How to transform your outdoors into an entertainment space this summer

We're lucky to live in a country with a climate conducive to outdoor living pretty much year-round, but Australian backyards really come into their own during summer. From lazy Sunday lunches, to pool parties and family games of cricket, our backyards can play host to endless warm weather activities.

But if your outdoor space is looking more ho-hum than hooray, now is the time to transform it into an inviting haven for entertaining. Follow these expert-approved tips to get the most out of your backyard this summer:

Choose the right furniture

When you're entertaining outside, you want your guests to be comfortable. While having enough seating is essential, your outdoor furniture has to suit the space and allow room for guests to mingle, says landscape designer Adam Robinson.

"It's important to get the scale of the space correct so it feels like a spacious area to comfortably fit the furniture," he says. "Big furniture in small areas, or small furniture in a large space is not comfortable to spend time in."

Try creating focal points for guests to gather in around the backyard — whether that's plush outdoor seating arranged by a dining table, or pool-side lounges, ensure the areas suit your existing space.

Add the right plants

Spiky cactii might be all the rage right now, but will they create a welcoming mood for your guests — not to mention a safe environment for kids playing outside? "Plants definitely have an effect on the mood of the space," Adam says. "Rigid and spiky plants can be confronting to sit near or walk past. The aesthetic of these plants can provide a rigid vibe, whereas soft, romantic planting schemes have the opposite approach. Think grasses falling over a pathway, climbing rose creeping up a trellis, dichondra falling out of a pot, or salvia bursting out of a garden bed."

Ensure the lawn is primed for playtime

A lush lawn is the perfect backdrop for summers well spent — whether it's a game of barefoot croquet by the adults (champagne in hand), or backyard cricket with the kids, there's no denying the appeal of springy grass underfoot.

But it's important to choose a turf that can keep up with your outdoor lifestyle — and survive all the elements of the tough Aussie climate. Look to grass types such as Sir Walter, Australia's number one buffalo grass. Bred to be tough, yet soft underfoot, Sir Walter DNA Certified turf is drought-resistant, low maintenance and non-invasive.

To keep your lawn primed for playtime, Adam recommends using a nitrogen-rich organic fertiliser. "I suggest doing this twice a year, in spring and autumn," he says. "Spread it over the lawn just before a heavy rain and the lawn will be a rich healthy green."

Add a festive touch

Outdoor lighting is a great way to dial up the festive mood of any gathering and draw visitors outside. Think string lights hanging overhead — perhaps from tree to tree, or draped across your fence or balcony railing — spike lights pushed into the ground, or lanterns and candles scattered around for a cosier atmosphere. If you have a large garden, consider using lights to create different break-out areas to keep all members of the family happy.

Inject personality

It comes down to what you love most, but there are endless possibilities for adding a personal twist to your outdoor space — and delighting your guests. If you're a beer lover, you could transform part of your backyard into a beer garden — complete with a DIY bar and old wooden cable spools for a rustic spin on drinking tables. If eating is your weakness, you can keep the masses fed and happy with a wood-fire pizza oven.

Adam also suggests adding whimsy with "hidden areas to explore with indirect paths, cloud tree pruning, colourful furniture, outdoor mirrors and oversized pots".

Once the hard work is done, sink your feet into that lush lawn, invite the neighbours over for a drink and enjoy the great outdoors, right in your backyard.

This summer, get a lawn for life from Lawn Solutions Australia — the one-stop solution for all your lawn needs.