Add style to your outdoor space
WITH spring just around the corner and warmer days on the horizon, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has some tips on how people can maximise their outdoor spaces, no matter the size. From sleek chairs and foldable bistro sets, ideal for city balconies, to compact barbecues and pizza ovens for small spaces, Dobbies has something to suit every kind of garden.
Dobbies’ head of buying (home & seasonal), Lynsey Abbott suggests the following for getting the most out of your outdoor space this spring and summer:
Alternative seating
Comfortable seating is a must when it comes to making the most of your small space, and Lynsey says there are plenty of fantastic options to create a cosy reading nook or spot to enjoy your morning coffee.
“Hanging egg chairs have risen in popularity thanks to their playful design and ability to add instant charm to any outdoor space,” says Lynsey.
“For smaller spaces, a single statement chair is all you need to create a relaxing spot. Wicker is a huge trend for spring/ summer 2024 thanks to its versatility and timeless style, and it complements most outdoor spaces. Our green wicker Cashbah chair, new for 2024, is a great investment piece and is wonderful for small gardens and city balconies.”
Compact furniture
If you’ve got limited space to play
with, Lynsey suggests looking for a colourful bistro set to brighten up your chosen area. She says: “Foldable bistro sets are fantastic space savers and work especially well to dress up empty city balconies and create your very own stylish al fresco
dining spot. Typically a lot less expensive than larger sofa sets, bistro sets are great value, meaning you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your balcony looking its best for summer.”
Al fresco dining
When it comes to eating outdoors, Lynsey notes that you don’t need a huge amount of space to cook up a delicious feast. Lynsey says: “This year, Dobbies has introduced some innovative new cooking options to allow everyone to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining in the summer months. Great value kettle barbecues make a great addition to small patios and courtyards and prove you don’t need a huge garden to grill up a storm.
Plant for impact
You don’t need a huge garden to welcome colour and fragrance with seasonal plants.
Lynsey says: “Plants bring outdoor spaces to life, and there’s no reason small gardens can’t reap the benefits. In our spring/summer 2024 collection, we’ve got balcony planters, ideal for hooking onto fences and railings to save space, and a gorgeous collection of outdoor pots that will jazz up any plant. For maximum effect, group varying pot sizes together to create a mini jungle effect and colourcoordinate to your outdoor furniture for a cohesive look and feel. Alternatively, if you like a classic vibe, terracotta pots never go out of style and we’ve got a wide selection to choose from.”
It’s all in the detail
Lynsey’s top tip for making the
most of your small space is to pay special attention to the accessories. She says: “Small touches make the biggest difference in compact gardens, and they’re a good cost effective way to transform the overall look of a space. You’ll be surprised at the difference a few decorative throw cushions can make – and even
better if they double up as seating when entertaining guests. To create a country garden feel in your small space, mini hanging bird houses will help you welcome wildlife and add natural charm. Pair these with pollinating plants in pots to create a real buzz and embrace nature without sacrificing lots of space.
“If you’re fortunate enough to have the space for plants, make the most of these and create beautiful seasonal displays with your cut flowers. Ideal for bringing your dining table to life for summer soirees, this is a simple addition that will make a noticeable difference to your outdoor space.”