British Summer Time Is Here...More Time In The Garden!

As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, British Summer Time offers the perfect opportunity to spend more time in the garden. Whether you are an avid gardener or simply enjoy relaxing outdoors, summer transforms our gardens into vibrant, lush spaces filled with colour, fragrance, and wildlife. From morning coffees on the patio to evening barbecues with friends, there’s no better season to embrace outdoor living. 

Make the Most of Longer Days 

One of the joys of British Summer Time is the extended daylight hours. With the sun setting later in the evening, there’s plenty of time to tend to your plants, potter around your borders, or simply unwind amidst nature. The warm, golden light of late afternoon creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a book, sipping a cool drink, or entertaining guests (even if you still need a jumper at times!). 

Summer Blooms and Garden Highlights 

Summer is the season when gardens truly come to life. Shrubs and Perennials like hydrangeas, lavender, and dahlias burst into bloom, adding bursts of colour and delightful scents. Climbers such as clematis and wisteria drape over pergolas, creating stunning floral displays, while ornamental grasses sway gently in the breeze. This is also the time when many fruit and vegetable plants begin producing, offering fresh homegrown delights straight from the garden. 

Help Me Choose

Looking for help choosing your next Plants, Trees, Shrubs or Perennials for your garden or landscape? Navigate to our innovative Help Me Choose plant finder page, designed to effortlessly guide you in selecting the perfect plants for your garden or home.

Create an Outdoor Haven 

Transforming your garden into a relaxing retreat can be as simple as adding comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a few decorative touches. Fairy lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lamps help to extend your outdoor enjoyment well into the evening. As the intensity of the sun increases, investing in a pergola or gazebo can provide shade and shelter from a cool wind, making your space even more inviting. 

Wildlife-Friendly Gardening 

Encouraging wildlife into your garden is a rewarding way to enhance its natural beauty. Bee-friendly plants such as buddleja, echinacea, and foxgloves will attract pollinators, ensuring a thriving ecosystem. Installing a bird bath, feeders, or a bug hotel can also support local wildlife, creating a haven for birds, bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs. Leaving a small patch of wildflowers or an untrimmed hedge can provide valuable shelter and food sources for various creatures. 

Keep Your Garden Thriving 

With warm weather comes the need for consistent care. Regular watering, especially in the early morning or evening, helps prevent evaporation and keeps plants hydrated. Mulching around the base of plants helps retain moisture, while deadheading flowers encourages continuous blooming. Be mindful of pests such as aphids and slugs and consider natural deterrents like companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybirds to keep populations in check. 

Enjoy Every Moment 

Above all, British Summer Time is a season to be savoured. Whether you love tending to flower beds, growing your own produce, or simply relaxing in the sunshine, the garden becomes an extension of your home. So grab a sun hat, pour a refreshing drink and make the most of those longer days in your own little slice of paradise.