But before you grab the bat and ball, ask yourself: Is my outdoor space ready for summer days of sun rays?

To kick-start your thinking, we’ve collated our tips to creating an outdoor space ripe for relaxation, recreation and reconnection.

 

Clear out the clutter

We don’t know about you, but during Melbourne winter, we stay inside – and steer clear of our outdoor spaces. Perfect for staying snug. But not great for keeping the backyard neat and tidy.

So before you pick out the plants in bloom, you better pick up a rake and broom!

What’s on the bin list? Junk, cobwebs, weeds, mould, leaves and build-ups of dirt. Your aim is to create a blank canvas for decorating down the track.

 

Leap into landscaping

Now the fun starts. It’s time to plan – and build – your garden features and layout.

Whether you want to do this yourself or call in some help, make sure you consider how you want to use the space. And don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

Need privacy?

Install a few garden screens or plant your own with a hedge – neighbours be gone! And if you want seclusion with smattering of sunshine, plant durable and tall plants along your fence line.

Desire serenity?

The trickle of a water feature creates an air of tranquillity. And the glow of a fire pit will have you feeling calm and cosy on those summer nights.

Crave aesthetics?

Grass and plants provide your garden with beautiful textures only Mother Nature could create. But there are more textures to explore.

Pavers sure are nice. But pavers in a pattern. Oh my! What a treat for the eye. You can also fill a space with pebbles (they also double as a bare-foot massage – nice).

And don’t forget colour! Express your personality by taking the paintbrush to the fence.

 

Grow your garden

Once you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to fill your garden with plants. (Renters, you may prefer pot plants.)

After all, what better way to unwind after a long year than stopping to smell the roses?

For our fellow south-east Melbourne dwellers, we recommend rosemary, lavender and bougainvillea to add fresh air, and a pop of colour, to your space.

You can also take a trip to your local nursery, and ask: what do you recommend for my garden? They’ll likely ask how much shade your yard gets, and how much time you plan to spend garden-tending.

And don’t forget your lawn! (If you have one.)

With more sunshine, grass grows fast. So mow regularly – and hammer that habit in place. This way, the grass will always be greener (and well-tended) on your side of the fence.

 

Find some furniture

Outdoor furniture is the perfect way to merge the comfort of the indoors with the scenery of the outdoors.

With some comfy outdoor couches, you can invite friends and family over to appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into the garden.

But why stop at couches?

Set up a swing set for the kids, grab yourself a grill, roll out a rug. Whatever your vision was during the landscaping, it’s time to execute.

And remember to prioritise shade – it’s going to get hot out there. Put up an umbrella, a pergola or think ahead to future summers by planting some trees. Defend yourself, your family and friends against those UV rays now, and thank yourself later.

Without protection, the Aussie sun damages our skin. But much the same, unpredictable weather events damage gardens. So make sure you weatherproof your outdoor furniture – including the decking.

 

Light up the night

Want to transition from day to night – without having to squint? Simply install lighting in your outdoor space.

Whether it’s a string of fairy lights draped above your seating area, light poles placed strategically around the lawn or an external light fixture – you can combine illumination with beautification.

But beware: Illumination attracts insects. Luckily, you can grab yourself a citronella candle to kill two bugs with one scent. We recommend any multi-wick candle. With the flames providing some soft lighting, you can keep the bugs away while still retaining the ambiance.

Considering an entire home makeover? The home improvement tips on The Peer Blog will have you living in a summer paradise – all year round.