Spruce up your pub garden with these summer horticultural trends

Finding a glorious pub garden to soak up the rays and enjoy the beverage of your choice is a top priority as soon as the sun makes an appearance – especially in the UK when it’s less expected! With the first glint of spring surprising us last month, excitement is now bubbling for the warmer weather. Some might say t the perfect time to prepare your pub garden for an influx of visitors.

By creating a bright and welcoming garden for your patrons, your premises will be a big hit this summer and be the top place to dine and drink in the sunshine.

Take a look a look at the top garden trends for 2019 to help you refresh or design your space so that it’s perfect for the busy summer season.

Incorporating colour

Colour plays a significant role in garden design for all types of businesses and organisations, from hospitals and educational facilities, to pubs, restaurants and hotels. Certain shades are shown to affect mood and experiences, having the potentially to make us happier. Matching colours in hospitality environments has also been reported to potentially double food sales and boost profits¹.

Adding colour to exterior spaces is simple enough and there are some basic planting options available to ensure you don’t overwhelm the senses. Hanging baskets are ideal for pubs that want to create interest around facades and entrances. There are also smaller tubs and pots that are suited for pathways and patios.

Opting for phs Greenleaf’s professional planting service, you can choose from a wide range of summer shades to complement your exterior décor. You could also incorporate Pantone’s colour of the year – Living Coral² to set the perfect transitional spring to summer tone.

Create an outdoor snug

Outdoor hideaways are a popular feature for pub gardens in 2019. Much like the concept of a summerhouse or snug for a residential space, this small yet practical area can help create privacy and charm for occasions and special events. For larger pub gardens, you could consider a semi-permanent gazebo during the summer; allowing your customers enjoy the space well into the evening.

Practicle planting

Gardens often require significant maintenance to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant. For those that want an appealing exterior space without the regular upkeep, clever planting techniques could be the answer.

Last year, we experienced the joint hottest summer on record in the UK, and the warmest ever for England³, and you may have noticed plant life looking a little parched. To overcome this heat – opt for plants and shrubs that can withstand hotter temperatures. Greenery that requires less watering and pruning is preferable for those wanting a low maintenance solution.

Bring the outside-in

To complement your exterior spaces, indoor plants are a great way to bring greenery into the building by transitioning your summer themes in the bar and restaurant area. Plants also go way beyond aesthetics in your design and have lots of other benefits, including:

• Improving air quality
• Providing natural screens and noise reduction
• Enhancing the environment to improve wellbeing
• Reduces dust levels
• Improving the atmosphere of your interiors and customer perception of your business

Don't have floorspace for potted indoor plants

If your building is low on floorspace, another option is installing a living wall. This concept is ideal for transforming your wall space into a colourful and interesting feature that’s sure to be a conversation starter. It also offers all the same benefits to well-being and air quality as traditional plants.

Get your pub garden summer ready...

For a wide range of ideas and expert advice, get in touch with phs Greenleaf to transform your pub garden in time for summer.

Sources:

¹ https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2016/06/21/How-to-use-colour-in-pubs

² https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/dec/20/living-coral-pantone-colour-of-the-year-for-2019

³ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45399134