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How to make use of your garden throughout autumn and winter
Summer is well and truly out of the way, and you may be thinking about how you can continue to make use of your garden throughout the autumn and winter months. The various lockdowns, venue closures and restrictions throughout 2020 and 2021 made us think about how we could continue to see family and friends in our outdoor spaces, especially when it got colder and wetter, so here are a few ideas to help you adapt your garden to make use of it all year round.
How to make use of your garden throughout autumn and winter
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1. Stay Sheltered
Setting up an area where you and your guests can be sheltered is top of the list. There are a number of products you can use depending on your space and budget.
Waterproof shade sails are a great solution to covering your seating area. Once the fixing points are in place you can set up your sail and take it down again when it’s not needed. They are also UV resistant, so are perfect for the summer months as well. You can find a selection of white waterproof shade sails in different shapes and sizes on our website.
If your garden is quite breezy, you might also want to think about a wind breaker. Here’s where a square or rectangle shade sail could come in handy again – you can simply fix one sideways between posts or tied between fixing points (a fence, a tree, pergola posts, etc.) for a quick and easy solution.
We like
the Fellie Retractable Side Awning. The waterproof and UV resistant material is available in two different colours, dark grey and beige, and the screen is available in several different sizes, with a centre post on the larger sizes, giving you the option to have a 2 sided shelter. Click image to find out more.
Gazebos are an all in one cover and wind shelter alternative. There are some fantastic pop up gazebos currently available, or if you have the budget, permanent wooden or metal structures are a fantastic addition to any garden. We have a selection of Norfolk Leisure Gazebos and Pergolas available on our website.
2. Keep Warm
For a cosier al fresco feel, a fire bowl or stove will do a great job of keeping you warm, using wood or coal as fuel. Many fire bowls also have grill accessories so you can bbq as you keep warm! If you have a bit of a sweet tooth or want to entertain the kids, you can always toast marshmallows or make s’mores. Cook King Fire Bowls and Stoves can be found in our Garden Furniture Collection.
If you're looking to save space, how about a table with a built in fire pit to provide heat to everyone gathering round?
We like the REALGLOW rattan table with gas fire pit, available as a square or rectangle table. It's a reasonable size and won't take up too much space. Plus, the lava rocks are already included, along with a square wind shield to protect the flame, and a waterproof cover for when it's not in use.
If you’re concerned about the environment and you have the budget, bio ethanol heaters may be the best option for you, as an alternative to gas or electric heaters. They are also available in table top versions if you’re short on space, and are deemed safe enough to use indoors as well. We like the Elan Garden Tabletop Fireplace - it may not give out much heat in the open, but in an enclosed space, such as a gazebo, it seems to heat up the area nicely.
You can’t beat a big comfy blanket! Whether it’s a thick fleecy throw or a faux fur cover, there are so many different styles to match your outdoor theme and décor, and you can dish them out to your friends and family when a little extra warmth is needed. We love the Junovo Faux Fur Blanket, available in cream, pink, grey, silver grey, black and white; The Scotland Kilt Company Scottish Throw made from 100% wool, available in 13 different colours; and the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece, available in various colours and sizes. Please click on the images below for more information.
3. Light
If you’re planning to stay outdoors after dark, you should consider how you want to light up your entertaining area.
Candle filled lanterns are one idea, and can look really stunning when the night draws in. Ranging from traditional metal frames to Moroccan lattice effects or stained glass, you have so many options. Using real or LED candles can work out more cost effective, plus during the summer months you can substitute them with citronella candles to keep the bugs and mosquitos at bay. We like the classic Stainless Steel Hampton Lanterns, available on their own or as a pair; the stunning Large Moroccan Lanterns; and the modern looking LIVIVO Glass Hurricane Lantern. Please click on the images for further information.
Outdoor fairy lights can also look amazing, especially if you have a pergola or some other type of frame to wind them around, giving a magical appearance to any space. We like the GlobaLink Outdoor Christmas Lights - these dimmable lights are available in 2 different lengths, 20 or 50 metres long, and come with a remote control, so you can switch from clear to multicoloured, depending on your mood.
4. Get Comfy
There are so many choices for outdoor furniture at the moment, but even existing furniture can be dressed up to look comfy and appealing using warm throws and garden cushions.
Visit the Clara Shade Sails' Garden Cushion Cover Collection for our water resistant covers and large floor cushion covers.
Garden floor cushions and Bean bags are another option and are available in lots of different patterns and colours to suit your style – simply scatter them around where you want to sit.
We like the Bean Bag Bazaar Recliner Bean Bag Chair. It's bigger than some of the others we have seen, so more suitable for adults, and you have a choice of 16 colours, plus the option to include the matching footstool.
One for the romantics (or if you just want some time alone!) – have you considered snuggling up in a hammock on a clear dry night, under the stars? Just wrap yourselves up in blankets and cuddle up to stay warm. One of our double Brazilian style hammocks would be perfect for this occasion, and if you don't have anything you can tie it on to, you could always try a Harbour Housewares Metal Hammock Stand or the Amazon's Basics Hammock Stand.
Using some or all of these suggestions will make a warm and appealing space for your guests to enjoy when they come round to visit. If you are interested in any of the Clara items we have available on our website, we currently have a 10% discount code available – just enter CLARA23 at checkout to apply.