Summer inspiration

The season that we seem to wait all year for is here! The smell of cut grass and soil wet by afternoon rainstorms. The kids are on holiday, the beach beckons and your favourite icecream is calling. It is summertime – the king of all seasons for getting outdoors and living it up in your outdoor room.

Plants

In flower: Hydrangea, Iris, Freesia, Ginger, Allium, Christmas Bells (Blandiflordia), Dahlia, Impatiens, Lilac, and Eucalyptus.
Plant now: Basil, Oregano, Chives, Chilli, and Parsley.
Tip: Water early or late in the day to limit water loss due to evaporation, or scorching the leaves.

Materials

Do the kids want to play outdoors, but the grass is not holding up to the wear and tear… or the heat? Might be worth considering synthetic grass. Synthetic grass is instantly associated with tennis courts and sporting fields as being short, spiky and bright green. Longer, softer, more lush-looking versions of synthetic grass are now also available. Synthetic grass can be used where real grass wouldn’t grow, over hard surfaces like concrete or over rubber as soft-fall in children’s playgrounds. It is a flexible solution to many applications… and it never needs to be watered!

Colour

Embrace the colour of the clearest of beaches with turquoise paint – and apply liberally! Paint pots, outdoor furniture or anything you have around the garden that cries out for summer colour.

Furniture

Think of your favourite summer holiday and chances are there is fresh air, sunshine and water involved. Remember playing under the sprinkler as kids or hosing off the sand and salt after a day at the beach? Perhaps your best summer memories are heightened by luxurious resorts or bathing in private waterholes far away from civilisation. As humble or extravagant as these ponderings may be, an outdoor shower brings the best of the season directly to your backyard. The outdoor shower is nothing new to the Australian way of life but it has evolved from a humble hose hooked up to a fence to an indulgent private space for cleansing body and mind.  All you need is a quiet, secluded area in your yard and some water and you’re in business!

Soft furnishings + accessories

With the warm nights and late sunsets – why not treat the family to an outdoor dinner picnic on the back lawn! Make it all the more comfy by spreading out an outdoor rug and dine alfresco. GROUNDCOVER by JAMIE DURIE range of outdoor rugs are made from 100% recycled polypropylene. All the designs have been inspired by the natural beauty of our Australian landscape and bring indoor luxury outside, into your own outdoor room. A comfortable rug underfoot, a few cushions and some interesting accents is all it takes to turn a regular garden or small courtyard into a relaxed urban oasis.