South Africans are known for spending their summers outdoors. There is no better way to enjoy the sunshine than lounging by the pool or relaxing on the grass reading a book. To make the most out of your outdoor space, it’s important to prep and dedicate parts of your garden to this relaxation, perfectly curated for enjoying the summer sunshine.

Prep Your Pool

Your pool area is the prime spot for summer relaxation. For those times when you’re not in the pool, make sure you have space for lounging with the right furniture.

Sun loungers, complete with an overhead umbrella for extra protection, will instantly elevate your outdoor space, making you feel as if you’re sitting poolside at a resort in your own garden.

Also, make sure your pool maintenance for the season is complete to add that extra sparkle to the water that makes it look so inviting.

Add Seating

Seating in the garden itself – not just nearby or on your patio – is the best way to take in the sights and sounds of nature in your backyard. After all, what use is working week after week in your garden if you don’t have the space to enjoy it?

Choose weather-proof seating options like benches that are light enough to move from place to place as your garden design changes. For something more dramatic, install permanent fixtures like gazebos to highlight the seating area, surrounding it with colorful plants for complete enjoyment.

Eat Al Fresco

Regular braaiers will understand that feeling of cooking and eating outdoors that just can’t be matched. To take this experience to the next level, dedicate some of your patio or garden areas to creating an outdoor dining room during your summer prep. Far from the standard patio table we all know, a dining room embodies the indoor-outdoor trend so popular at the moment.

If you don’t have the space for a permanent feature of this size, there is always the classic picnic to help out. Have a basket and blanket on hand for when the weather warms up to remove any stumbling blocks.

READ MORE: HOW TO TAKE YOUR PATIO FROM DRAB TO FABULOUS

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Feature image via Ketut Subiyanto