Here are 39 ways to spice up your garden this summer:

Feel like summer has been a long time coming? Same! I feel like I have lived through the wettest and windiest winter of my life. So, although I burn in summer, I can't wait to start getting outdoors and enjoying some summer sun. Here is 39 ways to spice up your garden this summer, with your own flare.

Vibrant Plant Selection: Choose a variety of plants with different colours, textures, and heights to create visual interest in your garden. Incorporate flowering plants, foliage plants, and even some edible herbs and vegetables for a diverse and lively garden space.

Vertical Gardens: Maximise space and add a unique touch to your garden by creating vertical gardens using hanging planters, trellises, or wall-mounted pots. This not only adds greenery but also serves as a striking focal point.

Pallet Furniture: Upcycle old pallets into stylish and functional furniture pieces such as outdoor sofas, coffee tables, or even vertical planters. Pallet furniture adds rustic charm and a DIY flair to your garden while providing cozy seating areas for relaxation.

BBQ Area: Designate a specific area in your garden for a barbecue setup complete with a grill, prep station, and seating. Whether it's a built-in grill or a portable one, having a dedicated BBQ area encourages outdoor cooking and dining experiences with friends and family.

Cooking Accessories: Elevate your outdoor cooking game with specialty cooking accessories like Ooni pizza ovens or ceramic egg BBQs. These versatile cooking appliances allow you to whip up delicious meals right in your backyard, from crispy wood-fired pizzas to juicy grilled meats.

Outdoor Dining Space: Create a welcoming outdoor dining area with a sturdy dining table and comfortable chairs or benches. Add string lights or lanterns above the dining area for ambiance and consider installing a pergola or canopy for shade during hot summer days.

Fire Pit Gathering Area: Install a fire pit or build a DIY one using bricks or stones to create a cozy gathering spot in your garden. Surround the fire pit with seating options like Adirondack chairs or built-in stone benches for roasting marshmallows and enjoying cool summer evenings.

Herb Garden: Grow your own herbs in a dedicated garden bed, raised planter, or even vertical herb wall. Fresh herbs not only add flavour to your meals but also serve as decorative elements in your garden with their aromatic foliage and delicate flowers.

Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes: Plant fruit trees such as apple, pear, or citrus, and berry bushes like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruits throughout the summer. These edible plants also attract pollinators and add beauty to your garden landscape.

Water Feature: Incorporate a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or birdbath to add a tranquil element to your garden oasis. The sound of flowing water creates a soothing atmosphere and attracts birds and other wildlife to your outdoor space.

Outdoor Kitchen: Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen complete with countertops, sink, storage cabinets, and even a mini fridge. An outdoor kitchen allows you to prep, cook, and entertain guests without having to go back and forth between the house.

Shade Structures: Provide relief from the sun's harsh rays by installing shade structures such as umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas in your garden. Incorporate climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines to create natural shade and enhance the beauty of these structures.

Sundial or Outdoor Clock: Add a decorative and functional element to your garden with a sundial or outdoor clock. These timeless pieces not only serve as focal points but also help you keep track of time while enjoying your outdoor space.

Scented Garden: Fill your garden with fragrant flowers and plants that delight the senses with their sweet or spicy aromas. Consider planting lavender, roses, jasmine, or lilacs to create a scented garden oasis that uplifts your mood and soothes your soul.

Outdoor Bar Area: Set up a stylish outdoor bar area complete with a countertop, bar stools, and storage for drinks and glassware. Stock the bar with your favourite beverages and cocktail ingredients for refreshing drinks on hot summer days.

Hammock or Swing: Create a relaxing retreat in your garden with a hammock or swing where you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon nap or a good book. Hang it between two sturdy trees or install a freestanding hammock stand for easy setup.

Solar-Powered Lights: Illuminate your garden pathways, patios, and outdoor living areas with solar-powered lights for a sustainable and eco-friendly lighting solution. Choose from a variety of styles including string lights, lanterns, and stake lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance after dark.

DIY Mosaic Art: Add a pop of colour and personality to your garden with DIY mosaic art projects such as stepping stones, garden borders, or tabletops. Use colourful glass tiles, ceramic shards, or broken pottery to create intricate designs that reflect your unique style.

Bug Hotel: Create a habitat for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs by building a bug hotel using natural materials such as bamboo, logs, and hollow stems. Place it in a sunny spot in your garden to attract pollinators and pest predators that help maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Outdoor Shower: Cool off on hot summer days with an outdoor shower installed in your garden. Whether it's a simple freestanding shower or a more elaborate enclosed design, an outdoor shower adds convenience and refreshment to your outdoor living experience.

DIY Watering System: Keep your plants hydrated during the hot summer months with a DIY watering system such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Automate the watering process to save time and ensure your plants receive the right amount of water without wastage.

Raised Garden Beds: Optimize space and improve soil drainage by building raised garden beds for growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs. Use untreated wood, stone, or recycled materials to construct the beds and fill them with nutrient-rich soil for healthy plant growth.

Edible Landscape: Design an edible landscape by integrating edible plants into your garden layout, such as fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial herbs, and edible flowers. Not only does this provide fresh and nutritious produce, but it also adds visual interest and diversity to your garden.

Compost Bin: Reduce waste and enrich your garden soil by setting up a compost bin or pile for organic matter such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and plant debris. Composting not only helps recycle nutrients but also promotes soil health and fertility for thriving plants.

Garden Art Sculptures: Infuse your garden with personality and charm by incorporating art sculptures made from metal, wood, or recycled materials. Choose pieces that resonate with your style and reflect the theme or mood of your garden space.

Play Area for Kids: Create a dedicated play area for children with fun features like a sandbox, swing set, or playhouse. Designate a safe and accessible space where kids can explore, play, and connect with nature in your garden.

Insect-Repelling Plants: Keep pesky insects at bay by planting natural insect-repelling plants such as citronella, marigolds, lavender, and mint around your garden borders, seating areas, and outdoor dining spaces. These plants not only deter insects but also add beauty and fragrance to your garden.

Zen Garden: Cultivate tranquillity and mindfulness with a zen garden designed for relaxation and meditation. Create a minimalist landscape with gravel, rocks, sand, and sparse plantings arranged in harmonious patterns that inspire contemplation and inner peace.

DIY Birdhouses and Feeders: Attract birds to your garden by installing birdhouses and feeders filled with seeds, nuts, and suet. Get creative with DIY birdhouse designs using recycled materials such as old teapots, tin cans, or wooden crates for a personalized touch.

Outdoor Art Gallery: Highlight your artistic side by displaying outdoor artworks such as sculptures, paintings, or mosaics in your garden. Create a gallery-like atmosphere where visitors can appreciate and interact with art amidst the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Seasonal Decorations: Celebrate the changing seasons by decorating your garden with seasonal accents such as colourful bunting, wreaths, or themed ornaments. Incorporate elements like pumpkins and gourds for autumn, twinkling lights for winter, and blooming flowers for spring and summer.

Privacy Screens: Enhance privacy and create a secluded retreat in your garden with the addition of privacy screens or fencing. Choose natural materials like bamboo, reeds, or trellises adorned with climbing vines for a green and eco-friendly solution.

Garden Pathways: Define garden pathways and create a sense of flow with materials like gravel, stepping stones, or pavers. Design winding paths that meander through lush vegetation and lead visitors on a journey of discovery through your garden oasis.

Sustainable Garden Practices: Embrace sustainable gardening practices such as mulching, composting, rainwater harvesting, and using native plants to conserve resources and minimize environmental impact. Create a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and resilience in your garden.

DIY Outdoor Cinema: Transform your garden into a cinematic experience with a DIY outdoor movie setup featuring a projector, screen, and comfortable seating. Host movie nights under the stars with family and friends for memorable summer evenings.

Garden Yoga or Meditation Space: Designate a peaceful corner of your garden for yoga practice, meditation, or mindfulness exercises. Create a serene atmosphere with soft lighting, soothing sounds, and comfortable cushions or mats for relaxation and self-care.

Festive Entertaining Area: Set the stage for festive gatherings and celebrations with themed decor, mood lighting, and seasonal tablescapes in your garden. Host outdoor parties, BBQs, and picnics that reflect the spirit of summer and bring joy to your guests.

Seasonal Planters and Hanging Baskets: Refresh your garden with seasonal planters and hanging baskets filled with vibrant annuals, foliage plants, and trailing vines. Rotate plantings throughout the year to display seasonal colours and textures that enhance the beauty of your garden.

Garden Retreat: Create a personal sanctuary in your garden where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Design a cozy nook with comfortable seating, lush greenery, and calming water features for moments of serenity and reflection.

What tools/accessories you may need to build these: 

Gardening Tools: Essential gardening tools include a trowel, hand pruners, garden gloves, rake, shovel, hoe, and watering can for planting, pruning, weeding, and watering.

Safety Gear: Protect yourself with safety gear including safety goggles, ear protection, and work gloves when operating power tools or handling heavy materials.

Measuring Tools: Ensure accurate measurements with a tape measure, carpenter's square, and level for building structures, furniture, and garden features.

Painting Supplies: Stock up on painting supplies including paintbrushes, rollers, painter's tape, and drop cloths for painting furniture, planters, and outdoor structures.

Fasteners and Hardware: Keep a variety of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, and brackets on hand for assembling furniture, securing structures, and hanging decor.

Masonry Tools: If you're working with stone or brick, you may need masonry tools such as a trowel, chisel, hammer, and masonry saw for building fire pits, retaining walls, and pathways.

Maintenance Tools: Keep your garden looking its best with maintenance tools such as a lawn mower, trimmer, pruning shears, leaf rake, and garden hose for regular upkeep.

By incorporating these ideas into your garden this summer, you can transform it into a vibrant and inviting outdoor oasis that enhances your lifestyle and brings joy to all who visit. Whether you're relaxing with a book in a hammock, hosting a BBQ for friends, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, your garden will be a place of beauty, inspiration, and relaxation throughout the summer season.