The Pergolux: Our Installation at Spot-On Wake!

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a versatile selection of gazebos that can be tailored to your every need! Our extensive range of bespoke and fitted gazebos are a great way to add style and character to any outdoor space. Our most recent installation at water sports centre Spot-On Wake in Wootton Wawen demonstrates how our Pergolux gazebo has many beneficial uses for the public and commercial venues.

The Pergolux

But what is a pergola? Firstly, let us break down the key components of the Pergolux gazebo that makes it so desirable! The main feature of this gazebo is the remote-controlled motorised louvered roof which is fitted with our warm LED lights that are delicately positioned to give your gazebo a calming and stylish atmosphere! This motorised roof can fully open with minimal effort when you want to regulate the temperature, or even to enjoy the hot summer sun.

 

 

Another main feature of our Pergola design is the drainage system which is manufactured to remove any excess rainwater through our innovative drainage channels located within the front two legs. This allows you to have the option of using your garden space whatever the weather and to make the most out of your outdoor area all year round! The drainage system is also familiar on our Galaxy gazebos as this design allows the rainwater to drain effortlessly from the roof and out through the feet. Combined with the watertight and waterproof louvered roof, our Pergolux gazebos are perfect at preventing any harsh weather conditions from spoiling your garden furniture!

 

An optional extra that is included with our Pergola designs is the addition of our glass sliding doors which can lock in place to create a stunning glass wall! These glass sliding doors are extremely durable and will undeniably withstand any weather conditions whilst providing elegance and style to your outdoor area. Fitted with a locking system, these glass doors are safe and secure for you to leave personal belongings or furniture unattended so there is no worry about theft or damage.

 

Spot-On Wake

Recently, our brilliant installations team fitted our bespoke 3.5m x 5m Pergolux gazebo for water sports centre Spot-On Wake! Located in the stunning village of Wootton Wawen, this centre is a hub of thrill and excitement for any water loving fan. The activities on offer are endless; from wake and paddle boarding to open water swimming and obstacle courses, Spot-On Wake will certainly have what you are looking for!

 

This Pergolux is primarily their control centre to monitor the water sport activities as it overlooks both lakes, but it also functions as a lounge area with our garden furniture for visitors to enjoy the magnificent views of the park! This gazebo is fitted with our optional sliding glass doors for maximum protection and privacy when customers want to leave belongings or possessions nearby whilst enjoying their activities. As standard, it also includes our LED motorised louvered roof and anthracite grey frame which looks spectacular beside the action-packed lakes!

 

Take a look at our video below featuring Nathalie who talks you through the Pergolux gazebo at Spot-On Wake!

 

When you think about spending time in your garden in the colder months, it does not seem tempting without the beaming summer sun, lighter evenings, or warmer nights with your friends and family. So, you might wonder how you can transform your garden to create that same atmosphere with the unpleasant autumn and winter nights creeping around the corner. Well, at GFC we have a fantastic range of products to get your garden ready to be the warmest part of your winter! Whether your space is large, small, or something in-between, there are several ways for you to make the most of your garden all year round. Listed below are some of our favourite products which are certainly going to make it difficult for you to even notice the bitter winter season!

Our Remarkable Galaxy Gazebo Range

It goes without saying that our stunning range of gazebos will be the foundation for many gardens in the winter months. Our diverse selection of sizes and functionality allows our gazebos to take centre stage in any garden setting! For instance, our Galaxy Gazebo range is undoubtedly going to be the hot topic of conversation when you host your evening soirée. The versatility of the Galaxy gazebo is what makes it so likeable to many of our customers, with the option to add any number of our textilene screens, various heaters and illuminating accessories. But how can these features make your garden light up the night? Well, our textilene screens are made from PVC coated woven polyester, which is the perfect background to project any picture for you to watch your favourite TV shows, movies or the all-important football match! What’s more, you will definitely want to add our Heat and Beat Bluetooth speakers to the top frame of the gazebo so you can dance the night away without having to reach for the blanket! And why not accessorise your gazebo with some of our solar string lights to really make your gazebo glow with the night!

You might also be wondering how our gazebos will perform in the cold and wet weather conditions which we are so familiar with during the end of the year. Well, our Galaxy and Star Gazer gazebos are fitted with a unique louvered roof, operated using a winding pole mechanism to effortlessly open and close the shutters for ventilation and to see the stary night sky. This louvered system is a significantly important part for our gazebos, as this allows you to place firepits, heaters, and even barbecues underneath without any concern of a fire risk. Together with this, you can cosy up on your garden furniture and still feel warm and safe without the bitter cold confining you to your living room! Take a look in the next section on how you can include our wonderful range of fire pits and heaters to ensure you are ready to take on the bitter winter weather!

Fire Pits and Heaters

It is safe to say that the thought of an open fire and cosying up under the blanket on the sofa is what most of us do every evening in the colder months. However, this does not have to be spent inside your living room anymore! Our diverse range of fire pits and heaters are a great asset to your garden to make sure you are just as toasty and warm in the fresh night air. Our staple Athena Flame Heater will no doubt turn a few heads with its lustrous swirling flame and impressive aluminium structure. You can place these just about anywhere in your garden and you will surely be fascinated by its elegant and stylish physique! Why not charm your guests with multiple Athena Heaters around your gazebo or patio to really make your garden the gossip of the evening!

If you are looking to have something a little more versatile, then our fantastic rage of firepits will be the best choice! Our Celeste firepit collection will most definitely create the ideal alfresco setting with its superb steel structure and hand-crafted uniqueness. You can also make the most of your firepit with our Plain Jane range where you can warm up your hands and your stomach by cooking some delicious barbeque treats for you and your family! Just like the Celeste collection, our Plain Jane range will undeniably take the spotlight in your outdoor space, even more so once it begins its natural aging process to give it even more originality!

LED Parasols

Now, you might be thinking that having a parasol up at night is a bit of a strange concept. But with our dazzling selection of LED parasols, you will never want to take it down again! Fundamentally, our Saturn, Calypso and Royal LED parasols not only have an air of style, but also have a sophisticated element of functionality. Their 360-degree rotating canopy and sleek levered mechanism to open and close without any aggravation is what makes these parasols so adaptable. But it is essentially the addition of our radiant LED lights placed elegantly along the rib assembly that takes the limelight! With its cantilever mechanism, you can place this just about anywhere, whether it be over your hot tub, your garden furniture or even as a stylish addition to your gazebo! And why not look at our free-standing Verona LED parasol which comes fully equipped with a USB charging point to make sure you never have to leave your cosy outdoor space. Place this parasol by your dining area, gazebo or patio so you will never have to worry about the dark again! The robust and sturdy structure of all of our parasols will ultimately leave you feeling calm and comfortable to make sure you make this winter the best it can be!

So, there you have it! Why not start the planning to make your garden ready to take on those winter blues! If you feel inspired by this post, please share your garden modifications with us on our socials so we can all see your garden light up the night!

Blog Post By Victoria Sparkes

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re wondering where to buy retro furniture online, then you’ve come to the right place! Here at the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a beautiful retro furniture range that is especially popular with commercial clients including restaurants, hotels and event planners. We also welcome many domestic buyers who love to invest in pieces that will never go out of style.

Retro Furniture

Many people like the look of retro furniture from the 60s and other key eras because there’s something about vintage of which we just can’t get enough. There are so many ways to style retro items too to create a gorgeous outdoor aesthetic – these are our top three tips...

Pare It Back

The beauty of retro is that it already speaks its own style language and makes an impact thanks to its unique character. One way you can style is with a minimalist, stripped-back look. This is especially effective if your garden is more about the low-key style in terms of plants and flowers, perhaps with a very simple colour scheme, or if you’ve done the opposite and gone for a very busy garden with lots of foliage and plants against which your simple retro garden furniture will stand out. If you like to strip it back, we love the Retro Windsor Leisure Set with its simple yet graceful design including two chairs with high curved back and a matching table featuring distressed metalwork.

Embrace Shabby Chic

You never need to ask the question “Is retro furniture in style?” because it’s never off-trend! As another timeless trend, shabby chic works beautifully in an outdoor setting along with vintage pieces to add impact to your space. This retro dining table does the job very nicely with smooth white hues and an antique finish. As with all our retro outdoor furniture, it’s also super lightweight and virtually maintenance-free with capped feet for added protection.

Colour It Up

Retro furniture trends have become brighter and more beautiful in recent years, and it’s not uncommon to see a range of colour and style options with vintage-style pieces. This is a gorgeous way to brighten up your garden whatever the weather or season. We have a range of retro chair sets coated with tough lacquer paint in vibrant colours with a choice of cross back or classic styles and a 4- or 6-chair set. Choose from soft pink, buttercup yellow, sky blue and bright green – match them up or mix them up for a gorgeous rainbow effect.

If space is an issue in your patio or garden, you can always add a touch of retro glamour with a statement piece, Our inviting love bench features scroll arms, a vibrant green colour palette and ample space for two. We also love this chic bar table that makes a subtle impact for all the right reasons thanks to a high ornate leg structure and smooth slatted top.

Our range of retro furniture has all been created using tough but lightweight aluminium frames that will remain rust-free when used outdoors. For guaranteed beauty and longevity with your garden furniture, look no further! Click here to browse our full range of retro garden furniture.

Vertical gardening is nothing more than using vertical space to grow vegetables or plants. Traditionally, gardeners have done similar things with climbing plants like squashes and beans. However, modern vertical gardening includes non-climbing plants. Vertical gardening saves space, makes harvesting easier and is generally easier to maintain. Although this method of gardening also has its limitations such as needing strong support systems and moisture issues, this method is also much more forgiving and if used correctly, can produce bountiful harvests. Below we have listed a range of vertical gardening tricks and methods you can follow to begin your vertical gardening journey…

Fabric Pockets

Designed for vertical gardening, fabric pockets are suited to this style of gardening and will suit almost all vegetable growing. Usually sold online or in homeware stores, these inexpensive pockets can be found virtually anywhere during the spring and summer months. Simply secure them onto the chosen surface using the appropriate wall mounting screws. Be sure to line the individual pouches with some hard substrate such as gravel before adding compost. Now, get creative with the look!...

Hanging Pots

The simplest and most obvious form of vertical gardening is hanging or balcony pots. However, what most people overlook is the drainage and location of the pots. To provide a bountiful harvest, you need to ensure your pots have adequate drainage holes and are placed in a brightly lit area. You must also ensure your pots are securely fastened as any nasty gales can become disastrous, especially in the UK.

 

Plastic Bottle Planters

Time to pull up the sleeves and get creative! This eco-friendly vertical gardening method is perfect for those who are environmentally aware. Although they may not look as appealing as plant pots, reusing plastic bottles is a great method of upcycling whilst reducing household waste. To turn your bottles into planters, you’ll need to attempt some DIY, by cutting out a section for the plants, drainage holes and introducing some support with string or wiring.

Wooden Pallet Planters

If you have been a member of the gardening community for some time now, you will have noticed the love for reusing pallets – they are like gold dust! This environmentally friendly method is yet again a great method for reducing household waste and saving money. You can often source various sized pallets from distribution or furniture companies for free; all you will need to do is a plan for the transportation to your garden. Herbs or succulents look especially effective in these DIY planters.

Chicken Wire Planter

By simply cutting a triangular shape from the chicken wire, you can begin to form a cone shape planter. By stapling or tacking this onto pallet wood, or a wooden beam, you can complete your planter by introducing moisture-holding substrates such as moss and soil. Hanging plants and fruit such as ivy or strawberries will thrive in this make-shift planter.

Jam Jar Planters

Jam Jars are the perfect herb planters – keeping the herbs sheltered and safe. By reusing your glass jars, once again you will be reducing the amount of household waste produced, whilst saving some precious pennies. We would advise using this method in a sheltered environment only; to avoid water collecting in the jars. Using metal wire to cup and attach the jars to a wall or structure can provide an artsy fun effect too!

Tin Can Planters

Tin cans, like jam jars, are the perfect cheap solution to DIY vertical gardening. Again, we suggest using tin cans for herbs and smaller plants. Ensure you drill some holes at the base for proper drainage to avoid rot. A mere two holes on either side assisted by some garden wire will support your tin cans efficiently.

Piping Planter

As you may have seen, using piping as planters is a popular method of vertical gardening in the DIY gardening community. Industrial piping is cheap, efficient, and spacious – plus there is a variety of sizes and parts to suit your space. By cutting holes in some PVC pipes, you can create glorious vertical or horizontal planters. Some have even gone as far as creating a ‘spiralled staircase’ design. Our personal favourite is the ‘floating’ piped planters made with chains and piping. If you opt for the piping method, ensure to introduce proper drainage. The perfect plants for piping gardens are cabbage, lettuce, beans, and strawberries.

Chest of Drawers Planter

By far our favourite method of vertical gardening is the upcycling of an old chest of drawers! This can create a real feature piece to the garden whilst providing several layers of space for planting. To save further space, you can even just stack and attach the drawers themselves. We suggest planting a mixture of flowers and herbs such as Dwarf Dahlias, Ivy, Pansies, Begonias and Geraniums. Adding a pop of colour to the drawers such as yellow, pink, or blue will help attract insects too.

We hope you found some of these ideas helpful for your vertical gardening journey – and remember, the best vegetables to plant in vertical planters are herbs, succulents, salad greens (lettuce or cabbage), courgette or cucumbers, beans, strawberries, and tomatoes!

Feel free to share your vertical planters with us on our socials!

Good luck!

Blog post by Lucy Canoel

House Plant Care Tips...

Are you a new plant parent or have you just recently realized your plants may need a little more TLC than you originally thought? Well, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a little (but detailed) care guide on general house plants below. This guide will not only help you keep your plants alive but hopefully help them thrive!…

Please keep in mind that each plant has its own specific needs and you should really keep this as just a general guide, ensuring to research your specific plant’s needs.

LIGHTING

As a rule, most house plants require bright filtered light. The further back from your window, the lower the light levels. However, it is important to remember direct sunlight through the glass can cause scorching and browning of the leaves. Plants such as cacti’s and succulents will thrive indirect light. However, most house plants enjoy bright but indirect light. Some plants can also thrive in low light conditions – such as ZZ plants, dragon trees and sansevierias.
During the winter light levels fall and this is where repositioning your plants to a brighter spot closer to the windows can be beneficial; just make sure it is not too cold by the window. If your home is as dark as mine, you can always invest in some artificial lighting…

Top tip – To ensure all your leaves get their share of light, simply turn your plants every few days.

HUMIDITY

Most houseplants thrive in warm rooms and even temperatures all year round. During winter, move plants to rooms that are not overheated during the day, but maintain the required minimum temperatures. Avoid placing plants near open fires, radiators, in draughts, or on windowsills on frosty nights.
Tropical plants require a humid atmosphere. Certain areas of your home will be naturally more humid than others, for instance, bathrooms and kitchens. How quickly the compost dries out is a good measure of how dry the air is. So, it is best to make use of these areas for your more humidity-loving plants – Alocasia, Philodendron, ferns.

For areas that are not so humid, invest in a humidifier or regularly mist your plants. However, it is important to note that some plants do not like misting as this can cause mould and fungi. Misting is best done with tepid water in the morning. Rainwater or water that has been boiled is best as it will not leave white deposits over your plant's leaves. Better yet, place on a tray of damp gravel or expanded clay granules – or anything soluble. Grouping plants together will also help to create a humid micro-climate around their leaves.

Top tip – If you are worried about the temperature and humidity of your house, invest in a digital Thermo Hygrometer; you can find them for as little as ten pounds on amazon.

FEEDING

A few signs to know that your plant needs a feed is pale leaves, slow growth and lower leaves falling off. Plant food is generally made up of nitrogen and phosphates with other trace elements which are generally present in most compound fertilizer’s.
Knowing when to feed your plant is important. The spring and summer is the best time to feed your plants, however, some plants just cannot cope without a feed during winter. If your plant is in a very poor condition then it may be needing a feed. If not then feeding is only generally carried out over the growing season, i.e., spring and summer, about once to twice a month. You can use a liquid feed or slow-release fertilizer. If you have just re-potted your plant, then you have a couple of months before the food within the compost runs out. Only feed as much as is stated on the feed.

Top tip – If you’ve got a few plants on your hands, you can time your feeds to coincide with each other. There are some great reminder apps out there for house plant feeding too – such as ‘florish'.

WATERING

Watering correctly is the key to owning any houseplant. Overwatering can lead to the dreaded root rot and the slow killing of your plant, whereas watering too little can cause the plant to wilt. However, speak to any plant enthusiast and they would prefer a drought-ridden plant to a root rotten plant anyway!
Generally, popping your finger into the soil of the plant and seeing if the top two inches are dry is the best way to check it needs watering. If the compost sticks to your finger, you do not need to water; unless it is a plant that likes to keep relatively moist such as spider plants and ferns. To ensure your plant drains well and does not get root rot, use plant pots with drainage holes and a water tray/well. Watering from the bottom can also help prevent pests and improve root growth.

PRUNING AND TRAINING

Pinch back shoots of young plants when in active growth to encourage branching. Trailing plants usually benefit from this treatment. Ferns especially like being pruned down and often come springing back. Most leafy, mature foliage plants need no pruning.
Many houseplants, except for orchids and palms, can be renovated by cutting the old or damaged foliage back to base or by pruning to a healthy bud in spring. But make sure to not cut anything green off as this will cause browning. Water and feed well to aid recovery.

Top tip – Remember to use sharp pruning scissors and to sterilize in-between pruning each plant to avoid spreading disease or contamination.

PROBLEMS

One thing an experienced house plant parent will look for when searching for their new plant ‘children’ is pests and diseases. To check before purchasing can save a lot of hassle, time, and money. However, admittedly we can get carried away with a deal just too good to pass up and end up skipping the thorough inspection process! Make sure to check your houseplants for pests and diseases such as aphids, red spider mites and scale insects before introducing them to your existing plants.

One way to reduce the invasion of pests to your plants is to isolate your new plants from the other for the first 48 hours of purchase to avoid spreading pests or diseases. Whilst isolated, shower over your plant to remove any unwanted free riders and gently mist with houseplant pest killer or a mix of neem oil and water. Make sure to continuously check for common signs of pest such as spotting on the leaves, sticky substances on the leaves, mould, or dusty appearance.

Following this guide, we hope your house plants stay healthy & continue to grow! Feel free to tag us on Facebook or Instagram.

During the lockdown, houseplants sales increased substantially – in fact, according to ‘Patch’, an online plant retailer, their sales increased around five hundred per cent during the lockdown. However, buying fully established houseplants can cost a pretty penny. Propagation is a way to increase your plant collection for free, plus it’s super simple. Below we have put together some general advice that will assist your new journey into the art of house plant propagation.

So, you’ve probably heard the term before, but just so we’re all clear – propagation means to grow a new plant from a small piece (or cutting) of another. This is different to growing plants from seed, or ‘splitting’. But remember, not all plants are suitable for propagation.

Choose your plant

Choosing beginner-friendly plants will allow you more wiggle room for mistakes, so choose wisely! We recommend the popular ‘Golden Pothos – or Golden Ivy’, ‘Swiss Cheese Plants – Monstera Deliciosa’, Spider Plants or Succulents for beginners, as these are super simple to propagate. Choosing any plant from the Pothos variety, such as the mentioned Golden Ivy, Marbled Queen or Satins, will provide you with a new plant in a much shorter time frame than others due to their quick growth rates.

Cutting

When cutting your plants, make sure your equipment is cleaned after every plant. This diminishes any chance of cross-contamination of diseases or pests between plants. Making sure you have sharp scissors is also essential as blunt scissors can result in damage to the plant.

Where you cut the plant is vital. Again, this depends on the plant type. Some species will form ‘offsets’ to the sides of their main form – these are essentially ‘babies’ from the mother plant. Plantlets are also referred to as ‘babies’ as they also grow from the mother plant. Stem and cane cuttings, however, are just that – cuttings from the mother plant. Leaf cuttings are like stem cuttings, but of course from the leaf itself. When you have performed stem, cane, or leaf cuttings, it's best to leave a gap between cutting to planting.

Pothos plants require the cane to be cut to propagate – about an inch below the ‘nodes’. Whereas Spider plants are propagated from their plantlets and Succulents from their leaves.

Rooting Methods

Some cuttings may need the help of ‘Root Hormones’ to help stimulate root growth. Root hormone can come in a range of forms – powdered, gel or liquid. It is best to do a quick google search beforehand. Pothos, Succulents and Spider plants usually do not require this. After cutting and applying the hormone, you will need to choose your rooting method – water, LECA clay pebbles, Perlite or soil. Who knew there were so many choices?! Choosing your rooting method depends on which plant you have chosen to propagate – Pothos and Spider plants will do well in water, whereas Succulents tend to thrive better against soil and moss.
Top Tip – Play with the different rooting methods and define one which works for you!

Neglect

cuttings will need more care and attention than your fully established houseplants. This could mean changing the water every few days or adjusting the placement if it is a cloudy or sunny week. Completing and neglecting your plants will increase your chances of propagation failure, so keep on top of it!
Image not our own.
Timing

Plants, unless kept warm and artificially lit all year round, will assume a ‘hibernating’ state or ‘dormant' in the winter. Therefore, we do not recommend propagating in the winter. The best time to propagate is during the spring and summer months when feeds, watering and light are at their highest. This will make for strong propagation. Propagating is a waiting game, so be patient.

Placement

Generally, cuttings like to be placed in a warm and indirect brightly lit spot where photosynthesis can take place. Placing them in a dark pot will prevent the roots from growing. Whereas placing the cuttings in a spot too sunny may result in yellow or brown leaves. We recommend also using clear containers, such as glass jars, for your cuttings.

Top Tip – We recommend setting up a ‘propagation station’ where you can keep an eye on your cuttings all at once. You can buy some cheap ladder shelving online for a more ‘aesthetic’ look!

Growth

After around two to three weeks, you should see some white roots emerge. For Succulents and cacti, this tends to take a little longer. As a rule, you should wait until roots are at least an inch long or three-quarters the size of the leaf cuttings, before attempting to pot. If your cutting has failed to grow any new roots, we recommend restarting the process with a new cutting. If your cutting has more than one node, you may be able to trim the cutting until it is below a new node and restart the process.

So, let’s get propagating! We would love to see your ‘propagation station’…

Following this guide, we hope you successfully propagate your plants. It’s a great hobby and money saver! We will be releasing a new post every other week or so, so make sure to follow our blog!

You can tag us on our socials – Don’t be shy!

Top 10 Houseplants For Beginners...

The Houseplant market has recently seen a huge spike in sales. And it is no wonder as our time spent indoors has increased significantly during the pandemic. Purchasing houseplants is a brilliant and effective way of bringing the out-doors, in-doors. Houseplants are not only known for their air-purifying abilities and the aiding of mental health, but they can also help in really pulling a room together.

For those of you who are considering introducing houseplants into your homes but are unsure of your abilities to maintain healthy plants, we’ve put together a list of the top ten houseplants which require minimal care and provide maximum impact!…

SPIDER PLANTS

This popular species of house plant rose to the top of the popularity list due to its ability to survive extreme conditions – come droughts, overwatering and low or high-light areas, this hardy species will always bounce back. So, if you’re just starting out with house plants – start here! Spider plants are also fantastic air purifiers and without assistance, they will easily sprout spider ‘babies’ – which means more plants for you!

• Ideally, they like moderate indirect light and moderate watering – mine always seem to be thirsty!
• There are a few varieties out there – my favourites being ocean and bonnie.
• They are non-toxic to pets.

DEVILS IVY – OR GOLDEN POTHOS

A part of the pathos family, this plant is not only beautiful with its glossy leaves speckled with yellow, white and light green, but it’s also very hardy. You can pretty much find this one in any supermarket. If treated kindly it will thrive and grow as long as you allow it! Plus, it is easily variegated so you can buy one plant and end up with many more. Choose to grow this on a coconut pole or leave to trail.

• Generally, they tolerate indirect moderate light but do not like to be overwatered.
• If you love this variety, make sure to check out the others such as Neon pathos and Marble Queen Pothos.
• Toxic if consumed.

ALOE VERA

The humble Aloe Vera plant, found in any supermarket, is the perfect houseplant for a beginner. Aloe Vera tolerates most conditions and is a great medicinal plant to have as it acts as pain relief from scrapes and burns when applied topically. Plus, it is unique formation is somewhat impressive!

• Aloes like being in a bright but indirect location with minimal regular watering.
• Aloe Vera toxicity level is mild for pets.

SNAKE PLANT

Snake plant, or mother-in-law's tongue, is a must for any houseplant owner. In fact, this plant will grow almost anywhere in the home, tolerating low light areas and minimal watering. Snake plants are usually available in most garden centres and supermarkets. The structural style of the plant pairs perfectly with modern interiors.

• Snake plants enjoy medium to low light and regular watering.
• Toxic if consumed.

ZZ PLANT

The ZZ plant has risen in popularity recently and we can tell why! This plant is not only a stunning formation of stem and leaves but also thrives in most conditions. ZZ plants generally do not like to be overwatered and can tolerate low light areas – so perfect for the darker spaces! ZZ Plant. We do not own this image.

• Water when the top two inches of soil is dry. They don’t mind low light but do not keep in a completely dark room.
• Toxic if consumed.

AIR PLANTS

Air plants can add a magical touch to any room – I especially love the ‘Spanish moss’ variety. Although Air plants don’t require a substrate such as compost to survive, they do require regular soaking. However, this can be only thirty minutes of soaking a week to make them thrive. The rest of the time they are free to float! Air Plant.

• Soak the plants weekly for best results.
• Non-Toxic to plants and humans.

JADE PLANT

Jade plants are slow-growing minimal maintenance house plants – so they are perfect for beginner house plant owners! In fact, these plants are so independent they have been known to survive months without any attention! Although, that’s not something I recommend!

• Water when the soil is dry and keep in moderate light.
• Jade plants are toxic if consumed.

PEACE LILY

The peace lily is as peaceful as they sound! Peace lilies are brilliant air purifiers, thrive with minimal attention and look beautiful in any environment. I recently saw some fantastically sized peace lilies in B & Q – it took me all my strength not to buy one! Peace Lily. We do not own this image.

• Place away from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Mildly toxic if consumed.

DRACAENA

Also known as the ‘dragon tree’ is a perfect plant for those with busy lives. This plant will tolerate being slightly forgotten about!

• We recommend low to moderate indirect light and water when the topsoil is dry.
• Dracaena’s are toxic to pets.

FERNS

There are many species of tropical and subtropical ferns ideal for being house plants, however, I recommend ‘Birds nest’. Ferns like to be kept moist and warm with regular misting and low to moderate light. This makes them perfect for bathrooms and kitchens!

• Mist regularly, keep the soil moist and place in low to moderate light.
• Some ferns can be toxic and cause skin irritation.

We hope you’ve found the perfect house plant for the beginning of your houseplant collection… And believe me when I say collection! Once you start, you’ll find it hard to stop! We would love to see your houseplants – so please feel free to tag us on Facebook or Instagram!

Feng Shui for your Garden

Feng Shui is a wonderful starting point to think about your garden design scheme. After all, we all want our outside space to feel relaxing and simply a beautiful place to be with peace, serenity and enjoyment all year round. If you want to know how to design a garden landscape based on this age-old Chinese design philosophy, first you need to familiarise with its key principles.

Design Principles for your Feng Shui Garden

Feng Shui translates to ‘wind and water’ both of which act as the source of all life energy according to traditional Chinese beliefs. Also known simply as chi, you should always consider how to bring this life energy into every aspect of your Feng Shui garden space as you go through the design process.

You also need to attain the right balance of the five elements - Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire – in your garden to really do the job. But where does everything go and what elements should each part of your garden connect with and what can you use to make this happen? You can find out below with our Feng Shui theory map…

North-east

Personal and spiritual growth

North

Your career path and overall life path

East

Health, family and longevity

South and Southeast

Wealth, money and abundance

West and Southwest

Romance, luck and creativity, energy (especially that of children)

Even if you’re looking at garden design for small spaces, there are simple ways to turn this theory into something tangible and nourishing for all the senses. You simply need to adapt the key principles and tools to create a strong Feng Shui garden design.

Avoid straight, harsh lines and go for curved, gentle pathways to encourage a good chi flow. You can also use this idea of smooth, easy flow within the details of your Feng Shui garden.

Feng Shui Garden Ornaments

Feng Shui garden décor is another important way to utilise the theory and create positive flow and energy. Add water features to those areas where you want to encourage growth and prosperity – that’s money, health and your career path (southeast, east, north). An outdoor fountain will work beautifully. Bring light elements such as a fire pit, fairy lights or lanterns to the Fire areas, wind chimes and sculptures to the north area for the Metal element, and wooden furnishings to the eastern area to honour the Wood element. A zen garden with pleasant rock formations and flowerpots will work beautifully in the north east area to encourage the Earth element and positive energy flow towards personal growth and nurture.

Bringing your Feng Shui Garden to Life

Now that we’ve explained the basics of Feng Shui garden theory, it’s time for the fun part! Bring your garden to life with these beautiful pieces from our collections:

Many people find an animal-themed ornament very soothing for the Metal areas and Ribbet the Frog is a perfect example. Up-cycled by local village workforce in Vietnam, it is both a charming and eco-friendly ornament that provides income to those in need. Puss the Cat is also a popular option.

Colours play a major role in the Feng Shui theory to encourage the right energy. This is why we recommend using warm, rusty tones of red and brown in Fire areas. The Aspen fire pit has a lovely brass effect and sloping lines to encourage good chi. A cast iron fire bowl will also work well where attractive, painted framework adds a subtle, tactile sense of character to any outdoor space.

Wooden elements such as a dining set or swing chair will bring a powerful sense of strength to your space. We love this Oak Swing Seat made using Responsibly Sourced Oak from Managed Forests in Europe. With space for three people to relax, it is a work of rustic brilliance. Original natural features add authenticity and create a deeper connection to the natural world. Furnishings in reclaimed teak will also do the job nicely.

Creating a Soothing Space

We hope that you enjoy creating your Feng Shui garden! Browse our collections today for even more inspiration on how to create that flee flowing chi and reap all the benefits that such a tranquil, energising space will bring.

One major benefit of seamless home design from the inside out is that residents and guests are able to enjoy the flow of the property, with each new arch or doorway bringing subtle but mood-altering differences. First-class home design doesn’t have to be confined within four walls, though - with some strategic design updates, the internal warmth and character of a home can be fused with the natural beauty and tranquility of the outside world.

Harmoniously combining indoor and outdoor design can be tricky, as you don’t want to jeopardise the feel or practicality of either space - but the personal rewards that come with getting this right are undeniable. Below, we’ve outlined some key considerations to bear in mind when creating a ‘transterior’ area in your own home - where the divide between inside and outside spaces becomes all but nonexistent.

Create a logical layout ...

When coming up with ideas for your transterior space, make sure to acknowledge important natural considerations, such as sunlight, shade and exposure to wind, to ensure external factors like these don’t get in the way of achieving the outcome you have in mind. Design elements such as furniture and accessories are completely within your control, but the elements unfortunately aren’t!

You can install large patio doors to create the illusion of additional space, which can be further complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows. For the ultimate transterior impact, though, consider actually removing a wall altogether or replacing it with support columns. This update allows physical barriers separating the interior and exterior to be eliminated completely, creating an airy, open space.

Make sure to choose your entrance point carefully, as open-plan indoor/outdoor spaces work best when they’re fluid in design, so that movement throughout the entire space is natural and unobstructed for guests and homeowners alike.

Plan with a purpose ...

The ultimate transterior space should create a greater sense of freedom in the home while also simplifying any pastimes you enjoy here - and depending on your unique needs and ambitions, this space can serve a variety of worthwhile purposes. For example, in a functional extension such as a garage or conservatory, plant-lovers can kit out this space with sturdy garage shelving units and fill these to the brim with potted plants and terrariums, as well as all the gardening equipment they’ll need to keep their flora looking its best all year round.

Other popular options include al-fresco dining rooms, kitchen or barbecue areas, outdoor bars with stools placed for a breakfast or cocktail with a difference, and pool and bathing solutions (think huge shower heads, moat-like swimming pools which spread into the property itself, and baths surrounded by plants and stones for a long, relaxing soak).

When it comes to deciding on how exactly you’ll use your transitional space, the key is figuring out what will bring you the most joy, be the most practical and offer the most cost-effective outcome - in terms of both the initial build and future maintenance.

Make use of complementary materials ...

For a flawless transterior space, harmoniously marrying up indoor and outdoor elements is, of course, key - and by choosing materials which fuse naturally with the surroundings, this can be done easily. Consider sourcing wood and stone locally to mimic natural elements indoors and achieve this sense of harmony.

If locally sourced materials can’t be used in the build for whatever reason (be it cost, practicality or anything else), try to incorporate them as additional features - for example, by introducing natural rock partition walls or a living wall made entirely from lush plant life.

You should also ensure that the colours of the materials used are in fitting with both the property’s existing qualities and the neighbouring views. Make use of blues on higher surfaces to complement the blue of the sky, and introduce warmer colours like reds and oranges to make ground-level spaces feel warmer.

Find furniture that works for you ...

Wicker furniture is an ideal option for a natural-look living space, as it’s made from wood and is comfortable all year round - especially when paired with some cosy, earth-tone cushions. Water fountains and potted plants help to breathe life into the area, while adding a beanbag or two creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

By taking a creative approach to breaking the barrier between the indoors and outdoors of your home, you can build a property you love spending time in every day and improve its value in the process. For example, by simply adding decking to your garden area, you can increase the overall value of your home by up to 2%.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your transterior home improvement project today.

You might be wondering what home décor is in style for this season – and what garden décor too! But we would always recommend going for timeless and unique styles. That way, you won’t be tied to a trend and each product can be tailored to your personal taste and interior design scheme. Our home décor collections are some of the most inspirational around. With items sourced from as far afield as Vietnam and India, we also have plenty of bespoke pieces.

Upcycled Furniture

When looking for home décor tips and ideas, people love products that tell a story. Upcycled furniture is both good for the environment and has its own style personality, often with a great story to match. Case in point and we think you will love our bestselling Tuk Tuk bar. Imported from India and upcycled from decommissioned tuk tuks, it offers something entirely unique with every product bespoke and based on the original colour scheme of the working tuk tuk.

This also means you can tie into home décor colour trends for 2019 if you so wish. The entire bar rests on a reclaimed, hand finished wooden base, the original window acts as the serving hatch and even the headlights still work, making it ideal to step up the party wherever you are!

Reclaimed Teak Root Furniture

Natural wood furnishings are always popular because they offer beautiful original features and unique details. Every piece of our reclaimed teak root furniture is handmade and entirely bespoke to the buyer. This means that no two pieces are exactly the same. Browse our diverse range to understand more about which home decor suits your personality.

Perhaps you will fall for the quirky aesthetic on this rustic root side table where every individual piece has been hand worked and cut to form the solid base. Or maybe the lovely earthy feel on this reclaimed teak goat stall will take your fancy. The smooth teak and soft goat hide offers a unique tactile blend. These are some of the finest examples of how upcycled furniture can bring an authentic sense of originality to your space.

LED Furniture

If you’re interested in home décor for positive energy, then LED furniture may be right up your street. This trend has really taken off with vibrant colourways and eye-catching pieces. Brighten up your interior or garden space with this LED flower pot or jazz up your patio with the LED round chair that comes with 16 colour options. Customers also love the super-stylish curved bar with smoked black glass top that brings the party right to your home or commercial setting.

Novelty Drinks Coolers

We’ve all faced that challenge of keeping our drinks cool during the Great British summer. A bucket filled with ice isn’t ideal for practicality or aesthetics! Personally, we love a novelty item to bring a bit of fun to your garden space. Our drinks coolers will do just that. Bright and colourful, you can choose from a whole range of themes and sizes.

From a Land Rover style to the Spitfire, there is something to satisfy the kid in all of us. Our bestselling Bruce The Bull Cooler features a rear compartment for putting ice and drinks. He also has a bottle opener on his bottom!

Metal Garden Ornaments

Many of our drinks coolers also have a great tale to tell which is perfect if you’re seeking timeless home décor. As part of our Metal Garden Ornaments collection, they have been recycled from used 44-gallon shipping drums by skilled craftspeople in Vietnam. Each one is designed to sustain and improve the lifestyle of the local Vietnamese people by providing both an income and a skillset. You also gain environmentally friendly bonus points in a functional and oh-so-pretty product.

The Garden Furniture Centre are widely considered to be one of the best places to buy home décor online with a beautiful selection of upcycled furniture to suit different design schemes. We hope you enjoy the collections!