Fun, Sun, And Doing Away With Unwanted Distractions

Picture the scene – it’s summer (at last); you’ve got a cold cocktail in hand (we all need one right now), and you’ve finally managed to slip into your bikini (even though no one’s worrying about their beach body this year). But you aren’t on holiday, oh no. You’re just heading out for a sunning sesh in the garden.

There are few better ways to enjoy the decent weather than to finally make the most of your outside space. You know, pretty much the only reason we are able to leave our house right now – and within safe distance of other people, of course! Despite the difficult situation we are in right now, it’s finally coming up to that time when you can get out there and love your garden as much as you do the rest of your home. Even better, you can enjoy a tan without having to pay for flights, hotel rooms, and all the rest of those excessive holiday expenses. Instead, your lawn is right there, waiting for the tanning experience of your dreams. 

Or, at least, it will be if you manage to create a calm and tranquil space that provides the privacy you’d get from, say, an exclusive hotel balcony. Otherwise, you might just find that your sunning sessions are more stressful than satisfying. To make sure that isn’t the case as the warm weather settles in, we’re going to look at four factors that could disturb your fun in the sun, and what exactly you can do about them.

Nosy neighbours

Whether your garden is overlooked or your neighbours have a habit of peeking over the fence, prying eyes will put a painful end to your sunning attempts. After all, anonymous faces staring down from balconies are one thing, but you have to see that neighbour in the street all year round. With that in mind, topless bathing when they can cop a look is guaranteed to be off-putting and, for the most part, off the cards. 

With that in mind, it’s vital that you think about this potential setback when you’re sprucing up your garden ready for summer. Forget faffing with your hydrangeas and think about things like higher boundaries, the angling of your patio, and even the plant coverage you invest in to add some privacy. Get these right, and Gary from next door will never pop up at the wrong time again. Or, at least, here’s hoping…

Unwanted visitors

Speaking of unwanted visitors, neighbours out in the wilderness aren’t the only things you’re going to have to deal with here. Wildlife can also crop up when you’re least expecting it, and if the intrusion doesn’t ruin your sunbathing efforts, then you can bet the bites and stings will do the job. 

The simple fact is that gardens come complete with plenty of bugs, creepy crawlies, and other miscellaneous additions. In some ways, this is the wonder of spending time outside, but we’re sure you’ll agree that there’s a limit. With that in mind, you may want to take this time to call on a bee removal company before that hive ends up swarming on your sunbathing efforts. Pay attention, too, to things like overhead patio lattices that allow you to enjoy the sun without letting those pesky seagulls ruin your glow. You may even find that this is an excellent time to address the wasp population with catchers of your own, that ensure your skin remains smooth and un-stung every time you head out with your fantastic flesh on show. 

A pain in the back

As any avid sunner knows, comfort is critical for a satisfactory session that leaves you refreshed and, quite literally, glowing. With that in mind, the last thing you want is a bad back when you wake up from your sunbathed naps or finally reach the end of your chapter. As well as making it tricky to get out of your chair (which isn’t ideal if you live on your own and don’t want to end up looking like a lobster) backache and similar pains can prevent you from spending quite as long outside as you’d like. And, that may mean the tan you’re aiming towards remains, rather annoyingly, elusive. 

Instead, you need to make sure, sooner rather than later, that you’re creating the most comfortable possible sunning section of your garden that you can. That means researching the best reclining sun loungers and thinking about everything from beanbags to cushions, and even within-reach tables where you can stick your cocktails. In short, you want to design your garden like the best pool-side lounging area you’ve ever experienced abroad. Make sure, too, that you test things out along the way to guarantee every single aspect soothes your aching bones instead of exacerbating them. Before you know it, you probably won’t want to leave!

Did someone say shade?

Shade has to be up there with the worst of sunbathing enemies, and yet it just loves to make an appearance, especially when our gardens aren’t facing towards the glorious south. As simple as that, you may assume that sunbathing is off your cards altogether. What’s the point, after all, if you’re forever going up against this, the worst of offenders?

Unless, of course, you think about beating the shade ahead of time. Remember that, even in a north-facing garden, the sun is going to make an appearance some of the time. As such, planning your bathing sessions, and whereabouts in the garden you host them is your best bet at success regardless. Investing in a portable sunning setup isn’t a bad idea either, as it means you can just pick up and move around wherever the sun may take you. 

A final word

You owe it to yourself and your outside space to enjoy the sun when it makes its rare appearances, but, as you can see, sunbathing in your very own garden isn’t always as easy as you’d expect it to be. So, make sure to prep now to ensure that your fun in the sun this year is every bit as magical as it would be if you were luxuriating in Costa Del Sol.

Oh, and stay safe!