I’m not sure about you but I cannot get over the gorgeous spring weather we are having these past few days. While the summer may be a few months away, with weather as beautiful as this there is no time like the present to get out in your garden. Why not make this year the year you create the garden you have always dreamed of.

By having a usable back garden you are extending your home and creating a new space. This is the perfect time to prepare your garden for an optimistic prediction of a fabulous summer.  Completing all the hard work now means all you will have to do is sit back and enjoy the area when the sun is shining. 

Decking is a great place to start. Many of the large DIY stores have some great spring offers on at this time of the year. You can choose the perfect decking for your style of garden and then add to the area as you go along.

If you already have decking in your garden but feel it could do with a facelift, there are a few simple steps you can take to get the perfect finish. Firstly you will need to prepare the surface to get it ready for the woodstain so I suggest brushing the surface with a stiff broom to remove dirt and debris, and use a fungicidal wash to remove any algal or mould growth.  Allow the decking to dry and then clean it using a broom dampened with methylated spirits or cellulose thinners.

Apply the finish in a full flowing coat in the direction of the grain and work along the length of each board to avoid the appearance of 'overlap' marks.  You will need a product that is hardwearing and gives your decking protection against the weather as well as resisting mould and fungal growth. Sadolin Decking Stain & Protector gives you this 2 in 1 protection.

A similar process will work for any wooden garden furniture that you may have. Again use a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and debris.  Sand any grey weathered timber and then clean the surface down and apply Sadolin Garden Furniture Stain and Protector. This is a 2 in 1 that has a water repellent finish that protects garden furniture against mould and algal growth.

There are plenty of other ways to create beautiful fresh features in your new garden. Why not paint an exterior wall of your house with a bright shade to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your home in Ireland. Sandtex Masonry Paints offer a great selection of colourful exterior paints that are well worth a look such as Suffolk, Silver Blue and Sand Dune.  

Once the painting side of the project is complete you can turn your hand to adding accessories. One of the most important items that no garden should be without is a barbeque! There are some fantastic deals in department stores on outdoor cooking appliances at the moment as we have not quite reached the summer season yet. By shopping early you will be able to pick up a bargain barbeque to enjoy delicious summer meals at a very competitive price.

With Ireland’s unpredictable weather it can be no harm to invest in an outdoor gas heater for your decking so you can continue to enjoy your garden when the sun goes down. A cheaper alternative is to purchase a wood burning stove to sit in your patio area. These are cost-effective to run and create a calming atmosphere when entertaining in your new garden.

With the weather dictating our use of our gardens it is always important to have accessories that are easily moved inside. Seat cushions with removable covers offer you piece of mind in case the heavens decide to open unexpectedly on your decking. Non-electric lighting options such as solar lamps and candle-lit lanterns all provide a serine ambiance without the worry of the rain affecting them. If all else fails, you cannot go wrong with a large colorful parasol or gazebo to shelter under and enjoy the light summer rain.

With just a little bit of effort and using a spark of creativity you will be able to produce the prefect outdoor area that is fully functional for all members of your family.

Happy decorating,

Neville