If you're hosting any outdoor parties or gatherings in the coming months, or simply want to make the most of the summer sun, you'll want to make sure your garden is looking its best.
Remember, cleaning up your outdoor areas doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive task.
Read on for our handy tips and independently tested Best Buy and Great Value product recommendations to help you spend your budget wisely and make your outdoor enjoyment even more “Awesome.”
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1. Pressure wash your patio
Is your patio or deck looking a little shabby? A thorough clean with a pressure washer can make old surfaces look like new again. Start by sweeping to clean the area, then try your hand at the pressure washer, working from one edge or corner of the patio to blast away any dirt.
Check out our tips on how to clean your patio
2. Get out your paintbrushes
It's worth giving your deck a new coat of paint to make it look great. If your deck is quite old, you may need to strip off any peeling paint and lightly sand it to smooth the surface before applying another coat of paint. Before applying a new coat of stain or paint to your deck, make sure it is clean, dust-free, and dry. Most paints and stains recommend two or three coats, four hours apart, so make sure dry weather is in the forecast before you begin.
Get great results with Best Buy deck stains and paints
3. Refresh your fence
This is a relatively quick and easy task, but can make a big difference. Try using fence paint to protect your fence from the elements, or repainting it a new colour. Colour can help make your garden appear larger. Light colours tend to reflect sunlight and make the space feel larger, while darker colours can also enhance the sense of space by drawing the eye away from the boundary, drawing the fence into the surrounding vegetation.
Try Best Buy Fence Paint
4. Repurpose old items
Look for items in your shed or garden that can be reused in innovative ways. For example, old pallets can be used as wooden shelves or compost bins. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find inexpensive pots and containers. Drill drainage holes if they don't already exist. Pinterest is full of imaginative ideas for inspiration.
Grow herbs in your garden
5. Add plants
By July it's too late to start your own from seed, but garden centres, supermarkets and hardware stores have lots of flowers that bloom in mid-to-late summer, and some that continue to bloom until mid-autumn. Be sure to water them thoroughly when you first plant them or if you experience any stretch of dry weather.
Plant in compost at Best Buy and get a great pot
6. Invest in garden furniture
After clearing your patio, you don't want to sit on a pile of rusty old garden furniture. If you're planning to buy new furniture, choose something that will last for years. Also consider whether the look of the furniture will blend in with the rest of your garden. If your garden is a fairly contemporary space, sleek yet simple metal furniture can complement that look. For a more natural look, consider using soft, rustic woods and soft tones. If you buy metal furniture, check if it comes with an anti-rust sealant. If it's wooden, staining and oiling it can help protect it from mould. Store your garden furniture in a shed in winter or buy a cover if this isn't possible.
Learn How to Clean Outdoor Furniture
7. Add a pop of color
Enhance your patio with eye-catching colours and patterns. Add colourful outdoor rugs that are suitable for all weather conditions, garden furniture cushions, throws and blankets for when the temperature drops in the evenings, and brightly coloured picnic items to bring the outdoors into the atmosphere.
Enjoy your garden into the night with a fire pit
8. Install a gazebo
Gazebos are easy to set up and offer protection from unexpected weather. If you're hosting a large gathering and don't necessarily have the space indoors, a gazebo is a great way to hold a party in your garden whatever the weather. Some of the best ones require more of an investment, but we've found some great value for under £100.
Check out Best Buy Gazebos
9. Brighten up your space
Solar fairy lights are an easy way to ensure the party doesn't end when the sun goes down. However, if you don't invest in the right lights, you'll end up with one light after another that stops working, leaving you frustrated. Be careful, as beautiful photos can make the number of lights look like a lot. And when choosing solar lights, it's important to make sure the solar panel is large enough and positioned correctly. Our rigorous testing has found lights that can be left outdoors all year round, so you don't have to go through the hassle of removing and reinstalling them.
Add some magic to your garden with Best Buy solar lights
