Are you thinking of adding a seating area to your garden? Here are 6 things to keep in my mind:
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• ⁠Position - you'll most likely want a sunny spot but perhaps it's a sheltered seating area you're looking to create. Think about where the sun will be at different times of the day (and year), maybe you have room for a few seating areas.⁠
• Privacy - if your ideal spot feels too exposed you might want to add a privacy screen or hedge. This can help reduce noise pollution too.⁠
• Size - do you want a cosy seating nook? Or maybe a large dining area? Make sure you measure up the furniture you have in mind to check it will fit nicely into the space with room to manoeuvre. You don't want your chairs at risk of falling off the edge of a deck!⁠
• Atmosphere - are you looking to create a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy nature? Add scented wildflowers to encourage butterflies and bees, or perhaps a small water feature. Think about how you can create a sensory experience to make your seating area more inviting.⁠
• Seasonal - will this be a space you use all year or just for summer? Adding a pergola or gazebo structure for shelter will enhance usability throughout the seasons. Having a covered seating area can be a fun outdoor space for cosy winter nights. ⁠
• Materials - when choosing the materials of your garden furniture remember to consider durability. Many options require a lot of maintenance. Think about how the materials fit in with the rest of your garden and if you need a base, how it will compliment that too.⁠

​Decorative lights can really enhance the mood of your garden on a summer's evening, perfect for when you're entertaining after sunset. Here are a few of our favourites:⁠
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1. Solar Starburst String Lights / £19.99 / ⁠The Glow Company
   
2. Leaves String Lights / £45 / Graham and Green
   
3. Vintage Metal Hanging Lantern / £31.49 / Grandado
   
4. LED String Lights / £37.89 / Light in the Box
   
5. Tangier Solar Lantern / £14.50 each / Ella James
   
6. Marrakesh Moroccan Solar Stake Lights / £19.99 / Lights4Fun⁠

First of all, what is composite decking? It's an alternative to traditional timber decking, usually made from wood fibre, recycled plastic, and a binding agent. It's typically a lot more expensive than timber decking, but there are a lot of benefits to making that investment.

🌿 Lower maintenance. No need to worry about regular staining and painting to keep your deck looking perfect.
🌿 Eco friendly. We use brands which are made with FSC 100% certified timber and recycled plastic.
🌿 Lasts longer. A composite deck should last 2-3 times a timber deck. 
🌿 Child friendly. No nasty splinters, warping or splitting  of wood which can cause hazards and need fixing up.
🌿 Anti-slip. Timber decks can become very slippy when wet, composite is generally 'anti slip'.
🌿 Stain & fade resistant. Composite is made with a protective layer which fares much better against the elements than wood.
🌿 Choose your colour. With a timber deck you have different colour options too, but these will require further upkeep.

Are you tempted by a composite deck or do you prefer the look of classic timber decking?

Shopping Spotlight: Garden Textiles 
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With gardens becoming ‘outdoor living rooms’ there are a growing number of soft furnishing options to finish off your space. We’re rounded up a few of our favourite for creating a relaxed and comfortable place to unwind:⁠
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1. Andalucia Cadiz Rug / from £130 / Weaver Green
   
2. Bali Garden Parasol / £250 / Urban Outfitters
   
3. Tufted Outdoor Scatter Cushions / £14 / Matalan
   
4. Eucalyptus Shell Cushion / £90 / Garden Glory
   
5. Havanna Wool Throw / £65 / Nordic Nest
   
6. Pryia Cocoon Bean Seat / £119 / Made.com

Turf wars! Are you team real lawn or artificial? Artificial turf is becoming increasingly popular as companies produce more convincing alternatives to natural lawns. There are pros and cons to both, read on to find out more.

Real Lawn
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Pros:

• You can't beat the look of a real, luscious lawn
• Better for the environment - produces oxygen (reducing carbon)
• A home for insects, improving your garden's eco-system 
• Much cheaper than artificial

Cons:

• Needs mowing regularly
• For the 'perfect' lawn you'll need to feed, water and weed regularly too
• If it's used heavily may get damaged and need extra care
  
  

Artificial Turf

Pros:

• Much lower maintenance
• Cleaner and no mud in wet weather
• Saves water and won't scorch in a heatwave
• Suitable for shady areas where real turf wouldn't grow so well
• Allergy-free for those who suffer from hayfever

Cons:

• Made of plastic and doesn't offer environmental benefits 
• More expensive, especially for the most realistic varieties
• Needs replaced every 10+ years so isn't a one time cost
• Still may need hosed regularly, especially if you have pets
• Site must be prepared to ensure an even base with appropriate drainage, which adds to the cost 
• Not suitable for steeper slopes
• No fresh cut grass smell

Can you think of any other points to add to the conversation? Either way, we can install both types of lawn so don't hesitate to get in touch if yours needs a makeover.

Reclaimed materials can add a lot of charm, with a sense of character and history. From patio stone to blocks and bricks, these can enhance a garden project, especially in an older property. You may have the materials elsewhere in your garden and want to reuse them as part of your transformation, or reclaimed materials can be sourced to fit your brief. Reusing materials is better for the planet too.

A common misconception is that using reclaimed materials will work out much cheaper. Often, there will be additional work in moving and cleaning them up. Something else to consider is that a percentage of the materials may be unusable, or can end up damaged. For example, if you're uplifting an old patio you should be prepared for some breakages. If you don't have enough of your preferred materials, it can also be a challenge sourcing matching products. 

If you'd like to chat about a project that involves using reclaimed materials, do get in touch as we love a challenge. We're currently taking bookings for Autumn.