How to create a simple, no-fuss al fresco area

The al fresco area is one of those parts of the home that tends to get extreme use during the warmer months, but is sadly often left to its own devices during the cooler weather. 

Now is a great time to give your al fresco space some love and a spruce-up ahead of the busy holiday entertaining months.

To get the low-down on achieving a no-fuss al fresco area, we've spoken to our resident gardening expert and Green Space host, Fabian Capomolla.

Plants to liven up the space

"With daylight saving and the warmer weather, being outside is what it's all about," explains Fabian.

The ultimate al fresco area has a mix of greenery and places to relax. Picture: Getty

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The quickest way to brighten up the area is by adding some colourful plants - think low-maintenance and hardy varieties such as lavender or daisies, which will bring instant cheer and greenery.

"I like to add some potted seasonal colour to my green space," says Fabian.

"Visit the local nursery and pick up some mature annual flowering pots. These will cost you less than cut flowers and will last for the season," he says.

Next, concentrate on the surrounding garden bed. Weed and mulch the bed and then replace any tired or dead plants.

Low-maintenance: Succulents

Want to know an easy gardening hack that will give you back hours of your life? Get involved with succulents.

These hardy varieties are easy to grow because they thrive with almost no care or attention, plus they're drought tolerant and will reward you with lush greenery in all kinds of interesting forms.

Not only are they easy to grow, succulents are inexpensive and very easy to propagate, meaning you'll be able to grow multiple babies from the one plant.

Low-maintenance succulents make a green life easier. Picture: Getty

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Outside statement pot

As with any area, it's best to base the layout around a central design feature - for the al fresco area, this can be a colourful statement pot, says Fabian.

Think a gorgeous Japanese maple or a cheerful citrus plant in a stunning textured pot to capture the attention and be the base from which everything else takes its design queues.

Want more garden inspiration? Read our favourite expert tips for achieving a great outdoor space.

A statement pot will brighten up the whole area. Picture: Getty

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Add some privacy

If you're looking for a bit of shelter from prying eyes - but don't want the space to feel closed in with walls and fences - then a classic hedge can be your best friend.

Look for some fast-growing varieties such as the lilly pilly, viburnum or clumping bamboo.

Worried about having to trim them? Read our guide here on how to prune shrubs.

Solar lighting for the evenings

Even on balmy days, the temperature can drop in the evening while you're sitting outside, sipping on a cold drink. Fabian suggests installing some lights to add ambience at night.

Solar lighting is a quick and inexpensive way to light up the outdoor area and you won't have to worry about hiring an electrician.

Read our full guide on how to pick the best outdoor lights for your al fresco area.

Solar lighting is a quick and easy way to add a dreamy aesthetic to your al fresco area. Picture: Getty

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Citronella candles

While it's wonderful getting closer with friends and family, there's often one uninvited guest that overstays its welcome on a balmy summer's night - the mosquito.

To keep these pesky little guys at bay without using harsh chemicals, the good old citronella candle is your best bet.

Not only do they do a great job of staving off these bugs, they also give off that classic Aussie summer scent.

Cleaning concrete or pavers

Got an event coming up at home and you need to spruce up the al fresco area quickly? Focus on tidying your space from the ground up, suggests Fabian.

"Start on the pavers and decking. Get all your garden furniture out of the way so you can give it a good clean."

High-pressure hoses, such as those found in Gerni's range, are your best bet to get a deep clean without having to deal with harsh chemicals.

A high-pressure hose makes quick work of cleaning the alfresco area. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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Cleaning outdoor furniture

The next thing is to clean any of the outdoor furniture you have, says Fabian.

"Take this opportunity to oil any wooden furniture so it will hold up to the elements and last longer."

And voila, now you're all set to entertain outside this summer.

Give your outdoor furniture a spray with the Gerni and they'll be back to their former glory. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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