Are you ready to turn your garden into an exotic retreat? Picture yourself lounging on your patio, the air perfumed with the soothing aroma of Mediterranean-inspired plants, a cool, juicy drink in hand. Follow our tips and witness your garden bloom into your ideal summer holiday spot.
Creating Inviting Social Spaces
Comfy chairs tucked into cozy alcoves are the perfect setting for intimate gatherings with friends and family. Embrace the tranquility of the cool evening breeze as you retreat to this mesmerizing corner of your garden.
Elevate the allure of your social spots by arranging brightly colored planters bearing aromatic plants like lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary. Not only will these plants fill the space with delightful scents, but they will also become a hotspot for buzzing pollinators.
It’s important to remember that these potted plants will only have access to the nutrients and moisture you provide. Thus, using something like the Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium All Purpose Compost, which has a Smart Release System that only dispenses nutrients when conditions are favorable, would be the ideal choice. This compost can provide nutrition for up to six months and help your plants retain 25% more water than normal, making the care process almost effortless.
Ensuring Low-Maintenance Care
If you prefer spending time in your garden rather than on tending to it, opt for low-maintenance plants. Evergreens, for instance, offer a constant structure and vibrant color throughout the seasons without the excessive upkeep.
Consider planting Salvia officinalis (sage), known for its sturdy nature and the stunning purple-blue flowers it produces from June till November. Sage thrives in sunny spots and can grow up to 1 meter tall. Though fairly drought tolerant, they will appreciate some watering while establishing their roots. Performing a light prune each spring will encourage growth while keeping the plant from becoming leggy. You can further incentivize growth by incorporating Levington Natural Sulphate of Potash into the soil, enhancing the yields of both fruits and flowers.
Opting for Ornamental Grasses
Despite the increasing trend of low-maintenance patio gardens, the inclusion of ornamental grasses can still provide your garden with a unique structural aesthetic.
Consider planting Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold,’ a compact evergreen grass with cream-striped dark green leaves. This hardy grass grows upto 30 cm and is perfect to line a pathway or accent a border, where their waves in the breeze add an auditory delight to your garden.
For a bit of added color, consider the blue fescue ‘Elijah Blue’ that maintains its icy tone year round, greener in the wintertime and adorned with blue-green bristles in spring and summer.
Ensuring Sun Protection
While enjoying your exotic escape, remember the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. Even in more temperate climates, harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and keep a cool drink nearby, perhaps adding a splash of color and flavor with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries infused in your lemonade.
With these tips, you can create your own blossoming summer paradise, buzzing with bees and butterflies. Enjoy your low-maintenance botanical retreat and relish scented summer evenings, all from the comfort of home.
