Four simple garden design tips to help you stay cool this summer

1. Create a shaded seating area

Having seating in both sun and shade will maximise how you use your garden and provide much needed respite from the intense heat. In smaller gardens you can opt for a stylish parasol which can be put away when you want to sit in the sun. For larger spaces opt for growing evergreen climbing plants such as Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) over an arch way or pergola where you can sit in the dappled shade. This will help diffuse the sunlight without blocking it out completely, alongside providing a beautiful display of small white flowers with a delicious scent.

2. Add water

Adding water to a garden will improve the tranquility of the space, alongside providing an excellent water source for wildlife. For small spaces opt for a cor-ten steel water bowl which you can keep topped up with water. For those gardens with a little more space why not add a wildlife pond? Make sure you line with a water tight liner to prevent water escaping and add in pond plants such as water lilies and oxygenating plants to create a beautiful wildlife sanctuary.

3. Plant trees

Trees provide a wonderful natural canopy in any space, in addition to providing spaces for wildlife. Grab a blanket and set up a picnic with the family, or add a bench to sit and read in the shade with a refreshing drink. Try Betula utilis jacquemontii 'Snow Queen' for it’s wonderful dappled shade. The striking white bark will catch your eye and glisten in the sun, and the crisp green leaves will turn a beautiful golden yellow before dropping in autumn.

4. Use drought resistant planting

Hot weather can bring restrictions on water usage and a higher chance of plants dying due to lack of hydration. Opting for drought resistant plants will reduce how much you need to water your garden longer term meaning you have more time to enjoy your outdoor space, and it will mean your treasured plants should last longer. Try using;

Verbena bonarensis has a long flowering period from June until September. The tall architectural stems grow up to 2m in height. Despite this they can look fantastic in any position in a border with their purple lollipop flower heads swaying in the breeze.

Eryngium × zabelli 'Big Blue' has a thistle like appearance with the most wonderful steel blue colour, that will flower between July and August. Try not to cut the flower heads back after summer as they can look beautiful left in the border over winter, and will provide a valued food source for the birds.

Allium ‘Purple Rain’ is a bulb planted in autumn and will flower in June. These will stand statuesque in your border throughout summer, autumn and winter. Plants in larger drifts for maximum impact. The globe flower head has wonderful pink star shaped flowers which pollinators adore. Once flowering is finished the seed heads remain which look just as beautiful.

Do you need help to create a garden that can be enjoyed no matter the weather?

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