Welcome to your summer update from Barratt Homes

Nothing beats getting outside and soaking up the sunshine, so we’re delighted that summer is here and we’re sure you are too.

This newsletter is full of our top tips to help you make the most out of this vibrant season.

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Garden tips

Whether it’s getting out in the garden or enjoying one of our green spaces, your summer of fun starts now - and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

 

Read our top tips on caring for your lawn, shrubs and trees to keep them in tip top condition here.

Don’t have a garden? No problem, here are some top tips to keep a thriving indoor garden in your home this summer:

  • Understand your homes natural light patterns and place plants near windows or areas with consistent sunlight
  • Keep plants away from air conditioning units and fans
  • Trim and prune indoor plants as needed. Remove debris, dust and dead leaves
  • Don’t over-water. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and use well-draining pots to prevent root rot
  • If you have a balcony – add bird feeders, bee-friendly plants and insect habitats. You can encourage biodiversity even in small spaces
 
Barratt Homes garden in the spring

Update your home

The Maidstone open-plan living room

Bring the sunshine into your home this summer with these top tip interior design trends, and give your home a summery feel.

 

  • Add a splash of summer to your front door such as bright welcome mat, a colourful wreath or potted flowers
  • Lighten up your home by replacing dark curtains, blankets and rugs with light, airy alternatives in shades like crisp white, soft blue, sandy beige or cheerful citrus tones
  • Add mirrors to reflect light and create a more open feel to the home
  • Introduce a summer scented candle or diffuser with notes like coconut, citrus or fresh linen
  • Bring fresh flowers into the home like sunflowers or peonies
  • Enhance your patio or outdoor space with solar or fairy lights. They’re energy-efficient and add the perfect glow for al fresco dining on warm summer evenings 

Summer essentials checklist

Summer has finally arrived, bringing with it long, sunny days and the perfect opportunity to transform your home and gardens. Why not take some time to work through this checklist to keep your home and garden in top shape all summer long.

  • Looking after a new lawn during the summer months requires careful attention to ensure it establishes well and remains healthy. New lawns require frequent watering to ensure the soil stays moist (but not waterlogged). On hot days, watering in the early morning or late evening is best as this helps to minimise evaporation and allows the soil to absorb moisture more effectively.

    Further tips and advice on caring for your lawn can be found here.

     

  • Leather jackets are the larvae of crane flies, or ‘daddy-longlegs’. From Autumn through to Summer, the larvae feed on grass roots, eventually emerging as adult flies in late-summer. Leather jacket infestations are not considered a defect and can be unavoidable however looking after your lawn through regular feeding, watering and moss prevention will help to prevent damaging infestations. Damage caused to the turf is usually temporary and will cease when the insects leave. Repair damaged turf by re-sowing with grass seed or in the case of more severe damage, new turf may be required.

  • When a hosepipe ban is in place, it’s important to consider alternative ways to look after your garden without using excessive amounts of water. Rainwater harvesting is a great way to collect and store rainwater which can used on the garden during dry periods. Other alternatives include re-using house-hold water from baths, showers and sinks to water the garden (although with this option, you should ensure that the water is free from any harmful chemicals, such as bleach).  

  • High temperatures during the summer months can cause UPVC windows and doors to expand which can make opening/closing difficult. Regular lubrication of the hinges, locks and other moving parts with a silicone based spray can help reduce friction. Care should also be taken to remove debris from the tracks and frames which may make the issue worse. During particularly hot spells, gently spraying cool water over the UPVC surface may provide a temporary solution to counteract the expansion.

  • With warmer weather and extended daylight, summer is a great opportunity to get on top of any external home maintenance that may be required such as painting/staining fence panels, cleaning guttering/downpipes and garden landscaping. Speaking of externals, tarmac can also soften in high temperatures so take care to avoid excessive manoeuvring on your driveway.

  • Warmer weather calls for Al Fresco Dining but please take care if you are lighting the BBQ this summer. 

    • Ensure your BBQ is placed on level ground and is kept well away from anything that could catch fire such as sheds, fences, shrubs, trees and garden waste.

    • Never light a BBQ in an enclosed space

    • Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the BBQ. 

    • Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use

    Please visit the Gov website for BBQ safety guidance here.


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