As the credit crunch bites in serious those with homes & steady incomes are deciding to ‘improve not move’ and one of the first places they start is the garden. A well designed garden, with the right outdoor furniture and accessories can literally add an extra room to a home and of course there is no need to bring in builders, plumbers or electricians to create an outdoor space.

The trend for 2009 is to decide on the furniture and accessories (parasols etc) & plant around them, choosing the styles & colours of the plants to match.

But what do you do when winter arrives and your carefully chosen and rather costly garden furniture needs to be purchased in from the cold, rain and maybe even snow? Unless you have granted storage room for it (eating up that precious space) you have to leave it outdoors, and watch as the elements take their toll.

However, over the last two years a quiet revolution has been happening in garden furniture. Synthetic rattan furniture, designed to last forever & called All Weather furniture, this garden furniture won’t rot or drop & can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. Designed to be left outdoors all year round the new weatherproof furniture designs really are investment pieces as they last so long. No need to store indoors or in a garden shed, and no doubt visiting smokers will appreciate having a comfortable seat outside!

The new all weather garden furniture is also acquirable in furniture pieces not usually acquirable for the outdoors, including corner garden sofas, modular sofas, massive daybeds & comfy armchairs – all with large, comfortable cushions in a large variety of colours & patterns. These pieces work equally well in the patio, garden or conservatory.

The top synthetic rattan is made in Europe (Hularo & Shintotex are two of the best) & the material is then sent to the Philippines or Indonesia to be woven into funky modern designs by artisans with years of experience in weaving cane. The completed items are then shipped back to Europe (where the cushions are made) ready for sale.

Designs from China in synthetic rattan are widely available, and much cheaper, however the materials won’t last and even though they look like other all weather furniture to start with the materials used simply do not have the same resistance to the cold, the sun or the wet.

And good calibre European synthetic rattan is very comfortable to sit or lie on, staying cool in even the hottest sun, with a soft yet smooth surface. It is simple to clean, just needing to be hosed down each once in a while, & the material repels the dirt. The weave lends itself to a large variety of designs & shapes, perfect for the contemporary garden. And finally it is also environmentally friendly as it is toxin free, biodegradable and recyclable.

This new synthetic rattan garden furniture is set to become dominant in the mid to high end of the outdoor furniture market over the next few years as it has so many advantages over traditional garden furniture, teak furniture and even plastic garden furniture. The designs are more contemporary and slicing edge, the furniture itself more roomy and comfortable, and maintenance required is non existent.

The ideal of the new garden furniture is acquirable from Go Modern. If you are looking for white garden furniture The White Home specialise in high calibre white garden furniture.

If you’re chesty of your lovely garden why keep it to yourself? Show it off by inviting friends and family to a garden party. It can be the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch, a children’s birthday party, a sophisticated dinner or a lively celebration. All you need is a tiny imagination and planning. Follow these tips to ensure an enjoyable time for yourself and your guests: 

1) Sit comfortably

Make sure everyone has somewhere to sit. If your garden furniture has spent the winter in the shed or exposed to the elements, give it a good clean. Purchase or borrow more if you need it. Indoor furniture can be brought out onto a patio and cushions can turn a low surround into a comfortable seat. For a children’s party, spread a blanket on the lawn for a picnic tea.

 2) Be kind to the cook

Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen or roasting over a hot barbecue! Light, easy food is the most appropriate on hot summer days. When deciding on the menu select dishes that can be served cold or those that can be mostly prepared in advance and cooked swiftly just before serving. If you grow your own fruit and vegetablesgive them the starring role.

3) Do a country check

Prevent an happening spoiling the celebration by inspecting your garden from a stranger’s point of view. You know about that wobbly paving slab and the low tree branch but they might catch out an unwary visitor. If you can’t remove or shield a hazard make it more visible and warn people about it. If your celebration will go on after dark make sure that paths and steps are adequately lit.

Be especially careful if there are going to be young kids around and your garden is normally a child-free zone. Check that you haven’t left any gardening tools or other potentially hazardous objects lying about. Lock sheds and other outbuildings. If you have a pond you can’t take even the smallest risk of an marooned toddler wandering too close. If it’s small enough, you might be healthy to cover the pond. If not, perhaps you can place up a temporary fence or barrier of some kind.        

4) Offer plenty of drinks

In hot weather people can become dehydrated more easily than they realise, and drinking alcohol doesn’t help! Offer iced teas and non-alcoholic cocktails along with the beer and wine for a refreshing change.

5) Create some shade

Sunshine is wonderful – in moderation. On a hot day, unless your garden is naturally shady create cool retreats with parasols, awnings or shade sails. Kids can tire swiftly in the heat so follow energetic activities with games that can be played while relaxing in the shade.

6) Beware of bugs

Flies, wasps and other insects love celebration food! Don’t bring food outdoors until people are ready to eat, and clear away any leftovers. If you’re having a buffet use mesh covers to protect food. In the evening, light citronella candles or flares to repel gnats and mosquitoes. 

7) Don’t be a nuisance

While you and your guests are having fun be aware that all the chatter and music might not be so pleasant for your neighbours and try to keep the volume down, especially at night. To refrain complaints tell them when you’re planning a celebration so they know what’s going on. Superior still, invite them round so they can enjoy it, too!

If you love the intent of outdoor pleasing but your garden isn’t as captivating as you’d like – don’t despair! A garden makeover by a professional landscape gardener needn’t cost a fortune. Find one who will give you a free consultation and a no obligation quotation. You might be surprised at how easily your ordinary plot can be transformed into a stunning celebration venue!

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