Tag: gardens

Price Points: Angular greenhouses

Angular greenhouses

Last week on this Price Points series, we talked about wanting to get one of these sentry sheds to store our garden tools. We also mentioned another type of garden structure that we’d like to put in another part of our garden; an angular greenhouse.

When we talk about angular greenhouses, what we’re referring to are hexagonal and octagonal greenhouses. We know squares and rectangles are also angled shapes… but you know what we mean!

The footprint of the space we have in mind for it is pretty compact – no more than 6½ft in diameter – so a six or eight-sided greenhouse would work better than a more conventional shape. Here are the 3 that we found online; there’s something a little strange about two of them though.

To our (untrained) eyes, #1 and #2 look to be identical in everything but dimensions. Unusually, the larger of the pair is the cheaper one. Even though they’re being sold by what looks to be two different companies and two different websites… Robinsons appears to be a subsidiary of Greenhouse People!

  1. Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 wide [1910mm] x 6ft3 long [1910mm]): £1,827.00 (inc. VAT), Greenhouse People
    • Toughened glass
    • PVC bar capping to hold in the glass (no clips)
    • Good quality Hercules sliding doors with low threshold and lock
    • 2 x louvre windows in the sides
    • Toughened glass kick panels around the bottom (so that only a small pane would break if a stone is flicked up from a lawnmower for example)
    • Tanalised timber staging each side
    • strong box section corner bars
  2. Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7″): £3,109.00, Robinsons Greenhouses
    • Extremely strong frame
    • Toughened glass (4mm)
    • Sliding door
    • Free 10 year guarantee
    • 2 x louvre vents
    • Gutter and a single down pipe
    • High eaves
    • Door lock
    • Ground level door threshold
    • Stainless steel fixings
    • Staging and shelving included
    • Kick panels
    • Screw-in bar capping
  3. Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″): £3,545 (inc. VAT): Woodpecker Joinery
    • Entirely Western Red Cedar construction (Grade 2 Clear & Better)
    • 6ft 4″ height to eaves
    • Single door
    • One roof vent and two side vents
    • Bayliss Mk7 fitted to roof vent
    • Staging and high level shelving
    • 4mm English toughened safety glass
    • Black rainwater gutter and downpipe
    • Delivered and installed by our own fitters
    • Ten year guarantee

shop angular greenhouses

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
£3,545
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
£3,109.00
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
£1,827.00
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
£3,545
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
£3,109.00
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
£1,827.00
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
£3,545
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
£3,109.00
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
£1,827.00
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
£3,545
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
£3,109.00
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
£1,827.00
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
Loxley octagonal greenhouse (6ft 6″ x 6ft 6″)
£3,545
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
Renaissance old cottage green greenhouse (5’7″ x 5’7”)
£3,109.00
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
Hercules octagonal old cottage green greenhouse (6ft3 x 6ft3)
£1,827.00

Price Points: Sentry sheds

Sentry sheds

Since moving into our cottage almost 3 years ago, we already bought a new garden shed to store all the DIY tools, paint and other materials that we use for the renovation and decoration. But I’ve said before, give us a space, and we’ll fill it. That’s what’s happened with that outdoor storage.

We’ve long felt that we need a separate space to store our gardening gear; the tools, the seed trays, the compost and the plant food. One of these small sentry sheds is the answer!

Sheds don’t come cheap, the cheapest one is £150. However, at that price you get a sentry shed that’s too small to store a broom or a leaf rake; it’s only 63cm at its widest point.

The mid-range model is 93cm wide – so it can fit broom, rake, fork and shovel with ease. And, like the cheap version, it has a trio of corner shelves to put small things we’d need readily to hand such as secateurs, plant labels and ball of garden string.

The top-end example is really lovely – and I like the choice of shingle or corrugated tin roof and the proper door handle. However, if I’m spending that much money on outdoor storage, I’d rather invest in a greenhouse. But – more on that subject next week!

  1. Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural: £150.00, Wilko

    Made from highly durable Chinese fir wood obtained from managed sources offers weather resistance. It has a heavy grade mineral roofing felt and a wooden drop latch, so you can rest assured that your garden tools and equipment will be kept secure from rain, wind, and snow. Self-assembly required. Supplied flat packed. Colour: Natural. Dimensions: Internal: H125 x W63 x D43cm, Large Door: H123 x W51cm, Small Door: H25 x W35cm.

  2. BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2: £219.00, eBay
  3. Traditional sentry store: from £2,373.00, the Garden Trellis Co.

    The Sentry Store comes complete with your choice of an extremely realistic faux lead GRP roof, traditional WRC shingles or a corrugated tin roof. A part glazed front door is also available as an option. There is a locking system for added security as standard. The Thermowood* can be left natural or a painted option is available using one of our 8 paint colours

shop sentry sheds

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Traditional sentry store
Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
£219.00
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
£150.00
Traditional sentry store
Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
£219.00
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
£150.00
Traditional sentry store
Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
£219.00
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
£150.00
Traditional sentry store
Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
£219.00
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
£150.00
Traditional sentry store
Traditional sentry store
from £2,373.00
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
BillyOh tall sentry box outdoor store 3×2
£219.00
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
Airwave Bideford tool shed – natural
£150.00

How to throw the best backyard BBQ

How to throw the best backyard BBQ

Summertime in the Northern Hemisphere is just about here. Near the equator, certain areas see great weather all year round. Because of that, the time is always right for a backyard BBQ. Barbecues are a great way to gather with friends, cook great food and entertain yourselves for hours. Here’s how to make your home the go-to home for barbecues this summer.

Have an amazing area to play

If you don’t already, make your garden a great place to entertain friends. If your garden is currently a wide open space, hire patio builders to create a space for you. Depending on the layout of your property and your home, you could build a deck, lay pavers and have a seating area with an outdoor fireplace, bar and you could build an overhang or palapa with a ceiling fan and outdoor TV.

If your budget allows for it, install a swimming pool as well. Nothing rounds out a backyard space like a pool where people can soak, swim and play water games while you mix drinks in the blender at the bar and make delicious food on the grill. It will be like everyone’s on holiday!

Cook delicious recipes

Summer recipes are some of the best recipes you can cook and find. A lot of them are simple to make and people will eat them fast. Summer recipes are light, tasty and can be made in large quantities in order to feed a lot of people. There’s more to put on the menu than just hamburgers and hot dogs.

Summer salads like pasta salads, potato salads and fruit salads are cheap to make and you can make them in bulk. Kebabs and sewers are great to make with shrimp, beef or chicken. Cut up some vegetables and add them to the skewer and you’ll have a hit on your hands. Download a delicious marinade recipe for the meat and your guests will rave at your cooking.

Break out the garden games

In the digital age, it’s good to get everyone off of their phones and interacting with each other in real life and in real time. The best way to do this is to have a set of games for everyone to play and enjoy. Playing games outside gets kids to interact with adults and everyone gets exercise. Aside from swim races in the pool, there are a bunch of activities you can offer.

Water volleyball is a great game that kids can play in the pool as well as bean bag toss into floating targets. On the grass you could set up volleyball, badminton, ping pong, Kan Jam and any variety of racing games for everyone to enjoy. If you have the space, you could host your own backyard Olympics.

Conclusion

With a few adjustments, some space and some clever ideas on what to cook and what to play, you’ve all the ingredients necessary for the perfect backyard BBQ location this summer. Get everyone to chip in and keep the place stocked.

[disclosure*]

Secret gardens: 7 small backyard design ideas

Secret gardens: 7 small backyard design ideas

Do you want to turn your outdoor space into an urban oasis where you can relax and unwind?

The outdoor furniture market was over $15.7 billion in 2020, and it continues to grow. The growth is down to the number of people turning their backyards into something unique. Many people still think you need a large area and a lot of money. But today, this post will show you small backyard design ideas on a budget! All you have to do is keep reading until the end!

1. Build a bar

It wasn’t so long ago when people believed that home bars were only for the rich and famous. These days, with the aid of the internet, erecting a DIY bar has never been easier. You can buy cheap or second-hand bars. But if you build a bar from scratch, you can design it to the style and vibe you want in your little paradise. Not to mention, you can save on your hard-earned cash!

2. Tables and chairs

If you want to enjoy a drink from your bar, you need a place to sit and relax. If you have the space, think about adding an outdoor sofa, they add a lot of value and comfort to your area. Don’t worry if you have a small or narrow backyard. There’s furniture designed for compact spaces, and they usually fold up when not in use.

3. Grow plants, fruit and vegetables

The best small backyard landscaping idea is to grow plants and crops. If you’re unable to undertake the work yourself, you can hire a contractor such as landscape services Alpharetta GA. The plants’ vibrant colours will brighten up your outdoor space – especially during the spring and summer months. Growing fruit and veg can save you money and is a fun activity. You can even try turning fruit into some home-made wine or cider. You should start using Holmes Lawn & Pest control to keep the nasty pests away from plants and flowers!

4. Build a storage shed

How many times have you been meaning to get move your tools, but you have nowhere to put them. Well, now you do! The best part is you have a place to store items you want to keep away from kids.

5. Cook outdoors

A BBQ is one of the best small backyard ideas for entertaining guests. And when word gets out about how delicious your grilling is, you can expect much more visitors. Nobody wants to be stuck cooking inside when the weather is nice. So enjoy the weather with a drink in one hand and a spatula in the other.

6. Set your backyard alight

That’s right, set your backyard alight… with lights! The lighting can determine your vibe and atmosphere. If you want a fairy-tale setting, get some very bright white lights, and line them along the walls. If you want a hipster vibe, go for multi-coloured mix match bulbs. Just make sure to get ones that fit your setting.

7. A fire pit

A blazing fire pit puts a spark into your small backyard! When the sun does down, the cold night starts to creep into your backyard. But you can cosy up around the fire pit and fend it off. You can even start making s’mores!

Use these small backyard design ideas

Everyone deserves a slice of heaven. And by using these small backyard design ideas, you can turn that dream into a reality! You know what to do, so now it’s time to clear your backyard and start getting to work. And if want more small design ideas for the rest of your home, continue reading our blog for free!

[disclosure*]