ItÔÇÖs the early spring bank holiday, and time to head into the great outdoors! Many of us will be making the most of the long weekend by getting into the garden and sprucing up lawns and borders neglected through the winter. And if you want to go a step further and transform your outdoor space, help is at hand!
DIY Advice Online has these stylish tips to get you started if youÔÇÖre thinking of a spot of May day garden DIY:
The green, green grass
Artificial grass is becoming more and more popular, especially for small areas that donÔÇÖt warrant the expense of a lawnmower and damp or shady gardens where grass doesnÔÇÖt grow well. Previously, synthetic turf could stand out in an elegant garden for all the wrong reasons, but itÔÇÖs undergone something of an evolution and now looks realistic and attractive if properly lain.
Installing an artificial lawn is not an easy job, requiring digging to at least 10cm below grass level, adding aggregate and a weed-proof membrane and using fittings and bonding to fix the grass in place. But itÔÇÖs an ideal option if you like low-maintenance or want to stop pets digging up your garden, and good quality synthetic grass can last up to 20 years.
DonÔÇÖt go crazy, paving
Thinking of laying a patio? Paved and decked outside areas remain on trend, adding value to a property and providing a great place to relax with family and friends. Natural stone, or flagstone, patios are as popular as ever, especially in the gardens of older properties where reclaimed stone can enhance a traditional look.
Wooden decking is stylish when well maintained, although it can be treacherous when wet and can take a lot of hard work to keep in tip-top condition. An alternative is porcelain tiles, like these from terrace and patio paving experts SACW Paving. They look just like wood, decking and┬ástone┬ábut donÔÇÖt need the same upkeep, are frost-proof and fade resistant. They give a long-lasting finish that looks great for years, wonÔÇÖt rot and are slip-resistant, making them ideal for busy family gardens where children run in and out of the house all day long!
In the limelight
Put your garden under the spotlight ÔÇô literally ÔÇô with fabulous outdoor lighting. Twinkling fairy lights can transform an outdoor space for lazy summer evenings, whilst installing outside wall lights and lanterns can light up barbecue and seating areas, as well as add extra security.
For older-style properties, think about installing antique or Arthurian lamps in brass, pewter or black. If you have a contemporary home, there are some fabulously stylish stainless steel outdoor lights and grey and brown LEDs on the market, helping your garden go truly glam!
Main photo: Boardwalk Oak by SACW Paving
Inset 1: Ayrton Almond by SACW Paving
Inset 2: Philips myGarden Riverbank by Socket Store
 
The RHS staged its first ÔÇÿGreat Spring ShowÔÇÖ in Kensington in 1862, before moving to Chelsea in the early 20th century. Since then, this world-renowned show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital has become the place for horticulturalists to exhibit, with displays becoming increasingly inventive year on year. 2015 marks the return of award-winning designer Jo Thompson, who is creating a romantic retreat inspired by the writing room of author Vita Sackville-West. Prince HarryÔÇÖs charity, Sentebale, will also create a garden, whilst the RHS Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion is a great place to head to with children. They can even turn astro-biologists courtesy of ÔÇÿRocket ScienceÔÇÖ, a project with the UK Space Agency encouraging youngsters to plant rocket seeds that have been to the International Space Station!
Redecorating a room is hard work, so itÔÇÖs easy to overlook the small details. But expensive new wallpaper and gleaming paintwork can be badly let down if you just screw back in old, plastic sockets and switches afterwards. Take a tour of your home and find out which fittings have seen better days. 
No home makeover is complete without the right decorations were talking Easter decorations, of course! Go for family favourites such as painted eggshells in a pretty basket or make a seasonal wreath for the front door with spring flowers. Then all thats left is to sit down with the Easter eggs for some DIY of a different kind digest it yourself, of course!