DECORATE YOUR SPACE
TRY YOUR HAND AT A STENCIL
To truly upgrade your outdoor “room”, add decorative touches that catch your eye. “Garden art can be any ornament, collection, treasured find or something you make,” says Anne Bigson, THEMICROGARDENER.COM. “When you add decorative items to your garden, it reflects your personality and adds character to your small space.”
Just as you might decorate your mantelpiece inside your home with a candle, consider doing the same outside. Outdoor candles are made with bigger wicks so don’t blow out at the slightest gust of wind! LED candles give the impression of a cosy candlelit lunch without the hassle. This TruGlow® Waterproof Outdoor Candle Trio costs £26.99 from LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK.
It’s not always possible to hide an ugly wall or patio with plants or furniture, but luckily there’s an easy solution which absolutely transforms an outdoor space. Using a stencil and some masonry outdoor paint you can create a Moroccan-esque patio in a few hours. “Stencilling your patio can completely transform your outside space, you can create a spa-like haven at such a low cost,” says Jasmin Sharples of Dizzy Duck Stencils ( DIZZYDUCKDESIGNS.COM) “It’s amazing what a bit of paint and a Dizzy Duck stencil can do. Connecting with nature and spending more time outdoors is known to boost mental health and wellbeing. Invest some time into your garden this summer – you won’t regret it.” The secrets to producing a good stencil are not using too much paint on your brush or roller, and taking your time.
If you want to extend the time you use your garden, installing some lights will make all the difference. It means the fun doesn’t have to stop at sundown!
Stringing up a line of festoon lights instantly lifts a garden space and turns it into a cosy, exciting place to be, especially at night. As long as you have an accessible plug socket (an extension from the house will work just fine) and can find a few places to hook them, they’ll work well in any space. This set of 25 lights is waterproof so suitable for outdoors, and run on an 8.6m cable. For £24.99 they’re a very affordable way to transform your outdoor space (sold on AMAZON.CO.UK by Brightown Store).
Alternatively, mark off a special area or path with solar lights that don’t require a power source. This pack of six Gigalumi pathway lights come with warm white bulbs and cost £25.99 from AMAZON.CO.UK If you’d prefer a “softer” look, hang up a few Cloud White Miami Solar Lanterns (£ 34.99 for three from LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK) using clothes pegs.