Tag: garden decor

Transform your outdoor space into a retro retreat

Transform your outdoor space into a retro retreat

Who says time travel isn’t possible? With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of nostalgia, you can whisk your garden back a few decades and create a retro retreat that’s the envy of all your neighbours.

Forget about keeping up with the latest trends. It’s time to dive into the charm of yesteryear and transform your outdoor space into an attractive throwback haven where every corner whispers tales of the past.

Start with colour and pattern

First things first, let’s talk colour. Retro is all about bold shades and playful patterns. Think of the vibrant oranges, yellows and greens that dominated the 60s and 70s or the pastel hues that were all the rage in the 50s. Choose garden furniture with these colours, or give existing pieces a facelift with a lick of paint.

Don’t shy away from pattern, either. A chequered tablecloth or a floral patterned outdoor rug can instantly add a vintage vibe to your space.

Furniture: mix and match with flair

The heart of your retro retreat is the furniture. This isn’t the time for matching sets; it’s about mixing and matching pieces with character. Scour second-hand shops, antique stores and online marketplaces for those unique finds – a metal garden chair here, a wrought iron table there. And remember, a touch of rust or a few weathered edges only add to the charm.

For a stunning focal point, you can easily create your luxury garden with a metal pergola from Woodlark Garden Luxury. It’s a nod to the elegance of garden parties of yore and a perfect frame for hanging plants or string lights.

Lighting: soft and whimsical

When it comes to lighting, soft and whimsical is the way to go. Drape string lights around your pergola or along fences for a gentle, inviting glow. Vintage-style lanterns can also add to the atmosphere, casting interesting shadows and providing a warm light that’s perfect for those long, lazy evenings chatting with friends or lost in a good book.

Accessorise with a personal touch

Accessories are where you can really let your personality shine through. Think quirky garden gnomes, a brightly coloured bird bath or even a classic, pedal-powered bicycle leaning nonchalantly against a tree. Planters made from repurposed items like Belfast sinks or animal feeding troughs can also add a fun, eclectic touch.

And why not throw in a hammock or a swing seat? They’re not just great for adding a sense of relaxation, but also for invoking those nostalgic memories of carefree childhood days.

Create a vintage garden party corner

No retro retreat is complete without a designated area for hosting those vintage-themed garden parties. A classic wooden bar cart, stocked with all the essentials, can serve as the centrepiece. Add a few retro-inspired outdoor games – think croquet, badminton or ring toss – and you’ve got yourself the perfect setup for an afternoon of fun.

Don’t forget the greenery

Finally, let’s talk plants. Opt for varieties that were popular in the past, that boast those aforementioned retro colours, or which have a timeless appeal. Fragrant flowers like lavender, roses and jasmine can add a sensory layer to your garden, while a selection of herbs offers both practicality and a connection to the kitchen gardens of old.

Transforming your outdoor space into a retro retreat is about more than just decorating; it’s about creating an experience. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the nostalgia and create new memories in a setting that’s uniquely yours.

So, roll up your sleeves and let the retro revival begin!

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Auction alert: Garden furniture & statuary

Late 20th century painted resin figure of a stag

Back when my parents owned an antique shop in Kemptown in Brighton, they’d go weekly to Watsons Auctions in Heathfield, East Sussex. Watsons, as well as Gorringe’s in Lewes, were my mum & dad’s main channels for acquiring fresh stock for their shop. I seem to remember Justin and me going a few times, too, when we lived down there.

With spring finally springing and lots of us itching to get outside and get our hands dirty, it’s a great time to highlight the upcoming garden furniture & statuary auction taking place at Watsons on Friday 3rd May, from 9:30am. There are 232 lots in the sale, to include plant pots and planters, troughs, water features, garden ornaments and much more besides.

Buy live or leave bids online at EasyLiveAuction or The Saleroom (fees apply).

Buyers Premium for our General Auction is 19% plus VAT making a total of 22.8% on the hammer price. Buyers Premium for our Online Collectables & Furniture Auctions and Specialist Auctions is 20% plus VAT making a total of 24% on the hammer price.

Late 20th century painted resin figure of a stag

Lot 1: Late 20th century painted resin figure of a stag

87.5cm tall
Estimate: £20 – £40

Iron black painted Warners, London well pump

Lot 35: Iron black painted Warners, London well pump

74cm tall
Estimate: £40 – £60

Approx. ninety small terracotta plant pots

Lot 43: Approx. ninety small terracotta plant pots

Approx 7cm tall each
Estimate: £50 – £70

Metal hose reel, two galvanised buckets and two watering cans

Lot 67: Metal hose reel, two galvanised buckets and two watering cans

Estimate: £20 – £30

Pair of tall square terracotta style plant pots, potted with roses

Lot 71: Pair of tall square terracotta style plant pots, potted with roses

37cm x 71cm tall
Estimate: £50 – £80

Pair of terracotta rhubarb forcers

Lot 105: Pair of terracotta rhubarb forcers

70cm tall
Estimate: £60 – £100

Painted boot scraper mounted on stone base

Lot 124: Painted boot scraper mounted on stone base

59cm wide
Estimate: £30 – £50

Metal Singer sewing machine base with marble top

Lot 130: Metal Singer sewing machine base with marble top

107cm wide x 74cm tall
Estimate: £30 – £50

Terracotta strawberry pot together with a terracotta orb and wall pocket

Lot 146: Terracotta strawberry pot

40cm dia x 40cm tall together with a terracotta orb and wall pocket
Estimate: £30 – £50

Metal scrolled arm garden bench

Lot 149: Metal scrolled arm garden bench

128cm x 89cm tall
Estimate: £20 – £40

Oval two tier wire work plant stand

Lot 169: Oval two tier wire work plant stand

70cm x 74cm tall
Estimate: £100 – £150

Set of four garden urns decorated with lion masks and swags

Lot 194: Set of four garden urns decorated with lion masks and swags

58cm dia x 73cm tall
Estimate: £400 – £600

Gazebos vs pergolas: What’s the difference?

Gazebos vs pergolas: What's the difference?

Gazebos and pergolas are two types of sheltered structures commonly found in gardens around the UK. But what’s the difference between them? Are they just two words for the same thing? This post compares the two; gazebos vs pergolas.

What’s a gazebo?

Gazebos can come in many different forms. Some are fixed structures that are built into the ground. Others are pop-up structures that can be easily moved or disassembled if need be.

What makes a gazebo a gazebo is the fact that it has a solid roof. This is designed primarily to provide shade in the summer. Gazebos can also provide shelter from the rain or direct sun, however usually fabric walls are needed to provide extra shelter from these elements.

Gazebos can be constructed out of various materials. Some are constructed entirely from wood. Others are made from metal with a wooden or tile roof. Others are more like tents and are made from metal or plastic with a fabric roof.

A marquee may be referred to as a gazebo in some cases, although generally marquees are for commercial pop-up purposes and always come with fabric walls to give them more of a tent-like appearance.

What’s a pergola?

Like gazebos, pergolas can come in many different forms. Some are attached to the ground, while others are freestanding. Pergolas can also take the form of awnings attached to walls.

Unlike gazebos, pergolas don’t have a permanent, solid roof. They instead have a wooden or metal latticed/slatted roof that offers partial shade from the sun. These slats can also be used to grow climbing plants around or wrap lighting around. You can also position fire pits or barbecues under them (depending on the slat materials and height).

Some pergolas have the option of closing slats or a full retractable roof. This can help to give them the full coverage of a gazebo. In some cases, retractable roofs may be made from clear, toughened glass to allow light through while providing shelter from rain. In other cases, the retractable roof may be opaque.

These opening slats and retractable roofs were, once upon a time, manually operated. However, in recent years, the motorised pergola has become a very popular option. These are activated by a button or switch. Some can even be controlled using a remote control pad or via an app on a smartphone.

Which is right for your home?

Gazebos are the better option if you’re looking for permanent shelter from the sun and rain. A pergola is the preferred choice if you still want to let some sun through, or if you like the idea of being able to adorn overhead slats with plants or lighting. Both can otherwise be attractive features and could add value to your home (if they’re permanent).

A basic pergola will usually cost less to buy and install than a basic gazebo because it’s the simpler structure. That said, if you want to buy a pergola with a retractable mechanised roof or slats, this will cost more than any gazebo. This is something to consider if you only have a modest budget.

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3 important safety features for your in-ground swimming pool

3 important safety features for your in-ground swimming pool

Installing an in-ground swimming pool will add a touch of elegance to your garden. It’s better than an above-ground pool as there are no unsightly parts to create an eyesore! You’ll need to think about many things when installing a home pool – such as the general design, size, shape and placement – though you can’t forget about safety.

Having a pool in your garden is great, but it will add a new safety risk for your family, particularly if you have young children. With that being said, here are three important safety features you need to have in and around your in-ground swimming pool:

A protective fence

Every home swimming pool should have a protective fence built around it. It’s there to stop you or your kids from accidentally wandering too close to the pool and falling in. You’ll be surprised how often this happens – and to be honest, adults are just as prone to falling in as children, especially if there’s alcohol involved!

Don’t be fooled into thinking any fence will do. A wooden fence offers the protection you need, though it restricts your vision of the pool. Ironically, this can be a safety issue, as you may not notice your children in trouble while you’re inside making dinner. That’s why glass pool fencing is strongly recommended; you get a protective barrier without obstructing your line of sight.

A pool safety cover

When your pool isn’t being used, it makes sense to cover it. Again, this will prevent anyone from falling into the pool – and it also helps keep your pool clean. It stops debris from ending up in the water which could cause issues with the pool’s filtering system while also being unhygienic.

Be sure to find a proper pool safety cover here; don’t get a random stretch of tarpaulin and think that it will suffice. You need something that’s specially made to fit your pool to give it the protection it requires.

Anti-slip surfaces

Of all the safety issues surrounding having a pool, slips and falls are the biggest. There’s a high risk of people slipping on wet surfaces around the pool area, causing pretty severe injuries. Every in-ground swimming pool should be constructed with slip-resistant materials on the perimeter surfaces. The decking around your pool must be good at absorbing water or stopping people from slipping and sliding.

Furthermore, consider laying tiles or surfaces right around the pool with added ‘grippy bits’ on them. If you’ve ever been to a water park or swimming pool, you’ll notice they all have tiles with dimples on them. This is an anti-slip idea that stops people from dangerously skidding along the wet floor into the pool.

Look, when kids are involved, you’ll never feel comfortable that 100% of accidents will be prevented. They’re bound to find some way of getting themselves hurt, but all you can do is try to minimise the risks. Installing these three safety features will go a long way towards ensuring that your home swimming pool doesn’t lead to needless accidents. They’re simple undertakings too, so there’s no reason to ignore them!

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