Summer is the season when gardens come alive, becoming vibrant spaces for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying nature. To make the most of your outdoor space when the warm weather arrives, it’s essential to plan and prepare well in advance. Partnering with a professional garden planning service can be the perfect way to ensure your garden is set up to flourish in the summer months, tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your garden summer-ready, and how working with a garden designer can make the process smooth, creative, and successful.

Step 1: Start with a Vision and Purpose

Every garden tells a story and reflects its owner’s unique taste and style. Before diving into practical tasks, take some time to consider how you want to use your garden in summer. Are you dreaming of a vibrant flower garden, a lush green space for relaxation, or a functional outdoor kitchen and dining area for entertaining guests?

A garden planning service can help you articulate your vision, offering expert insights into design possibilities, plant choices, and spatial layouts that align with your needs and the characteristics of your outdoor space. Professional designers bring creative solutions to maximize every inch of your garden, whether it’s a small urban patio or a sprawling country lawn.

Step 2: Conduct a Garden Health Check

A well-prepared garden is one that’s healthy from the roots up. Start by assessing the current state of your garden:

Check soil quality: Healthy soil is the foundation of any beautiful garden. Testing the pH and nutrient levels gives insight into what amendments may be needed.
Prune and tidy: Spring is the perfect time to clear out dead growth, trim back any overgrown plants, and prepare existing plants for a season of growth.
Control weeds: Remove weeds thoroughly to give your summer plants a head start and to prevent them from competing for resources.

Garden designers are invaluable in helping identify potential issues and offering remedies, such as soil amendments, pest control strategies, or suggestions for appropriate plant types that will thrive in your garden’s environment.

Step 3: Plan Your Planting Design

One of the biggest elements of garden planning services is plant selection and placement. Summer gardens often center around color, texture, and structure. A garden designer will consider:

Seasonal interest: Selecting a mix of flowering perennials, annuals, and evergreen plants that will provide color and interest throughout the summer months.
Climate compatibility: Choosing plants suited to your local climate and soil type, ensuring they’ll thrive without requiring excessive maintenance.
Aesthetic balance: Organizing plants in a way that balances colors, heights, and textures, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

With professional garden planning, you can develop a planting strategy that aligns with your garden’s unique characteristics, such as sun exposure, moisture levels, and available space. By planning the plant placement and varieties in advance, you ensure a beautiful, lasting display through the entire summer season.

Step 4: Design Hardscape Features and Functional Zones

For a functional and enjoyable garden, it’s important to integrate hardscape features—such as pathways, patios, and pergolas—that suit both the layout and purpose of your space. Hardscape elements can provide structure to the garden, while also creating practical areas for activities like dining, reading, or sunbathing.

A garden planning service can provide detailed design plans for hardscape features that seamlessly integrate with the garden layout. Some popular options include:

Patios and seating areas: Perfect for summer gatherings or quiet outdoor dinners.
Paths and walkways: Adding texture and guiding visitors through the garden.
Outdoor lighting: Enhancing the ambiance and usability of the space at night.
Water features: Creating a sense of calm with fountains, ponds, or even simple bird baths.

A garden designer can also assist with materials selection, recommending options that complement your overall design and withstand the elements. With professional input, you can create a garden that not only looks great but also functions as a true outdoor extension of your living space.

Step 5: Develop a Watering and Irrigation Plan

The summer heat can be harsh on plants, and adequate watering is essential to keep your garden healthy and lush. Working with a garden designer can help you establish a tailored irrigation plan that takes into account the needs of different plant varieties, soil types, and sun exposure.

Options may include:

Automatic irrigation systems: Ensuring consistent watering without daily maintenance.
Rainwater harvesting: Collecting rainwater to use during dry spells, a sustainable and cost-effective approach.
Drip irrigation: Targeted watering that minimizes waste and delivers moisture directly to plant roots.

A garden planning service can install or recommend the best system for your garden, reducing water waste and making it easier to maintain a healthy garden through the summer months.

Step 6: Create an Outdoor Living Area

For many, summer is synonymous with outdoor living. When designing your summer garden, consider creating a dedicated area for relaxing, dining, or entertaining. This could involve:

Outdoor furniture: Selecting weather-resistant, comfortable furniture that complements the overall aesthetic of the garden.
Shade structures: Pergolas, umbrellas, or shade sails offer relief from the sun and make your garden more usable during peak summer hours.
Cooking and dining setups: Consider a BBQ area or an outdoor kitchen if you love to entertain outdoors.

With a garden designer, you can create an outdoor living space that’s thoughtfully designed, functional, and inviting. They can help you place elements like seating, tables, and decorative accents strategically to make the most of your space and create a relaxing, beautiful environment.

Step 7: Book a Free Consultation with Soil Sisters for Your Garden Planning Service

At Soil Sisters, we specialize in garden planning services tailored to bring out the best in every garden, no matter the size or style. Our professional team can help you get your garden ready for summer by providing expert insights, customized planting plans, and practical design solutions that suit your needs.

By booking a free consultation with us, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your ideas, vision, and any challenges you may be facing with your garden. We’ll work with you to create a design that not only meets your needs but also enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking to revamp an existing garden or start from scratch, Soil Sisters is here to help make your summer garden dreams a reality. Get in touch today to start planning the perfect summer garden!