Ask the experts: gardens
Our professionals give their advice on your garden and outside space queries
Make the most of your outdoor space this summer with top tips from those in the know
Q
I’ve only got a tiny courtyard garden but I love all the outdoor living rooms I keep seeing in magazines. How can I create somewhere for lounging and eating without spending too much, and what materials are best for outdoor furniture? I want something low maintenance as I don’t have anywhere to store it during winter months. Beth Walters, Exeter
A
Rona Olds, Head of Product, Home and Furniture at Habitat, has the solution…
There are simple ways to create an al fresco living room look, such as using small, easy-tostore accessories to layer up your outdoor space. Lightweight rugs and cushions made from durable water-resistant fabrics are specifically designed for outdoor use and are great for breaking up and adding texture to outdoor spaces. Solar lanterns and festoon lighting is also an inexpensive way to create a cosy ambience for relaxing or entertaining as the sun goes down.
As for furniture, garden bistro sets are best for those short on space, offering a compact footprint while allowing for outdoor dining in courtyards, patios and on balconies. Foldable sun loungers are also a great option for relaxing as they can be tidied away.
Synthetic rattan is hugely popular, with searches for rattan garden furniture up an impressive 2,694% since last year. Rattan really plays into this indoor-outdoor style with a handcrafted woven look that’s durable and weather resistant for year-round use. The lightweight quality of faux rattan sets also makes them ideal for renters as they’re easily portable.
For wooden or concrete styles, furniture covers are an efficient way to protect garden sets if you’re low on storage space.
Q
My kitchen has French doors leading out to the garden and I’m thinking about laying new flooring throughout to bring the two spaces together. What material is best for indoors and out, and do you have any advice for colours or finishes? I want something low maintenance and anti-slip. Joy Broadbent, Nottingham
A
Jo Oliver, Director at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, offers her expert advice…
Bringing the outside in is a great way to create the illusion of space and it will help to turn your patio into an extension of the kitchen. It expands both areas, enabling entertaining both inside and out all year round and drawing light into the kitchen at the same time.
Porcelain tiles are perfect for these design schemes. Not only are they easy to maintain, they’re very hard-wearing, don’t stain or scratch and are anti-slip, so ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens. With advances in technology, it is now possible to have the same tiles both inside and out but with a higher anti-slip rating for the outside pavers. They’re available in a huge array of designs, colours and sizes, too, meaning that you can pretty much achieve any look you want from wooden floorboards and decking to stone tiles and patios.
For smaller, darker areas, choosing light coloured porcelain tiles will help to brighten the room and using a large format tile will help to make the space feel bigger.
While many 10mm porcelain tiles can be used internally and externally, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse has a number of ranges of 20mm porcelain garden pavers. They can be laid onto virtually any outdoor surface including sand and cement screed, gravel and grass. They are easy to install and will enable you to create the look and feel that you want both inside and out.
Q
Is decking a good idea for a small outdoor dining area in my garden? I currently have a really old patio and I want something that won’t need replacing too soon. Rhona Whitcomb, Cardiff
AChris Moorhouse, Category Director for Timber, Building, Décor and Garden at Wickes, explains the options…
In short – yes! Decking your garden can be a great way to create an outdoor space for summer dining. On the whole, laying decking over old patios is fine but the surface needs to be flat, so if your slabs are in really bad shape, we would advise relaying these first.
Traditional wooden decking lasts 10-15 years with annual maintenance, while composite or plastic decking can last from 2530 years with minimal upkeep. Composite decking is easier to care for – keep an eye on any puddles or standing water, as these will quickly cause mould and mildew across the surface.
When installing, keep at least six inches between the patio and deck for airflow and to reduce mould growth. If you’d like to put down any rugs or a doormat, go with something woven, as this will breathe better.
Regular maintenance will keep the boards looking fresh, so sweep often and unclog any grass or other debris from between the boards. Lastly, if there are any spillages, clean them up right away to prevent stains and sticky patches.
Q
This summer I want to make the most of my garden and have some lighting out there so we can enjoy it after dark. What do you recommend? I want something not too complicated and easy to maintain. Heather Collins, Leeds
A
Natalie Mann, New Product Development Coordinator at Iconic Lights, shares her expertise…
Finding appropriate outdoor lighting is key to creating the right ambience in the evening, while highlighting the garden’s key features. Whether traditional or contemporary, the style of lighting should fit seamlessly into the space and complement the surroundings. It’s important to pay attention to the IP rating, as this will give an indication to how well protected the fitting is against moisture, dirt and other outdoor elements.
If you’re looking for outdoor lights that are easy to install, garden spike lights are a great choice. These spotlights are attached to a pointed pole situated in the ground rather than drilled in place, so you have the added benefit of flexibility if you wish to reposition them as the seasons change. Due to their fussfree installation, spike lights can be added to the exterior of any home instantly and make an immediate difference to your garden, whether you want to illuminate a pathway or your favourite floral arrangement.
Spike lights also require little-to-no maintenance, as the durable materials and IP65 rating mean that these garden lights can be left in place all year round, no matter the weather. They only require an LED bulb, which uses around 80% less energy, reducing your bills and how often you replace them, all while still providing a substantial amount of light.
Q
I have a tired old shed that could be given a new lease of life. How can I freshen up the wood? I’d like to use it as a summerhouse or maybe even a home office. Jan Hardy, Norfolk
A
Andrew Wilcox, Head Judge of Cuprinol Shed of the Year, shares his top tips…
As Head Judge of Cuprinol Shed of the Year I’ve seen my fair share of sheds! Even the ones that might look like they’ve seen better days all have potential.
Most just need a little TLC. With the right preparation, you’ll have a shed that will stand the test of time. Before you start your ‘shedlift’, pre-treat any bare or untreated wood with an appropriate wood preserver to avoid rot and decay. Make sure the surfaces are dry and free from dirt before you start. If the wood has been stained, painted or varnished in the past, strip it back to the bare wood before giving it a lick of paint. Apply only in dry conditions, above 5°C. Try a test area before tackling the whole project. If you’re using more than one can of paint, it’s best to mix them together first.
For colour, try Cuprinol Garden Shades. This gives long-lasting colour and protection to all garden wood, and the range of shades mean you’ll be able to pick a colour palette to perfectly complement your garden and create a really stand out space.