Live Outdoors

With climate changes, longer warmer summers and milder winters outdoor living has become extremely fashionable. Many people see outdoor living as an enhancement to their indoor home. From a table and chairs on the patio to a summer house, no matter what size the garden is there’s an option for everyone’s taste and budget.

Outdoor Buildings and Structures

Outdoor buildings can offer the perfect retreat in which to sit and appreciate all the hard work you’ve done in the garden.

A conservatory is the first choice for many people as it offers an extension to the home. Conservatories can be made of traditional wood, or the more popular UPVC that requires less maintenance. UPVC doesn’t have to be ugly and white; it is available in a variety of wood effects to complement and enhance your style of home.

Those with a little more space might consider a summer house. For the larger budget there is a fantastic range of summer houses and wooden buildings that can be used as an outdoor office, a playroom or even a space for extra guests to stay in. Don’t forget to consider facilities such as an electrical and/or a water supply.

A factor to remember with both the above options is to check if planning permission is required. Erecting a structure and then having to tear it down at the request of the authorities is heart breaking and costly.

Don’t forget the simpler but elegant structures to enhance the garden. What can be more inviting than a balmy summer evening sitting in the garden surrounded by the scent of jasmine or honeysuckle trailing up the gazebo or pergola?

Furniture

Garden furniture ranges from cheaper plastic options to more expensive and elegant iron and wooden tables and chairs. Consider garden furniture as a long term investment and take good care of it; sand and treat the wooden items at the end of the season and don’t leave them out in heavy rain.

There are some beautiful ranges of conservatory furniture available. Rattan or wicker sofas, chairs and tables enhanced with a few stunning pot plants can bring life to the conservatory.

Not strictly furniture but worthy of mention are patio heaters and fire pits, for those chillier evenings when you still want to enjoy the great outdoors.

And for the more extravagant amongst you, why not consider the luxury of a jacuzzi?

Lighting

The clever use of creative lighting in the garden can create an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Smaller budgets can use solar lights and candles to great effect, whilst if more money is available a total garden lighting system can be installed. No matter which style of lighting you choose you can easily create some spectacular effects by highlighting focal features such as ponds, garden statues, trees and favourite planting areas.

And fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas. A string of delicate lights hung along a pergola can give a really pretty effect.

So why not start now and plan an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for years to come?