Make the most of your garden with great gear and top tips
Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor area for the new season?
Well look no further, because we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking to get in bloom with some new seasonal flowers to brighten up you’re garden, or you’re in need of some ambient lighting to make those light evenings last even longer, you’ll find everything you need.
Whatever your budget, read on to discover everything you’ll need to upgrade your garden and get things guest-ready.
Chic meets sustainable
Home to all things eco and stylish, Daylesford Organic Garden opens in the Cotswolds this month — selling British-grown plants, trees, seeds and bulbs and featuring a huge new retail space dedicated to outdoor living.
It’s available online, too. Possibly the UK’s poshest garden centre, it will be a destination for outdoor inspiration. daylesford.com
Alliums, for a purple patch
May is the month for alliums — the tall, purple spheres add height and architecture to a garden. They look stunning in pots and the flowers are edible, too.
Alliums are super-easy to grow and their lovely blooms will come back year after year. Buy a potted version for instant colour, or bulbs to plant for a purple haze next year. Allium Gladiator, 13cm pot, £9.99, primrose.co.uk
Cosy up to a chiminea
Want the warmth and atmosphere of a fire pit, but don’t want to smell like a campfire? A chiminea could be the answer as it funnels the smoke up and away from you — and looks attractive, too. La Hacienda Wela Clay Chiminea, £45, diy.com
Shelve those space niggles
When you need somewhere to store pots, watering cans and tools, or a way to make a feature of your plants, an outdoor shelving unit is a good looking space saver. Burford Accessory Shelf, £179, johnlewis.com
Gather ye rosebuds…
Pick your tulips, aquilegias and peonies in style with a classic trug. Sussex Trug £80, daylesford.com
If you dig quality, fork out for this
A decent garden fork that’s not too heavy, yet able to handle a lot of weight, is possibly the most useful tool a gardener can have.
Burgon & Ball’s new National Trust high-carbon steel garden fork gives a nod to the style and quality of the tools of yesteryear. Made using traditional techniques, it also comes with a ten-year guarantee, £34.99, burgonandball.com
Tropical’s topical
Jungle-inspired leaf prints are on-trend this season — this waterproof outdoor cushion is a way of creating a lush, green vibe even if you don’t have many plants. Monstera outdoor cushion, £18.99, beanbagbazaar.co.uk
Create a mini hanging garden
Fill your balcony with flowers, or veg, with a planter that hooks over the railings. This steel planter in light green is 56cm long. Vitlök flower box, £13, ikea.com
Water is too precious to waste
There’s almost certainly a hosepipe ban coming, so start saving rainwater now with a water butt — connect it to the downpipe of your guttering for maximum water collection. Galvanised steel water butt, £250, gardentrading.co.uk
Perfect on the balcony or patio
The compact, oval-shaped, Scandi-style Tuck outdoor table and two chairs, in FSC-certified acacia wood and with waterproof rope seats, is just right for small spaces. Tuck Balcony Set, £499, johnlewis.co.uk
Show weeds you mean business
It’s time for some serious weeding. Make the job easier on your knees with a garden cushion, £9.99, find a store near you at homesense.com
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