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As the weather starts to warm up and the sunshine starts to make an appearance, many of us are starting to think about getting our outdoor spaces ready for the summer season.

As well as dragging the BBQ out from the back of the shed and figuring out where you decided to store the paddling pool for safe keeping, here are 5 top tips for breathing new life into your garden no matter what its size.

1. Stop Weeds From Impacting Your Garden Landscaping Project

There are lots of weeds that are hugely beneficial for our pollinators and are visually very beautiful in their own right. However, their ability to grow just about anywhere can quickly cause frustration, especially when they pop up in places that aren't ideal.

Whether you want to create a new, crisp pathway or you want to ensure that your flowers and vegetables aren't crowded out by unwanted additions in your raised beds, laying down a weed control membrane will deliver the long-lasting protection you're looking for. Weed control membranes also have moisture retentive properties and will help to lock hydration into your soil, which will benefit your plants on those long, hot mid-summer days.

2. Perfect Your Patio

Patios are enduringly popular and incredibly versatile. Not only are they the perfect place to experiment with growing flowers, vegetables and herbs in pots that can be moved around to create new displays whenever you fancy a change, but they can also be transformed into a welcoming outdoor dining area for a range of occasions including romantic date nights and special annual celebrations.

Natural stone paving slabs look beautiful and can be used to create a timeless patio area in your garden with ease, which works especially well within a space that is inspired by traditional country cottage design. Alternatively, Indian sandstone paving has a beautiful natural tone that varies throughout each individual slab for a more contemporary look that feels extra luxurious.

3. Create a Comfortable Seating Area

Even the simplest garden landscaping projects can make a huge difference to the feel of your outside space. Whether you have a small yard, sprawling garden or something in between, a comfortable seating area can provide a place for you to sit back and relax, catch up with friends, or indulge in a small summertime siesta.

If space is at a premium, a beautifully handcrafted double companion seat can provide you with a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Constructed from responsibly sourced timber and pressure treated for durability in the outdoors, companion seats come in both corner and straight styles to suit all spaces.

Other beautiful outdoor seating options include reclined benches and single relaxed garden seats that can be mixed and matched to suit your space, as well as charming wooden picnic tables which are guaranteed to delight both adults and children alike.

4. Landscape Your Borders

Whether you want your garden to look natural or you want to create a contemporary outdoor space that is easy to maintain throughout the year, giving your borders a bit of TLC now can quickly transform the look and feel of your garden.

Spreading landscape bark throughout your borders will allow you to retain the natural look of your outside space, while also minimising the need to grab your trowel and dig out those pesky weeds. Landscape bark will also help your soil to retain moisture and provide protection to plant roots during the height of the summer sun.

Alternatively, you can create a Mediterranean-style herb garden or alpine rockery with the help of some plum slate, golden flint or Cotswold Stone. Stone and slate can be used in place of mulch and as well as looking good, it also delivers improved drainage which many plants need to thrive.

5. Get Planting

Spending time surrounded by plants is good for the soul and whether you're a keen gardener or want to keep things low maintenance, a raised planter or two can help to complete your outdoor space in style.Deluxe wooden planters and rustic planters are available in a variety of sizes, with something to suit all spaces. Even a single lavender bush in a petite planter can make a real impact on a deck or patio. Alternatively, if you're feeling crafty and want something even more bespoke for your garden, you can create your own raised flower and vegetable beds from a few wooden sleepers.