GARDEN GLORY
The huge garden mistake you make in a heatwave could wreck your outdoor furniture, fix it now
Plus seven simple hacks to get your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank
NOW that the warm, sunny weather has officially arrived and spring is well underway, many of us will be gearing up to sit and relax in the garden.
With the temperatures climbing, now is the ideal time to pull out the wrapped-up furniture, dust off the cobwebs and get the place ready.
3
3
Especially since highs of sweltering 23C are expected across the country this weekend.
But if you want to make sure that you don't accidentally ruin your outdoor furniture during the upcoming heatwave then you might want to take note.
Experts have revealed that there is a huge garden mistake you could be making during the hot temperatures that could wreck your outdoor space.
Since Scotland gets a lot of wet and windy weather - at the tail end of the year - most homeowners cover up their beloved garden furniture over winter.
READ MORE FABULOUS
But leaving this on when the weather is hot and sunny could actually cause anything that is under it to MELT.
As a result, outdoor expert Andrew White from has urged homeowners to remove their covers now before they permanently damage their outdoor furniture.
When the heatwaves finally roll in, it is important to remember that your garden also needs protecting in the summer
Andrew White
They say: "When the heatwaves finally roll in, it is important to remember that, just like in winter, your garden also needs protecting in the summer.
"Different types of textiles, furnishings and structures react differently to harsh UV and soaring temperatures.
Most read in Fabulous
"So it’s important to know the best way to care for and protect your outdoor furniture in the upcoming summer months.
"When the temperature is rising, it is important to remove your garden furniture covers.
Shoppers race to nab 'beautiful' water feature to turn gardens into a tranquil haven, as price is slashed from £44 to £5
"Most garden furniture covers are lined with PVC to repel the elements during wet weather.
"But when they are placed under a direct heat source such as the sun, they can actually melt and leave a residue or stain on your furnishings.
“Some materials in lower quality, less expensive furnishings can become brittle if left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
"To prevent fading and breakage, you should ensure your furniture is well-shaded during sunny periods.
"Alternatively, select higher quality furniture for your garden, with UV-resistant, fade-proof textiles to avoid these issues."
This advice also goes for anyone who has glass garden furniture which is also susceptible to damage.
The experts add: “In direct sunlight, any glass-topped garden items can heat up to extreme temperatures due to glass’ nature of retaining heat easily.
"So, the glass will feel hot to the touch and can be at risk of melting any plastic items that come into contact with it.
7 hacks to get your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank
EXPERTS have revealed how you can give the garden a makeover without breaking the bank.
Paint and Interiors Expert Lucy Steele, from , has shared her top seven tips on how to give your furniture a fresh look while keeping costs low.
- Clean it first - "Mix lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and use a sponge to gently remove mould and stains."
- Fresh coat of paint - "A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, transforming tired and weathered furniture into vibrant focal points"
- Fabric Facelift - "Give any outdoor cushions a makeover by reupholstering them with old curtains, tablecloths, or even shower curtains".
- A touch of greenery - "Convert an old ladder into a vertical garden by attaching planter boxes to each rung or simply placing potted plants on each step."
- DIY Coffee Table - "If you're on a budget, buying new garden furniture can sometimes feel so far out of reach. All you need is two wood pallets, wood glue, caster wheels, and a few coats of paint.
- Dress up old furniture - "There is something quirky and magical-looking about seeing ornate interior furniture out of context in an outdoor environment."
- Magic Mirrors - "Using mirrors strategically in your garden can add visual interest, create the illusion of more space, and enhance the overall ambiance."
"To avoid this, use caution around any garden glass, and introduce a parasol to create shade."
You might think that wooden furniture would be the safest to have when it starts to get hot, but even that can be damaged.
This is because it can be worn down over time and the heat can exacerbate problems like cracks and it's colour.
“Over time, wooden garden furniture may naturally fade, and develop small cracks and fissures due to changes in humidity and temperature.
Read More on The Sun
"These features are inherent in solid wood furniture and add to the aesthetic of the wood as it ages.
"To keep the fading to a minimum, before sunny weather is due, use a protective, colour-maintaining formula on the wood”.
3
Topics