Here comes the sun
This really was the year that winter dragged its heels. But as the days grow ever longer, and we feel the first warm rays of sun on our cheeks, it’s worth remembering that summer – or at least the balmier stretch of spring – finally is on its way.
Clockwise from top left: Monte Carlo range, from £695, by Indian Ocean; Linea bright bistro outdoor furniture range, from £159, by House of Fraser; Wooden bottle holder, £25, by Garden Trading
In fact, after such a long, bleak winter, we should all be planning to make the most of our gardens, patios, terraces and balconies. Soon, chilled glass of rosé in hand, we’ll all be sitting out late, gazing up at the stars, and wondering whether we’ll ever have to wrap up warm again. Well, hopefully, anyway.
Clockwise from left: Jasmine bistro table and two chairs, £279, by Marks & Spencer; Lantern with butterflies, £20; white candle holders £3 and £5; decorative acorn finial, £32, all by Dobbies; Garden bench, £80; hand trowel, £4.50, both by Dobbies; Japan rocking garden chair, £490, by Go Modern
Whether you love hosting barbecues and sunny soirées, or prefer simply to spend long afternoons lounging on the lawn, treat any outside space as an extension of your home. After all, when the weather’s warm, even the smallest balcony is a welcome extra room.
From left: Royal garden dining set, £999, by Homebase; Pinata garden chair, £990, by Go Modern
Critically, decide how you use your space – then furnish and decorate it according to your needs. Do you want a table and chairs for more formal al fresco dinners, or comfy outdoor sofas for lazy summer days? Consider lighting (electric, lanterns or candles?) and whether you want to add some heat (log-burning chimeneas, for example, will add warmth and character to your summer evenings). Also consider how any fixtures and furnishings will work around, and make the most of, your plants – and where you will store it all when winter does return.
From left: Aland co ee set, £249, by B&Q; Beach chair, £45, by Garden Trading; Stone-effect lovers bench, £615, by Sweetpea & Willow
Get your planning done early, though, and you’ll be enjoying your own piece of the great outdoors before you know it.
Dobbies: 0131-561 6406, www.dobbies.com
Garden Trading: 0845-608 4448, www.gardentrading.co.uk
Go Modern: 020- 7731 9540, www.gomodern.co.uk
Homebase: 0845- 077 8888, www.homebase.co.uk
House of Fraser: 0845-602 1073, www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Indian Ocean: 020-8675 4808, www.indianocean.co.uk
Made: 0845-557 6888, www.made.com
Marks & Spencer: 0845-603 1603, www.marksandspencer.com
Sweetpea & Willow: 0845-257 2627, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
Clockwise from top left: Monte Carlo range, from £695, by Indian Ocean; Linea bright bistro outdoor furniture range, from £159, by House of Fraser; Wooden bottle holder, £25, by Garden TradingIn fact, after such a long, bleak winter, we should all be planning to make the most of our gardens, patios, terraces and balconies. Soon, chilled glass of rosé in hand, we’ll all be sitting out late, gazing up at the stars, and wondering whether we’ll ever have to wrap up warm again. Well, hopefully, anyway.
Clockwise from left: Jasmine bistro table and two chairs, £279, by Marks & Spencer; Lantern with butterflies, £20; white candle holders £3 and £5; decorative acorn finial, £32, all by Dobbies; Garden bench, £80; hand trowel, £4.50, both by Dobbies; Japan rocking garden chair, £490, by Go ModernWhether you love hosting barbecues and sunny soirées, or prefer simply to spend long afternoons lounging on the lawn, treat any outside space as an extension of your home. After all, when the weather’s warm, even the smallest balcony is a welcome extra room.
From left: Royal garden dining set, £999, by Homebase; Pinata garden chair, £990, by Go ModernCritically, decide how you use your space – then furnish and decorate it according to your needs. Do you want a table and chairs for more formal al fresco dinners, or comfy outdoor sofas for lazy summer days? Consider lighting (electric, lanterns or candles?) and whether you want to add some heat (log-burning chimeneas, for example, will add warmth and character to your summer evenings). Also consider how any fixtures and furnishings will work around, and make the most of, your plants – and where you will store it all when winter does return.
From left: Aland co ee set, £249, by B&Q; Beach chair, £45, by Garden Trading; Stone-effect lovers bench, £615, by Sweetpea & WillowGet your planning done early, though, and you’ll be enjoying your own piece of the great outdoors before you know it.
STOCKISTS
B&Q: 0845-609 6688, www.diy.comDobbies: 0131-561 6406, www.dobbies.com
Garden Trading: 0845-608 4448, www.gardentrading.co.uk
Go Modern: 020- 7731 9540, www.gomodern.co.uk
Homebase: 0845- 077 8888, www.homebase.co.uk
House of Fraser: 0845-602 1073, www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Indian Ocean: 020-8675 4808, www.indianocean.co.uk
Made: 0845-557 6888, www.made.com
Marks & Spencer: 0845-603 1603, www.marksandspencer.com
Sweetpea & Willow: 0845-257 2627, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com