backup plan in place. Whether it’s a bulk load of golf umbrellas on standby or a pop-up gazebo to provide quick overhead shelter – just remember to keep things well ventilated.
- Stay safe
As the host, you’ll want your guests to feel safe and comfortable. Little touches like setting out seating at a safe distance and providing hand sanitizer, can make all the difference to people.
Create your guest-friendly outdoor space today
Creating a decking area will provide you with the perfect spot for entertaining guests. But even if you’re not expecting visitors, it’s a worthwhile investment for your home – adding value and making an area that can be enjoyed all year round. Read our blog on how decking can help to sell your home, to find out more about why composite decking is such an asset to properties.
Why not check out the fantastic composite decking range available at Modern Garden today? Or if you’d like more information and advice on how decking can help you to create a more sociable space, get in touch today.