Long hot summer in the garden
There’s no need to leave home turf for a relaxing and joyful break in the sunshine. A few key buys, a couple of clever ideas and some low-key landscaping will make your outdoor space THE place to be this holiday season Sound bath
spruce up your outdoor space
Pave the way
Wooden elements, such as a deck for seating, raised bed edging and a plank path, will give your garden some structure, but remain easy to maintain. Reclaimed timber will give a lived-in look, and smart grey pebbles create a contrasting walkway. For similar pebbles, try the Blooma blue decorative slate chips, £7 for 22.5kg, B&Q
Enjoy the soothing sound and sight of trickling water, and give your garden a focal point with a striking yet simple water bowl feature. Avoid a too-sunny spot that will encourage weed growth, and place it away from trees, as leaves could clog it. Scupper 26 concrete water bowl, from £2,874, Solus Decor
Put your feet up
Accessorise loungers and sunbeds with vibrant cushions to add colour to your garden, especially if you’re lacking in plants or foliage. Pop an outdoor coffee table between seating so there’s a spot to put a couple of lanterns for when the sun sets. Coro SG1 sun lounger in black, £1,565, Barbed. For a similar lantern, try Amara
Spa corner
Installing a hot tub will mean more time in the garden throughout the whole year, ideal for both balmy summer evenings and crisp winter ones too. Fast-growing bamboo makes the perfect screen to add a little privacy. Cedar rapids 6-jet hot tub with bubble bench, 4 person/5ft, £7,895, Riviera Hot Tubs >>
Al fresco abode
A summerhouse provides an extra room to use throughout spring and summer, as well as a place to store outdoor furniture during the rest of the year. Timber cladding that matches the hot tub and decking area ties the whole look together.
Cook up a storm
Installing an outdoor pizza oven is a great choice for feeding the masses at your next al fresco get-together. Incorporate a grill and some prep space, too, to create an outdoor kitchen, so you won’t have to keep popping inside, plus the space can double up as a bar.
Sussex 80 woodfired pizza oven, £1,297,
Blistering Woodfired Ovens
Hang out
Perfect for idling away the afternoon with a good book and a cold glass of something, a hanging chair creates a restful spot on the patio. Go for one with a frame that can be moved around easily, or suspend from a pergola or solid timber frame. Indoor outdoor hanging chair, £375, Cox & Cox
Take a seat
An L-shaped sofa is a great spot for lounging on between meals. Go for a hard-wearing, all-weather option that can be left outside all year round. Flex table, £2,430; Flex sofa, 2 seater right module with cushions, £2,110; single seater module, £1,065, all Barbed w&h
‘Treat your garden as an extra room of your home – an outdoor living room that you can relax or entertain in from dawn to dusk’