After a summer of heatwaves, the weather in the UK is beginning to cool and the evenings are getting darker. Many Brits are packing their summer garden furniture away ready for winter. Some garden structures, furniture, and ornaments just don’t last well during our often stormy and windy winters. However, the weather does like to surprise us with the occasional gorgeous dry, sunny days in between and we need to be able to still make the most of these when we’re lucky enough to get them.
Here are five tips to help you to make the most of your garden during late summer, autumn and winter:
1. Keep a Permanent All-Year Round Table
At this time of year, you need to pack away furniture that needs to be put away during the cooler and wetter months. Clean and store your outdoor sofa cushions and linens too, so they will keep for next year. Every UK garden needs a table that can be kept outdoors all year round, such as a wooden picnic table. Paint wooden furniture each year to keep it in good condition and it will last for years. When you spot the sun you can pop outside and enjoy an al fresco meal or glass of wine in the garden in the sunshine.
2. Moveable Seating
As I mentioned above many Brits have to put away or cover their garden furniture for winter. Most of these sets can be too bulky to uncover when we’re lucky enough to enjoy some autumn sun. It’s a good idea to always have some outdoor seating that can be stored indoors but carried out easily for you to enjoy your garden on these exceptional days. Folding deck chairs, camp chairs and outdoor bean bags are perfect for this.
Big Bertha Original Outdoor Bean Bags
Big Bertha Original have an amazing range of outdoor beanbags that look just as great indoors as well as out. There’s no need to find extra storage room for them- just use them around the home and bring them outdoors when needed. They make great extra cosy seating whether in the living room, family room, children’s playroom, or bedroom. There are lots of outdoor beanbags to choose from and all are made from SmartCanvas™ premium outdoor fabric. If you have a conservatory or summer room consider investing in a sofa bean bag. We have less space so my personal favourite is the Giant XXL Outdoor Bean Bag, which you can easily use in your home all year round and just pop outside to use when the sun’s shining. Relax and read outdoors, chat with friends or bathe in the sun.
3. A Basket of Blankets
Even when the sun is shining, the late summer and autumn evenings can be cooler. Have a basket of throws and blankets ready for yourself and guests to snuggle under when the sun goes down.
4. A Garden Shelter
Ideally, every garden should benefit from having a permanent shelter so they can continue to be enjoyed whatever the weather. A garden pergola wrapped in solar fairy lights is ideal and hardy. A retractable awning can be a practical choice that can be used for shelter on calmer days. For smaller gardens, outdoor sails or a parasol can give you the shelter you require. They add colour and charm to the garden too.
5. Fire and Light
As you begin using your garden more in the autumn months, you’ll find you want to stay outside for longer too. Add solar lights so you can stay outside safely after dark. They will add ambience and make the garden look beautiful at night too. If you struggle to stay outdoors in the cooler months, you’ll want to add warmth too. Consider investing in an outdoor heater or chiminea. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with many Brits having a pizza oven in addition to the traditional BBQ. A fire bowl is a perfect focus for your autumn evening garden. Add a cooking tripod and you can enjoy a cuppa along with your campfire s’mores.
Making the Most of your Garden in Late Summer and Autumn
I hope this post has given you ideas on how to keep enjoying time in your garden during the late summer, autumn months and hopefully even into winter. Remember to keep feeding the birds and you can enjoy watching the wildlife as well as stargazing in your outdoor retreat.
*This post is in collaboration with Big Bertha Original, however, all words and thoughts are my own.
