In spite of having the coldest Easter on record, we believe in the power of positive thinking, and we’re sure there’s warmer weather just round the corner. Now the clocks have gone forward, we’re starting to think about getting the garden into shape for some outdoor living, and we’re coveting some of these gorgeous accessories.
1. The Cotton Bunting Company: English Country Bunting
Hang up this beautiful, traditional cotton bunting, don a wide-brimmed hat and pretend you’re at a village fête; coconut shies and cream teas optional. Fully machine washable, the bunting’s available from The Cotton Bunting Company and starts at £12 for 5 metres.
2. London Garden Trading: Dragonfly copper garden stake
Almost as pretty as the real thing, this copper dragonfly, mounted on a 1m stake, will add colour and movement to your garden borders as it catches the light. Plant two or three by a garden pond or water feature for extra sparkle. Available from London Garden Trading, priced at £14.95.
3. Plant Theatre: Bee hotel
The cold weather has meant a hard start to the year for bees, so make their lives a little easier by installing this cutely-named bee hotel. Designed to mimic the ideal nesting conditions for solitary bees such as Red Mason bees, the ‘hotel’ is an attractive way of encouraging bees into your garden to help pollinate plants. Available from Plant Theatre, was £24.99 now reduced to £18.95, and comes with a packet of bee-friendly flower seeds.
4. Jo Heckett: Ceramic herb and vegetable labels
We love these handmade ceramic plant markers from Jo Heckett Ceramics. Available in a range of colours and plant names, they make us feel like planting a vegetable garden- or at least a windowsill herb box. Priced at £15 for three.
5. Simply Roses: Vintage bird cage
This birdcage makes us think of Victorian gardens, complete with fat, blowsy roses and tea in the conservatory. For a more contemporary twist, fill the cage with lavender and rosemary in square metal pots, or strings of fairy lights. £35 from Simply Roses.
6. Maggi Wood Art Signs: French wooden sign
We’re standing in the grounds of our French chateau, watching the sun set over the vineyard…well, we can all dream! This lovely shabby chic Live Love Laugh wooden sign will add a touch of Gallic charm to any garden. £35 by Maggi Wood Art Signs, available from Not on the High Street.
7. Lincolnshire Dovecotes: Hanging Bird Table
This beautiful bird feeding table is handmade in Lincolnshire. It’s large and sturdy enough to take a range of different food, and the hanging construction means birds are less at risk from predators. Handpainted in cream, white or green, it’s an attractive and practical addition to any garden. Available from Lincolnshire Dovecotes, priced at £90.
8. St Eval Candle Company: Lemon and thyme scented Tuscan candle
The British weather may be unpredictable, but you can conjure up the scent of the Mediterranean in your garden any time you like with this lovely hand-poured candle, perfumed with lemon and thyme. Just light the candle, close your eyes, sit back and pretend you’re in Tuscany (you might need to put a coat on as well). £9.80 from the St Eval Candle Company.
9. Garden Trading: Ceramic birdhouse
We’re all for quirky, and this slightly space-age birdhouse is a cut above the average avian des-res. Durable, attractive and costing only £8, it’s a perfect addition to a contemporary urban garden. Available from Garden Trading.
10. The Orchard: Kew Long Tom pot
We only need to hear the name ‘Kew’, and this lovely pot, with its classic fluted shape and crackle glazing, transports us to a stunning botanical landscape; if your garden is a slightly more modest size, it would also look stunning planted with thyme or rosemary and sitting on a patio. £26 from The Orchard.
By Sara Walker
