Latest NewsWhip the Backyard into ShapeSunday, 30 October 2016

Lavish a little love on your outdoor area now for the perfect relaxation space in summer.

Summer is looming and the outdoors beckons. But before you can laze away the sweltering days in your backyard oasis, a little preparation is in order. We spoke to the experts to find out what you need to be doing now.

• Put on a coat.
  Oiling decks and cleaning paving are important — and if you don't have an outdoor living space or would like a larger one, now is the time to start thinking about it. Jaden Meek of Deck It Out recommends oiling decks every three months or so but adds that it's particularly important before the harsh summer sun arrives. If the deck is really weathered, consider applying a product such as Cabot's deck cleaner first.
• Tend the soil.
  Hendrik Van Leeuwen, of Mount Waverley landscape design and construction business Van Leeuwen Green, says it's important to apply fertiliser and mulch to gardens at this time of year. He recommends conditioning the existing soil with some good compost or organic fertiliser such as manure to create a "sponge" — so that when it does rain, soils have a better water-holding capacity — and then laying a coarse mulch over the top to act as an insulation layer.
• Plant watching.
  It's not really the time to be doing a lot of planting (see next point) given the proximity to summer but is an ideal time to observe your plants, seeing how they fare in the summer heat so you can adjust plantings come autumn. Mr Van Leeuwen suggests hydro-zoning your garden — grouping plants of similar water needs together — which allows you to target areas for more or less watering.
• Grow your own.
  Talei Kenyon of Diggers says there's an adage that advises planting tomatoes on Melbourne Cup Day. "So it's the perfect time to plant all of those gorgeous things — capsicums, tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkin seeds." To get you started, Diggers offers a mini-plot collection that includes a guide and nine packets of seeds for $31. See diggers.com.au 
• Precious drops. Test and service irrigation systems and ensure they comply with water restrictions (there are also anti-siphon systems that ensure dirt isn't sucked back into the line). A water tank is becoming a must-have feature but, with soaring demand at this time of year, you may find it difficult to have one installed before Christmas.
• How illuminating.
  Garden lighting can be the make or break of whether an outdoor living space gets used after dark. The director at Armadale Light on Landscape, Amander Flaherty, says the use of table and floor lanterns is becoming popular, as is illuminated furniture; Corporate Culture (corporateculture.com.au) offers a stool, for example, that doubles as a light.
• Weathering conditions.
  Look for furnishings that suit the harsh Australian climate. Offerings this year include the all-weather Dedon range from Domo Collections (domo.com.au), made from a weatherproof fibre.
• Outdoor kitchens.
  The barbecue these days is so much more than a simple iron plate upon which to throw a few snags. Peter Anderson of Barbeques Galore says there is a growing trend for stainless steel barbecues offering a variety of cooking methods — everything from the usual hotplate to infrared back burners — as well as customised units. Modular systems — whereby you can add a sink or a storage unit to the barbecue — are a cheaper option than a tailor-made item.
• Shady days.
  Consider outdoor blinds or shade sails. Positioning these on the north or west side of the house may minimise energy costs as well as provide an outdoor space. For something retractable without poles, SeaShell radial awnings start at $4850 (see seashellawnings.com.au).
• Going for a dip?
  It's a good time to give the pool and spa a clean, to check for leaks and ensure fences are working properly but, according to the chief executive of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria, Brendan Watkins, it's also time to audit your water-conservation measures. This should include a pool cover, rainwater tank for top-ups and a backwash minimisation system.