Summer is a season we long for, the late warm evenings, delicious BBQ food, and finally being able to enjoy your outdoor space. But when those heatwaves hit and it becomes British-ly 'too-warm', how can you stay sweat-free in your garden?
Once the weather improves, it's easy to get lost in the new garden trends and start your essential summer gardening jobs. What we tend to forget is how humid our gardens can get when the weather gets hot.
How to keep cool in the garden in summer: 7 expert tips
Keeping yourself cool in the summer applies to both indoor and outdoor activities. While it is important to know how to cool down a room inside, when you're out in the garden, you'll also want to make sure you're keeping the heat at bay.
There are several ways you can do this, from 'shadescaping' and planting ground cover plants to using key outdoor accessories.
1. Create a shaded area
Perhaps one of the best, and most obvious, ways to keep your garden cool is to try out some garden shade ideas. There's something for every budget and style, and even a basic parasol can make a huge difference when you're out enjoying the weather.
John Foster, exterior installation and service manager at Hillarys, says, "One of the best ways to cool outside air is by creating shaded zones. Installing a freestanding pergola is a fantastic solution – it instantly provides a cool retreat in your garden."
"Pergolas with adjustable louvres and side screens are fantastic as you can control the amount of sunlight and ventilation throughout the day," he adds.
You can even add some plants that love shade in your designated spot, that way it still feels summery but just without the sun beating down.
Shop parasol options
RRP: £75 | This parasol will not only give you the shade you're looking for, but it will become your favourite statement piece in the garden. It has a chic square shape and beachy colour that will fit in all gardens.
RRP: £169.99 | This parasol is perfect for keeping you out of the sun this summer, and its cantilever arm makes it ideal for dining table shade. It's made with a 3M waterproof material that will even cover you for those random summer showers.
RRP: £25.49 | A parasol doesn't have to be a super complex permanent piece of furniture in your garden. This one from Amazon is a bargain for under £30 and can be easily stored away in a protective bag.
2. Invest in an outdoor fan
It turns out that your expert fan hacks can also come in handy outside, too. There's only so much you can do to cool down the outdoor air, but a simple breeze from a fan can reduce the temperature and make you feel cooler.
An outdoor fan can be a lifesaver on sweltering hot days, creating a gentle breeze while you kick back and relax. "More often than not, fans which are safe to use outside fall into the category of portable fans, especially ones with mist settings," says Laura Honey, w&h's homes ecommerce editor.
"They have all their wiring and sockets protected inside the mechanisms of the fan itself. A really good example – and my favourite – is the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, which also has a mist function. It's approved for outdoor use and does a wonderful job of cooling with a breeze and a light layer of water."
3. Sow and maintain your lawn
Although the first grass cut after winter might be over and done with, maintaining your life is still a top priority.
"Even a small lawn can add water into the atmosphere and bring the temperature down by a few degrees," says Richard Barker, Commercial Director and horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture.
In fact, why not try out essential summer lawn care tips to keep your grass green, no matter the weather?
4. Add cooling plants and trees
In the same way, you can use houseplants to keep a room cool; the type of plants you have in your garden can affect the overall temperature. Choosing some of the best plants for shade will also make a huge difference.
"Trees can provide dappled shade in your garden, and they will release water vapour through their leaves that can cool the surrounding area. It is best to plant trees that have lighter coloured leaves and dense canopies, such as Hornbeam or Field Maple," explains Richard.
5. Change hard surfaces
"Built-up, urban areas are often hotter due to the prevalence of flat, impermeable surfaces like concrete. Change patios or decking for lawns or garden beds, as these can absorb heat and water more efficiently," starts Richard.
"Alternatively, you can use a growing grid to allow plants to grow between paving stones instead of having a solid, impermeable surface," he continues.
Adding the best rockery plants or even plants that flower nonstop will help you cover more ground for longer and keep temperatures down.
6. Create a vertical garden
You might have never heard of a vertical garden, but they're not only a great way to cool your garden down, but also a creative small garden tip.
"Climbing plants that cover fences and walls can help to cool down a garden as the plants transpire. Ivy is a good plant for reducing humidity and lowering surface temperatures, and has the added bonus of being attractive to wildlife," says Richard.
7. Place outdoor rugs
What better time to pick up one of the best outdoor rugs on the market than the summertime? They're not extremely chic, but they can have a surprising difference in how warm you feel in your garden, even helping transform your garden on a budget.
Just make sure you know how to clean your outdoor rug before your next garden party, to keep it looking pristine.
Shop outdoor rugs
RRP: £25 | A simple monochromatic stripe can be all that's needed to add a stylish touch to a minimalist outdoor space.
RRP: £15 | If you're looking for an affordable rug to dress the patio for a summer garden party, this practical, plastic, tropical leaf print design by Talking Tables could be perfect.
RRP: £399 | Get the designer look outdoors with the help of this striking Ruggable indoor-outdoor rug. It's entirely light colours, so it'll keep your feet extra cool.
FAQs
Can plants help keep your garden cool?
It's not just aloe vera that can help reduce the temperature in your garden; ground cover plants and trees for pots can make a huge difference too.
"Plants can naturally cool your garden by providing shade, releasing moisture through transpiration, and covering the ground to reduce heat absorption. Trees can provide shade and offer broad canopies that block direct sunlight," explains Luke Dejahang, gardening expert and Director at Crown Pavillions.
"Ground covers such as creeping thyme or ajuga help keep the soil cool, while climbing plants like grapevines or wisteria can shade walls and pergolas," he adds.
How do you cool outside air?
As mentioned previously, it's pretty difficult to cool down outdoor air, but you can still make some changes to your garden to make it feel less hot.
"Whilst you technically can't cool the air with your own hands, you can create cool spaces to make the air appear cooler. Adding water features like fountains or ponds can make the air appear cooler through evaporation. If you want to use a mechanical method, bring a fan outside and plug it into an external outdoor plug to improve air circulation," recommends Luke.
This could be a great opportunity to try out some small pond ideas, that way you're also introducing some new wildlife to your garden and keeping yourself cool.
If you're struggling with the heat in your home, you might be making some common cooling mistakes. Knowing what hacks to try and which ones don't work can help regulate your temperature, but also save you money in electricity costs.
