4 ways to instantly brighten up your outdoor space, including a trick that costs less than £5
IT’S ONLY ONE WEEK UNTIL THE LAST HOLIDAY DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS.
That’s why we want to make the most of the end of summer.
8
And while we can’t promise the sun will keep shining, can Get some bank holiday vibes!
We scoured the stores for the easiest ways to brighten up your backyard.
Because if we are going to celebrate the end of the summer holidays with a garden party, we make sure that our outdoor space is in tip-top condition.
Some of these tricks cost less than a tenner, and you can even use them around Christmas…
8
GO TO THE POLISHING GAME
Use potted plants to separate your cooking and meeting areas, then try drawing your own unique designs with Edding’s colourful, permanent acrylic markers.
They are waterproof and work on wood, terracotta and even stone.
What’s more, they’re available from just £4.99, so the kids can join in too.
8
PLANTS ON
Do you have room for a few more plants? Then consider bamboo.
“Bamboo is an economical way to add height, grace and movement to an outdoor space,” says David Mitchell, garden and seasonal buying manager at Homebase.
“If you keep it in a pot, you don’t have to worry about its invasive properties either,” he adds.
Olive trees are a classic. With a string of lights around the branches, the tree looks even more beautiful in the evening.
The 200 Starburst Solar USB string lights, £23.99, from Lights4fun.co.uk light up as soon as dusk falls and come with a handy USB cable to charge them when needed, plus a remote control to set them to one of eight mood settings.
David also suggests adding one or two maple trees (also called Japanese maples).
“Acers are trendy and do great in pots with their delicate leaves and bright colours. A potted hydrangea also gives an instant explosion of colour,” he explains.
8
GLOW FOR IT
Haven’t invested in a rechargeable lamp yet? Now’s the time.
This beauty of Rockett St George is pricey, but that’s because it’s waterproof, has three mood settings and lasts a whopping 140 hours.
Your grandmother’s saying – “you get what you pay for” – often applies when it comes to lighting.
And as Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George, tells us: “You don’t want the lights to go out in the middle of the party!”
So, our biggest tip? Look at the loading time.
Many of the designs, however beautiful and sometimes expensive, do not stay lit for long.
However, if you are looking for a budget option, there is this cute £12 design from Ikea.
8
It would also be a good buy for students just starting their studies.
Pretend
If your outdoor space isn’t looking as green as you’d like and you’re not feeling particularly green, enlist some fake friends to fill in the gaps.
8
Ikea has a new range artificial plants for unbelievable prices – although you might prefer to plant them in nicer pots.
To make your guests believe the pots are real, you can place some newspaper inside the decorative pot and then cover it with soil or pebbles.
Speaking of fake candles, while we love real candles, this gorgeous new LED candle definitely deserves a spot on your table.
It’s also a piece of jewelry!
8
When you’re at Ikea, grab this indoor/outdoor trolley – it’s perfect as a side table for drinks during a party, and as a place for your houseplants afterwards.
8
To that we say “cheers”!
Garden elements that add the most value to a home
A well-maintained garden can add 5-20% to the value of a home.
Sellhousefast.uk conducted a survey and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from the UK.
And the experts found that the garden feature that adds the most value to a home is a shed.
- Barn – 82%
- Terrace or paving – 76%
- Secure fencing, walls or gates – 72%
- Outdoor lighting – 66%
- Sturdy decking – 62%
- Water features, such as a fountain or pond – 58%
- Modern garden furniture – 54%
- Artificial grass – 40%
