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Get ready for summer
Overview
Summer is the time to get your outdoor area sorted for a season of entertainment. A lot of small jobs (from lawn care to repainting the deck) add up to a big transformation. We’re sharing our favourite tips for getting your backyard ready for summer.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Tools and materials
Steps
Add summer-tolerant crops
Make space for new seasonal produce that will flourish in summer conditions by removing old vegetation from your garden beds. Apply sugar cane mulch to help protect your crops from the harsh summer heat and to help keep water from evaporating. For an added boost, use a plant fertiliser to give your crops a good feed.
All-around clean-up
Weeds accumulate year-round in areas like your lawn, garden beds and in between brickwork. Scan your garden for any weeds and pull them out with a weed puller or by hand, or apply an eco-friendly weed killer. Your backyard will immediately look tidier.
Lawn love
Everyone loves to enjoy their backyard in summer, and a little TLC now will make sure your lawn is ready for the increased foot traffic. Start by mowing your lawn, and then add some lawn fertiliser for added resilience.
Add a pop of colour
A great way to add a pop of colour to your garden is by adding flowers and plants to fill up empty spaces in your garden beds. Lamium has gorgeous, vibrant flowers and is a popular choice due to being shade-tolerant.
Top off your garden beds with pine bark mulch to brighten them up and help prevent weeds from coming through.
Outdoor seating in the shade
If you have a shaded space in your garden, add some seating to create the perfect area for relaxing outdoors. It’s easy to upcycle an old wooden bench by sanding it down and applying a timber oil to give it a smart look. Style it up with cushions or your favourite throw.
If you don’t have ready-made shade, an outdoor umbrella paired with outdoor furniture will do the trick.
Clear the leaves out of the gutter
Use a bucket and scoop to clear out your gutters.
Pressure wash the brickwork
Pressure washing is an easy and effective way to brighten up your concrete or tiled areas, removing built-up dirt, grime, mould or cobwebs.
Revamp the deck with a lick of paint
Freshen up your deck with a coat of paint. Prep the area using sugar soap to remove dust, dirt and grime. (Alternatively, you can sand the area, too.) Make sure to choose an exterior paint designed for Australian weather conditions.
Add outdoor storage
Extra storage is never a bad thing and it can help keep your entertaining area clean and tidy. Look for options that do double-duty as storage (for toys, outdoor equipment or shoes) and a seating area.
Tip: Try building this D.I.Y. outdoor storage bench seat.
Style the entertainment area
Add finishing touches to your outdoor entertaining area by adding a barbecue, shade blinds and citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.