Summer Garden Projects You Can Complete in a Weekend

Summer's here and you want to enjoy your garden - not spend every weekend working on it. Here are projects that actually get done in a weekend.

Project 1: Refresh Your Deck

Time: Half day to full day Cost: £30-£80

A tired deck brings down the whole garden. Here's how to revive it.

Saturday:

1. Clear everything off
2. Sweep thoroughly
3. Pressure wash (or scrub with deck cleaner)
4. Let dry overnight

Sunday:

1. Apply deck oil or stain (if dry enough)
2. One coat usually enough
3. Let dry before using

Top tip: Check the weather forecast. You need a dry weekend, especially for the oil/stain to cure.

Products: Ronseal or Cuprinol decking oil both work well. Anti-slip versions are worth the extra for north-facing decks.

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Project 2: Fix That Fence Panel

Time: 1-3 hours Cost: £20-£60

Winter storms leave damaged fences. Now's the time to fix them.

For a broken panel:

1. Remove damaged panel (usually slotted between posts)
2. Buy replacement panel (standard sizes at B&Q, etc.)
3. Slide in new panel
4. Add screws or brackets for security
5. Treat with fence paint/stain

For damaged posts:

1. If post is rotten at ground level, use concrete post repair spur
2. Bolt metal spur to good section of post
3. Much easier than replacing whole post

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Project 3: Create a Gravel Seating Area

Time: Full day Cost: £50-£150 depending on size

A simple gravel pad gives you somewhere to sit.

Steps:

1. Mark out area (square or circle - circles easier)
2. Remove turf/vegetation
3. Dig down 5-7cm
4. Lay landscape fabric (stops weeds)
5. Add edging (metal, plastic, or timber)
6. Pour and spread gravel (decorative pebbles look better than sharp gravel)

How much gravel? Roughly 1 bulk bag per 8-10 square metres at 5cm depth.

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Project 4: Install Outdoor Lighting

Time: 2-4 hours Cost: £50-£150

Solar lights have improved massively. Transform your garden for evening use.

Easy options:

• Solar stake lights along paths
• Solar spotlights for features
• Solar string lights for entertaining areas
• Solar post cap lights

No wiring needed. Just position where they'll get sun during the day.

For mains lighting: Outdoor-rated, consider getting an electrician for the supply. Worth doing properly.

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Project 5: Build a Simple Raised Bed

Time: Half day Cost: £40-£80

For vegetables or flowers, raised beds make gardening easier.

Materials:

• Sleepers or thick timber boards
• Corner posts (or stack corners log-cabin style)
• Screws
• Landscape fabric (optional lining)

Basic construction:

1. Mark out position
2. Screw corners together
3. Level the bed
4. Line with fabric if using treated timber for veg
5. Fill with compost

Size tip: Keep width under 1.2m so you can reach the middle from either side.

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Project 6: Pressure Wash the Patio

Time: Half day Cost: £30-£50 (hire) or £100+ (buy)

Nothing transforms a garden like clean paving.

The method:

1. Clear furniture and pots
2. Sweep thoroughly
3. Work systematically in strips
4. Keep nozzle moving (don't dwell on one spot)
5. Clean mortar joints carefully (don't blast out pointing)

Caution: Pressure washing can damage pointing. Old paving with lime mortar needs extra care. Indian sandstone can damage easily - use wider fan and keep distance.

After: Apply patio sealer for longer-lasting clean.

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Project 7: Plant a Container Display

Time: 2-3 hours Cost: £30-£100

Big impact with no permanent commitment.

What you need:

• Collection of containers (odd numbers work best visually)
• Compost
• Plants (mix heights and colours)
• Gravel/crocks for drainage

Summer planting ideas:

• Grasses for movement
• Lavender for scent
• Geraniums for colour
• Herbs for function and scent

Position: Group near seating area for maximum enjoyment.

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Project 8: Fix the Shed

Time: Half day to full day Cost: £20-£50

Sheds deteriorate. A bit of maintenance extends their life.

Checklist:

• Replace damaged felt (or add felt adhesive to tears)
• Treat bare wood with preservative
• Fix loose boards
• Oil hinges
• Replace broken windows or add perspex
• Clear and organise inside

When to give up: If the frame is rotting, treating won't save it. Better to plan replacement.

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Project 9: Create a Path

Time: Full day Cost: £50-£200

A proper path saves your lawn and looks intentional.

Simple options:

• Stepping stones through lawn (just cut out turf, lay on sand)
• Gravel path with edging
• Bark chip path (cheapest, least durable)

For stepping stones:

1. Lay out spacing (natural stride length)
2. Cut around each stone with spade
3. Remove turf to stone depth plus 2cm sand
4. Lay sand, compact, place stone
5. Check level

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Project 10: Outdoor Pizza Oven/Fire Pit Area

Time: Full day Cost: £100-£300

Create a focal point for summer evenings.

Fire pit options:

• Ready-made steel bowl (easiest)
• Stack of fire bricks (budget DIY)
• Proper built pit (more work)

Considerations:

• Position away from fences and overhanging trees
• Level base (paving, gravel, or bricks)
• Check with landlord if renting
• Smoke direction (think about neighbours)

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Devon-Specific Tips

Dealing with clay soil: Devon clay is heavy. Add grit and organic matter for any planting.

The damp: Wood treatments are essential. Somerset/Devon weather rots untreated timber quickly.

Local materials: Local stone looks best. Check builders' merchants for Somerset/Devon stone off-cuts.

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When to Get Help

These projects can be DIY, but call someone if:

• Heights involved (tall fence posts, tree branches)
• Concrete or significant ground works
• You want it done in hours not days
• Specialist skills needed (electrics, water features)

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Want a project done properly? I help with garden projects across Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.