Our Month-by-Month Guide to Creating the Perfect Outdoor Setting
Are you hosting a Confirmation, Communion, summer party, special birthday party or BBQ this year? Or perhaps you have a family wedding on the horizon. Whatever your occasion, a beautiful garden will be the ideal backdrop for making unforgettable memories this summer. Transforming your garden into the perfect setting for family occasions, events, and celebrations may seem a little daunting, but with some forward planning and our expert tips and suggestions, you can make your dream garden a reality.
Follow our month-by-month guide to refresh and revitalise your outdoor space in time for summer 2025.
March: Prepare and Plan for Success
As the first signs of spring appear, it’s time to lay the groundwork for your garden transformation.
Tidy Up
Start by clearing away debris, pruning trees and shrubs, and preparing flower beds. You’ll need garden tools like secateurs for pruning, hedge trimmers, hoes and rakes – all of which you can find online here at Co-op Superstores. Invest in good quality garden tools to make these tasks easier and, with proper care, you’re likely to have them a lifetime.
Weed Control
Pick a dry, calm day to apply an effective weed killer to paths and patios, preventing unwanted growth before it takes over.
Lawn Care
As the first signs of growth appear, wait until grass reaches about 4 inches before the first mow (normally mid-March). Apply an early dose of lawn feed to encourage healthy growth. Our Greenforce 4in1 combines Lawn Feed, Weed & Moss Killer to tackle a few jobs in one.
Need a new lawnmower?
Key things to keep in mind when choosing a lawnmower are your garden size, budget, and how much effort you want to put into mowing.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best option for you;
- Manual lawnmowers: Normally the most affordable and eco-friendly option, these are best for small gardens and those who like a workout!
- Electric lawnmowers: Lightweight and easy to use, electric lawnmowers are ideal for small to medium-sized gardens with access to power. Cordless battery options are also available.
- Petrol lawnmowers: More powerful and ideal for larger lawns, giving more freedom without cables. There are push or self-propelled options available, the latter requires a lot less effort, so worth paying a little extra. They come in a range of sizes so opt for one that matches your lawn space.
- Ride-on lawnmowers: Best for expansive lawns and if you enjoy spending time outdoors, greatly reducing effort and saving time.
- Robot lawnmowers: Ideal for busy homeowners, providing an effortless, automated solution for lawn maintenance. Robot lawnmowers come in a range of sizes to suit every garden size and type. You may be surprised at just how affordable they are! The beauty of these is your lawn is perfectly manicured, always. The only work you’ll do is initial set up - then sit back, soak up the sun and watch!
Plan Your Layout
Think about seating, dining areas, and decorative features. When choosing locations, consider where in your garden gets the sun, shade, and wind exposure at different times of the day.
Place seating areas where they’ll receive afternoon or evening sun and consider adding pergolas, gazebos or parasols for shade where needed.
Position BBQs and fire pits in sheltered areas to protect from wind. If needed, invest in hard landscaping products like paving, fencing, edging or decking to create structured zones and improve wind protection.
April: Enhance with Planting & Structure
With the prep work done, it’s time to add greenery and structure.
Planting
Introduce vibrant spring plants, shrubs, and hedges to define garden areas.
Lawn Improvement
Overseed patchy areas with quality grass seed and apply lawn feed.
Outdoor Structures
If you’re adding a pergola, gazebo, or raised flower beds, now’s the ideal time – you’ll find a range of affordable materials in our hard landscaping collection.
Garden Furniture & Outdoor Lighting
Consider investing in comfortable garden furniture and solar-powered garden lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
Measure your available space and choose furniture that both fits the space and provides the functionality you need. Does it need to be near the house? Do you want to be in full sun or shade? Leave room for heaters, fire pits or planters – and for people to move around with ease.
Consider also where and how you’ll store your furniture, cushions and throws.
Outdoor lighting not only sets the scene, it’ll also extend use of your garden well into the late evening. Choose from decorative fairy lights, white or multi coloured bulb string lighting, path and flower bed lighting – check out the many options available.
May – Get Celebration Ready
With Communions and Confirmations approaching, your garden should now be guest-ready.
BBQ Benefits
Apart from being lots of fun, cooking outdoors can reduce stress and boost well-being. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends in a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy some healthy home cooked food together. (Get everyone to bring a side, salad or dessert to cut down the workload).
When choosing a BBQ, there are a few things worth thinking through. The first of these is the type of grill:
- Gas BBQs: Super easy to use, quick to heat, and offer precise temperature control—ideal for frequent grilling.
- Charcoal BBQs: While providing that classic smoky BBQ flavour, these demand a lot more commitment, requiring more preparation, time to heat up… and to clean. Well worth the effort for some.
Consider the size, cooking capacity, and additional features such as side burners or warming racks when making your purchase. And don’t forget to stock on up BBQ accessories and tools to make sure your grilling’s a breeze!
Outdoor Heating
Irish evenings (and let’s face it – mornings and afternoons too) can be chilly, so it’s well worthwhile adding patio heaters, chimineas or fire pits to your plans. Many double up as garden art, providing both style and functionality.
Flower Beds & Borders
Add finishing touches with seasonal bedding plants to bring some instant colour and scents into your outdoor space. Use bark and mulch to retain moisture and inhibit weeds.
General Maintenance
Keep on top of lawn mowing, feeding, and weeding.
June – Host the Perfect Summer Party
With warmer weather here, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour and show off your beautiful outdoor space.
Deck & Patio Touch-Ups
It’s a good time to power wash paving and apply a protective sealant to decking.
Outdoor Dining
Style up your outdoor dining with decorative cushions, parasols and dining sets.
Water Features
Add the relaxing sound of gently running water to your garden or patio. We’ve a variety of elegant decorative water features, both affordable and simple to install.
Pest Control
Keep bugs at bay with citronella candles and sprays.
Host the First BBQ of the Season
Fire up your new BBQ and invite family and friends over for an evening in your beautiful garden.
July – Wedding & Special Event Ready
It’s now peak wedding and garden party season, so ensure your garden is picture-perfect.
Garden Lighting
Install fairy lights, lanterns, and pathway lighting for magical evening events.
Seating & Shade
Create seating areas in nooks around the garden with garden benches, hanging chairs, hammocks and sun loungers. Provide shaded areas with gazebos or parasols.
Flowering Plants & Hanging Baskets
Fill your space with summer blooms for a romantic and colourful atmosphere.
Lawn Perfection
Keep grass neatly trimmed and apply a light feed to maintain vibrancy.
August – Relax & Enjoy
After months of effort, it’s time to enjoy your transformed space with late-summer celebrations.
End-of-Season Care
Trim back overgrown areas and collect seeds from favourite plants.
Final Lawn Feed
Apply an autumn feed to keep your grass healthy going into the colder months.
Family Gatherings
Host an end-of-summer BBQ or garden party to make the most of your stunning new space.
Simply Enjoy
Relax with a cool drink late into those balmy summer evenings, with mood lighting, and the beautiful scents and sounds of nature.
Create Your Ultimate Dream Garden
With the right tools, supplies, a bit of planning and lots of imagination, you can create the ultimate garden setting for every special occasion in 2025. Shop everything you need online or in store at Co-op Superstores – your one-stop destination for high-quality, affordable gardening essentials.
