Summer evenings draw people outside

LATE summer evenings are made for spending time outdoors according to new research from a leading housebuilder.

David Wilson Homes, which has a number of new developments in Gloucestershire, says that more than 40 per cent of those questioned in the area said their ideal way to spend a long summer evening is pottering about in the garden or spending time outside with their children.

Next on the list was entertaining friends or family followed by the opportunity to spend more time on a little gardening.

In addition to identifying summer trends, the One Poll survey also revealed how priorities differ depending on the age of respondents.

The idea of a lazy evening in the garden was most popular with those aged 45-54 years old while younger people, aged 18-24, put entertaining friends and family at the top of their list.

For the 25 to 34 year olds the top priority is time with the children however there was one activity all age groups agreed on – long summer evenings should not be spent doing DIY.

Louise Ware from David Wilson Homes said the survey highlighted how people in Gloucestershire enjoy their homes and gardens, and value the ability to spend time outside with friends and family.

“It’s great to see how people in the Gloucester area embrace the late summer evenings and want to make the most of their gardens either just pottering around or with their children,’’ she said.

“And it seems that whatever your age, we are all drawn to the great outdoors during the summer.”

With high hopes for an Indian Summer, David Wilson Homes has come up with its top tips to make the most of your garden.

  • 1. Inspired by Rio? Use your garden to create your own family sports day – it’s a great way to learn new skills – and have fun as a family.
  • 2. Create a wildlife friendly area in the garden – anything from ensuring you have bee-friendly plants to bird feeders or adding a bug hotel for year round visitors.
  • 3. Eat al fresco. Don’t just reserve the garden for a BBQ, make the most of the summer with a picnic for the children, coffee and the papers or afternoon tea perhaps.
  • 4. Make a den – children don’t need to venture far to enjoy an adventure.
  • 5. Create a vegetable garden – you can sow hardy spring onions, salad leaves, swiss chard and spinach ready for a winter harvest.