Get ready for a weekend get-together with a speedy patio spruce-up
The British weather is a changeable beast – when we’ve got sunshine, we’ve got to make the most of it. There’s no time to deep-clean the outdoor cushions or re-oil the garden furniture!
If you're gearing up for the first BBQ party of the season, or are keen to put together an outdoor grazing table, then skip the patio makeover. Opt instead for quick wins that transform an outdoor space without the hours of graft.
You don't need a complete garden overhaul to throw a great outdoor get-together. With a few smart tricks and a little creativity, your outdoor space can be transformed in an afternoon. Dust off the BBQ, pop open something chilled, and enjoy an impromptu garden party!
Three savvy shortcuts to a party-ready patio
1. Speed clean and declutter
After months of winter wear, patio slabs and decking will look a little rough around the edges with a build-up of muck, moss, and algae. Some things are best done by hand (like the production of Armadillo Sun garden furniture – it's all handmade by us in Kent so we know that there's no frayed edges or loose stitching). But when it comes to spring cleaning the patio, don't scrub by hand – grab a leaf blower and pressure washer instead.
Blast away dirt from visible paving and the outsides of larger pots. Put all your garden furniture cushions together and jet wash them too. If you've got gravel paths, then a quick blow-through with the leaf blower cleans them up brilliantly.
In the video below, we're jet-washing clean the Armadillo Sun outdoor cushions I custom-made for our garden sofa. They had been left outside, uncovered, all winter and, after a quick blast with the pressure washer, were as good as new!
Cautionary Note: Delicate materials like sandstone tiles or old terracotta pots can be damaged by high pressure sprays. (Personally, I loved the aged patina on terracotta so don't bother cleaning those pots.)
If you plan on using a cleaning product, water nearby plants thoroughly. Wet soil helps dilute any runoff and reduces absorption by plant roots.
Finish with a ruthless declutter. Hide, compost, or dig up and bin, anything that looks half-dead or unloved – especially those "maybe I can save it" plants that are nothing but sticks! (Just make sure you're not turfing out dormant herbaceous perennials.) A tidy patio instantly looks more polished.
2. Fake a full flower bed
If your flower beds are in recovery mode, or are yet to wake up after winter, cheat your way to full, blooming borders with strategically placed pots. Head to the garden centre and grab flowering plants to temporarily slot into bare patches. Just use basic pots, not your nice-looking expensive ones, as the foliage of neighbouring plants will camouflage them. This is an effective and efficient way to quickly add colour and greenery to your garden to prepare for an event.
Pro-Tip: Place an upturned plastic pot inside large containers before adding compost. It improves drainage, saves on soil, and makes the whole thing lighter to move.
To pretty-up the pots on your patio, top-dress for a fresh, finished look. Scrape away a little of the surface soil to remove weeds and moss; add a layer of fresh compost for a nutrient boost; then cover with a decorative mulch. I'm currently obsessed with whelk shells from British brand Shell on Earth - this white topdressing brightens up containers and adds a breezy coastal vibe to my outdoor entertaining space.
A quick note on your lawn – when you want a quick, easy turnaround for a garden get-together, put the lawn care on hold! Removing weeds from the grass, scarifying, and reseeding is worth the effort in the long-term, but it looks worse before it gets better. Heed the advice of garden expert Lizzie at The Rosepress Garden and leave the moss and clover in the lawn – it looks green and lush and, from a distance, that's exactly what you want!
3. Distract with colour and comfort
Bright garden cushions, a statement parasol, and colourful bean bags will draw the eye and create a relaxed, lounge-style vibe. (With the added bonus of distracting from any lingering unkemptness!)
I love to add pops of vibrant orange for warmth and layer on patterned cushions for texture and fun. Remember that you can go brighter with your colour palette outdoors.
A bright patterned garden bean bag, against a contrasting dark fence panel, quickly transforms a corner of your patio.
Plant bedding plants like violas or trailing petunias around the base of a potted tree for an instant colour boost. Make this space into an appealing, cosy corner with bright, comfy bean bags and a low table.
If you have a little more time, consider painting a tired fence or wall in an eye-catching shade. A coloured backdrop adds interest to your entertaining space without the need to plant it up with climbers.
Add decorative accents into your garden entertaining space – a centrepiece of flowers and a well-laid outdoor table are simple to achieve but make an outdoor space feel put together for a party.
Top Tip: Choose patio furniture that is rain-proof, easy-to-clean, and quick drying for a guest-ready garden in no time. It means less prep and more time for socialising.
Once you've quickly transformed your garden for a weekend party or get-together, you might like to plan a more significant garden makeover. Design a sociable garden from the get-go with our expert tips for a garden perfect for entertaining.
Would you like garden furniture that's always guest-ready? Discover Armadillo Sun's weatherproof, easy clean, outdoor collection.