How to prepare your garden for summer

Party time! 

The time has come to dust off the deck! An iconic Aussie summer is lived almost entirely outdoors, the backyard frequently filled with mates and rellies. Set up your space for parties and impromptu barbecues with these seven easy and budget-friendly tips.

1. Sort the furniture

First check all pieces for broken parts or weaknesses. Wash off dust, dirt and mould, then lightly sand timber items and apply a coat of outdoor furniture oil. Scrub metal furniture with a non-abrasive cleaning solution and use equal parts water and white vinegar on tough stains or oxidised aluminium.

Synthetic wicker comes up beautifully with a gentle scrub and mild detergent, while natural wicker that has been exposed to the elements will need more detailed care – clean and thoroughly dry, sand gently and coat with equal parts raw linseed oil and mineral turps.

Rearrange furniture to create conversation zones, with space for circulation (1.5 metres for walkways, more around a barbecue, for safety). Think about where people are drawn to, suggests stylist Fiona Gould. “Outdoor kitchens are always a popular hang-out spot, so a small lounging area nearby is a great idea,” she says.

Summer parties can stretch your backyard’s capacity. To squeeze in more people, opt for bench seats or narrow dining chairs. As a contingency, store folding chairs in the shed or have indoor chairs that can be taken outside. “Keep a couple of stools in your outdoor area which double as side tables,” advises Fiona. “They’re handy for squeezing a few more people around a dining table or in a lounge area.”

2. Add lighting

Assess your garden lighting scheme and make tweaks for safety (such as along steps) and atmosphere. “Multiple sources of ambient lighting – such as pendants, fairy lights and lanterns – can create a magic outdoor space after sunset,” says Fiona. Battery-powered candles cast a flickering glow and are a fire-safe option for tabletops.

3. Bring the indoors, out

For a cosy living-room vibe, layer up your outdoor setting with soft furnishings. “Think of outdoor spaces as extensions of your interiors and make them feel welcoming and comfy,” suggests Fiona. “Rugs, cushions, throws, pots and vases transform outdoor spaces into beautiful retreats.”

4. Clean off dirt

By winter’s end exterior surfaces are often grimy, but a quick spring clean will improve your guests’ first impression. Wash windows so they sparkle and let more light in. Use a pressure washer on the facade to slough off unwanted winter layers. Candice Cooke of Kärcher recommends starting with an appropriate detergent (like Kärcher Stone & Facade Cleaner). “Allow the detergent to get to work and then rinse off, starting with low-medium pressure setting on the spray lance, and gradually increase the pressure if necessary,” she says. Decks, pavers and paths are likely just as grubby after winter, so give them a blast too. “For decks, use a power scrubber or surface cleaner attachment to evenly distribute the pressure and give best results,” says Candice. Whatever type of surface you’re pressure washing, remember to test an inconspicuous area first.

5. Prep the grill

Put the barbecue on your pre-season cleaning list. Andrew Di Bartolo of Char-Griller warns this is a safety issue as much as a hygiene one; built-up debris and grease may cause flare-ups, as well as affect the performance of your barbecue. Check for damage, rust and wear. “Remove the grates and soak in warm, soapy water. Use a stiff brush or grill cleaner to scrub off stubborn grease and residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling,” advises Andrew.

Clean the burners on gas barbecues. “Ensure that the gas ports are clear of any blockages,” instructs Andrew. “A thin wire or paper clip can be used to clean out the ports.” Then let the barbecue run on high heat to burn off any residue. “Check that all burners are working correctly and that the heat is evenly distributed,” he says.

6. Plant summer colour 

For bright and cheery outdoor decoration, flowers are the best embellishments! Fill garden beds, pots and window boxes with vibrant colour, and consider using potted flowers as a semi-permanent outdoor table centrepiece.

7. Style a welcoming home

“The entryway is the very first impression guests will have of your home so pay special attention to it,” says Fiona. “Think about storage to hide clutter and a surface for decorative accessories, or a scented candle to instantly set the mood.” Consider other spaces where your guests will spend time. “Give your powder room special touches, like a self-care station set up on a tray with beautiful soaps and hand creams, and foliage picked from the yard,” she adds.

Dress your home to impress

Learn how to style your space for every entertaining occasion.

Photo credit: Sue Stubbs, Reuben Looi