A well-appointed garden is an extension of your home – a personal outdoor oasis where you can relax and entertain. Make the most of your outside space with these garden essentials, perfect for UK homes.
Take inspiration from your interior design style to create a cohesive look between your indoor and outdoor rooms.
1. An Outdoor Table and Chair Set
A quality garden table and chair set becomes an instant focal point. For the perfect garden table and chair set, select UV and water-resistant materials like teak or aluminium that stand the test of time.
Then, accessorise with weatherproof cushions and an umbrella for shade. Extend your dining space into the garden by pairing a table and chair set with attractive outdoor serving pieces. Build the area around the table as an outdoor living and dining room.
2. Outdoor Lighting
Strategically placed lighting allows you to enjoy your garden day or night. Opt for solar-powered lights along pathways or hang festoon lighting to create ambience. Up-lights placed among trees or shrubs create a magical effect at night. For gathering areas, install a lighting fixture overhead to illuminate the space.
3. Water Features
The soothing sounds of trickling water can transform your garden into a sanctuary. Consider a tabletop fountain for smaller spaces or make a statement with a tiered waterfall feature. Position water features near seating areas so you can enjoy the tranquil sounds. Opt for solar-powered pumps to minimise electricity usage for fountains and ponds.
4. Fire Pits
Fire pits provide warmth and a cosy gathering place on cooler nights. Choose a prefabricated metal pit or build your own brick pit for a custom look. Just check local regulations on open flames. Surround your fire pit with outdoor lounge chairs or benches so multiple people can enjoy the flickering flames. For added ambience, hang lanterns and outdoor curtains around the fire pit area.
5. Plants and Pottery
Your garden wouldn’t be complete without the addition of plants and flowers. Plants and flowers add a pop of colour to an otherwise boring space. Terracotta and ceramic planters are perfect for UK gardens as they withstand the elements; alternatively, rotate seasonal flowers in inexpensive plastic pots. Arrange planters and pots in clusters for greater visual impact. Use trellises and obelisks to train climbing vines and plants on vertical surfaces.
6. Outdoor Rugs
Ground your furniture on an area rug for a cohesive look. Trendy outdoor rugs come in easy-care polypropylene, or splurge on a natural fibre rug to make the space extra cosy. Define separate functional areas like a lounge or dining space by laying outdoor area rugs in each zone. Choose bold patterns and colours for visual interest against neutral paving and greenery.
Accessories turn a basic backyard into a botanical retreat. Craft your ideal refuge with this collection of garden must-haves suitable for the UK climate. Spend time enjoying the fruits of your labour lounging, dining, or entertaining in a well-appointed outdoor oasis.
