This season sees the garden come into its own, it is an extension of the home and an integral part of daily life used for relaxing, dining al fresco and entertaining. Over the last few years popular garden accessories have included patio heaters and bbq’s this has now extended to outdoor kitchens with sinks and worktops and even all weather sofas and armchairs. With the addition of garden lighting your outdoor room can take on a whole new atmosphere after dark. Illuminating structural plants and even water features containing lighting can transform a normal garden into a magical place that you cannot help but want to spend time in. Simply by enclosing your patio area with plants and trees either within borders or in pots and containers can create a sense of privacy and give you that ‘get away from it all’ feeling. I always think that fragrant plants around a seating area are essential; the aromatic leaves of lavender and rosemary are particular favourites as is the evergreen climber trachelospermum jasminoides. A summer flowering jasmine with beautiful delicate white flowers and for me it epitomises the scent of summer.
Summer is once again upon us and hopefully all the hard work that we have put into our garden over the spring is starting to pay off. But for anyone who is still a bit behind on their garden maintenance don’t worry it is not too late. 
