10 Signs That Summer's Just Around the Corner
Even before the calendar makes it official, there are some tell-tale signs that an Australian summer is on its way
Anne Benoit
12 November 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Writing professionally for over 7 years. Studied a combination of Fine Art, Architecture and Visual Culture. Equally enchanted by Baroque churches as I am contemporary interior design.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Writing professionally for over 7 years. Studied a combination... More
There is something so invigorating about a change of season. We sweep away leaves in autumn, prepare to cocoon in winter, and often do a thorough clean of the house over spring. We do other things too, such as making room for a new wardrobe or changing our diets in line with foods that have just come into season. The beginning of summer has to be the favourite seasonal change for most Australians – many believe it’s when our landscape is truly at its best and, of course, it’s when most of our favourite holidays take place. Get excited for what’s to come with these signs that summer’s on its way.
1. Everything moves outdoors
Warm weather and long daylight hours mean that you can do a lot of living outdoors. Because of the warmer temperatures, it also means that you can quickly dry clothes on a clothesline set up in the garden. While some might consider them unsightly, no one can argue that it’s an efficient way to hang the washing out and an economical way to dry your clothes, and there are plenty of retractable models to choose from too. The hot summer sun is also especially effective at helping to whiten your whites.
Warm weather and long daylight hours mean that you can do a lot of living outdoors. Because of the warmer temperatures, it also means that you can quickly dry clothes on a clothesline set up in the garden. While some might consider them unsightly, no one can argue that it’s an efficient way to hang the washing out and an economical way to dry your clothes, and there are plenty of retractable models to choose from too. The hot summer sun is also especially effective at helping to whiten your whites.
2. The barbecue is in regular use
Summer is the season for firing up the barbecue and cooking smokey lamb chops, grilled steaks, sausages, fish or chicken, and plenty of vegies. Whether you’ve got a mini barbie on your balcony, an outdoor kitchen cooker or a standalone smoker, grilling your dinner is a necessary summer experience, and probably one of Australia’s most popular traditions. The experienced cook might even look forward to cooking a Christmas turkey on the barbecue.
Browse a product gallery of outdoor cookers
Summer is the season for firing up the barbecue and cooking smokey lamb chops, grilled steaks, sausages, fish or chicken, and plenty of vegies. Whether you’ve got a mini barbie on your balcony, an outdoor kitchen cooker or a standalone smoker, grilling your dinner is a necessary summer experience, and probably one of Australia’s most popular traditions. The experienced cook might even look forward to cooking a Christmas turkey on the barbecue.
Browse a product gallery of outdoor cookers
3. Windows and bi-fold doors are opened
Let the indoor-outdoor living begin, so the wall that used to exist between your deck and your living room disappears. Now you can move seamlessly around your entire property. Your home will finally get to air out from months of being shut up, and this should help improve the air quality. And if you are lucky enough to have a pool, it’s about time to start using it.
Let the indoor-outdoor living begin, so the wall that used to exist between your deck and your living room disappears. Now you can move seamlessly around your entire property. Your home will finally get to air out from months of being shut up, and this should help improve the air quality. And if you are lucky enough to have a pool, it’s about time to start using it.
4. Pools feature inflatables
Whether it’s in that pool or down at the beach, giant inflatable pool toys have become especially popular the last few years, and not just for kids. From giant swans, to doughnuts, to a certain brand of thong, inflatables seem to take all shapes and are an instant hit with people of all ages. Perhaps their popularity might have had something to do with the photos of Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris cruising around on a swan during the happier days of their relationship.
Whether it’s in that pool or down at the beach, giant inflatable pool toys have become especially popular the last few years, and not just for kids. From giant swans, to doughnuts, to a certain brand of thong, inflatables seem to take all shapes and are an instant hit with people of all ages. Perhaps their popularity might have had something to do with the photos of Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris cruising around on a swan during the happier days of their relationship.
5. Your climbers have taken off
With our climate being so well suited to a number of different climbing plants, it’s hard not to notice them growing like crazy at this time of year. Jasmine, clematis, wisteria and bougainvillea are popular choices.
Jasmine in particular is beautifully fragrant. When grown over front yard fences, its perfume will reach the noses of people passing by and its delicate white flowers will litter the footpaths like confetti.
With our climate being so well suited to a number of different climbing plants, it’s hard not to notice them growing like crazy at this time of year. Jasmine, clematis, wisteria and bougainvillea are popular choices.
Jasmine in particular is beautifully fragrant. When grown over front yard fences, its perfume will reach the noses of people passing by and its delicate white flowers will litter the footpaths like confetti.
6. Beach towels replace winter gear
There comes a day when you can confidently pack away all the jackets and scarves that have been taking up so much room in your entryway. If you’ve got a beach house, this may be where you replace them with things you’d take to the beach, such as towels, baskets and hats. The somewhat messy sight of towels everywhere and trails of sand in the hallway are still a happy reminder that warmer weather means more beach time.
The nitty gritty of beach house cleaning
There comes a day when you can confidently pack away all the jackets and scarves that have been taking up so much room in your entryway. If you’ve got a beach house, this may be where you replace them with things you’d take to the beach, such as towels, baskets and hats. The somewhat messy sight of towels everywhere and trails of sand in the hallway are still a happy reminder that warmer weather means more beach time.
The nitty gritty of beach house cleaning
7. Light-coloured bedlinen looks best
If you’re starting to get a bit warm at night, it might be your cue to pack away the thick winter doona and lighten up with some summer bed coverings. Linen sheets and light, white, quilted blankets are made for summer and give you just the right amount of warmth. If you didn’t already do so in your spring clean, this is also a good time to flip your mattress and wash or dry clean your pillows.
If you’re starting to get a bit warm at night, it might be your cue to pack away the thick winter doona and lighten up with some summer bed coverings. Linen sheets and light, white, quilted blankets are made for summer and give you just the right amount of warmth. If you didn’t already do so in your spring clean, this is also a good time to flip your mattress and wash or dry clean your pillows.
8. You live on the deck
It’s hard to stay inside once the days start getting warmer. Lounging on the deck or a balcony feels like a holiday, and it’s a great place to entertain guests without creating a mess inside. Food also seems to taste better when you eat it outside, although the exact science of that is yet to be determined. The start of summer is a great time to review your outdoor furniture situation and make room for things that can add to your comfort, such as throw pillows or umbrellas for shade.
It’s hard to stay inside once the days start getting warmer. Lounging on the deck or a balcony feels like a holiday, and it’s a great place to entertain guests without creating a mess inside. Food also seems to taste better when you eat it outside, although the exact science of that is yet to be determined. The start of summer is a great time to review your outdoor furniture situation and make room for things that can add to your comfort, such as throw pillows or umbrellas for shade.
9. Fresh food is all around you
Foodies rejoice! Your favourite vegies, vines and fruit trees are finally delivering the goods. Is there anything better than when all the mangoes, watermelons, passionfruit and other delicious summer fruits appear ripened and ready to pick? Their sweet, juicy flesh is enjoyed at all times of day in everything from salads to smoothies.
Create an orchard in a small garden
Foodies rejoice! Your favourite vegies, vines and fruit trees are finally delivering the goods. Is there anything better than when all the mangoes, watermelons, passionfruit and other delicious summer fruits appear ripened and ready to pick? Their sweet, juicy flesh is enjoyed at all times of day in everything from salads to smoothies.
Create an orchard in a small garden
10. Long evenings
Daylight savings just gave us another hour for after-work fun. For some, that’s cocktails in the city and for others it’s walks around the neighbourhood after dinner. Whatever your preference and pace, make the most of the season and spend your after-work hours outside. The long beautiful evenings won’t last forever…
TELL US
What sign says summer to you? Tell us all about it in the Comments section below.
Daylight savings just gave us another hour for after-work fun. For some, that’s cocktails in the city and for others it’s walks around the neighbourhood after dinner. Whatever your preference and pace, make the most of the season and spend your after-work hours outside. The long beautiful evenings won’t last forever…
TELL US
What sign says summer to you? Tell us all about it in the Comments section below.
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Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I'm enjoying bags and bags of free mangoes!
Some people have TOO much summer :))
Summer means lots of colour and deliciousness from the garden for us and the neighbours!