In other languages, there are many words which express something for which there is no English language equivalent. One such word is “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-guh”), which describes the art of restrained pleasure, of taking in the simple joys of life in small doses. Hygge can be used as a noun, adjective or verb, and originates from 16th-century Norway when it was united with Denmark. The original word, “hugga”, means “to comfort” or “to console”. Its existence is the complete absence of stress and feeds off feelings of happiness and relaxation; in Denmark, doctors even recommend tea and hygge as a cure for the common cold. In recent years, it has become a lifestyle phenomenon that has spread worldwide. Many wish to adopt the hygge way of life, of settling into an ultra-comfortable setting and taking in the warm feeling of comfort. However, several aspects of hygge have been lost in translation amongst the craze. Danish people are famous for their outlook, being named the second happiest country in the world in 2023 in the UN’s World Happiness Report. Plus, studies show that being exposed to nature is beneficial to mental health, physical activity and sleep patterns. As such, we’ve created a guide to achieving a Hygge atmosphere in your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a snug corner for reading, a warm and inviting space for gatherings, or simply a serene spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, our cosy garden ideas will guide you on how to achieve these goals with simplicity and warmth at the core. Get Comfortable Garden Furniture Hygge embodies comfort and creates a soothing ambience. Crafting an outdoor space that captures this essence involves selecting furniture that prioritises comfort and durability. Consider incorporating Kettler’s lounge and corner sets that come with double-piped cushions and a thick foam core and are constructed from lush natural materials like synthetic rattan and wood. These comfy garden furniture elements can help you achieve a hygge-inspired setting. Creating a Sense of Enclosure Hygge lives for contrast. If you’re cuddled up in a blanket sipping hot chocolate under your garden canopy, the only thing that could make the scene more hygge is if it was under a rainforest-like downpour. Having a canopy to nestle in under the rain creates an intimate, cosy shelter. Couple this with a freestanding or mounted outdoor heater, and you’ll keep toasty under whisper-quiet temperature control. This canopy setting can prove that there’s no such thing as bad weather. Embrace the Winter Winter is the most hygge time of year. That aforementioned contrast applies to sitting in warmth amongst the chill of a winter’s night, with warm lighting as the sun goes down creating a cosy and inviting outdoor environment. If you’d like to find out more about how to warm yourself in the garden to relax outside in the winter, check out our blog on how to warm your garden to relax outside. Add a Visual Feature Adding a visual feature to the garden gives you something to lose yourself in and rest your eyes on, saving you from losing the moment in your phone. For the daytime, a water feature can lend the serenity of a Japanese Koi garden or Balinese garden to your home. At night, the light of a fire pit table can dance, protected against the wind by glass panels, as you rest in your lounge set, or you could even incorporate ambient lighting through Tenderflame’s clean and atmosphere-setting candles and tabletop lights. It’s not just a visual treat but a sonic background that hits your ears and placates them – the snap and crackle of the fire and the bustling heat of the air around it, or the water of a water feature flowing with a peaceful steadiness. Make It Communal Cosiness is often seen as an intimate thing shared alone or with a significant other, but Danes don’t see it this way. Danes prefer to gather in small groups to, in the words of author Louisa Thomsen Brits, “emphasise the unity of their inner circles.” Expand your patio area to accommodate more people with added chairs and side tables to match your existing lounge or dining set design. This communal setting fosters a sense of togetherness and warmth, making your outdoor space a perfect hygge retreat for friends and family alike.

Outdoor heating is an essential part of keeping a winter garden. With occasions such as Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and even Burns night, there are plenty of reasons to spend time catching up with loved ones and reminiscing about the year and its many highlights and dramas. After all, in the winter, people are less likely to want to go out and would rather use their own backyard to take their minds off everyday stresses. The only issue is, when it’s cold and dark at night in the winter months, how do you keep warm and relaxed to enjoy these moments? While there are many solutions to warming your garden in the winter, some are not ideal. As much as wearing a jumper and coat is the easiest and most efficient option, it’s hardly the cosiest – you can’t exactly chill out on the garden lounger in an anorak! There is a range of outdoor heating options that allow you to rest comfortably on your garden furniture without having to wrap up, and this article will take you through three of the best options. Additionally, many outdoor heating installations are designed to be fixed onto a wall or ceiling, which can make assembly awkward. At Kettler, we supply panalsols and parasols that provide cover from the elements and a suitable fixing to attach mounted heaters from. What do you look for in a good outdoor heating idea for the garden? Of course, the top priority is the ability to keep you warm. But another important aspect is the energy efficiency of a heater, as you won’t want to spend much time outside if the heater costs a fortune to run when the energy bills come in. Other considerations such as spatial efficiency, safety, weather resistance and aesthetics, are equally important too and all of these will be considered in our three ideas to keep you warm in your winter garden. Wood Burner: The Classic Choice The wood burner is a rustic gem that brings warmth and charm to any gathering. Ideal for those big backyard get-togethers with many guests, wood burners are a natural choice. They operate by burning wood logs or pellets, radiating heat over large areas, and their portability is enhanced by their lack of dependence on pesky power chords. However, it’s important to acknowledge their environmental impact. Wood burners emit particulate matter and other pollutants that can contribute to air quality issues. The process of burning wood also releases carbon dioxide, though the impact can be mitigated by using sustainably sourced wood. Their setup is relatively simpler than gas heaters, often requiring just a sturdy, safe place to stand and proper ventilation. While they may not be the most eco-friendly option, they make up for it in sheer warmth and versatility. Plus, they’ve got a certain charm, don’t they? Electric Heater: The Environmentally-Friendly Option If you’re looking to stay warm without the guilt of a heavy carbon footprint, electric heaters might be perfect for you. These heaters are like targeted warmth snipers, sending heat directly to you instead of aimlessly warming the air. That amounts to an incredible amount of energy efficiency that anyone would gladly welcome. They’re safe, with no open flames to worry about, and they’re instant comfort givers. Kettler’s outdoor heating range is stacked with high-quality heaters for the patio that look as brilliantly as they function. Take our lantern heater a handle-equipped model that you can move around easily, and though it sits at knee height, you’ll feel its thermal energy even at head height as the powerful 1200W heat rises. Overhead heaters are even more targeted, and our hanging pendant and floor-standing lamp designs can be activated by remote, so you don’t have to get up to change settings. Kettler’s range of electric heaters offers an efficient, safe, and convenient solution to outdoor heating, ensuring you stay comfortably warm while also being kind to the environment. Fire Pits: The Stylish Table For those who love a bit of drama and elegance, fire pits are where it’s at. Picture it: a group of friends, laughter echoing, hands wrapped around warm mugs, all circled around a mesmerising fire pit. It’s the stuff of winter fairytales. Our fire pit tables take this experience up a notch. Powered by a gas bottle, these beauties offer the warmth and ambience of a natural fire without the hassle of uneven heating. Plus, the natural fire of a fire pit means that it uses far less propane or butane gas than a gas heater, which relies solely on gas for heat. The glass windguard adds a touch of sophistication, making it a centrepiece that’s both enchanting and practical. It’s not just a heater; it’s a garden statement piece. So, which one will be your winter garden hero? Whether you’re a fan of the classic gas heater, the eco-friendly electric option, or the stylish fire pit, there’s a cosy solution waiting to transform your garden into a winter wonderland. Let’s embrace the cold season with warmth and style.

You might think that minimalism, at least in the context of design, is only used indoors. Actually, minimalism is more than just an interior design concept. For many, minimalism is a conscious design taken to reduce clutter in one’s life, freeing up brain space while achieving a more streamlined lifestyle. Because of that, minimalism is so much more than just a design trend, with it even being applicable to your outdoor space. Is your garden making your head spin? If so, it could be time to strip things back to basics thanks to the art of minimalism. Here, we’ll show you exactly how to embrace low-maintenance, minimalist garden design to keep your space clean while looking great. Minimalist Garden Ideas Simple Colours To create a minimalist garden, simplicity is a necessity. The best way of creating a simple look? Colours, or more accurately a lack thereof. When painting your fence, choosing furniture and outbuildings, we recommend sticking to muted, simple colours through a consistent palette. Light greys are a good choice for walls, as they’ll reduce glare and reflections given off by any outdoor lighting you install. However, other colours like whites and beiges are also a good choice as they’re much softer on the eyes in comparison to colours like blue, yellow, or harsh green. Well-Kept Greenery While minimalism is all about embracing a modern style with clean lines, please don’t confuse this with laziness. The best kinds of minimalist gardens are those that are well-kept and aesthetically pleasing. The appeal of your garden shouldn’t come from the quantity of things within it, but the quality of the few things that you do have and how maintained they are. Simple, Modern Furniture Although minimalism is focused on having only the bare essential furniture, you can’t go without your usual garden furniture. Therefore, the furniture you do buy does need to be on the smaller side of things. Although there is a lot of furniture available these days that’s clearly inspired by larger gardens, there are some hidden gems of relatively small, yet perfectly functional garden furniture. For minimalism especially, consider purchasing minimalist garden furniture that is styled with contemporary design in mind. These pieces tend to be less “busy” in their appearance, with no harsh colours or bold designs elements. Take the Versa Corner Lounge Set (pictured) for example. It includes all the essentials needed for a truly minimalist garden, with a sofa, coffee table and three chairs all offering a clean style that’ll sit right at home in your stripped-down backyard. High-Walled Borders Although minimalism is focused on simplicity, it is advisable to try and extenuate some of the features you already have. One especially great way of achieving this exaggerated look is using high walls. Not only does this improve your garden’s privacy, but it re-enforces space by highlighting exactly how much there is to use. Plus, the high walls give the opportunity to utilise them as additional storage/hanging space for your plants and tools, removing clutter from the floor and other areas. Multiple Levels Many garden designers fall into the trap of confusing minimalism with emptiness. Remember, minimalism isn’t just about freeing the space of clutter, it’s about having a functional space that fits many different uses while using as little items as possible. Using levels allows for greater segmentation in your minimalist garden, creating a distinct divide between different areas for different purposes. Want a lawn to play with the kids on? Try adding it behind your paved over space on a slightly raised platform. Want a water feature? Add that to the side on another platform and you’ll soon start to create a divided garden that fills separate purposes, all year round. Well-Kept Flowers and Plants As much as flowers and plants are commonplace in all sorts of gardens, if aiming for a minimalist appearance, you’ll need to be prepared to keep them looking their best. Now, we’re not saying that every single item must be tended to every day, but try to set aside at last one day a week to flower upkeep. Changing Shape Having decluttered your garden, there’s a risk of allowing your garden to appear bare and empty. Thankfully, changing the shape or positioning of your garden can help massively with this. Large square or rectangle gardens with sharp corners for example can give a greater illusion of space in comparison to rounded circular/oval shapes, which tend to shift the focal point of the garden more towards the centre. This effect can be achieved in all sorts of ways, whether you lay artificial grass in interesting shapes, or use potted plants to section off circular sections and draw focus away from the empty space. Design the Perfect Garden with KETTLER To achieve the minimalist garden of your dreams, look no further than KETTLER. Whether it’s minimalist garden furniture or intuitive outdoor lighting, with us, the minimalist lifestyle you adore isn’t too far away. Browse our entire range today and transform your garden for the better.

Historically, gardening has always required some amount of effort. Whether you’re staying on top of your weeds or re-planting dried-up flowers, occasionally, your garden needs a healthy dose of TLC. Sometimes, in our busy day-to-day lives, we can’t always find the time to ensure our gardens are looking as good as we’d like, leading to many unloved and underappreciated yards. In such a scenario, it can be tempting to get rid of any greenery and start from scratch. While this does make life simpler, it also removes all of your garden’s natural appeal. Do you find it hard to summon the motivation to do your gardening? If so, keep reading for a rundown of our favourite easy garden ideas. Do You Need a Low Maintenance Garden? Gardening is a great hobby to keep you outside the house and connected with the outdoors. Of course, not all of us can dedicate as much time to it as we’d like. Therefore, low-maintenance gardens work wonders if you: Have a disability Are new to gardening Are renting a property Are maintaining a holiday home Are raising children Are looking after someone else’s garden How to Create a Low Maintenance Garden Knowing Your Problems Before planning out your new garden, it’s worth identifying exactly what you struggle with. Rather than looking at your garden as one huge struggle, try being as specific as possible. This will help you get right to the cause of your gardening issues, allowing you to prioritise any potential remedies and possibly saving a lot of time. Is your lawn too large to mow regularly? Or do you have trees with lots of leaves. Or, maybe, you feel you’re lacking flowers. Compared to the alternative solution of just erasing your entire garden and starting from scratch, this approach can even be useful in preserving the aspects of your garden that you do enjoy. Choosing Plants While you certainly can make a garden that is easier to maintain than most, it’s worth remembering that no garden is ever immune to maintenance. This is most evident when looking at the plants you keep. Occasionally watering is a necessity for most flowers, trees and shrubs that can be kept in the UK – the only thing that matters is just how much they need. For example, conifers are extremely low maintenance and can get enough sustenance throughout the year purely through the occasional rainfall throughout each season. Replacing Your Lawn Lawns are the most laborious aspect of gardening by far. Big or small, maintaining a luscious green lawn is extremely difficult, requiring a lot of time and energy to be done properly. The most efficient tactic to adopt in the pursuit of low maintenance is swapping your natural lawn out entirely in favour of artificial grass. Synthetic grass requires no watering and sustenance, meaning it is much easier to look after. It’s also important to consider that installing fake grass is quite a costly process involving many phases of construction, landscaping and, of course, installation. If high costs are out of the question, you can try and make your existing lawn work more toward your desires. If you find it growing too much, maybe prioritise cutting the most visible areas first and leaving the background slightly longer to save the additional effort. Planning Your Space Larger areas are the most difficult to maintain. This is purely down to the fact that there’s more considerations to make around where you place things and how you choose to maintain them. Going back to our previous point around lawns, oddly shaped patches of grass are more difficult to cut. Circular shapes or those with many winding turns and walkways are harder to manoeuvre, leading to them being neglected, becoming overgrown and looking unsightly. If you have decided to completely strip back your garden, you now have the golden opportunity of being able to select paths, sections and grass areas that work for you. Choose Low Maintenance Furniture Different furniture materials require varying levels of love and care. Wood, for example, needs ongoing upkeep to ensure it’s left in the best condition possible. This can include things like sanding, waxing and staining. Metal furniture, on the other hand, can suffer from rust and corrosion. However, other options include aluminium garden furniture, which doesn’t rust at all. Then comes style considerations. Just because a material is easier to maintain, doesn’t mean you should neglect other options. But, if low maintenance is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the hard-wearing nature of metal garden furniture. Craft Your Ideal Garden with KETTLER The best gardens are those that conform to your wants and needs. If low maintenance is what you’re after, KETTLER can help. Browse our selection of easily maintained garden furniture today to create a space that’s just right.

Gardening can be a great way to bond as a family without the need for smart devices or tv programmes. Also, children as young as toddlers can learn so much from taking part besides their parents or grandparents. With summer in full swing, this article will run through a few ways of getting your kids involved with gardening, from turning tasks into games to creating a personalised toddler gardening toolkit. So let’s prepare to go green and reap the rewards of this beneficial outdoor hobby. Why Should You Encourage Your Little Ones to Garden? Gardening is all about connecting with nature and passing on key life skills that’ll help your child thrive throughout their life. By spending quality time together, your young ones will observe, copy and learn by watching what you do. This fun activity brings the benefit of encouraging fine motor skills as they handle seeds, weed the soil and learn how to use their mini-sized tools. Indeed, this rewarding pastime will stay with them long into adulthood. Other worthwhile benefits of gardening with kids include training their immune systems and teaching them where their favourite food comes from. Also, it will strengthen the core skills of patience, dedication and planning whilst having fun. To put it simply, the garden becomes an exciting outdoor classroom for kids of all ages. How to Get Your Kids into Gardening Gardening is all about working as a team. Yet, engaging the entire family in this outdoor activity can seem like a challenge. Thankfully, there are many ways to include them in gardening from a young age, as we’ll explore in the following top tips. Read a Children’s Gardening Book Together Designed with youngsters in mind, a number of authors have written gardening books specifically for children. Helping to inspire their love of nature and develop their reading skills, these publications will help them learn more about their outside space. Be sure to include a few reading sessions before going to the garden centre and picking up supplies, to show them what’s possible. Create a Plant Journal Combining art and writing with gardening, plant journals are a great way to record the results of their hard work. It makes gardening for 5 year olds and above an adventure and strengthens their writing skills for school. Inquisitive minds can track their plants’ progress and even draw what they have helped to grow. What could be better? Have a Gardening Party Your little ones will think gardening is so much cooler when their friends team up to help them. Invite them round and provide a personalised gardening kit or child-friendly tools for the day. Finish the day by inviting everyone to enjoy party food gathered around one of our Corner Garden Furniture sets. With plenty of fresh air and exercise included, their parents will thank you after a day spent in the garden. Designate Their Own Area Kids of all ages will feel excited about tending their very own part of the garden. Buy a selection of easy-to-grow seeds before asking them to choose what they’d like to grow. Fast-growing salad greens or giant sunflowers are likely to wow young gardeners. It’s all about turning gardening tasks into fun games. For example, why not reward them with gold stars every day that they water the soil or remove weeds from this area? This is fun gardening for 4 years olds and above who can teach their younger siblings after learning the ropes from you. Use Their Fruit and Vegetables in Recipes Rewarding children for their hard work can also be as simple as cooking with the produce they’ve grown. Get them involved in making a salad or cooking a meal that includes what they’ve grown. Berries can become the main ingredients for delicious crumbles and pies. You can achieve al fresco cooking by using the Neo Outdoor Kitchen. Imagine how proud they’ll be knowing that they grew the ingredients for a yummy meal or dessert. Getting Creative Getting creative and personalising standard plant pots is all part of the fun. Decorating them with your child’s favourite paint colours and patterns encourages creativity and their finished creations make great gardening gifts for children. Help them remember which seeds they’re growing by decorating plant markers. Including bright trellis for peas and other climbers look equally fabulous and has the practical benefit of supporting young plants. Similarly, adding garden accessories such as fairy doors and ornaments will encourage your kids to spend time outside. Remember to Take Photos Record their gardening efforts for prosperity by encouraging mini gardeners to create a project at the end of the growing season. Before and after pictures can create a sense of pride among budding gardeners that’ll mean they’re eager to grow more things during the next growing season. Also, remember to take photos of their gardening party and craft sessions. This project can be shared with their grandparents or used in a ‘what I did this weekend’ show and tell with their classmates. Make Gardening a Happy Time You can create fond memories whilst passing on valuable life skills to your kids, who’ll view gardening and nature with newfound joy. Offering health benefits and sensory development, they may decide to pass on their love of gardening to future generations. Keep your garden alive and fresh with KETTLER. From contemporary to traditional styles, inject some personality with our high quality garden furniture, today.

Dating back to Ancient China, the concept of feng shui continues to fascinate people today. Not only relevant for interior spaces, feng shui for gardens can also be used to create a harmonious and balanced outside arrangement. We’ll discuss the importance of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and how they can be incorporated into your garden design. We’ll also cover the principles of yin and yang and how they relate to the layout and placement of garden features. Finally, we’ll provide practical tips for creating a feng shui garden, including choosing appropriate plants, using garden decor, and creating a natural energy flow throughout the space. What is Feng Shui? Translated into English as “wind water”, feng shui is defined as the “practice of orientating significant sites, buildings, and the spaces and objects between them in harmony with the flow of qi”. ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chi’) is considered the “dragon’s breath” in Chinese culture and thought to be the pivotal energy of the universe that brings life. In other words, qi can affect and enhance our mental, spiritual, or physical state. Belonging to the Taoist school of philosophy, the related concepts of yin and yang are thought to be opposite forces or energies that must be balanced. These forces should work in perfect harmony, as represented by the black and white yin and yang symbol. Overall, feng shui is the method of bringing balance between the yin and the yang. The Colours of Feng Shui To encourage this harmony, colour can be used as a simple-to-use ‘tool’. Designing with this aspect of landscaping, the aim is to create a simplistic and calming scheme both visually and in terms of qi. Gardening feng shui is also known as ‘five element colour theory’ within this concept and forms an essential part of garden feng shui principles. Each element has an associated colour that can inspire your garden design. Water (Black or Dark Navy) Anyone looking for quietness can harness this element by growing black fruit such as blueberry or blackberry plants. You can also stimulate the senses and employ good feng shui techniques by adding a water feature. This will also introduce a lovely sound whilst giving everyone a focal point to gaze at whilst spending time in the garden. Earth (Yellow) Not only bringing some much loved ‘sunshine’ into the garden, but this colour is also thought to bring grounding energy. Helping to offset the hustle and bustle of everyday life, planting schemes such as sunflowers, pansies, and other yellow varieties, can help you get back to you. Yellow cleanses your energy and helps you reset after spending the day away from your garden. Fire (Red) Many of the finest oriental gardens feature flame red acers and shrubs. These varieties symbolise kindness and warm hospitality, so are perfect for those who like to entertain. Maples and red container flowers give a visual warmth that can offset the dominant greenery and are thought to balance energy. Teaming these additions with a Fire Pit Table means you can enjoy socialising with family and friends throughout the year. Wood (Green) Most gardens will have an abundance of green. From bushes and trees to the leaves seen on flowers, green shades symbolise life and growth. If you happen to have a paved or decked garden, free of lawn, adding large planters and containers full of greenery and small trees can help to balance this energy. Metal (White) In feng shui, metal is considered to carry a clear energy that strengthens the family. It can be created by planting white flowers including geraniums or roses. Likewise, why not bring in some metal-framed Palma LED Candle Lights (pictured) to illuminate family evenings spent outside? Both of these methods help to introduce the element of metal into an outside space. Don’t worry if including all of these aspects seems overwhelming. Thankfully, feng shui for gardens doesn’t need to include all five colours to bring about harmony. Yin and Yang Layouts A garden feng shui layout will tell you where these features would be best placed to balance yin and yang energies. Many professionals use a ‘bagua’ tool to design a harmonious garden arrangement. You simply align your garden features according to its eight symbols. Each relates to a different area of your life such as career, creativity and money. Using a feng shui bagua (or energy grid) when designing your garden helps to strengthen these aspects of your life. Start by locating the primary entrance to your garden for a more balanced design. Also, it’s wise to introduce softer yin aspects (feminine energy) like plants and grasses alongside the yang (masculine energy) of concrete, stones or ornaments. Equally, balancing low moss and ground plants (yin) beside tall varieties (yang) will help you layer the feng shui even more. Feng Shui Practical Tips Considering your garden decor will also help you achieve balance. Simple feng shui garden ideas include painting or staining fences and trellis’ in soothing colours. Accessories such as cushion covers can also create a sense of harmony aligned with the five elements. Feng shui also recommends statues. Those with an entire body are preferred by many, unlike some Buddha head ornaments, to promote prosperity and bring relaxing qi to observers within the garden. Including plants can also boost a sense of harmony. People often wonder what are the lucky plants in feng shui? Bamboo is considered the most fortuitous garden plant but it’s essential to choose non-invasive species to avoid gardening overwhelm. Succulents, yuccas and spider plants are also viewed as lucky additions in an outdoor feng shui arrangement. Shop with KETTLER for a Harmonious Garden Following this advice helps to keep the natural flow of energy moving through your home’s outside space. Design yours with our exceptionally high-quality garden furniture and be ready to welcome harmony into your life through gardening feng shui.

Gardens contribute to the health of our environment. The more wildlife-friendly they are, the greater the biodiversity of our atmosphere. Thankfully, making a garden wildlife-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking to give the local birds a safe haven, or if you’re simply looking to develop a garden that’s full of life, promoting the lives of local critters is a great way to make your garden feel alive and thriving. Are you eager to invite more wildlife into your garden? Or maybe you’re asking yourself “why are there no birds in my garden?” Rest assured, we’ll help you learn how to develop a garden that attracts a diverse range of natural wildlife. Keep reading to find out how it’s done. Planning Your Wildlife Garden While planting flowers and trees can be a strong first step in developing a wildlife-friendly space, there are a few other aspects you’ll need to really cultivate a thriving ecosystem: Adequate Shelter While birds and insects tend to thrive in the summer, they do require occasional shelter from the sun’s harsh rays. Having a completely open space can turn your garden into a hotspot, so it’s important to create enough shade for some heat protection. Such spots will give your visitors a chance to take a quick break from the sun, allowing them to regenerate their energy before getting back out into the world. Rather than using structures to create shade, you could look towards trees and bushes. Juniper trees, for example, are very resilient to climate fluctuations, meaning they’ll last throughout the year and give nesting birds and small mammals plenty of shade. Allow for Water Features While having a clean, open garden is one thing, it’s another thing entirely to be able to provide nearby sustenance for your visitors. Birds especially are quite partial to a small, clean body of water on their travels. Why not meet this need with a new water feature? Whether you choose to have something built-in to your garden on a structural level, like a shallow pool or pond, or decide to add things like bird baths in at a later date, you’ll be sure to get some attention to fuel your bird spotting hobby. Create Designated Space While it can be tempting to get up and close with your garden’s visitors, doing so can deter them from your space. Ask any birdwatcher and they’ll be sure to tell you that patience is key. Any sudden movement will be enough to put any bird off your presence, causing them to suddenly fly away and seek out a more peaceful location. If possible, it’s recommended to set out specified locations that are far enough away from the usual commotion of your garden, yet close enough to allow you to enjoy nature’s beauty. Certain animals may be less responsive to places with intrusive outdoor lighting, so be sure to invest in systems with less harsh colour profiles, the likes of which you can find at our store. Planting Wildlife-Friendly Plants There are a multitude of flowers that are great for promoting the presence of wildlife. Wildflowers are an example of naturally occurring flowers that are common in the UK, which attract the likes of slugs, bees and other smaller insects that may be interested in paying your garden a visit. Other kinds of suitable wildlife plants include the likes of: Honeysuckle Jasmine Skimmia Lavender Foxglobe Goldenrod Maintaining Your Wildlife Garden With your garden freshly altered, you’ll need to make some slight adjustments to your upkeep practices to keep things running smoothly. Humane and Wildlife-Friendly Pest Control Unfortunately, not all pest control procedures are kind. Some contain harmful poisons, while they do eradicate traces of unwanted insects, can also be harmful to any wildlife you intend to attract. For this reason, it’s highly important to use wildlife-friendly pest control measures. Think building barriers around the shoots of your new plants, or even experimenting with companion planting. Forget Fertiliser Although fertiliser is great at encouraging growth within your planted flowers, they can have some undesirable side effects to wild, naturally occurring flowers. Wildflowers are great at attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators, but they also grow best in low quality soil without the presence of growth assistants like fertiliser. Rather than using fertiliser, your best bet is to let your ground’s soil do its work naturally, with the occasional sprinkling of water for sustenance. Strategic Mowing To keep your lawn in its best possible condition for natural growth, the times you choose to trim it short should be undertaken strategically. While normally, grass mowing is only really done when the length becomes problematic, for fostering wildflowers, you’ll want to trim it short over the winter, before letting it grow longer in the summer. This gives the flowers a greater chance of penetrating the soil, with no obstructions in their growth. Leave Some Weeds Behind Despite their unsightly appearance, some weeds are an important source of nutrition for butterflies in particular. While it can be tempting to rip up weeds the second they’re spotted, an even better approach would be to create a designated area in your garden solely for weeds, leaving the butterflies able to draw as many nutrients from them as they can. How to Attract Bees to Your Garden for Pollination Bee populations have declined gradually since 1985, falling at a rate of 50% from then until 2005. Throughout this time, there has been a major call for protecting bees for the good of the planet. As a result, more and more of us are seeking out ways to provide shelter and respite for bees, instead of shunning them away as a nuisance. If your garden isn’t quite as bee friendly as you’d like, here is one keen trick for you to try out: Allow Lawn Weeds to Flower As mentioned previously, although weeds can be an eyesore, they do provide a good opportunity for pollination for our yellow friends. Dandelions and clovers are a strong source of nectar for bees, so consider holding back on weeding at least until the flowers start to grow. Cultivate Plants with Nectar and Pollen This tip goes without saying, but having spaces designated solely to plants rich in nectar and pollen is a guaranteed way to increase your garden’s bee presence. Think of flowers like lavender, comfrey, flowering cherry, and crab apples. All of which are rich in pollen and nectar; a great attraction for your local hive. Make Bee Nests Sectioning off a small corner of your garden with a few blocks of scrap wood and hollowed-out cavities is a great way to draw bees away from other nooks and crannies and into a place where you have more control of their presence. Not only this, but developing a ready made nest gives the bees somewhere safe to go in between their travels, helping them grab a much needed rest. Create the Perfect Garden with KETTLER Now that you’ve made a wildlife paradise, it’s time to start enjoying it. Get everything you need to transform your garden into your own peaceful sanctuary at KETTLER. From garden furniture to fire pit tables, we’ve got everything you need.

Feeling let down by your small garden? Not to worry. Although it may feel impossible, there are ways to open up your small garden space and transform it into the lavish, relaxation-focused area you need. Granted, larger spaces do come with higher flexibility in where you place garden furniture, plant flowers, and install seating. That said, smaller spaces can be just as functional if executed correctly. Whether you’re wondering how to make a small garden look nice, or how to utilise as much space as you can, let’s transform your compact garden with these small garden tips. How to Design a Small Garden Take Measurements Although small gardens are easier to estimate when it comes to planning, there’s nothing better than cold hard facts. The very first step to designing a smaller garden is breaking out that measuring tape and getting some measurements. Be sure to not only measure your garden’s perimeter, but also consider the space you have above. This matters most in balconies where vertical space can be hindered by those above you but is also worth knowing in case you wish to protect your privacy through any adjoining walls or fences. State Your Goals Before we jump into the feature ideas, it helps to make a few observations around your goals. Think about what you want to accomplish with your space. Do you need a functional garden to support your everyday life? Or do you just need somewhere to kickback and relax? Whatever your objectives are, it’s worth bearing these in mind before starting, as this will give you something to work towards. Choose Flexible Furniture Versatility is key when working with small spaces. For this reason, we always recommend buying furniture that is flexible to your demands. Easily folded chairs and tables are perfect for tucking away at the end of the day, giving you the chance to enjoy the rest of the space at your disposal. Take the Versa Sofa Set (pictured). When needed, you have an additional two chairs at your disposal for when extra guests come over. Then, at a moment’s notice, those two chairs vanish into the back of the two-seater sofa, freeing up space without requiring any storage facilities. Create Designated Zones Another key part of small garden design revolves around making the space you have work for your needs. Instead of seeing your garden’s restrictions as limitations, you should consider them as opportunities to create a unique design that harmonises its characteristics. Working within these limits can help you unlock the full potential of your garden and create something truly bespoke. One great way of doing this is to create distinct zones within your garden to keep certain areas restricted to different activities. Maybe you could plant a few potted flowers in one particular corner, while having your seating area stay on the opposite side of the garden? Even further, you could use these featured to create divided sections within your garden, creating natural paths and walkways to make your space feel much larger. Play with Lighting With strategic placement in mind, outdoor lighting can do wonders in making your small garden appear larger. Thanks to the shadows cast off by walls and nearby furniture, outdoor lighting can help develop a sense of depth, creating the illusion of space. This can be achieved by placing outdoor lights near your walls, tall plants and storage furniture to enable you to highlight elements that are furthest away from the observer, thus creating depth. Use Vertical Space If your smaller garden is restricted horizontally (as is usually the case), why not think towards the sky? Using trailing plants alongside walls and fences, hanging plant baskets on pipes and drains, and keeping your equipment safe by screwing it into walls makes for a much more practical garden. By utilising otherwise wasted space on nearby walls, you can quickly start to emulate some of the functionality of medium-large alternatives. Embrace Minimalism For balconies, we understand that you may have specific goals or ideas in mind about furniture, plants and flowers. However, it’s crucial to consider how much space you have to avoid overcrowding. This can be done by selecting just the right outdoor elements to create a cozy, inviting space that’s both functional and good looking, all thanks to the modern design trend of minimalism. Cutting back on your possessions, re-organising your space and only owning the essentials will soon grant you with much more space to relax while also freeing up your brain space. As the saying goes: a clear space means a clear mind. One quick way to embrace the minimalist lifestyle is to think of your outdoor dining needs. Do you need a large table and four chairs if only two of you sit outside regularly? If so, consider swapping to a bistro set like the Cassis duo set (pictured) Using Stylish Storage Pictured: Aluminium Sideboard with Double Doors One of the most challenging parts of having a small garden is finding places to store your tools and miscellaneous items. Fortunately, garden storage is at the point where it can be used interchangeably with furniture in some cases, and you can even find furniture with storage compartments built-in. Our Aluminium Sideboard with Double Doors, for example, offers a modern, industrial look that’s great for keeping your tools inside, and your cooking equipment on top while the barbecue is in full swing. This makes finding suitable areas for your once-needed items so much easier, while also improving their ease-of-access in a pinch. Plant Big It’s understandable that, with a smaller garden, you may want to plant flowers that are equally as small so as to not miss out on variety. Unfortunately, however, having an array of small plants can actually pay more attention to your garden’s smaller size. Not to worry, though. This can be tackled by going in the opposite direction and instead making your plants larger. This gives off an illusion that there’s more space available than initially meets the eye, helping your garden appear larger. Start Enjoying Your Small Garden with KETTLER Although smaller gardens can be a challenge; they’re not impossible. Afterall, what makes a garden great isn’t how big it is or how much stuff it contains – it’s how you use the space and how it makes you feel. Start feeling better about your garden with some much-needed furniture upgrades from KETTLER. Built with the highest quality materials, our garden furniture ranges can help you maximise your garden’s potential while lasting a lifetime.

Holiday homes are all about relaxation. They provide an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving you a chance to unwind and focus on what really matters: you. Of course, the thing about holiday homes is that we can’t enjoy their luxuries all year around. That is, unless you really want to. There are many good reasons for wanting to make your home feel more like a holiday. Holidays help us relax, so shouldn’t our homes do the same? We think so. Given how expensive it is to get away these days, and considering how much the weather is changing here in the UK, there’s a lot of holiday-esque feelings to be had. In this post, we’ll explore some crucial steps toward transforming your everyday home into a holiday paradise. From choosing comfy garden furniture to re-imagining your surroundings, by the end of this article, you’ll be holiday ready all year round. Transform your outdoors Pictured: Charlbury Corner Set Your holiday garden is where you can really inject some personality and pizzazz, giving the perfect opportunity to install that elusive outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted. Matter of fact, we at KETTLER stock some of the most luxurious garden furniture and outdoor accessories on the market. From our Palma Fire Pit tables to our elegant outdoor heating range, you can transform almost any garden area into an outdoor haven in no time. Couple your new-found furniture with a few sun loungers, and you’ll be well on your way to perfecting that tan in no time. To really get that holiday home look, consider installing attractive outdoor lighting, planting shrubs and maintaining any greenery. These minor details are what ultimately helps a normal home feel like an outdoor paradise. Get garden party ready Some of the most memorable times on holidays come from the parties and events we venture out for. Gathering your friends and family together, heading out to the local entertainment and enjoying some great food; with some initiative, there’s nothing stopping you from recreating all the same emotions at home. Start by setting the scene with attractive outdoor lighting for when night falls. The KALOS range is perfect for this, incorporating a variety of styles that wouldn’t go amiss in any modern holiday balcony or garden. Relax poolside What do all great hotels have in common? Swimming pools, of course! Especially when the sun is beating down, there’s nothing more refreshing than jumping into a perfectly tempered outdoor pool following a day of activities. Great for both the kids and adults, having an outdoor pool setup for the summer is a sure-fire way to bring the holiday vibes in full swing. We love this example from @thepennrenovation on Instagram. What an inviting view. If you’re not one of the few owners of a built-in pool, maybe consider picking up an inflatable one from Bestway. There’s great options for those of us that don’t necessarily need a pool all-year-round, but are in need of a break in the summertime. Home camping While camping isn’t for everyone, you can’t deny the fun of the great outdoors. Discovering new places and experiencing a whole new way of life, it’s an activity that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetimes. If you’re not quite ready to go headfirst into camping in the wild, holding an overnight camp-out in your garden is a good place to start. You can use it to get used to all the sounds of outdoors through the night, while having fun telling ghost stories before cuddling up for warmth. You can really create that campfire lifestyle with our fire pit tables. Not only are they great to look at, but they give off the perfect amount of warmth to keep you comfy all night long. Dine Outdoors Going al-fresco is a natural part of being on holiday. From enjoying your all-you-can-eat buffet to winding down in the evening with a glass of wine, all of it is made instantly better while having local sceneries and luscious blue skies for company. Of course, these luxuries aren’t just for your holidays. Break out the barbecue and get grilling for the whole family to instantly transport yourself to a place of relaxation. With an outdoor kitchen, dining outdoors becomes a whole lot easier. Not only do you have all your cooking essentials near by, but your drinks can be kept as ice cold temperatures thanks to build-in fridges so you’re never too far from a cold drink. You could even enlist the help of your little ones to act as makeshift butlers and fetch them for you. A bit of pocket money should suffice. Spruce up indoors Another benefit of staying in hotels is that there’s no pesky housekeeping to deal with at the end of a fun-packed day. Think of it, after a day on the beach followed by a day jam-packed with activities, you’d undoubtedly give anything to not have to come home and make the bed, right? So, in your pursuit of holiday bliss, why not be your own best friend and make a head start on that bedding earlier in the day? You’ll thank yourself for it, trust us. This thinking-ahead approach doesn’t have to end with your bedding, by the way. Placing and lighting scented candles, bringing tropical plants indoors and cleaning as you go will give you everything you need to feel like you’re in a five star hotel in no time. Time for an outdoor refresh? Holiday homes are a unique kind of luxury. With the rising costs of going abroad, we can’t realistically holiday all throughout the year; but, there’s nothing stopping us from getting even just a slice of the action at home. With KETTLER, you can do exactly that. Explore our entire range of garden furniture and outdoor heating across multiple different collections. Want a more modern look? The Larno range has you covered. However, if a more traditional setting is more your style, the Palma collection might be just what you need.

Are you beginning to notice signs that your garden furniture is showing its age? If that’s the case, it could be an opportune time to bid farewell to your old furniture and welcome some fresh pieces of garden furniture into your outdoor space. Stains, rust and mould are a common sight on older garden furniture, but, at what stage does it stray beyond repair and require replacing? Keep reading to find out. 1. Chipped Paint If you see any chipped paint on your furniture, it could be an indication that a replacement is in order. The reason behind this is that chipped paint can permit moisture to penetrate a wood frame, leading to more severe issues beyond the need for a simple paint touch-up. However, in some cases where a chip has occurred due to other causes such as a knock, or if the furniture is metal, a paint touch up will do the job. Here at KETTLER, we provide easy to use Mesh Furniture Touch-Up paint available in both iron grey and white. 2. Dirt and Stains As you entertain guests during barbecues or parties, spills are bound to happen. So, it’s important that you have the right equipment in place ready for when these accidents occur. Check out our Garden Furniture Multi Surface Cleaner. Suitable to use on a wide range of garden furniture materials including stone, cast aluminium, textile sling, resin, and HPL. The easy to apply formula is made with innovative nanotechnology, which protects surfaces better, so you don’t have to clean as often. The formula is 100% water-based, so less hazardous and eco-safe. While most stains can be promptly cleaned, if you’re consistently noticing numerous long-standing stains, it could be an ideal opportunity to indulge in that new lounger or garden bistro set that has captured your interest. Additionally, stains can easily transfer onto clothing, further emphasising the importance of replacing your garden furniture at this point. 3. Rust and Rotting If there are visible indications of rusting or rotting on your garden furniture, it serves as another significant indicator that it’s time for a replacement. Furniture exhibiting signs of rot or rust can pose safety hazards and therefore should be replaced at this stage. You may want to consider purchasing non rusting garden furniture for your replacement, such as aluminium, wooden or wicker furniture. 4. Mould and Mildew The presence of mould and mildew suggests that your outdoor furniture is showing its age, has sustained damage, or has been subjected to prolonged moisture exposure. Beyond the unattractive appearance, the growth of mould and mildew can also pose health risks for individuals who come into contact with the affected areas of the chair or sofa. To prevent this, it is crucial to store your outdoor cushions in a dry and cool location during the winter season. If space is limited indoors, you can consider keeping them outside on a deck or porch, provided that rainfall is infrequent in your area. 5. Creaking Noises When you settle into a chair, you need a comfortable and sturdy seating experience, free from concerns about breakage or creaking. However, if your outdoor furniture begins to emit creaking sounds when you sit on it, you might need to replace it. So, why does garden furniture creak? The creaking noise in wooden furniture signifies the effects of weathering. Over time, prolonged exposure to the elements causes the wood to contract or expand unevenly. Consequently, the alignment of joints between wooden components in a chair, bench or table becomes compromised. This misalignment places stress on the joints, leading to their gradual loosening and ultimately resulting in the creaking sound when weight is applied. In this scenario, your options are to delicately replace the affected planks of wood, or replace the furniture entirely. As for metal garden furniture, this could just be a sign that the bolts need tightening, or some lubricant is needed. This is an easy fix that won’t require replacement. 6. Worn Out Upholstery Have you found that, over time, your garden furniture fabric has worn out, torn, or faded due to prolonged exposure to sunlight? Or maybe dirty hands, grubby paws, and wine accidents have left stubborn marks on your garden furniture. Luckily, the KETTLER fabric, rope & upholstery complete care kit can give your furniture extra TLC to keep it looking its best. 100% water-based, the complete care kit is non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. The innovative formula is made with Nanotechnology, which shields the surface better, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about the cleaning. The versatile cleaner and protector is suitable to use on a wide range of materials including fabric sofas, cushions, rope, upholstery, and even parasol canopies. Initially, your garden furniture cushions were likely firm and provided comfort. However, as time goes by, they may have lost their shape, becoming flat or saggy. If these signs are apparent in your outdoor furniture, it indicates that it’s time to replace the old cushions. 7. Out-Dated Style When creating your ideal garden, the selection and style of furniture holds significant importance. Outdated or worn-out pieces can diminish the inviting ambiance of your outdoor space. By replacing your garden furniture with designs that resonate with you, you can easily revitalise the appearance of the area and enhance its welcoming atmosphere. Instead of discarding the old and unwanted furniture, consider upcycling it into something beautiful, donating it to charity, or selling it to someone who may find value in it. This way, you can ensure that your furniture finds a new purpose rather than going to waste. Discover Durable and Stylish Garden Furniture at KETTLER At KETTLER, we provide a wide array of garden furniture options aimed at crafting a serene outdoor environment. Whether you seek comfortable seating or inviting dining spaces, we offer diverse styles that cater to individual preferences. Be sure to check out our spares and care products too to ensure you’re keeping your new garden furniture good as new.

After paying thousands of pounds to call a place your home, it’s only natural to start thinking that your garden is yours to do whatever you like. Building a structure? Why not. Holding an evening party? Sure. However, the reality is not as cut and dry. From planning permission to noise pollution, our gardens are subject to a multitude of rules and regulations in the UK. For the most part, these aspects tend to get overlooked during the sale of a house, with buyers tending to be more attentive towards the bricks and mortar portion of the property. However, it does help to know exactly what your rights are. So, we’ve taken a look at some of the legislation to give you a list of things you can and can’t do in your garden. Do: Seek Planning Permission on Permanent Structures There is a slight misunderstanding with planning permission and gardens, as there are very strict laws depending on the permanency of the structure. Temporary structures that are built on top of existing land, like sheds or pagodas do not count towards planning permission requests as they can be removed with ease and do not impact the value of the property. Structures like garages and extensions, however, do. To put it simply, some sheds may not require a planning permission request, but constructing a building that is fixed in place or attached to an existing one, does. To get an idea of whether you’ll need to apply for planning permission, try to imagine taking your new structure with you to another house. Would it require major alterations to the ground? Would it destroy parts of your garden in the process of removal? If so, you probably need planning permission to construct it. With this in mind, you’re probably wondering what size garden room you can build without planning permission. To which, the answer is… as long as you comply with the usual rules of planning permission, there are no size regulations as these structures are classed as outbuildings. Don’t: Play Loud Music Beyond 11PM Noise times in residential areas are always a bit shaky, as some believe there to be some subjectivity surrounding what is and isn’t a disturbance. Thankfully, noise pollutions are clearly defined in the law with time-based parameters. As a general rule of thumb, garden noise law claims that excessive noise like loud music or the use of power tools shouldn’t last between 11pm to 7am. Failing to abide by this may result in your neighbours submitting noise complaints against you to the local council, landing you with a sizable fine. Do: Trim Hedges Up To Your Property Line When buying a home, your solicitor should have informed you of the surrounding boundary that counts as your property. This is defined in the land registry database and stipulates where a property starts and ends. Often, homeowners will install fences or hedges to create privacy around these borders. However, when doing this, it’s important to ensure that these borders are properly maintained. When doing your maintenance, make sure you stick to what’s yours and no further. It is quite common for neighbours to emulate whatever look you’re going for with your border, so just be sure to not do anything that would impact their property, as this could be seen as trespassing and intentional damage. Don’t: Allow Waste Trimmings To Fall In Your Neighbour’s Garden So, you’ve just trimmed your surrounding hedge and your garden is now back to its former glory. While things may look great, it’s highly advised that you do a quick visual inspection of the mess you’ve left behind. If any tree branches or leaves fall down into your neighbour’s garden, this could be seen as fly tipping. While this may not sound like an extreme offense, the fines associated with it can add up very quickly. To make your life easier, consider reaching out to your neighbour before doing any maintenance work. They may even agree to let you step into their garden and conduct your work from there so that any waste ends up in your garden, not theirs. Do: Inspect Your Garden’s Perimeter As a due diligence check, it helps to know exactly what land you’re entitled to. Often, buyers will visit a property, view the bordering fences and simply assume that everything checks out. Though, in some circumstances, you may find that your neighbours are beginning to encroach on to your land which, if left unnoticed, can eventually mean that the land ends up in their possession. All your neighbour has to do is stake some physical claim on the land, be it an embedded piece of wood or a simple space infraction, is to make an application to the land registry for ownership of that space of land. Don’t: Block Natural Light to Windows The 1959 Right of Light act stipulates that windows that have received more than 20 years of natural light should not be interfered with by the building of new structures or other obstructions. Such things are classified as a light obstruction and can be ordered to be torn down or amended to rectify the infraction. As with all laws, there are some caveats to this, including whether or not the obstruction is protected under a preservation order. This means your neighbours can’t just one day decide to go hail Mary on your possessions simply because it blocks their window’s natural light. Do: Avoid Excessive Smoke From Barbecues And Bonfires We all love a good barbecue. Gathering friends and family together for laughs, drinks and good food is a lovely experience. However, do spare a thought for your surrounding neighbours when having your parties. While there are no laws that directly prohibit the use of a barbecue or fire pit, if things regularly get out of hand with excessive smoke and smells, things could begin to verge towards being what’s called a “statutory nuisance”. A statutory nuisance is basically anything that prevents your neighbours from enjoying their property without disturbance. Things like loud music and dogs barking can class as a statutory nuisance, even if played within the legal hours, and so can barbecue smoke. Don’t: Install Trampolines That Invade Privacy We all have a basic right to privacy, as governed under article 8 of the Human Rights act. This includes being able to live our lives without being subjected to prolonged observation by others, something that usually goes unnoticed with things like trampolines. While trampolines are a necessity for summertime activities, they do pose a serious privacy risk thanks to wandering eyes. If your kids are regularly found to be spying on your neighbours through the use of a trampoline, they may begin to feel like their privacy has been infringed and may take action based on article 8. When installing your trampoline, consider having it recessed into the ground slightly to reduce the overall height and restore privacy to your neighbour’s garden. Make the Most Of Your Garden While legal red tape exists to try and regulate how much we enjoy our gardens, you shouldn’t let it hold you back. Planning permission requests can be lengthy, so why not make an immediate impact on your garden with some new garden furniture? Have a browse through all the ranges we have available and start transforming your garden, today.

Spring has just about sprung and, with Easter just under a month away, now’s the time to start putting plans in place for activities. Around this time, temperatures will start to slowly increase, meaning a return to form with our gardens is getting closer every day. Why not marry the two with some engaging Easter activities for friends and family both young and old? Learn how to plan outdoor games and create some DIY decorations as we run through some of our favourite Easter garden party ideas. Easter Egg Hunt There’s nothing quite like a classic Easter egg hunt. Whether it’s organised by your local community, or if you’re planning a private hunt around the house, discovering tasty chocolate will never get old. While some households will typically hold their Easter egg hunts indoors, there’s a whole world of possibility just beyond your back door. Obscured shrubs, tiny nooks, and crannies covered by crawling wall plants, why not hold an Easter egg hunt in the garden this year? If you do, just be sure to cover the eggs you use in a reasonable way. While it can be fun to discover foil-wrapped chocolate next to some compost, there’s no telling what bugs may be crawling around in there. Placing your eggs in Tupperware tubs may feel like overkill. So, we find that the best way to hide Easter eggs in your garden, without detracting from the fun, is to use a plastic, cellophane wrap, like what you’d use for your sandwiches or leftovers. Easter Egg Race Often, homeowners will look to their sloped gardens with at least some level of anguish. After all, sloped gardens can be much more difficult to design, so it’s no wonder why we get so frustrated with them. However, around Easter time, a sloped garden presents an opportunity like no other: egg racing. Much different to your typical egg and spoon race, an Easter egg race can be planned with barely any additional equipment. Thanks to gravity, there’s not even any special contraption used to propel the eggs down the slope. Simply just establish a start and finish line, on your marks, and away you go. It’s up to you whether your use a real hard-boiled egg, or the chocolate kind. Egg Hunt Clues While egg hunts are fun, you can build the suspense even further with some hidden clues. Bring the fun into teatime with some clues hidden amongst your food. Cue cards under plates, hidden labels on the sides of glasses, and clues taped underneath your garden furniture can all be used to guide your guests in the right (or wrong) direction. Easter-Themed Foods There are many types of foods that are normally consumed around the Easter period. Hot cross buns, cakes decorated with chocolate eggs, and hard-boiled eggs themselves are tea-time staples, and should absolutely form a part of your garden party cuisine. Whether you make them your main course or served after for a tasty treat, make sure you bring an Easter spin to your choice of delicacies. You could even take this one step further by bringing the whole cooking procedure outdoors. Get everyone involved with the preparation from kneading the dough to preparing ingredients, before placing everything to cook in a luxurious outdoor kitchen. Our Outdoor Kitchens works wonders for this – they are large enough to prepare a classic lamb dinner; a quintessential Easter meal. DIY Easter Gifts No garden party is complete without a parting gift. Rather than buying something mass-produced to give to your guests, why not get more involved with some DIY presents? For example, old planters make for a great makeshift egg basket. Inside, you could offer up a mixture of tasty chocolates, as well as some homegrown flowers and plants for your guests to enjoy. The natural charm of your garden in combination with the tasty chocolate is sure to go down a treat. This also serves up the opportunity to begin a tradition. Ask your guests to plant the flowers you give and entice them to bring them back with them the following year. Not only does this give you a sustainable way of making decorations, but it provides a sense of belonging and connection to those you love. Need Some Outdoor Inspiration? With these ideas, you’ll be well on your way to planning an unforgettable Easter garden party for the whole family. Remember, the weather may still be a little questionable, so you might want to invest in some outdoor heating to keep the party going. If you’re looking for more innovative design ideas for your garden, KETTLER can help. Explore our outdoor inspiration articles today and start transforming your garden into a relaxing haven.

As times change, so do our preferences. This shift naturally means that trends come and go, and our gardens often go through various style iterations. From sustainability-focused gardens to Mykonos-inspired designs, in this list, we’ll run through some of our gardening trend predictions. Will you be adopting one of the newest trends in gardening and planting? Let’s find out. Tech-Influenced Gardening Technology is an ever-developing phenomenon. Every year consumers are met with the latest gadgets packed full of features promising to change our lives for the better. One of the fastest developing of these technologies comes in the form of artificial intelligence (AI), specially augmented reality (AR). The cameras on our phones are used for much more than just taking pictures, they can now recognise items placed in front of them, including your precious flowers. Launched last year, iPhones can utilise a feature called “Visual Lookup”. All you need to do is take a picture, long press on an item within that picture, and your phone will recognise it, tell you what it is, and allow you to cut it out from the image. We think it’s only a matter of time before an app is created that will identify which stage of life your plants are at, giving specified advice on how to heal them and restore them to their former glory. Anti-Climate Change Gardens Last year, the UK experienced one of the hottest summers and coldest winters ever. Such turbulent weather conditions can be enough to throw any climate off, which severely impacts our gardens’ abilities to flourish. Moving forward, it’s clear that some changes may be needed to improve our gardens’ resistance to such environmental fluctuations. One keen way of doing that would be swapping out seasonally-restricted flowers like fuchsia for less weather dependent alternatives like phygelius. Xeriscaping (landscaping to reduce the need for irrigation) could also be a viable option for gardeners looking to make their gardens more independent. Doing this will lessen the reliance on continuous water resources, thanks to the use of alternative landscaping measures such as rocks and gravel in place of soil. Tropical Twists A rising climate doesn’t mean you need to make dramatic changes to more sustainability-driven gardening efforts, however. Sometimes, we can use the slightly hotter climates to our advantage. Exotic, tropical plants typically fair worse in UK climates, preferring instead a consistent stream of hot weather to tide them over. However, with temperatures slowly rising over the past 5 years, it seems as though UK gardeners are interested in adding more tropical plants to their outdoor spaces. According to Google Trends, interest in tropical plants has fluctuated over the past 5 years, with a major spike in interest around 2020-2021. But we also see a sudden sharp increase of attention in the beginning of 2023. Could now be the time that these plants get the interest they deserve? Herb Independence Rising costs for food and entertainment around the globe have caused many of us to tighten our belts over the past 12 months. For some of us, this means severely stripping back the types of food we buy day-to-day, including our favourite herbs and spices. Thankfully, growing herbs is a relatively cost-effective method of reintroducing these tasty supplements. The process couldn’t be simpler, either. The majority of herbs can be grown from seeds in a simple container and then left on a windowsill to utilise as much natural light as possible. If you’re looking for inspiration on which ones to grow, it seems as though the most searched for herbs include nutmeg, coriander and parsley. Coriander in particular saw a surge of search interest at the beginning of 2022, while the popularity of nutmeg has seen steady incline for the past three years. Outdoor Living Rooms While our gardens are physically separated from our indoor living areas, there’s a real benefit in establishing a seamless flow between the two places. That’s why so many homeowners have invested in sliding or fold-away glass doors. Gardens should be an extension of your home, and with that comes the same relaxing feel that comes with kicking back on the sofa after a long day. Often, we’ll try to introduce outdoor elements like trees and flowers inside our home, but more and more of us these days are thinking of ways to replicate the comfort of indoors, outside. Looking at Google Trends, we see that interest for “outdoor living room” has been on the rise over the past five years. This popularity peaked in May 2021, with a slight upward tilt being seen towards the end of 2022. Could we see this trend hit new heights in 2023? Get ahead of the curve with some comfy, durable garden furniture. Garden Minimalism Minimalism is a popular interior design trend that encourages homeowners to think hard about their possessions. It’s about stripping back, taking stock and only owning what you need. The result is a much less cluttered lifestyle, and with that comes significantly easier organisation. Alongside its interior popularity, garden minimalism is also seeing a similar level of interest. Specifically, searches for “minimalist garden” saw major attention at both the start and end of 2022. If you’re not quite sure where to get started, we love the look of this minimal court-yard garden by @stonelotuslandscapes Breathe life into your garden with KETTLER Is your garden lagging behind design wise? Or, perhaps you’d like to make it more comfortable? If so, now might be the perfect time to bring it into the modern world. At KETTLER, we’ll help you do exactly that with everything from futuristic fire pit tables to casual dining sets built with you in mind.

February is the month of love. Inspired by Valentine’s Day, couples around the globe are buying gifts, booking tables and frantically preparing to show their partners just how much they love them. This year, why not do something different for your loved one? Instead of rushing off to your local restaurant and enjoying their scenery, try altering your garden into romantic luxury that’s right on your doorstep. In this piece, we’ll run through some of the ways you can make your garden more romantic; perfect for valentine’s day date ideas or for those looking to bring a natural touch to romance. Romantic Garden Ideas for Valentine’s Day Set the Scene With Lighting Lighting does more than just illuminate dark spaces. With the right placement, design and approach, your outdoor lighting can be a valuable tool in setting just the right type of ambience for romance. Often, gardens will feature white spotlights to give better visibility in the dark. While these lights make it easier to see what’s in front of you, they also have a downside of being quite garish. Instead, try setting the mood with some more aesthetically pleasing lighting with a lower luminance level. Dark mood lighting is known to create a much more relaxed tone; the perfect environment for you and your partner to unwind. We particularly like using LED Candle lights for this exact purpose. They’re portable, safer than regular candles, and still give off the same levels of romantic light. Get Intimate with Dining Sets There’s no doubting the luxury of larger-than-life garden furniture. Being able to sprawl out on a sofa or bench is the perfect source of outdoor relaxation. However, Valentine’s Day is about being closer, and more connected with each other. Ditching the large tables and chairs is a great way to immediately establish a one-to-one connection with your partner. We particularly like the Café Roma bistro set (pictured above) for this exact reason. A small, round table and two comfortable mesh chairs makes it one of the most perfect dining sets for your Valentine’s Day meal. Stargazing With gifts exchanged and food eaten, the end of the evening draws near. Rather than heading inside to watch TV, why not enjoy the free, romantic display of stars right in your garden? While it might sound cliché, stargazing is a quintessential activity for Valentine’s Day. Not only do the stars look particularly bright this time of year, but they are filled with stories about romance and love, most notably Greek mythology tales about Medusa, Peusues, Pegasus and Andromeda. If you do go stargazing, be sure to wrap up warm. Of course, the best way to stay toasty while outdoors is to use outdoor heating equipment. We’ve got all sorts of outdoor heating at KETTLER within our Kalos range. There’s pendant heaters that can be hung on top of patios, and even freestanding electric heaters that can be moved to any location you desire (just make sure you have a power source nearby). Use Homegrown Ingredients What’s more romantic than a home cooked meal? There’s nothing like it. From the preparation process to enjoying it with someone you love, staying in together to enjoy your favourite food is one of our favourite Valentine’s Day dates at home. While cooking the meal by hand is a labour of love, why not go one step further with the ingredients? Whether you grow the herbs and spices on a windowsill or use fruit and veg from your own crops, there’s something additionally personal about cooking your own food, with your own ingredients for your loved one. You could even go one step further and prepare the whole thing in the garden using an outdoor kitchen. The Neo Outdoor Kitchen is perfect for this. It features a chiller for your drinks, ample worktop space for chopping and slicing, and a 6 burner BBQ for the perfect grilled finish. Build your romantic haven with KETTLER Is your garden in need of a change? Perhaps your furniture has seen better days, or maybe you’re just looking to add a touch of luxury. You can do exactly that with KETTLER. Whether it’s a lavish fire pit table, or a simple seating upgrade, we’ve got what you need. Browse our store and start transforming your garden, today.

It’s no secret that gardening in January is tough. Whether you’re feeling the Christmas blues or only now coming around from your New Year’s party, wrapping up warm and putting on a brave face may feel like the very last thing you’d want to do. However, the best way to overcome the challenge is to set some goals for the coming year. In this article, we’ll list some of our favourite gardening new year resolutions to make the adjustment period that bit easier. From becoming more sustainable to trying new gardening techniques, let’s run through some New Year gardening resolutions. Try Companion Planting When gardening, it can be tempting to just place things next to each other purely based on looks. While this certainly does wonders for your aesthetics, there are some benefits to being logical with your plant placement. For example, did you know that planting onions next to or near strawberries helps prevent them from developing mould? It’s not the most common of knowledge, but little things like this can certainly help your garden thrive for much longer than normal. There will be some circumstances where you may have to sacrifice looks, but for the most part, companion planting is an effective method of developing a harmonious garden that supports itself as much as you support it. Join a Local Gardening Club If your gardening is starting to make you feel like a lone wolf, you might want to consider reaching out to and joining a local gardening society or club. Filled with like-minded individuals who love their gardens, gardening clubs can help you develop friendships, learn new techniques, and even enter competitions from time to time. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one parting ways with the knowledge you’ve learned from our various outdoor inspiration pieces! Conduct a Tool Overhaul We all have that one super old tool that we couldn’t live without. Be it an ancient shovel or a dying pair of shears, letting go of gardening tools that technically still work is a difficult procedure. This year, we strongly urge you to consider making that first jump towards a new toolkit. This doesn’t have to involve every single piece of your gardening arsenal, but maybe you could just focus on things that are consistently causing problems. Removing nails with rusty hammers, digging holes with splinter-clad shovels, these frustrations can slowly build up and make gardening much less enjoyable. So go on, treat yourself. Future you will be very thankful. Become a Composting Aficionado Gardening comes with all sorts of costs. One of the most prominent of them is compost. Compost is an essential tool for gardening. It helps create a suitable environment for plants to grow, while also feeding worms and assisting with biological growth deep within soil. Unfortunately, buying compost all the time is a costly endeavour. Not only must you venture to your local garden centre, locate the right compost, and awkwardly transport it home, but these expenditures can be almost completely negated at home. Composting simply refers to the process of creating your own compost. Doing so cuts back on the amount of waste your household produces by re-using it in a compost pile. Suitable ingredients include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags and even grass cuttings. Starting the whole process is relatively simple. All you need is a dedicated area within your garden that you use solely for composting. One way of simplifying this even further is to use a large receptacle such as a water butt. Start Water Conservation With energy and utility bills rising, it seems a lot of UK residents have taken things into their own hands this year. One major way that your garden can help with this is through water conservation. Water butts of varying sizes can be sourced from your local supermarket or DIY shop and used to replace your water supply for all sorts of outdoor tasks like watering plants and cleaning driveways. You can even go one step further by integrating a fully-fledged reservoir into your home’s mains supply to be used throughout the home. However, these do require some professional installation and frequent maintenance to avoid bacterial growth. Bring the Outdoors, In Let’s not forget, gardening doesn’t happen exclusively in the garden. House plants are a common part of modern interior design that help add a touch of life to our rooms. If you’re yet to join in on this trend, consider this your signal to get involved. As well as their visual benefits, indoor plants have been shown to have stress relieving properties, while also improving the air quality of your home without expensive purifiers. Build Your Dream Garden This Year Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way for gardeners to brush up on their skills, revamp tool kits and, most importantly, experiment. Are you focusing on gardening this year? Perhaps some new garden furniture is needed to give you the inspiration you need. Find high-quality, durable pieces that are built to last at Kettler. With these resolutions, you can look forward to a year filled with the joys of gardening like you’ve never known.

Keeping plants alive in winter months is a skill in and of itself. Some plants love colder climates, while others simply cannot survive in frosty conditions. At best, exposed flowers and plants may simply regress to their roots, before re-emerging when the weather becomes favourable; at worst, the plant is killed entirely. If you’re fed up of replanting half your garden the second a drop of snow arrives, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll explain how to keep your garden safe from cold, snowy weather. We’ll cover which plants will need protection, the tools you can use to do it effectively, and the best way to get the job done. Which Plants Need Snow Protection? Thankfully, you don’t have to go around covering every inch of your garden to keep it safe. There are some plants, called tender plants, that need just a little more protection than most. These tender plants are a mixture of both decorative flowers, as well as more functional items like fruit and veg that simply cannot be exposed to the cold no matter the time of year. So, if you’re concerned about what plants to cover in a freeze warning, here are a few of the most vulnerable: Fuchsias Tree ferns Pineapple lilies Agapanthus Dahlias Pelargoniums Begonias Succulents DIY Snow and Frost Protection Equipment List Thankfully, snow and frost protection doesn’t demand the use of expensive equipment. You can accomplish much the same functionality you’d usually get from store-bought items by repurposing older possessions. Here are some of the tools you may be able to find around your home to protect your plants this year: Empty water bottles: The larger the better in this case. Jugs of around 4-5 litres are best as these are usually wider and can be cut to accommodate larger plants. Plastic bags: Translucent plastic bags are preferable for this purpose, as they allow you to always keep an eye on how your plants are doing. Masking tape: While masking tape doesn’t serve a functional anti-frost/snow purpose, it does allow you to tape up any loose ends to prevent loss of insulation. Bubble wrap: Not only is bubble wrap great for storing delicate packages, it can even be used to lock in heat to your plants. Bubble wrap provides some structural benefits too, protecting plants against the odd unexpected knock from a gust of wintery wind. Will Cardboard Boxes Protect Plants from Frost? Due to the corrugated, honeycomb-like internal texture of cardboard, it actually makes quite an effective piece of equipment for plant frost protection. While you may need larger boxes that are sometimes hard to come by, there’s nothing stopping you from recycling a cardboard box and using it as a makeshift sheath for your most delicate plants. One thing to bear in mind is that cardboard isn’t the most hard-wearing of materials and is prone to folding away from excess water exposure. So, we highly recommend not using cardboard if rain is likely to come. Because of how easily manipulated it is, using cardboard for frost protection is a straightforward process: Measure your plant(s) and cut cardboard to size. Make openings on either end of the piece to allow for airflow. Place over your desired plant(s) and add weighting to keep the cardboard in place. As an additional measure, you could even apply some form of waterproof coating on top in the form of tarp. However, at this point, you’re probably better off investing in some purpose-made, re-usable solutions. How to Protect Plants from Snow and Frost Damage With your equipment gathered and determination in order, it’s time to start protecting your precious plants. Here’s how: Timing is Everything As with any gardening practice, your effectiveness is usually dictated by how well you time things. To which, snow and frost protection is no different. You’ll want to choose a day that’s warm enough for you to function, while still being cold enough to determine which of your plants shall be most affected by the incoming weather. This allows you to finish all the work you need, while also accurately predicting which plants need the most help. Double-Check Your Work Weather is unforgiving at the best of time. Be it a leak inside a house or an unrelenting heatwave, there is no reasoning with nature. Because of this, we strongly recommend you double, triple, maybe even quadruple check your covering job before calling it a day. Even the smallest ingress point can allow cold weather to seep into your plants and undermine all the hard work you’ve just done. Move Plants Indoors, if Possible While this step may not be applicable in every scenario, it’s one that certainly goes without saying. When possible, take your plants indoors for the winter. Flower beds, potted trees/plants can all be moved around with relative ease, so take this opportunity and save yourself the headache of protecting outdoor plants this season. Wear the Right Clothing Never underestimate how long this seemingly simple task will take. Roadblocks can crop up from all angles, be it an unexpectedly dying plant or a mismatched piece of protective equipment, there are likely to be a few time-consuming problems that you’ll have to solve. With this work mainly taking place in the winter, it’s important to ensure that your body is as protected as your plants. The longer you’re out in the cold, the greater the risk of hypothermia becomes. So, wrap yourself up in warm, waterproof clothes, and take frequent indoor breaks to heat yourself up. Does Garden Furniture Need Protection From Snow? Just like your plants, you should never forget about your precious garden furniture in snowy or frosty conditions. While many pieces are built to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, it helps to give them an additional fighting chance against the elements. Using correctly sized protective covers is one way to combat the frost, but keeping cushions stored away in dedicated areas is a much more effective solution. That’s why we recommend the use of garden storage boxes, specifically those that are made out of tough materials like aluminium. Not just for cushions, these units can be used to store your tools, parts, and any loose pieces hanging around your garden that you’d like to protect. Just be sure to place them in the right spot away from direct sunlight. Is Your Garden In Need of Help? Now that your garden is protected this winter, you may be wondering how to get it ready for hours of fun in the sun. Thankfully, we have you covered. Browse our selection of garden furniture, barbecues and firepit tables today and plan the garden of your dreams.

It’s that time of year again. Black Friday has come back to give customers all over the world the opportunity to splurge without question. Whether you’ve been putting off a big purchase or are just looking to score some deals this year, there are plenty of discounts to be had on this momentous day for retail. However, with so much choice available, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. To help you figure out where to put your cash, we’ve created this Black Friday guide. We’ll run through deal spotting, purchase planning, and even include some of the discounts we’ll be running in our own Black Friday Sale. When is Black Friday? The Black Friday sales event runs on the last Friday of November every year. This year, the sale officially begins on the 25th of November, but some sales may begin up to two weeks earlier. Despite all the financial difficulties that consumers face in recent times, the event brings in millions of transactions every year… and this year is no different. Shopping Tips for Black Friday With so much variety on offer, you’ll need to put a plan in place. Here are our top tips for Black Friday success: Check Price History On Black Friday, it’s quite common for retailers to increase prices a few weeks prior to sales, to then offer a “discount” when the day finally arrives. Thankfully, there are tools available to help you gauge how much an item costs at various points in time to avoid being duped. Browser plug-ins like camelcamelcamel can provide you with a graph of historical pricing data for various products on sites like Amazon, and websites like PriceSpy even work with high street retailers on a product-by-product basis. Keep these in your bookmarks and when you finally come across a deal, check its history before taking the plunge. Don’t Hesitate While it is good to avoid impulse spending on Black Friday, sometimes flash deals can happen that are sold out in a matter of minutes. When you spot a deal that’s within your budget, or at a historically low price, your best bet might be to grab it while you can. All too often consumers will hold off to only miss out moments later. Avoid the disappointment and grab the deals while they’re hot. Set a Budget This tip often gets overlooked during the Black Friday madness, but it’s one that is absolutely essential. Sticking to a firm budget allows you to control excess spending, helping you be wiser with your choices. It can be very easy to get lost in a sea of discount signs and percentage labels on Black Friday. However, zooming out and taking five minutes to review your overall spend is a good practice to employ. Prepare Your Accounts Picture this: an item you’ve wanted for a long time has finally gone on sale. You frantically click the link to buy, fill out your purchase details and, all of a sudden, the stock is depleted. Defeated, you leave the page full of woeful regret. Because of how cookies and website tracking operates, from time to time, websites will sign users out after a period of inactivity. This can mean having to wait in a login queue, or completely missing out on flash sales. The best way to avoid this? Update your sign in status ahead of time. Think of things like PayPal, Klarna and maybe even your mobile banking. Get signed in and jump the queue. Remember Returns Around the holiday season, retailers will often neglect to inform customers that return periods are extended. While this isn’t mandatory, a number of companies will offer this service as a goodwill gesture. Afterall, the last thing you’ll want when gifting something is to be disappointed. Before buying anything, check return policies. Some online retailers will follow the standard process of there being a 14-day no questions asked return and refund, while others may increase this to 28 days to account for the holidays. Knowing this before buying can instil some serious peace of mind on those slightly riskier purchases. Black Friday Gardening Deals If you’re looking to kit out your garden or fitness room this year, we have a whole host of discounts on offer to help you save while doing so: Palma Grande Rattan Corner Set with Fire Pit Table – £1,350 Off As one of our greatest discounts this year, the Palma Grande Rattan Corner Set is an absolute steal with over half off the regular asking price. It comes with a central fire pit table to add an extra layer of ambience to your late-night garden parties, while being made of a robust rattan material that can withstand years of use. Outdoor Heating – 50% Off Of course, no garden is complete these days without an adequate heating system in place. Not just for indoors, outdoor heating is a much-welcomed addition to the party that keeps things going well beyond the night has settled. Why stop your parties early? Even better, there’s up to half off across the entire Kalos outdoor heating range this year. From pedestal heaters to floor standing oscillating models, the perfect heating duo for your garden is ready to add some warmth to your outdoor life. Table Tennis Tables – Up To £30% Off Anyone for a round of tennis? Whether it’s indoors or out, we have professional quality table tennis tables for the whole family to enjoy. Foldable, weather resistant and built with strong materials, we’ve discounted some of our tables by up to 30% this year. Need Black Friday Inspiration? If you’re stuck for ideas for the gardener in your life; we’re here to help. At Kettler, you can find all sorts of equipment to spruce up and enhance the tranquillity of your garden. Have a browse through our garden furniture today, and be sure to make a stop at our Black Friday Sale to save on your favourites.

As time goes by, it feels like more and more of us begin to embrace Halloween as an opportunity to go all out with decorations. Lights and trimmings are traditionally restricted to the joys of Christmas. However, it seems like Halloween is beginning to overtake the festive period when it comes to décor, especially outdoors. From spookily carved out pumpkins to the odd plastic skeleton, there are a lot of tropes that have been used seemingly forever but now, it’s time for a change. If you’re really looking to step up your garden decoration game this year, follow along with these Halloween garden ideas to truly spook your neighbours. Scary Silhouettes Source: knoxmj19 @ Instructables If horror movies have taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing more ominous than the silhouette of a threatening figure. Not being able to make out a face, let alone clothing, leaves us with little to do but panic. So, why not use this to your advantage? With some clever garden light placement, you can create superbly terrifying zombie silhouettes in your front garden. The best part is that these types of decorations are totally unique; you likely won’t see them in any supermarket anytime soon. Get the look by following this guide at Instructables. Night of the Pundead This year, why not put a comedic spin on your Halloween decorations? Granted, Halloween is already quite hilarious. Seeing your friends and family knocking about in homemade costumes is an extremely unique treat that rarely comes more than once a year. So, surely our decorations should echo this hilarity? One humorous decoration that caught our eye the most is this series of pun-infused tombstones. Pre-made tombstone decorations can usually be found in supermarkets for relatively cheap, but if you’re a little more DIY-inclined, there’s nothing stopping you from putting your own creative spin on the concept. Whether it’s boards of wood, piece of polystyrene or maybe even cardboard, there are multiple ways to achieve this look. Cemetery Gates What is it about a crooked fence that gives off such a spooky aura? Whether you choc it up to a classic horror movie trope, or the unsettling presence of jagged lines and aged materials, there’s no arguing with the fact that these types of barricades appear to serve one purpose: being scary. Fences like this are traditionally found in old cemeteries in seemingly every horror movie. So, to give your front garden a truly unsettling feel, a jagged fence is a good place to start. Pallets are an excellent option to achieve this, as their appearance tends to be relatively aged from the start, giving you a bit of a head start. Friendly Pumpkins Although being scary can be fun, sometimes a change is needed to shake things up. Choosing a happier stance can certainly help you and your garden stand out this year, and what better way to do it than with a twist on the staples of Halloween decorations: pumpkins. All too often we see pumpkins sporting threatening looks, clever-yet-spooky designs and anything that generally inspires fear. Let’s face it, sometimes that’s the last thing we need – especially if you have young children. So, take a different approach this year by making friendly faces on your pumpkins. Amidst a sea of the same old scary faces, a smile is a welcomed surprise during trick or treating. Movie Themes By far the easiest way to create a cohesive Halloween garden is to follow a theme. What better way to do this than by following some famous horror movies as inspiration? Take some famous characters, looks, props, mash them all together and you’re well on your way to a certified spooky garden. One of the most effective looks you can go for is the classic jigsaw puppet from the SAW film series. With some clever paper mache work and an old used tricycle, the look is basically complete. You can even combine multiple movie universes for the ultimate horror movie homage. Think Jigsaw meets Michael Myers and a bit of Scream! thrown in for good measure. It’s enough to give anyone the shakes. Freaky Fire Pits Fire is a pretty central theme to Halloween. Many of us usually light fireworks and sprinklers to mark the day, and others attend bonfires for much the same reason. Alongside this, more and more of us are getting used to the idea of having fire pits in our gardens. This leaves some great potential for merging the two things together to create some scary yet functional fire pits. Achieving the look is relatively simple. You could place some skulls around the edge of the fire pit to give off a creepy look that echoes satanic rituals, perfect for sharing spooky stories. In the same breath, your fire pit can keep your Halloween garden party going for longer thanks to the natural warmth given off. The Kalos Stone Fire Pit Coffee Table (pictured) makes a great candidate for this. Its stone construction gives off a real rustic feel that responds well to spooky alterations. When the night is over, simply remove the decorations and get back to your modern feeling garden in a matter of minutes. Embrace the Spooky Season With these ideas, you’ll be well on your way towards creating a Halloween garden to be proud of. Remember, while looks are important, having some comfortable garden furniture to relax on is always a welcomed addition. Have a browse through all our ranges today and find something to suit your soon-to-be spooky garden, today.

If there’s one downside to having a large, open garden, it’s the lack of privacy. Don’t get us wrong, some large gardens improve privacy, but any large open area is prone to wandering eyes from neighbours and passers-by. The same thing goes for apartments; it’s very rare that an apartment comes included with a fully privatised garden space. Is your garden overlooked by neighbours? Find out how to get privacy in an overlooked garden, here. Garden Privacy Ideas When pursuing garden privacy, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Having said this, here’s a few initial steps you can take to address your garden’s privacy problems. Gather some opinions If you’re struggling to determine exactly what you need to fix, the best thing to do would be to speak to others. Friends and family are great for this, as their outsider perspective can be vital in picking up on things you might have otherwise missed. So, invite some people around and tell them to hunt out privacy hindering issues. Maybe throw a garden party while you’re at it? Consider natural solutions Gardens should be natural, relaxing environments surrounded by plants and greenery. Knowing this, sometimes the last thing you’ll want to do is to introduce a bunch of garish manmade materials. Before it gets to that point, it can be helpful to look at the existing features of your garden. Do you have a particularly tall tree or shrub? It might be worth using such a thing to your advantage. elba Lounge Set If possible, another good idea would be to move portable pieces to a more appropriate location such as in the centre of your lawn. This gives ample coverage of a common play/seating area, without the need for manmade materials. Use parasols tactically Parasols aren’t just built for protecting us against harsh UV rays, they also have an added benefit of increased privacy. When you choose your next garden parasol, selecting an exceptionally large model might be just the ticket for restoring privacy in your garden from neighbours, while also offering even greater protection from the sun. Take the Deluxe Panalsol (pictured) for example. In addition to the direct cover it gives away from above, the sides can even be configured to have privacy-enhancing bars that prevent wandering eyes, while still allowing in plenty of sunshine. Invest in privacy-focused furniture Funnily enough, garden privacy is even something that can be addressed with furniture directly. As a result, there’re all sorts of seating and dining areas that have been built with privacy in mind. Take the Palma Daybed (pictured) for example. It has a rear shield that folds over when you’re kicking back, preventing wandering eyes from gazing down as you relax. It doesn’t just stop there, though. There’s a whole world of privacy-enhancing garden furniture for you to choose from. Explore some of the options we have at Kettler, today. Use water features Privacy isn’t just infringed visually. Many people flat-out neglect to have sensitive conversations outdoors because of the lacking audible privacy. This can leave some perplexed, seldom using their gardens unless the outside temperatures creep up. This is a great shame, but thankfully there’s a way to regain some of this privacy. One method is to use water features. Faux rivers, fountains and constantly running grass sprinklers generate just enough noise to throw outsiders off your topic, granting enough privacy to allow you to finish your conversations. Focus your efforts With privacy, the temptation can be to just try and gather as much of it as you can by creating all sorts of view-blocking obstacles. But this isn’t always the most optimal way of doing things, especially if you value aesthetics. Rather than buying up as many different obstacles as you can, it helps to mostly focus on the main areas of privacy leakage. That way your garden is kept private, without restricting precious sunlight in other areas. Add height and structures This tip is particularly useful if your privacy is being lost lengthways. Building upwards can force things out of side-on view, restoring previously held privacy. A great way to do this would be through raising platforms up a level, especially those you find yourself using more than others. Personalise your private space with Kettler With your privacy restored, you can now start to investigate making your space your own. In particular, fitting it out with furniture that fits the look and feel of your zen garden. To do just that, browse our store and discover furniture that complements your preferences.

Are you finding random holes, bite marks and footprints around your garden? Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bugs and pests unforgivably make their way into our gardens. Mice, rats, and creepy crawlies are some of the most common offenders, of which just so happen to cause the most disruption. Infestation is of course a major inconvenience, so it’s highly advised that you do your best to fight back against these unwanted visitors. If you’re struggling to claim back ownership of your beloved garden, keep reading as we talk you through the steps needed to regain your precious land. How to keep animals out of your garden Here are seven ways you can fight back against unwanted visitors to your garden. 1. Identify entry points The very first step in combatting garden pests is to figure out how they’re getting access. Be sure to look for tiny footprints, droppings and even small nests, as these are all common indicators of a breach. Animals (like mice and rats) tend to climb walls, whereas hedgehogs can dig and burrow their way under them. So, it helps to know exactly what type of threat you’re up against, as this ultimately informs the preventative measures you take. 2. Use furniture covers Although this tip won’t specifically prevent animals and pests from entering your garden, it will help keep your garden furniture in tip-top shape. Durability is especially important for furniture covers, as is weather resistance. Protective covers like ours are excellent at repelling scratches and droppings, while also doing a great job at defending against harsh weather. By covering your precious furniture from top to bottom, you can ensure that your furniture is protected against all sorts of damage. 3. Install defensive barriers If you’ve spotted a hole or gap, your first port of call would be to cover it up, and quick. If left for long enough, these weaknesses can gradually get worse, to the point where some serious repair work is needed. Rather than wait for the situation to get worse, it’s best to get ahead of the curve with some effective patchwork. Remember, just because a solution is quick, doesn’t mean it has to be sub-par. Barbed wire is often thought to be the most immediate answer, but the law surrounding such defensive measures is a little shaky in the UK. If you do choose such an option, try to ensure that it causes no unjust harm to innocent bystanders. 4. Plant natural deterrents Although not the most visually pleasing of solutions, one key trick to subconsciously putting invaders off entering your garden would be to incorporate some deterrents. As we know, some plants are more attractive than others, so it helps to off-set this attractiveness with some less-than-desirable plants. Specifically, herbs like thyme and yarrow are particularly off-putting, with their natural scents and appearance acting as somewhat of a threat towards badgers, hedgehogs, and rodents. Just be sure to account for the safety of the animals you do want to go into your garden, like cats and dogs, as some herbs can cause stomach upset. Of course, it’s not just animals that may be interested in your beloved plants. If you’re wondering how to stop insects eating plant leaves, a good starting measure would be to cleanse leaves with a mixture of soap and water. If the infestation pursues, you could even go as far as incorporating an insecticide. 5. Noise prevention Depending on how young your ears are, you’ll have probably encountered a dreaded high-pitch ringing device located in some front gardens. These devices act as excellent deterrents for wild animals, as they cause zero physical harm while still proving effective at keeping visitors at bay. 6. Use safe traps Trapping animals is filled with ethical questions. Some consider it to be cruel, whereas others think of it as a chance to safely relocate animals back to their natural environments. Whatever your take, there are some safer ways to lure and trap animals with the hopes of sending them on their way, far from your precious lawn. One such method would be to use a camouflaged cage with an automated closing mechanism. When your invader comes to visit, they will be enticed into the trap, before it closes behind them. This gives you the opportunity to transport them to your local animal rescue, or send them back into the wild yourself. 7. Remove affected plants Animals tend to be drawn towards specific scents and visuals. Plants with striking colours are therefore more likely to be attacked than those that are camouflaged. Of course, it can be disheartening to see your beloved flowers nibbled in peak season. So, to give them a fighting chance, consider relocating them to more inaccessible locations such as on top of shelves, or maybe even indoors. Unfortunately, this strategy can’t be applied to all your plants. In which case, there are still some other things you can do. Why do animals keep coming into my garden? The fact is, our gardens are somewhat of a utopia for animals. Well-kept grass and all sorts of different scents, it’s a sensory overload that is sure to pique their attention. Gardens with greenhouses or wild fruit and veg in particular are of the highest interest. The primary cause for animal migration revolves around a lack of appropriate food sources in their own environment. When they can no longer find adequate food supplies, they will try to eat whatever they can, including your beloved plants. Here are just a few ways that animals can enter our gardens: • Gaps in fences • Unsealed doors • Scaling tall structures • Random holes in grass Breathe life into your garden, today With your pest problems solved, you can focus your efforts on making your garden look as good as possible. Do exactly that with a furniture revamp from Kettler. We have garden sets of all sizes; all built with exceptional attention to detail. Explore your future garden furniture, today.