Years ago, I read an article about taking time to enjoy the garden. I suddenly realized I was spending all my time working in the garden rather than taking pleasure in it. If you planted in the spring and have been weeding and watering a lot for the past few months, now’s the time to reap the benefits of all your hard work. Here are some ideas for taking a time-out and just enjoying your beautiful summertime garden.
Everyone needs a shady spot to relax and admire their garden.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
These cute chairs are fun and functional.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
It doesn’t take much to entertain outdoors successfully – just a place to sit and enjoy your garden.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
Whether in the form of a sprinkler or a waterfall, the sound of water is really refreshing on a warm day.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
Benches and Chairs
Benches and chairs are important garden features because they literally allow us to sit and enjoy the garden. When I realized I didn’t have anywhere to relax in my own yard, I immediately went out and bought a lightweight wooden bench that I could easily move around my garden until I found the perfect spot for it. If you already know where you’d want a bench or chair in your yard, I recommend getting a really nice one in wood, concrete or even stone. Or you can stick with a lightweight chair that’s easy to move. As long as it gives you a nice place to spend more quality time in your garden, you’re good.
Night Lighting
For those of us living in hot or humid (or both) areas of the country, late afternoon and twilight are about the only time we can stand to be in our gardens. Night lighting doubles your outdoor time. There are several ways to add night lights to your yard. Candles add an air of romance, while tiki torches give your garden that fun tropical feel. Christmas lights strung in trees or through arbors give a space some sparkling ambiance. And more expensive, inground systems highlight artwork, paths and plantings, giving you endless evenings to experience the wonders of moon gardens and night pollinators, such as giant hawkmoths.
Garden Art
Although I’m one of the last to admit there are other things to put in a garden besides plants, garden art can add a lot to your outdoor enjoyment, too. And the best part is that most art requires no maintenance. I want both beauty and function from art, and the way I get this is by incorporating beautiful furniture and structures – like arbors for vines and other climbing plants. So create an air of whimsy (and low maintenance) with fantastic and functional art.
Entertaining
Gardens are perfectly well and good in their own right, but sometimes you need a pat on the back for all your hard work. Create an excuse to invite people over for a garden party. Don’t worry about the weeds – focus on a small area of your garden or on a newly installed feature such as…oh, I don’t know…night lights! Keep the celebration simple. Focus on fresh food, and use art to attract the eyes of all your guests.
Water
Water is cooling and refreshing on hot summer days, and it appeals to our senses of sight and sound. “Grown-ups” often think that water gardens are the only way to invite this life-giving source to our outdoor spaces, but children know that sprinklers and kiddie pools are fun and easy water garden stand-ins. If you’re worried that the neighbors will call the men in little white coats if they see you jumping through your sprinkler, confine yourself to the back yard. Whatever the neighbors think, you’ll be cool and invigorated by your romp!
Cutflowers
Bring the outdoors in by cutting some of the precious (and possibly wilting) flowers from your garden. Cut your flowers in the morning or evening, but not in the middle of the day. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional floral designer. Flowers are beautiful in their own right, and there’s nothing like being able to say you grew a bouquet yourself.
These are just a few ways to enjoy your garden for the remainder of summer. Pull up a seat on your new bench, relax among your flowers and think about it. If you’re not too distracted by the beauty that surrounds you, I’m sure you’ll be able to think of lots more fun ideas – either for now or next season!
