HOLIDAY HOSTING GUIDE: PREPARING YOUR GARDEN FOR CHRISTMAS

There’s something so special about December time! Maybe it’s the sunshine, maybe it’s the smell of braai smoke drifting through the neighbourhood… or maybe it’s the simple joy of having everyone together again. Whatever it is, we think that the festive season feels a little brighter when it’s spent outdoors.

So this year, take the celebrations outside and turn your garden into the ultimate festive hangout! Here are a few easy ways to get it looking Christmas-ready.

Give your lawn a little love
Your lawn is the stage for everything – the Christmas lunch, the gift unwrapping, the backyard cricket and the afternoon nap that follows! If you want it looking fresh on the big day, it’s best to start with a few small jobs each weekend.

Get busy pulling out weeds, fill divots with compost and level out any bumps, water deeply once or twice and week, and mow regularly – but not too short – to help keep your lawn lush and green despite the heat.

Tidy up the garden beds
Once the grass is sorted, we can move on to the plants. Snip off dead leaves, remove spent blooms and trim back branches that are getting a little wild. A quick tidy makes the whole space feel well-kept and welcoming.

While you’re at it, pack away anything that doesn’t belong. That includes tools, toys, bags of compost, wood piles and even that sun-bleached garden gnome you’ve been ignoring! A clean, uncluttered garden always looks more festive.

Keep the bugs at bay
Mosquitos and flies adore a summer gathering – but of course, nobody invited them! Instead of using harsh sprays to get rid of these creepy crawlies, try something gentler like setting up a lantern with lemongrass oil, a pot of lavender or a few citronella candles around the table. They smell great, look great and help keep the pests where they belong – far away from your gammon!

Make it magical
Now comes the fun part – decorating! A string of lights wrapped around a tree or along the veranda instantly gives the garden a warm, Christmassy feel. Add pops of red and gold to the table with cloths, napkins or candles, and use potted Poinsettias or any bright summer bloom as a centrepiece. It doesn’t take much – just a few touches can make it feel special.

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