Spring Into A Smart Garden

The clocks have sprung forward giving us an extra hour of afternoon light and the first waves of spring bulbs are starting to bloom, it’s no wonder April has us turning to thoughts of our gardens and the summer to come.

One of the delights of gardening is getting to grips with nature, getting stuck in, and losing track of time in the fresh air before submitting to the rewarding tiredness of an afternoon well spent.

But some garden jobs are just a chore.

Thankfully there are all sorts of tech solutions to help you work smarter, not harder in the garden:

A lack of rain is not something we need to worry about for most of the year in the UK, but automated sprinklers come into their own in summer when you can choose to laze around with a book, instead of standing around with a hose. No more forgetting to water your garden when you’re out enjoying the sunshine, and no more having to rely on neighbours to water your prized plants when you’re on holiday.

You’ve got better ways to spend your valuable time than moving the lawn.

Choose a well-designed robotic mower and it’ll work through the night and in the rain if needs be, automatically keeping your lawn looking neat, healthy, and ready for any impromptu garden party.

Taking the guesswork out of gardening, sensors are available to measure the PH and moisture levels of your soil. They can also assess the amount of light received, to better inform your plant care and positioning decisions. Feeling the soil with your fingers doesn’t necessarily tell you what’s happening further down at the roots. Plus, using a sensor means you don’t even need to get soil behind your nails.

When it comes to architecture and garden design, the line between indoors and outdoors is becoming ever more blurred thanks to sweeping bi-fold doors, awnings, outdoor kitchens, garden rooms and more. It’s possible to take this a step further and ready your garden for entertaining with technology like outdoor movie projectors and weatherproof bluetooth speakers. Choose carefully and read reviews though; longevity and durability are key.

Forget the old comedies of wrestling with parasols and getting tangled in deck chairs. Electric awnings smoothly provide shade and comfort at the touch of a button.

From simple control to advanced operation, these made-to-measure electric systems are designed to meet your needs for convenience, practicality, and comfort. Adding sun and wind sensors to your motorised awning means it can activate when it registers the sun’s rays, and retract when the winds seem too high.

Luxaflex® Awning fabrics are treated to withstand variable UK weather conditions and are built to last with premium materials. From glorious colours to modern stripes and jacquards, these unique fabrics have a water-resistant coating to prevent water and dirt penetration.

Carefully chosen awnings can even include built-in lighting and heating options for extra comfort.
Not only do they provide perfect patio shade; they can also protect your interior décor and flooring from fading.

Exterior lighting can transform the way you use your outdoor space.

This might be within an awning, or it might be above your patio or garden kitchen. Consider creating different lighting zones across your garden so it’s not ‘all or nothing’ when you flick the switch. The gentle glow of outdoor wall lights, especially by the door and path, is both practical and welcoming. Why not look into motion sensors so potential trip hazards like steps can be lit as you approach?