The outdoor living essentials every garden needs during a heatwave

As temperatures rise and more time is spent outdoors, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their gardens feel comfortable, practical and enjoyable during periods of hot weather. From creating shaded retreats to choosing the right furniture and planting schemes, small design decisions can make a big difference to how outdoor spaces are used throughout the summer months.

Naomi Bentley, Director at Charles Bentley, shares her top tips for creating a garden that’s ready for summer heatwaves.

Create shade that works with the way you use your garden

“When the weather gets particularly warm, shade becomes one of the most important features in any outdoor space. Rather than seeing parasols as an afterthought, it’s worth thinking about where you naturally spend the most time in the garden and creating shade around those areas. For some people, that’s a dining set where they enjoy lunch outdoors, while for others it’s a lounge area or bistro set used for morning coffee and reading.

“Cantilever parasols are especially useful because they offer flexibility throughout the day as the sun moves, helping gardens stay comfortable for longer without compromising on style. The goal is to create spaces that people can enjoy throughout the day, rather than feeling like they need to retreat indoors during the hottest hours.”

Choose furniture that encourages slower living

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is people using their gardens more like an extra room of the home. It's less about having furniture that’s only used occasionally and more about creating spaces where people genuinely want to spend time. Bistro sets, lounge chairs and comfortable dining areas all help encourage that slower pace of summer living. Our new Acacia collection is a great example of this, combining natural materials, warm tones and comfortable seating to create spaces that feel relaxed and inviting. Whether it’s enjoying breakfast outside or spending an evening with friends, comfortable furniture helps people make the most of good weather when it arrives.”

Make the most of warm weather with outdoor cooking

“Hot weather naturally encourages people to spend more time eating and entertaining outdoors, which is why barbecues become such an important part of the garden during summer. The key is choosing a barbecue that suits the way you like to host. For some, that means the theatre and versatility of a Kamado grill like the ottimo Searsmith range, where cooking becomes part of the occasion itself.

For others, a gas barbecue offers the convenience and flexibility needed for spontaneous gatherings and family meals. What's important is creating a set up that makes outdoor cooking feel easy and enjoyable, so people are more likely to make the most of their garden during periods of warm weather. When the weather is good, the garden naturally becomes the heart of the home, and a barbecue helps bring people together around food, conversation and shared experiences.”

Use planting to create a cooler and more relaxing atmosphere

“Plants play a much bigger role in garden design than simply adding colour. Layered planting schemes can help soften hard landscaping, create a sense of enclosure and make outdoor spaces feel calmer and more inviting. We’re seeing growing interest in Mediterranean-inspired gardens, which combine architectural greenery with natural textures and neutral tones to create a relaxed holiday feel at home. Planters are a simple way to achieve this, particularly in smaller gardens, patios and balconies. Collections like the elho premium range allow homeowners to introduce different heights and textures while keeping the overall look cohesive and contemporary.”

Think about how your garden transitions into the evening

“Summer gardens aren’t just for daytime use. Often, it’s the evening when people spend the most time outdoors, whether that’s enjoying an al-fresco dinner or catching up with friends after work. Creating a space that works beyond sunset helps homeowners get even more value from their garden. Lighting, comfortable seating and focal points such as chimineas or water features all help create atmosphere and encourage people to stay outside longer. It’s often these finishing touches that make the biggest difference, helping a garden feel more inviting, more relaxing and better suited to spending quality time outdoors.”

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For more information about Charles Bentley and the full range of outdoor living collections, visit www.charlesbentley.com.

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.