Keep Enjoying Your Summer Garden!
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| Photo Credit: Lane Greer |
| Everyone needs a shady spot to relax and admire their garden. |
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.
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.
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| Warnings |
- When enjoying your garden by night, be prepared to for some company from bugs – especially mosquitoes.
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| Tips |
- When cleaning up the garden for company, focus on the lawn (make sure it’s mowed), seating arrangements and views. Forget about the stray weed or two – nobody will even notice them.
- Invest in good garden furniture. Mine is made of resin but looks just like white wicker. It’s very pretty and will last for years, even after repeated rainstorms.
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Next Steps
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