The Edit #1: The outdoor living edition
Welcome to this new monthly roundup of ideas for your (and my) home
Well, thank Helios for this weather, right? I had my doubts that summer would actually make its appearance this year, I tell you, but after a week of glorious rays, I have well and truly got that summer feeling* (*touches wood, crosses fingers and toes, checks forecast for the umpteeth time). I’ve spent as much time outdoors this week and, of course, made a list as long as both arms of what I’d like to do to the garden. What should be at the top: plant a money tree.
It might be age or something else, but I find myself drawn to a garden centre when the weather perks up, so that’s one of my weekend plans. I am sure keen gardeners will say is the wrong time to do it, that you need to plant earlier in the year for summer colour, but I do like a bit of instant gratification with some colourful potted plants and herbs to add to what can very very loosely be described as the ‘kitchen garden’ (we’ll get there, we will).
So, with a sunny spring in my step (type), I bring you the first of The Edit, a new monthly roundup of ideas for your and my home, each along a theme. A lust list, something I have bought and loved or just an idea I’ve spotted and liked. I’ll curate a collection of pieces and ideas that I like for my home and hope that it’ll inspire you for your spaces too, and I’ll try to keep it real with a mix of price points and a good balance between the achievable and aspirational, too. I’m always open to ideas, comments, shares and recommendations, so don’t be shy.
This month, in honour of the incredibly late arrival of some decent weather, I bring you the outdoor living edition…I’m even sitting in the garden while I write…possibly with a G&T on the way. Now that’s what I call summer.
The outdoor living edition
Last year, I bought a giant parasol and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve praised it in the last sunny week alone. It’s one of those cantilever overhanging designs with a windy-up sail and it’s great for creating plenty of shade so that little ones can enjoy the garden too, plus ideal for over a table or when I’ve had enough rays for the day. Luckily, our garden is south-facing, so we’re blessed with lots of sun when it shines, but not so much shade. Cost per use is already looking good.
Seating wise, I’m a big believer in zones. So sofa/lounge area, check. Bench, nice. Bistro/dining set, yes please. That way, you can make sure there are enough spots for BBQ parties and move around the garden throughout the day. I’m also a fan of that morning coffee al fresco so do need to find a spot for a nice bistro set.
Ever attempted to bag Aldi’s egg chair during the hype of its release? Mayhem. I’ve tried and I’ve failed to get one a few times. Who actually has succeeded? That’s what I want to know. Great PR yes, but it’s a purchase that still eludes me. So much so, I think I’ve moved on from the ‘dangling egg’ to the more static variety and this one comes in at a good price.
Protect the bees and add some ‘relaxed’ colour to your plot with wildflower seeds. Throw it on, watch it grow…my kind of gardening.
Speaking of easy, have you seen Garden On A Roll? What a great idea, especially if, like me, you have no idea which plants pair well and what not to put with what. Biodegradable paper marks out where to put the plants supplied with it to create a perfectly balanced border. Genius.
I went to a sensory garden this week filled with delicious smelling roses and all sorts of herbs including more mint than you could shake your Tik Taks at – like lavender mint, basil mint and pineapple mint to name a few. There were plenty of hides for wildlife too and a giant bug hotel. A smaller one will do the trick too.
Need an excuse to buy more cushions (never)? Let’s talk outdoor cushions. Usually made with moisture resistant fabric, there are many designs available so scatter them as you please to make metal seats more comfy or to add colour to your garden sofa. Pop a few on a picnic blanket for a relaxed vibe.
The ideal is to have one section of our garden as an outdoor kitchen and the plan is to build a pizza oven. Less permanent, I’ve heard good things about the Ooni.
A balmy evening isn’t complete in my house without a citronella candle. It’s more of a necessity really as I’m bait for those pesky midges. I’ve graduated from those bright yellow in plastic varieties we used to take camping to something a little more stylish.
