Four cheap ways to spruce up your outside space in time for summer
IF you are lucky enough to have outside space, now is the time to spruce it up for summer.
But you don’t have to splash much cash to create a haven on your doorstep.
Here are easy ways to bring your garden or balcony to life.
PATIO CLEAN: Giving your patio a good clean and removing algae and weeds makes your outdoor area look much more presentable.
A pressure washer is one way to do the job quickly — ask on neighbourhood groups if there is one you can borrow.
Or a solution of plain washing-up liquid in warm water will do the job too — and there’s no harsh chemicals.
Just pour it over the grimy area and use a hard-bristle brush to scrub the slabs.
FURNITURE: Wooden or metal furniture can take a bit of a battering over winter.
Scrub off flaking paint or rust and let it dry. Then give items a new lease of life with a lick of mineral paint.
Big bold colours such as orange, yellows and pinks can look great outdoors.
FENCES: Drier weather is the perfect time for boundary maintenance.
Treat your fence with woodstain or protective treatment to protect it from rot and mould.
Make sure the fence is completely dry before painting and do it on a day where no rain is forecast.
A 1L tin of Rustis fence clear protector is £8.75 from toolstation.com — far cheaper than replacing one panel.
CLEAN UP: Clear away old leaves and other plant debris.
Weeds or grass in gravel areas make outdoor space look untidy but there’s no need to splash out on weed killer with harsh chemicals.
Instead, store cupboard staple bicarbonate of soda can help.
Sprinkle a little over unwanted greenery, particularly targeting the roots to help banish the plants. But avoid using it in borders, flowerbeds or on lawns.
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