Outdoor Living...

Outdoor Living...

Happy New Year! And would you believe the sun is actually shining...Stranger things have happened.

This unusually clement weather has got me thinking about the Spring and the (minor) possibility of a good summer. Outside party's ahoy!

So how can you make your outdoor space party friendly?

 First off, do not be sucked in by this early January sunshine. The likelihood is that the rain will be a prominent feature this year (boo) so be prepared. A sheltered area is essential - whether this is a simple oak framed structure or an elaborate cast iron pagoda. Whichever you choose, think of the roof. Tiles or slate make the structure weather proof and therefore perfect for a British summer. However, even a fast growing climbing plant will give adequate shelter in a light shower. Integral seating or a number of benches beneath the structure make it far more useful.

As someone who finds food cooked in an oven much more appealing than something burnt beyond all recognition on a barbeque, the recent trend for outside ovens is very welcome. These can be simple off the peg devices, or you can go one step further and build your own brick oven with a beautiful cast iron door. We have 3 different sizes available in a classic traditional design. They are great for bread, pizzas and slow cooking. Just lovely.

Most people (i.e. me) find sitting on damp grass rather unpleasant so proper chairs and tables are the way forward. Teak, cast iron, metal, plastic - the choices are endless. Just make sure you treat or paint your garden furniture regularly to avoid rust or rot.

To add an extra level of interest and ambience - don't forget the lighting and the decoration. Tea light lanterns add a really pretty glow on a summers evening. They can also be moved about as necessary. Decorative electric lanterns give a stronger and wider light, but are obviously fixed. So do think about what you want them to achieve before the electrican gets carried away,

For decoration, think about statues, sculptures and water features. They can be contemporary or traditional in style, but always go as big as the space and the budget allows. There is nothing worse than a puny statue dwarfed by an expansive garden - it will look cheap and tasteless.

Paving and pathways. Always go for natural stone rather than concrete if you can. It looks beautiful and is easy to maintain. Go for riven or tumbled to give grip in wet or icy weather. We have a vast range with some of the largest stocks in the country at amazing prices.

It is worth considering that when inside, we spend a vast amount of time looking outside, and so what we see should be pleasant and appealing. A little effort and imagination should help you create the perfect outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing.

 

 

 

9th January 2013

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