DIY Gardens How to; Making Your Garden Look Pretty – Even if Your Gardening Stinks!

Finally, the sun is wending its way out from behind the clouds. And of course, this means digging out the inappropriate shorts, sandals and sunnies combo and getting your mates round for some overcooked meat and warm lager. Sorry, I’m sure your hosting skills are better than those of my friends. Prejudices aside, what do you do if your garden resembles the ‘Before’ picture on an Alan Titchmarsh show?

This DIY Garden article explains how to make your garden look nice for a party – without getting too much dirt behind your nails.

How to Make Your Garden Look Nice for a Party: 5 Steps

1. Clear the clutter. Unfortunately, this step is essential unless you’re going for the neglected park effect. Clear away any rubbish and old plant pots containing nothing but weeds and soil (come on, we’ve all got them), and neatly stow away any garden tools, pots and other bits and bobs. Sweep the paving and/or decking, and if you can face it, mow and rake the lawn.

2. Add splashes of colour. No matter how allergic to gardening you might be, a few plants here and there will transform your garden in an instant. And some plants are so easy to maintain, they’ll continue to thrive no matter how badly you neglect them. Think pansies, lavender, wild strawberries and sunflowers. There’s a good list of easy-to-grow plants here. (Yep, I know it’s for children, but it worked for me!)

3. Do a furniture inventory. Unless you’re going picnic stylee and sitting out on a blanket, you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of outdoor furniture to seat your guests. Choose cheap, plastic stackable chairs in bright colours or cushioned rattan for a more sophisticated look. Alternatively, go casual with these wonderful giant, weather proof outdoor beanbags here in Lime Green (also available in purple and blue).

4. Decorate with cute accessories. When it comes to making your garden look nice for a party, it’s the little touches here and there that make all the difference. Give it a whimsical Secret Garden-style look with mysterious wrought iron sculptures, decorative arches and an outdoor wall clock or go kitsch with bizarre garden ornaments. At least they’ll start conversations…

5. Create an ambience. As with indoor parties, lighting forms an essential role in creating the right environment. Add pops of colour with outdoor fairy lights or LEDs, or go for a more natural look with these gorgeous bamboo lanterns and some heavy duty outdoor candles.

And there you have it: a beautiful garden in which you can actually take pride. Just make sure the food and conversation are as sophisticated as the venue and you’ll be onto a winner 😉

If you’re still not 100% convinced you know how to make your garden look nice for a party, Pinterest is your best friend for inspiration, and Housing Units for decent outdoor furniture and accessories that are made to last.

Enjoy your party, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t!