[reblogged from photobucket]

  Most of us would agree that the basic colour scheme of vegetation is green!  But it is possible to choose from several other colours when you are designing your garden.  You can change the whole look of your garden by choosing different coloured plants.  Some people will even stick to one or two certain shades and this can look really nice.

  You can also do a lot to change the look of your garden by opting for a certain type of furniture.  Imagine how it would look with a wooden table and chairs to go with your fencing; or how about a wrought iron theme?  You could fit some new metal gates and buy some iron garden furniture to match!

  There are many different options and you can really go to town on its overall appearance.  There may be plenty of green out there, but this is merely your canvass!  What you choose to put on top is the true artistry of your garden.

[reblogged from typepad]

  It’s amazing how much wildlife there can be in your own back garden.  Even in built-up areas you can get a large variety of birds and hedgehogs who will often filch from your pet food bowl!  Sitting outdoors in the summer can be made even nicer if there are lots of different birds to watch.

  Of course, not all of us will have a very large back garden and you may think that starlings are the only birds in the area.  But it is surprising how many other breeds can turn up when you put out a certain type of wild bird food. 

  The only thing to bear in mind is that birds are not fussy about where they poo…  and if you set up a bird feeder near your nice cast garden furniture, then you really are asking for trouble!  Try to put a little thought into the best place for their seed.  It needs to be out of the way, but you still want to be able to sit and watch them.

[reblogged from haterawards]

  If you are planning to buy a table and chairs for your garden then the first thing you will need to decide on is exactly how much you want to spend.  There is a huge selection to choose from with furniture to suit any budget.

  A lot of the cost will depend on what it is made from.  Plastic is normally the cheapest option, with wooden or metal furniture costing more.  Obviously, with this type of thing it is very much a case of ‘you get what you pay for’.  You may find a plastic table and chairs for a small price tag, but it will not be big on quality.  The chairs will usually be very flimsy and the plastic will often lose its coating over quite a short space of time. 

  Wooden furniture can vary dramatically in build quality, but even if you find a set that is well made, it will still require treatment every few years.  And if you fail to do this then it may well end up warped from exposure to the elements. 

   Aluminium is becoming an increasingly popular choice these days as it ticks so many boxes; it is lightweight to move or store, it does not rust and it is very easy to clean.  Cast iron garden furniture will also look nice, but this will rust and it is normally quite heavy to lift.

[reblogged from blaize]

  Most of us love the summertime!  It is so nice to get some jobs done out in the garden without feeling cold.  British summers are well-known for being a bit on the unpredictable side, so it is important to enjoy every minute that you can.  There are just so many different things to enjoy; sunbathing, taking a trip to the beach, gardening and playing Frisbee with the kids. 

  But another highlight of the summer is its wonderful, balmy evenings.  It’s a great time to make use of that traditional garden furniture and to eat your meals al fresco!  Warm summer evenings can be truly magical times because they just feel so incredibly relaxing; birds singing at the bottom of the garden, a few bumblebees finishing off their chores for the day and that beautiful hush before the sun goes to bed. 

  Sitting outside in the cool of the day is a wonderful way of winding down.  A glass of wine, some friends and a little idle chatter can create some lovely summer evenings.

[reblogged from wordpress]

  If you have bought some good quality furniture for your garden, then you are going to want to take care of it.  When the summer months are over it will need to be stored for quite a long time before it is time to get it out again.  It is over this period that it can easily become very dirty and possibly even damaged.  But by applying a little bit of thought you can keep it all in tip-top condition. 

  Your garden furniture should be kept where it is out of the way as much as possible.  Avoid leaving it anywhere that it could be knocked and never leave it on a damp floor.  If it is wooden, then moisture can cause rot or warping and cast iron furniture could rust.  It is also a good idea to clean you furniture before putting it away for the winter. 

  When you put it into storage, cover it all in plastic sheeting; this will help to protect it from dirt and it will keep moisture at bay.  If you do not have any sheeting then black bin liners can be used instead.  With some masking tape to hold them in place these will do just as good a job.  Try not to leave any gaps in your sheeting as creepy-crawlies will be queuing up to lay their eggs inside! 

  If you take your time to do all this, then your furniture should look just as good when you get it back out next year.  Not only that, but it will already be clean and ready for use!

[reblogged from familydoctor]

  Lazing around in the back garden is a thoroughly pleasurable experience, but not everyone wants to be sat in the blazing sun.  Sometimes it is just too hot, even if you are the kind of person who likes to get a nice tan.  Besides, we all know that it can be dangerous to spend too much time sunbathing. 

  Luckily, there are some great accessories available for your table and chairs to provide you with some welcome shade.  Many items of wooden or metal garden furniture will be fitted with canopies and there are some lovely designs of parasols.  Shaded areas can be especially useful if you are having a bite to eat outdoors.  Your food will stay fresher and your drinks will stay cooler if they are shielded from the sun. 

  It is also important to protect small children from excessive sun.  They are bound to want to be outdoors; but if you have shades on your furniture, then it will provide a good safety haven for them to escape to now and again.