We’ve already had a taste of the warmer weather lately, and with summer fast approaching, there’s hopefully plenty more sunshine still to come. As the days get longer and outdoor living becomes part of everyday life again, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to get your garden ready for summer – and we can help!
Whether you’re planning relaxed family barbecues, evening drinks with friends, or full-blown seasonal parties, your garden is about to become one of the busiest spots in your home, and we’re here to make sure it’s ready for summer entertaining. As a leading Wigan timber merchant, we’ve spent over 50 years helping homeowners upgrade their properties, creating outdoor spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable and built for everyday living. Let’s break down some of our best summer garden ideas to keep in mind as you get ready to welcome guests this year.
Start with privacy
Before you do anything else, it’s worth focusing on the basics. If you’re planning to spend more time outside this summer, creating a sense of privacy can make a huge difference to how comfortable you feel using your garden – after all, it’s much easier to relax and entertain when your space feels enclosed, secure and separated from neighbouring properties. Timber and composite fencing are two of the simplest ways to achieve this while instantly improving the overall appearance of your garden. Where necessary, replacing sagging, tired or weathered panels can help your outdoor space feel cleaner, more polished and far more inviting ahead of the warmer months.
Add structure to your space
Once privacy is in place, you can start thinking about how your garden will function socially throughout the summer. Creating separate zones is a practical way to make the space feel organised without losing that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes outdoor entertaining enjoyable in the first place.
For example, you might choose to position a dining area closer to the house for convenience, while creating a quieter seating space further into the garden where guests can gather for drinks or conversation later in the evening. If you have children, leaving open space for games or activities can also help the garden feel more versatile during family get-togethers and summer parties.
Decking is a great way to naturally break up these different areas while helping the entire garden feel more connected visually. Composite decking works especially well for entertaining spaces because it provides a durable, low-maintenance surface for dining furniture and seating areas, while timber decking can introduce a softer, more traditional feel, depending on the style of your property.
You can also use pergolas, screens, planters and pathways to subtly separate areas without making the garden feel closed off. These smaller details help create flow throughout your space, allowing guests to move comfortably between seating, dining and cooking areas while giving each part of the garden its own purpose.
Introduce an outdoor kitchen for easy summer hosting
If you regularly entertain during the warmer months, investing in an outdoor kitchen can completely change the way you use your garden. One of the biggest benefits of an outdoor kitchen is the convenience it brings when hosting friends and family, allowing you to prepare food, cook and socialise without constantly moving between the house and garden.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we stock a range of stylish Ecoscape outdoor kitchens, which feature sink units, worktops, shelving and cabinets. Whether you’re using them alongside a barbecue for easy food prep or making the most of the built-in bottle storage and ice buckets to turn the space into a laid-back outdoor bar, they’re a must-have for outdoor hosting in summer and beyond. Adding bar-style seating, outdoor lighting, or nearby lounge furniture can help to further turn the space into a focal point for your entire garden.
Introduce comfortable seating and shelter
Comfort plays a huge role in creating a garden people genuinely want to spend time in. Once your main layout is in place, the next step is making the space feel welcoming and relaxed enough for long afternoons and evenings outdoors.
Garden seating doesn’t need to be overly complicated, but choosing the right combination of furniture can really help your outdoor space feel much more sociable. Modular seating works particularly well for larger gatherings because it can be rearranged easily depending on the occasion, while fixed benches built into decking or timber structures can help maximise space in smaller gardens.
Adding shelter is equally important, especially in the UK, where summer weather can be unpredictable. Pergolas, timber structures and covered seating areas help provide shade during hotter days while offering protection from light rain during evenings outside. They also help create a stronger sense of atmosphere, making your garden feel more enclosed and intentional.
Don’t forget the finishing touches!
To keep your space practical and charming, consider introducing soft lighting around decking, pathways or seating areas, ensuring your outdoor space feels inviting long into the evening. Storage is another practical feature worth considering before the entertaining season begins. Adding built-in storage benches or screened utility areas can help keep garden accessories and barbecue equipment organised, meaning your space feels less cluttered when guests arrive.
Finally, it’s time to think about finishing touches like cushions, rugs and decorative accessories that bring the whole garden together. These final layers help balance comfort with style, allowing you to add colour, texture and personality while also making your seating areas practical enough for everyday use.
With all that in mind, if you’ve been collecting summer garden ideas and looking for practical ways to transform your outdoor space, we’re here to help. From classic timber decking and stylish composite fencing to handy outdoor accessories, we’ve got everything you need to get your garden ready for entertaining. Interested in learning more? Give us a call on 01942 727 314, and we’ll make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
