May is a celebration of gardens – Chelsea Flower Show (23 – 27 May) is on the horizon and next week the start of National Gardening Week (1 – 7 May), which sees thousands of people sharing their love of gardening, hosting events and talking about what they’re growing on social media.
The sun-filled days may be few and far between, but that doesn’t mean we should wait around before we start getting our garden in order. And fear not, you don’t need somewhere big to create the perfect outdoor retreat. From roof terraces to balconies and front gardens, make the most of what you have by adding pops of colour and using clever and compact furniture.
So, why not follow suit and get your outdoor area spruced, ready for a classic British garden party to celebrate the royal bank holiday – or for relaxing and catching some rays over the long weekends ahead? When you’re ready, here are our top five tips for updating your alfresco space this month:
Potted pretties
The theme for this year’s National Gardening Week is “Create Your Coronation Container” to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III and his love of horticulture. With great versatility, pots and containers offer a fantastic way to experiment with planting and design. Just grab a metal, terracotta or wooden planter, and have a go at growing something you fancy. Whether you’re up for planting some veg or beautiful flowers to inject a splash of colour into your scheme, Country Living – with its top 20 container plants – has everything you need to get you started.
Let’s party
If you’re to celebrate the forthcoming coronation but need to give your outdoors a spring clean, just a few hours can be all it takes to transform a patio into an inviting space. The Royal Horticultural Society has a fab guide to get party ready in six easy steps. Then, all you need is gorgeous tableware to wow your guests and let the celebrations begin!
Gardens for well-being
National Gardening Week is not just about gardening – it is also to raise awareness of the difference that gardens and gardening can make to the lives of everyone in the UK.
According to Clare Foster at House and Garden, “In the past five years, we have seen a shift in the way people think about their gardens. Not only do we use our gardens for entertaining and outdoor socialising, we also value them for mental health and well-being… and this is influencing the garden styles we choose.”
So, it’s more important than ever to think about your space and plan how you will enjoy it – which can be a cathartic process for many.
Indoor/outdoor furniture
In recent times, designers have treated patios, courtyard gardens and terraces like extensions of our indoor spaces. And, it’s a trend carrying into this year too – by using living and dining room furniture that is equally at home in the outdoors.
Step one: open up your doors and flow your furniture outside for additional space. Step two: use versatile options such as a robust pine framed sofa that will shine between the plants and trees and can be sealed and treated for outdoor use. And step three: scour your home for interior textiles that can bring bursts of colour to your garden and provide the best comfort.
Add some je ne sais quoi
Small outdoor space? We have the solution! Whether you’ve got a tiny nook at the front, back or side of your abode, a bistro set is perfect for placing in a sun trap to enjoy a cuppa, read a book or use as a designated WFH space in the summer. Affordable and compact, this must-have set can be easily folded away when not in use – meaning it’s a winner for small space living.
So, why not use this upcoming bank holiday wisely to zhuzh up your outdoor space and you’ll be reaping the benefits in no time? Visit us in-store or online to browse our latest garden collection.
