We all know that the weather can be unpredictable. Even in the height of summer, you can never guarantee uninterrupted sunshine for garden gatherings or long-awaited lazy afternoons of sunbathing or curling up with a good book. If you’re keen to spend as much time outdoors as possible, but the elements put pay to your plans, here are some tips to make your garden usable all year round.

Shelter

Nothing ruins a garden party or an al fresco brunch like rain. From passing showers and heavy downpours to fine rain that is set in and refuses to budge, wet weather can scupper plans to spend time in the garden. While it’s not possible to wave a magic wand and change the forecast, there are ways to dodge showers and make your garden a pleasant place to be even when it’s a bit soggy or damp. Adding shelter is an excellent idea. There are several ways to do this and you can choose from a range of styles and options to suit your budget, the vibe and aesthetic of your garden and the size of your outdoor space. Popular options include gazebos and awnings. You could also explore ideas like summer houses, log cabins and garden rooms. These structures have become increasingly common in the last year and they can provide a place to shelter and stay dry, as well as enhancing the value of your home and offering additional living space. From offices, bars and gyms to dens and studios for hobbies and interests, there are endless uses for smart sheds and garden rooms.

It’s also a great idea to think about a covered patio if you like to entertain or you love the idea of creating an indoor/outdoor space. With a retractable roof or a glass roof, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. You’ll be dry if there are showers in the forecast but you’ll also be able to make the most of outdoor living and have friends round for drinks or a barbeque.

Shade

Many of us are guilty of moaning that we’re too hot one day and too cold the next. If you find yourself heading inside to stay cool in the blazing sunshine, creating shady spots will allow you to spend more time in your garden. From outdoor umbrellas and parasols for patios and terraces to awnings and covered seating areas, you can make a feature of your new, versatile, functional shaded zones. Think about colours and styles before you decide what kind of investments to make for your garden and set a budget. You can make your garden more usable without spending a fortune with beautiful touches like decorative parasols or you can spend more to create a covered area you’ll use for years to come. It’s worth looking in magazines and scrolling through social media feeds and blogs to get ideas. You can also take inspiration from places you’ve visited, for example, stately homes, hotels, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating areas.

Lighting

In the summer, it’s light until late but as soon as the nights start to draw in, languid, balmy evenings in the garden become a thing of the past. Lighting plays an integral role in enhancing the aesthetic of outdoor spaces and creating atmosphere and ambience, but it can also help you to make the most of your garden during every season. With outdoor lights, you can stay out for longer, even when the sun sets at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and it’s grey and miserable. There is a huge range of lighting options to choose from, including lanterns, spotlights and uplighters, string lights and water features and decorative accessories that are adorned with LED lights for effect.

Heat

Staying warm is one of the main obstacles standing in the way of spending evenings and weekends in the garden during the cooler months. In the autumn and winter, it may not be warm enough to sit out without wearing a coat and adding a hat, scarf and gloves. The good news is that there is a solution. Even on the chilliest days, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the great outdoors or get some fresh air after a long day at your desk without risking frostbite. Patio heaters and fire pits are excellent options for those keen to enjoy their gardens all year round. You can huddle up around the fire pit, creating a cosy space with blankets, cushions and throws or use wall-mounted or freestanding heaters to enable you to dine al fresco in the winter. Take a look at products online, ask around for recommendations and compare prices. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for offers and deals as the end of the summer approaches, as you may be able to snap up a bargain in the sales.

Soft furnishings

Soft furnishings add visual appeal to gardens and yards but they can also help you to design a more functional space. With outdoor cushions, rugs, blankets and throws, for example, you can create versatile, comfortable, cosy areas that can be used during the summer and winter. Look for light, natural materials for warmer climes, for example, linen, cotton, bamboo and jute, and heavier fabrics for autumn and winter, for example, faux fur and wool. Scatter cushions and throws over sofas, chairs and benches for a laid-back, Scandinavian-style vibe or add blankets and rugs to a covered patio with a rattan sofa set and freestanding lanterns for a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

Do you ever wish you could spend more time in your garden? Many of us are keen to make hay while the sun shines but we run out of options when it’s raining or the temperature dips. If the weather is spoiling your fun, there are solutions. Adding shade and shelter will help you cater to all conditions and enable you to use your outdoor space come rain or shine. You can also use lighting to enjoy evenings in the garden during the cooler months when the sun sets early and invest in a fire pit or patio heaters to stay warm and cosy. It’s also a great idea to add throws, rugs, cushions and blankets to make your garden look inviting and keep the cold at bay during the autumn and winter.