After years of continual upkeep, gardens can often get to a point where we feel like we’re going around in circles. On the flip side, if upkeep has been neglected, you may find you have more of a jungle than a relaxing outdoor space. So much so that, sometimes, the only thing we can do is start from the beginning. Whether you’ve just moved into a brand-new house with a totally blank canvas, or you’ve recently landscaped your existing garden ridding it of any prior resemblance, you’ll need to know how to plan a layout to get the most from your new space. To help you unlock your garden’s true potential, we’ve created this guide around how to plan a brand new garden, breaking things down by different sizes to ensure there’s something for everyone. Garden Size Classifications First things first, let’s set some parameters. To make the most of this guide, it helps to align yourself with our thinking to ensure the advice can be applied to your own circumstances. So, the first thing we’ll look to address here is size. Specifically, which size categories there are, and the measurements underpinning them. For argument’s sake, here’s how we classify each garden size: • Small: Under 100sqm • Medium: 100-200sqm • Large: 200sqm+ The rationale here being that a tennis court measures around 260sqm. Anything under this is categorised as either a small or medium garden, while spaces larger than this are on the large to extra-large sizes. How to plan a garden layout So, now that our sizes are set, it’s time to explore the ins and outs of planning a brand-new garden space. Step 1: Measure Your Space Before you get in to planning furniture, plants and flower arrangements, it helps to know exactly what kind of space you’re working with. Is it a small, medium or big space? While eyeballing things is a quick and easy measure, having specific numbers to work with allows you to get much more strategic with your choices. Break out a measuring tape, grab a notebook and start taking down some initial measurements of your own garden. Step 2: Consider Your Garden Positioning Depending on the way your house and garden is pointing, you’ll be able to enjoy different aspects of sunrise and sunset. South-facing gardens are notoriously great for enjoying sunshine all day long, whereas North-facing gardens benefit from increased amounts of shade. Identifying which way your garden is pointing will allow you to make much more informed decisions around where you place greenery. If your garden is particularly shady, it could be worth investing in flowers that don’t require a lot of sunlight, and vice-versa. Step 3: Designate a Seating Area What use is a garden if you have no space to enjoy it? Arguably the most important part of having a garden is segmenting a specific section to be used purely for seating. This is where guests will gather during parties, and where you’ll be sat gazing out at the world for hours at a time. As such, it pays off to plan seating arrangements before aesthetics to ensure you won’t be cramped. With your space designated, now it’s time to choose the right furniture set. Larger spaces will benefit most from full outdoor dining sets like the Charlbury Casual Dining Sofa Set (pictured), while smaller spaces could be better suited to bistro sets. You can also bring the indoors out by setting up a pergola. Just remember that pergolas require even more space than just the space for your furniture. Step 4: Consider Storage space While not the most exciting of garden features, storage is another invaluable element of any functional garden. Particularly for smaller gardens, where space is at a premium, it certainly pays to account for ample storage facilities in your new garden space. If your garden’s too small for a shed, you could always look at clever storage boxes that can be repurposed as other pieces of furniture like seating. That way you’ll ensure complete utilisation of the space that you do have. Step 5: Sketch a Draft Layout Now that you have the absolute essentials in place, it’s time to get one step closer to realising your dream garden. Sketches are great for this, as they give you a quick glimpse towards how your garden will look from a bird’s eye view. Not only are sketches great for visualisation, they’re an invaluable briefing tool for contractors also. The best part is, there’s no need to be a fully qualified architect; just include approximate measurements and annotate things as clearly as you can. Step 6: Set a Budget When you’re lost in creative freedom, it can be easy to get swept up in the thrill and find yourself making unnecessary expenditures. Fast forward to the end of your project and it’s likely you’ll have spent much more than you initially expected. This is why a strong and strict budget is an absolute necessity when planning a garden. When working on your garden, there’s no knowing what will be uncovered in the process, so this isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go over this budget if needed. Afterall, we can only plan so much. A contingency fund of around 10% is advisable. Step 7: Contact Contractors This step all depends on the scale of your project but designing a garden doesn’t have to mean doing all the work yourself. This is especially true if you’re thinking of completely relandscaping. Don’t feel ashamed to reach out to qualified contractors for some help. Not only will they have access to the tools you need, but they may even be able to give you some insider knowledge around structural decisions. Step 8: Establish Timescales As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither will your dream garden! Perfection takes time and consideration, so be sure to account for any potential delays in your planning period. While we can’t anticipate everything, it’s a good idea to account for an extra 10% of the overall project time to unforeseen problems. Doing this not only alleviates pressure from yourself – it also keeps your expectations in check. Step 9: Remember Garden Maintenance Creating the garden of your dreams is exciting, but remember; when all this work is done, you’ll still be left with upkeep. Depending on the scale of your plan, you may be left with more maintenance for your new garden compared to before, so do take time to consider how much attention is needed to keep things looking tip top. If you’re looking for low maintenance, courtyards and artificial grass may be a handy solution as they do not require mowing. Whatever you decide, considering ongoing maintenance is useful for planning strategically placed gardening tools. For example, if you now have a particularly large patio area, it could be a good idea to keep a jet wash nearby to fight against gradual discolouration. Create Your Dream Garden with Kettler With your garden sorted, it’s time to fill it with some durable garden furniture. Struggling to sort through your options? Have a browse through our garden furniture buying guides where we share the information you need to make the right choice.

While gardening can be a fun yearly activity, the summer is undoubtedly the most enjoyable period for our plants. Not only are flowers able to absorb a surplus of nutrients needed through photosynthesis, but waterfall rates can be controlled manually through occasional watering throughout the day. With temperatures hotting up in the summer period, many places around the world are preparing for heatwaves. Some of us love the hot weather and cannot wait to get out there and tend to the greenery, while others are simply dreading it. No matter what side of the fence you fall on, you’ll need to keep your beloved garden safe. If you’re in need of some defences, have a read through our guide on protecting your garden and its furniture from a heatwave. How to Protect Plants From Heat While us humans can simply walk inside and into the shade, the same can’t be said for our plants. Of course, sunlight exposure is needed for flowers and grass to grow correctly, but there can be such a thing as too much heat. Here’s how to protect your plants from heat. Water at the Right Time Looking out at your sun-baked garden, it can be tempting to top up your plants’ water supply every so often. In a heatwave, the worst time to water plants is in the middle of the day, as this risks the soil drying out too quickly, preventing your plants from absorbing crucial nutrients. Instead, try to top your plants up generously in the early morning and late afternoon. That way, your soil will hold more water for longer, giving your plants a much-needed drink. Use Mulch Mulch is an invaluable tool to any gardener’s arsenal, especially during a heatwave. So, what is mulch used for? As we know, soil dries out much faster during hotter periods, which can lead to our plants being unable to get what they need to survive. As a protective barrier, mulch can be applied over the top of surface soil to protect it from the harsh UV rays and heat throughout the day. Another benefit of mulch is that it significantly reduces evaporation rates after watering, meaning you won’t need to drench your plants in water in the short timeframes that you have. There are loads of different types of mulching out there, but the best one for a heatwave would be dry grass clippings. These are readily available and do a great job at protecting your soil thanks to a harsh exterior. Bring Pots Into the Shade While fixed plants are left to fend for themselves, there’s a bit more freedom with potted plants. In serious heat, you may wish to consider moving your potted plants in to a shaded section of your garden. This not only keeps them from getting too hot, but allows you to have even better access for watering purposes. Use Other Plants for Shade If your fixed-position plants are really suffering in the heat, a good thing to do would be to try and use other larger plants as makeshift shading. Bushes and ferns are great candidates for this, shading plants from sun rays thanks to a large surface area that provides plenty of cover for your more delicate plants and flowers. Monitor Grass Levels Mowing the lawn can be an arduous task, especially in the summer. However, you shouldn’t let this put you off giving your grass a trim. Just be sure to keep it long enough so that the soil underneath isn’t overtly exposed. We recommend a length of between 3-5” at the very least. At this height, your grass will be able to cast a shadow over other parts of your garden where flowers and plants usually grow, giving extra protection in hotter periods. Keeping Garden Furniture Safe Of course, it’s not just our plants that need protecting from extreme heat. Even our garden furniture needs some looking after in such hot circumstances. Here’s how to protect your garden furniture from a heatwave: Use Furniture Covers Perhaps the most obvious solution to keeping your garden furniture safe is to use some protective covers. Such things can be bought with new furniture or applied retroactively. Though, it’s worth mentioning that tailored solutions that are fit to shape are often much more effective, leaving much less opportunities for a poor fit. At Kettler, we offer many different kinds of protective covers for our furniture ranges. Each one is cut to a specific size, ensuring long-lasting protection year-round. Thankfully, our furniture is completely UV protected to fight back against the harsh ways of the sun. If yours isn’t, covers do a wonderful job of providing protection. Be sure to also look out for any glass surfaces. Covering these with tabletops ensure that they don’t incur any heat damage over time. Just make sure the coverings you choose are strong enough to also protect the glass underneath. Move to the Shade This point goes without saying, but not all garden furniture is created equally. Some are able to withstand rainstorms and extreme heat, and others, not so much. So, take a safe bet with your furniture and consider moving it out of direct sunlight. Not only does this prevent gradual UV damage, it keeps your furniture looking great by avoiding colour degradation. Of course, moving furniture around is a bit of a hassle, so you may want to invest in some top-quality UV protected furniture to avoid this. Did you know that all Kettler furniture is UV resistant? Browse all our collections today and cut down the heavy lifting. Another option would be to pick up an outdoor parasol to create some manoeuvrable shade How to Keep Yourself Safe in the Garden During A Heatwave While some of us pride ourselves on our possessions, it’s important to not forget about our own health. Here’s a few ways to fight back against a heatwave: Keep the Temperature Down Although sun exposure is a real problem, the biggest issue with a heatwave is, of course, the heat. Our bodies like to regulate our internal temperature to keep our organs ticking along nicely. Though, when the heat rises, it gets a bit more difficult. To stay cool, why not invest in a high quality pedestal fan and finally ditch that ancient desk one you’ve had knocking about for years? Restrict Outdoor Time While this point may sound a little uneventful, it’s important to keep tabs on how much time you spend gardening during a heatwave. Generally, it’s advised to limit the amount of time you spend doing strenuous activities outside while the heat is up. This is to help avoid things like heat stroke. All of this means that you should only go outside to garden if it’s absolutely necessary. Drink Plenty of Water This goes without saying, but the number one way to keep yourself safe in a heatwave is to drink loads of water. Extra heat means extra sweat, leaving our bodies at risk of becoming severely dehydrated. Coupled with the additional tasks involved with gardening, and you’ve got a real recipe for some serious thirst. Stay Covered If you do make the decision to venture out and tend to your garden, you’ll want to make sure your body is completely protected from harsh rays. This tip goes handy with moving plants to shaded areas, as doing so keeps them and you safe from excessive sunlight exposure. Sun cream is another vitally important piece of keeping yourself safe. Be sure to cover yourself head to toe to avoid skin burns throughout the day. If you don’t have much shade, try bringing some potted plants in doors and tending to them there. While it may be a big ask, your plants will thank you by blossoming greatly thanks to your love and care. Keep Your Garden Looking Great With your outdoor safety in check, you can now start piecing together the garden of your dreams. At Kettler, we stock a whole host of garden furniture to help create a relaxing space outdoors. From seating to dining spaces, there’s a look to suit everyone… whatever the weather. Browse today and start designing the garden of your dreams.

With summer looming, garden parties are soon to start cropping up around the nation. There’s lots to love about a garden party, with loads of tasty food and drink and memorable evenings all round. This year, why not go one step further with your upcoming garden party? To help you do just that, we have compiled this guide on how to plan a garden party fit for kings and queens. Give your guests a party to remember with these ideas: Garden Party Ideas 1. Choose a theme By far one of the best ways of ensuring your garden party ticks all the boxes is to set yourself a theme. From English tea parties to French cuisine, there are loads of different themes to choose from. It can be easy to try and include an assortment of features in your garden party, but you’ll quickly discover that your time and money begins to run out. By setting a theme, you’re able to track exactly what you need from appropriately designed dining sets to the food you serve. 2. Experiment with lighting When it comes to evening garden party ideas, lighting is a must. After all, it’ll allow the fun to continue well after sundown. Garden lighting is often reserved for functionality over form. Industrial-looking solar powered lights, while useful, aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing of features. Thankfully, there are some ways you can get inventive with your garden lighting. Candles, design-inspired fixings and even lights in old potted plants are some great ways of adding an atmospheric touch to your garden party well into the evening. 3. Designated areas Just like in your home, it’s important to divide your garden into specific regions; this is especially true for garden parties, specifically larger ones with multiple guests. Doing this allows people to split up throughout the party without forcing everyone into a cramped area. If your garden is big enough, why not try and separate it so that your garden is made up of multiple zones? You can do this with themed seating and decorations, or by setting up paths and walkways to the areas you would like your visitors to go. 4. Makeshift drinks bars Just like a commercial venue, your garden party should exude class and relaxation. One way of re-creating this feeling is by having a bar. Private bars also have the added benefit of organisation. Say goodbye to drinks scattered throughout your garden; with an area dedicated solely to making drinks, you and your guests know exactly where old cups and glasses should go. Depending on how big the occasion is, you could even go one step further and hire a bartender. 5. Re-use old garden furniture Reduce, re-use, recycle. If you have any left-over plant pots or furniture, feel free to re-integrate them into your garden party. While some of it may not fit in with your theme, it does help to have a few extra seats for those unexpected arrivals. 6. Keep the heat going There’s no denying that the weather is make or break in a garden party scenario. The heat keeps us nice and comfortable even while outside, which is what makes winter garden parties somewhat of an anomaly. Fret not, for there is a way to fight back against the cold weather and keep your party going. If you’re finding your guests reaching for hoodies and blankets, a patio heater could be just what you need. Take the Kalos electric heating range from Kettler for example. In it, we stock all sorts of heaters in various forms to suit almost any garden. From full-size pendant heaters to small electric lanterns, the Kalos range will keep your guest’s toasty for hours on end. 7. Choose music carefully The deciding factor between a good garden party and a great one is ultimately underpinned by the atmosphere. What better way to set the right feel than with a carefully curated playlist? Of course, different genres convey different moods, so selecting the right artists and tracks is key. If relaxation is your focus, you can’t go wrong with some classic R&B or folk music. But if you’re after more of a party, drift towards pop, rock, or EDM. You should also think of your guests. Are there any artists they hate? Or, ones they can’t get enough of? Factor this into your playlist and you’re on to a real winner. 8. Bring the indoors, outside Humans are creatures of comfort. We can’t get enough of all the little conveniences we have in our homes, including the use of a full-on kitchen. Of course, indoor kitchens are exactly that – indoors. If you’re really looking to level up your garden party game, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have. Our Outdoor Kitchens from Kettler bring a lot of the conveniences of your kitchen outdoors. When paired with great food, we find this to be a great way to keep guests full and satisfied. 9. Over-prepare, over-deliver In the words of John Steinbeck “The best plans of mice and men often go awry.” When you’re caught up in the moment, impulsive last-minute attendees are a common occurrence in garden parties. As are little accidents such as spillages or dropping things after a few Pimm’s. In these situations, the last thing you want is to be caught without enough supplies for your guests. So, once you have a rough estimate of how many guests you’re expecting, it’s a good idea to account for a little more. That way, you can be sure that you have more than enough food to feed everyone. Durable Luxury From Kettler You’ve tried the rest, now it’s time for the best. Whether you’re revamping your outdoor space or simply looking for higher quality outdoor furniture, Kettler has you covered. From seating areas to pagodas, we have everything you need to give your garden a glamorous makeover. Browse today and start designing your dream garden ready for your next garden party.

Like any new hobby, gardening comes with a bit of a learning curve. From best practice to the smattering of new phrases, it can feel a tad overwhelming as a newcomer. When you’re just starting out, a common thing to do is to watch gardening shows, read articles and take in as much knowledge as you can. While doing that, you’re likely to come across some expressions and sayings you’ll have never seen before. To make your learning process that bit more efficient, we’ve rounded up some of the most common words associated with gardening, from basic gardening terms to advanced phrases and practices. Learn it all and start becoming a better gardener with this gardening terms list. Gardening Terminology for Beginners Xeriscaping The first term on our list is perhaps one of the most in-depth, technical phrases you’re likely to encounter. Although it’s not one that you’ll see as a beginner, it’s worth knowing to future-proof your knowledge. So, what is xeriscaping? Xeriscaping is the practice of reducing your entire garden back to soil, re-levelling and starting from scratch. Think of it as landscaping, except with less opportunity for unwanted water leakage. Irrigation Xeriscaping leads us nicely on to our next term: irrigation. Irrigation describes the process of supplying land with water to benefit the growth of crops. Irrigation is tackled in multiple ways, the most common of which includes the use of sprinklers in the middle of a lawn. This constant supply of water is useful in the summer months where rain levels are particularly low. Afterall, plants thrive off a combination of healthy soil, sunlight and water. Germinate What does germinate mean? Well, it’s a phrase associated with seeds and spores that describes how they begin to grow after being fed, cared for, and maintained for a period of time. Germination is the initial stage of growth that these premature plants go through on their way to flourishing. Deciduous Again, not a phrase you’re likely to encounter as a beginner, but newcomers may pose the question: what does deciduous mean? Deciduous is an adjective that is used to describe a tree that sheds its leaves on a yearly basis. Some examples of deciduous trees include maple, oak, beech, and wisteria. Ericaceous So, you’ve chosen some new flowers and are just about to start planning when you notice a small demand on the packing “this flower requires ericaceous soil to thrive”. To which you promptly ask yourself “what does ericaceous mean?” Ericaceous soil is slightly more acidic and is named after the Ericaceae plants that survive in it. This simply means that these types of plants prefer more acidic soil to grow, as opposed to alkaline-based soils. Perennial On average, most plants tend to survive for a few months before wilting away in less favourable weather conditions. Some plants, however, buck this trend by living for several years. Plants that survive this long are called perennial plants and are characterised as more robust than others. Due to their high survival rates, perennial plants are incredibly cost effective and make for a great mainstay in most gardens. Chlorosis Chlorosis describes a state of which a plant’s leaves begin to turn a yellowish colour. This happens due to discolouration after over watering, nutrient issues, and disease. Scarifying Are you proud of your luscious green lawn? It’s a tricky beast to maintain, but some people do it better than others. Over time, dead grass can begin to grow on top of healthier grass, thwarting its growth. Otherwise referred to as ‘de-thatching’, scarifying is an activity taken up by gardeners wherein dead grass is removed from a lawn to prevent growth problems and keep a lawn looking fresh all year round. Broadcast Sowing Nowadays, crops tend to be attacked directly with heavy duty drills and furrows. As a more traditional method of planting crops, broadcast sowing is when seeds are scattered out evenly over an area. While less targeted, broadcast sowing allows for a greater amount of surface area to be covered by farmers, while taking much less time. Seedling A seedling is a type of young plant that has grown over time from a seed. These plants can be anything from flowers to full-blown trees. Get Your Garden Ready If there’s one major obstacle that prevents many people from gardening, it’s mustering up the courage to get started. Now that you’ve mastered these gardening phrases, it’s time to get stuck in and make your garden a hotspot for relaxation, parties and casual dining with some luxurious Kettler garden furniture. Browse our stock to see what we have available or consult our retail partners for more info.

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that we can adapt many aspects of our lives when required. Exercising is no exception to this rule, with many of us adopting home workout routines and schedules as opposed to visiting our local gyms. Whether people will return to gyms in their droves remains to be seen, though what is certain is that many will have gotten used to the convenience of their new set ups at home. Creating a home gym isn’t as hard as it may seem, so follow our home gym ideas and save yourself a lifetime of membership fees. Set Specific Goals It’s a very common term in the exercising world but could not be more important when creating a home gym. Specifying what area of fitness you want to improve or focus on will avoid the pitfall of purchasing unnecessary equipment from the beginning. For example, if you’re looking to increase cardiovascular fitness, making a home gym would likely involve investing in equipment such as exercise bikes or treadmills. Similarly, someone looking to increase muscle strength should look to invest in weights or resistance-based equipment. There’s always scope to add to your home gym, but being specific at the beginning will prove beneficial in the long run. Location is Key We aren’t all lucky enough to have vast amounts of unused space at home, however this shouldn’t mean having to write off creating a home gym. As we learn more and more about ways to keep fit and healthy, it seems the space we need to do so becomes smaller. If you can find space to put an exercise mat down, then you have the space to get fit and can do so with little to no extra equipment. Then, as your confidence and fitness levels grow, you can look to utilise larger areas of your home. Ideally, a spare room, driveway or garage would be perfect locations for a home gym, where there’s good ventilation and potential to expand. Keep Things Varied As mentioned before, specificity is vital, but it’s also important to consider what will keep you coming back. Filling your home with the best gym equipment available is easy, motivation is what will keep it all from going dusty. With this in mind, think about alternative methods of exercise that keep things varied and your interest peaked. All too often we look towards the classic gym-based kit as that is what’s most popular, but for those who find weightlifting or running a little mundane, think outside the box. Games such as table tennis are a great way of working multiple muscle groups increasing your heart rate while adding a competitive element to exercise that makes things more interesting. Bring Your Home Gym to Life The goal is finding an area of exercise that is physically demanding yet mentally enjoyable enough for you to want to do it regularly. Our high-quality fitness equipment can be the jump start you need to start creating your home gym, the rest is up to you.

It’s that time of the year again. Time to don our festive jumpers, pull decorations from the attic and pour ourselves a mulled wine as we gear up for Christmas. When we decide to put our decorations up, it is always a point of contention, but we often rely on the same decorations every year. Aside from the odd new bauble or ornament, things can get a bit stale in the decoration department, and depending on how festive you are, this can dampen festivities. However, choosing to decorate the garden for Christmas can go a long way to sprucing up the festive spirit. When it comes to Christmas, outdoor decoration ideas such as the ones discussed here are a reliable way of keeping things fresh in 2021. Wreaths There’s a fine line between tacky and classy when it comes to Christmas decorations. A good place to start is to think traditional, such as with a wreath on your front door. Wreaths are a great way of merging natural elements with your home structure. Additionally, in the wake of the pandemic, homemade wreaths are an increasingly popular thing make as they’re simple, fun and a homely touch to your Christmas outdoor décor. DIY wreath kits can be picked up all over the place this time of year, so get creative and experiment with materials, shapes or perhaps elements from your garden to make yours stand out. The Lawn It’s potentially the first thing people will see, so getting your lawn right is important. The possibilities are endless with what you can do with your lawn at Christmas, so standing out but for the right reasons is the key to nailing it. Something that not many consider is planting a Christmas tree. While we all have one indoors where we gather for gift-giving, a tree outside can help accentuate the festive spirit outdoors too. It doesn’t have to be big, they’re easy to plant and, with a sprinkling of lights, a tree in the garden could become an eye-catching feature. Making the effort to brighten up your garden is all well and good, but making a space where you can enjoy it outside is even better. Consider adding a heated element to your garden such as a fire pit, where you and your family can gather without the worry of getting cold. Recycling and Upcycling There’s no need to break the bank to get your garden looking fresh this Christmas. An increasingly popular trend in recent times is to collect any unwanted items around the house and repurpose them as decorations. From a festive perspective, you’ll want to look for things such as old skis, skates, or sleighs. Wrapping some Christmassy colours and lights around these and dotting them around the garden gives off a wonderful, rustic Lapland-like effect. Admittedly, we don’t all have these things hanging around in the attic, but that’s not to say we can’t find them in charity and thrift shops. If you still can’t find these winter collectables, fear not, as there are plenty of other options to consider. Old boots or wellies filled with twigs, some white pebbles for faux snowballs and a bit of lighting can be just as effective. Similarly, old jars and containers with some lighting and bits and bobs from the garden can act as an illuminating pathway to your homemade wreath on the front door. Get Festive, Get Creative While many of our gifts will be inside them, decorating for Christmas is all about thinking outside the box. When it comes to your garden, focus on brightening things up away from the dark evenings and you should be on to a winner. Our outdoor lighting and heating options can be exactly what you need this year to keep festivities going long into the night.

Nowadays, the possibilities are endless with what people can prepare on a good BBQ, so much so, that many consider BBQing to be an art form. Some turn up the heat by taking part in competitions, while others simply enjoy putting on a good spread for the family. Whatever level your BBQ skills are at, it’s imperative to make sure your unit is in pristine condition. BBQs are synonymous with the summer months but can be forgotten throughout the rest of the year. So, to make sure your BBQ is firing on all cylinders once the sun comes back out, follow our BBQ care advice and you’ll be ready to go. Getting Rid of Excess Ideally, this is something we should all be doing to a certain extent before and after each use of our BBQ. Taking the time to maintain a clean grill will pay hige didvidends in the long run. To clean the grill itself, simply apply some heat and get to work with a good scraper and stainless-steel brush. The heat will help the oil and grease solidify making it easier to scrape away from the grill. Final Checks Another aspect that gets overlooked is giving your grill the once-over before putting it away for the winter. There are many moving parts to every BBQ, meaning many issues can arise. Taking the time do some simple checks now can save you a world of hassle later on. The last thing you want is to get the BBQ back out for the first family feast of the summer to find multiple issues or, worse still, having to buy a new one altogether. The key things to check before storing would be to make sure: Everything is clean and dry – This includes the grill, hood, warming rack, control knobs and igniter. Missing any of these can open the gates to that dreaded rust. Check the bottle-to-BBQ gas hose – Look carefully for any signs that the rubber has perished. If so, a new one is needed and should be stored inside and away from sunlight. The latter naturally only applies to those with gas BBQs. The former, however, is essential for all BBQ care. Correct Storage It’s something that BBQ enthusiasts often don’t consider when purchasing a high-quality grill. How you store your BBQ is just as important as how you use it to cook, and people can easily get drawn in by the flashy models without thinking about other necessary kit. In other words, buying a high-quality charcoal or gas BBQ is a poor investment if it is likely to end up inadequately stored all year round. Storage should always be taken into account when buying a new grill. The best way to make sure your BBQ won’t succumb to Mother Nature is to store it inside a shed or garage. BBQs often get damaged or rust when left outside in damp, cold and frosty conditions. While we can’t ensure our BBQ protection from everything, we must do what we can. If you can’t keep your BBQ inside, investing in a highly durable BBQ cover should do the trick. Get Ready to Grill Follow these fail-safe tips on BBQ protection and you’ll be grilling like a god for years to come. In addition to these tips, we offer some of the highest quality BBQ accessories, including our durable, long-lasting BBQ covers that will keep your grill safe and in top condition all year round.

To make a garden that is truly the talk of the town, it needs to be maintained whatever the season. Many choose to focus on the summer months, but this only takes up a fraction of the year, which means your garden may go untouched or unused for the vast majority of the year. Though the weather may not be as favourable to outdoor living in the winter, with a few simple steps, you can enjoy your garden as much as you do in the summer. Or, if the garden for you is strictly a place to reside when warm, these tips will give you a headstart on getting your garden summer-ready. Keep reading for our favourite winter garden ideas and inspiration. Give the Garden a Winter Touch Now you have the place neat and tidy, it’s time to add a little winter je ne sais quoi. The added touches you make will come together to create a full winter aesthetic. Add an Outdoor Fire Pit BBQ doesn’t have to be the only source of heat in your garden. Adding an outdoor fire pit to your seating area will allow you to sit comfortably outside all year long. Imagine toasting marshmallows, tucked up under thick blankets and looking up at the star-filled sky. Bliss! Replace Summer Colours with Winter Ones Struggling with winter planter ideas? A great way of keeping your garden vibrant through the dark months of winter is to consider winter-flowering plants. Cyclamen, winter heathers or winter violas all produce wonderful colours during the winter. Consider Extra Lighting Light up all corners of your garden and it will immediately become a more pleasant place to spend time in. Some strategically-placed outdoor lighting will work wonders not just for visibility when dark, but for a more welcoming area generally. To help steer you in the right direction, browse our elegant range of outdoor lighting and heating products. With plenty of styles and designs, there’s something to fit every winter garden. These Elba LED candle lights (pictured) are a popular choice for their sedate and minimalistic design. Keep Things Tidy Ensuring your garden maintenance is ticking over through the winter months is probably the hardest yet most rewarding bit of advice available. Here are some must-dos to keep your garden aesthetically crisp all year round: Rake Your Lawn A peculiar tip, but a real difference-maker. Your lawn is like a spider web for moss and waste, and this impedes your lawn’s ventilation, drainage and growth. Combat this by gently raking away the rubbish to help your lawn stay luscious. Cut Away Dead Weight Plants shedding leaves or dying should be trimmed so that just the healthy parts remain. Not doing this will make a sea of mess once the winter winds set in and debris spreads all over the garden. Sweep Up Leaves A fairly well-known tip, but sweeping leaves can’t be stressed enough. A lesser-known trick is to place them in a bin bag, pierce the bag and store them outside for a year or so. The result will give you a mulch rich in nutrients perfect for compost and soil. Sit Back and Enjoy Now, you can crack your fingers, lean back and bask in the beauty of your garden. Hopefully, this collection of winter garden inspiration will put you on a fast track to enjoying your garden all year round.

With so much choice and so many brands producing outdoor furniture, knowing what to buy and when can be dauting. With quality, cost, durability and design all to consider, it’s easy to be led astray by discount deals and offers. Here we help you through exactly this, understanding the pros and cons of peak buying times. By the end you will know exactly when to buy garden furniture. The Annual Garden Furniture Sale Cycle Thanks to the climate in this country, the use of garden furniture for many of us is confined to a few months of the year. For this reason, retailers will promote sales and offers on a seasonal basis, knowing that interest in their product is likely to fluctuate throughout the year. This is typically divided into two parts: ‘in’ season and ‘out’ of season. With this in mind, it’s highly likely that consumers will see more sales prices and offers during the out of season period. This usually means any time between October and January. Things to Look Out For Though the sales are there to save you money, there are some retail traps to avoid when buying garden furniture. When making your decisions, be sure to look out for: Reductions of more than 30% – Any more than this and the retailer will have most likely inflated the initial price to make the sale seem more appealing, or this may be end of line stock. Flash sales – A tried and tested way to entice panic buying, these kinds of countdown sales often reset so it’s worth baring that in mind when parting with your cash. Do some research – If you’re looking at branded furniture that is sold in numerous places, make sure to shop around and price match as you could find a cheaper stockist. When is the Best Time to Buy Garden Furniture? Depending on what you are buying, from where and your own personal situation may determine whether in or out of season garden furniture buying is right for you. Here are a few reasons to choose each: In Season Leaving things to the last minute is something we are all guilty of. Getting ready for the summer is no exception. If you find your garden is without furniture when the weather starts to brighten up, then buying in season may be your only option. The demand will probably be higher than usual at this time of the year, and you may have to pay more to get what you want. However, buying in season will likely mean that the products available will be ready for delivery or pick up immediately, or in the coming week or so. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about how to cover and store the furniture during cold and wet weather. It’ll be ready to use in the summer sun! Out of Season For the more organised among us, buying out of season arguably holds more benefits than draw backs. Not only will your purchase likely coincide with the out of season sales, saving you a chunk of money, the quality of the furniture is also likely to be much higher. This is because many retailers will produce their garden furniture to order, rather than mass producing tables and chairs that then sit in warehouses or on shelves for months on end. This will almost definitely mean having to wait a good while to enjoy your higher quality garden furniture but, if timed correctly and pending no delays, you can be sure that your new furniture is with you in time for those precious summer months. Furnish Your Garden with Us If you’re looking to invest long term in your garden, and want long-lasting, high-quality furnishing, look no further. Browse our vast collection of garden furniture to inspire your garden’s new look.

October marks the beginning of the UK’s wettest period, and the beginning of colder, darker days. As we get closer to winter, the question of how to care for garden furniture is a popular one. What is the best protection for outdoor wood furniture, and is storing garden furniture away for an extended period the best option? If you have invested in a quality set of garden furniture, the way you maintain it year by year will ultimately affect how long it stays in top condition. We’ve gathered all our top tips to help you prepare for the season ahead – and many more. Prepare Your Garden Furniture for Winter The way you should prepare your garden furniture for winter will depend on the type of furniture you have. However, there are some common things you should avoid for all garden furniture types. No matter your set-up, make sure you steer clear from abrasive cleaners and scourers, and avoid pressure washing your Kettler furniture too. Preparing Wooden Garden Furniture Autumn is the perfect time to clean hardwood garden furniture. We recommend doing this once a year. As well as getting rid of any mould, moss and debris, a thorough clean helps restore the original colour of the wood. To clean your wooden garden furniture well, we recommend: Brush down the furniture to remove leaves and larger bits of debris. Wash the furniture thoroughly with warm, soapy water and hardwood scrubbing pads. This step may require a little elbow grease, but is the best way to deal with ingrained dirt, moss and lichen. If the colour of your hardwood furniture has faded, you can also use a colour restorer at this stage. Protect the wood with a colour protector, a high quality furniture oil or a water and dirt repellent hardwood shield. Preparing Wicker Garden Furniture Synthetic wicker furniture sets are a durable and low-maintenance option. Like wooden furniture, it’s good practice to do a deep clean at least once a year, and autumn or winter is the ideal time. For an effective clean: Brush down the furniture to remove leaves and larger bits of debris. Wash the furniture thoroughly with a gentle cloth or some soft scrubbing pads, using warm soapy water or a specially made cleaner. Finish by applying a wicker protector to repel water and dirt. You’ll find everything you need in our Wicker & Rattan Furniture Complete Care Kit. Preparing Mesh Garden Furniture It’s important to guard against rust with metal mesh garden furniture. Our THERMOGUARD+ dual finish coating is specifically designed to help your furniture withstand all weathers, but a little extra love and care will help keep your furniture looking fantastic for longer. Before winter, we recommend: Use a mild cleaner or gentle washing up liquid, and a soft scrubbing pad or cloth, to clean the furniture thoroughly. Make sure to rinse off all soap residue, then dry thoroughly. At this stage, if there are any chips in the paintwork of your mesh furniture, sand gently and apply touch-up paint. Coat with good quality car wax for added protection. How to Store Garden Furniture If storing your garden furniture somewhere dry, secure and free of damp is an option, this can be a practical solution in winter. However, some types of garden furniture need more protection than others. Both hardwood and wicker furniture can stay outdoors all year round. If you don’t intend to pack away your wooden furniture, simply make sure it is well protected. The best protection for outdoor wooden furniture is a quality stain, an oil, or a hardwood shield. For wicker furniture, we recommend using a protective cover – these prevent UV and water damage. On the other hand, where possible, storage is the best option for mesh furniture. By limiting exposure to harsh weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures, you can help ensure your furniture set lasts as long as possible. Simply pack the furniture away – ideally without covering it – and retrieve it when the good weather returns. In any case, the key to proper storage is making sure your furniture is completely clean and dry before packing it away. This will prevent any lichen, fungal spores or mildew from appearing. Get Ready for Winter Now you know the most effective ways of cleaning and storing garden furniture, you just need the motivation to get started – and the right tools. Check out our range of garden furniture cleaners and protectors to stock up on supplies. We also have custom-made protective covers for several of our outdoor furniture ranges.

Autumn is typically seen as a time to scale back the time we spend in our gardens, as temperatures drop and nights draw in earlier. However, there’s still a lot of joy and colour to be had in an autumn garden, and we’re all about extending the season. So, how can we make the most of our gardens throughout the colder months? From autumn planting to entertaining activities, we have lots of suggestions for you. Autumn Planting If your garden is looking a little bare, the autumn season is the perfect time to think about adding interesting new plants to enjoy this season, as well as the next. Autumn’s damp, warm soil is perfect for a variety of things, so if you think it’s too late to add new plants for autumn colour, think again. Here are a few of our favourites you can plant right now. Acers Acer trees are explosions of colour in autumn, providing a dramatic focal point in your garden. There are a wide variety of colourful trees you can choose from, from bright yellows to deep reds. Opt for a larger, mature acer tree if you want an immediate statement. Roses Autumn planting is perfect for rose bushes, which will burst into life with lots of new growth when spring arrives. Pick a highly scented variety and your garden will be fragrant through the summer. If you have a pergola or arch, a climbing rose will add colour and depth to the structure. Spring Bulbs Spring blooms add much-needed colour at a time our gardens can look pretty dull and bare. Plant a selection of bulbs now in borders and plant pots and you’ll be enjoying a vibrant space when spring arrives. Some of our favourites are: Tulips Daffodils Crocus Hyacinth Alliums Outdoor Heating and Lighting As the nights close in and temperatures drop, our gardens naturally become less inviting – but we can change that. Adorn your seating space with warm outdoor heating to give a cosy autumnal atmosphere. Free-standing lamps, hanging lights and strings of fairy lights are all excellent choices that will provide atmosphere as well as light. Next, take the chill off with a fire pit table or a stylish electric heater. Position this much-needed heating source nearby your most comfortable furniture, and complete the look with cosy blankets and cushions. Together, these additions will give you an inviting space to spend long relaxing evenings in. Autumn Garden Activities The joys of an autumn garden extend beyond cosy evenings in front of a roaring fire. Here are some of our favourite garden activities to enjoy this season. Collect and Dry Flowers Dried flower bouquets are a long-lasting and beautiful alternative to fresh bouquets. As the last flowers bloom, collect and dry them to create your own dried flower arrangements at home. Large flowers like hyacinths are perfect, though any can be used. Simply hang in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks, or until completely dry. Help Your Garden Birds Adding a birdfeeder to your garden is one of the easiest ways to encourage more wild birds into your outdoor space. Make sure it is placed somewhere you can watch the birds come and go without disturbing them. Adding nesting boxes is great too, and there are different varieties available – some of which even cater for specific species, such as owls and house martins. Autumn BBQs With the right set-up, we firmly believe you can BBQ every day of the year. Your BBQ may also be more versatile than you think – for instance our Everdure BBQ range can cook pizzas and rotisserie, as well as more standard BBQ fare. For the ultimate autumn BBQ, we don’t think you can beat a decadent Sunday roast served up with plenty of fresh seasonable vegetables. It’s a meal sure to wow family and friends. Enjoy Your Autumn Garden We hope you’re feeling inspired to spend more time in your garden this season. And if transforming your outdoor space is on your to-do list, we can help. Take a look at our wide selection of outdoor lighting and heating and get set for long, luxurious nights outside.

Here at Kettler, we understand how difficult it can be to think of new ways to keep the kids entertained and away from those pesky screens, no matter what age your children are. Why not start thinking outside of the box? Crafts Make the most of sunnier days by doing crafts outdoors; it also keeps the mess away from your lovely clean home too! Getting crafty is fun for all ages and doesn’t require an abundance of space either. There are lots of YouTube videos that can provide inspiration on how to recycle existing items and materials found around the home so it doesn’t have to cost you a penny! Remember to cover your garden furniture well, to avoid any spillages or accidents. Make a den Remember making a fort in your living room as a kid? Well, why not bring it outdoors! Create a tent/teepee by draping blankets over your garden furniture. The kids can bring snacks and books into their cozy new nook whilst staying shaded from the sun on those extra warm days… Table Tennis Not only is Table Tennis a great way of keeping active, our Table Tennis Tables can provide hours of endless fun for friends and family to enjoy. For gardens and garages, see our selection of table tennis tables suitable for both Outdoor and Indoor use. For those who are fortunate enough to have a games room at home, our Indoor Table Tennis Tables would make a great addition for competitive families on rainy days… Many of us have invested time and money into our outdoor living areas over the past year, and although lockdown restrictions are easing and we’re allowed in the big wide world once more, there has been a shift in mindset when it comes to making plans from your home and garden that we think is here to stay!

Choosing a new garden furniture set can be a more arduous task than one might perceive. One clear choice that seems to derail a decision is whether to opt for a modern style or a more traditional set. There are a number of things to consider when choosing your set, one of the most important of those factors is how the style of the set you want integrates in your garden now and for the future. KETTLER garden furniture is renowned for its quality and the reason why customers rate us so highly is because we only produce the sets that will last the test of time. The set you choose not only has to fit your garden landscape now, but it’s also important to consider any changes you may want to make in the future too. Traditional Garden Furniture So, let’s start with traditional garden furniture. The tried-and-tested, and the staple to many British homes across the country, what better time than during National Gardening Week to talk about the RHS by Kettler Collection? Including an exciting collection of outdoor lounge, dining and companion sets, RHS by Kettler provides a classic-look and embody traditional British gardens with a choice of luxury wooden and wicker design. RHS Hampton Lounge Set A new and unique addition to the RHS collection, this 4-piece lounge set includes a 2-seater sofa, two lounge chairs and a rectangular coffee table, all styled with elegant sage green cushions. When considering your set selection one of the big features is the main material. This particular set is made with solid acacia wood, so not only is it effortlessly stylish, it’s also incredibly durable too. RHS Harlow Carr Lounge Sink into the sumptuous cushions of the RHS Harlow Carr range. Combining comfort with a timeless traditional style, this furniture has the versatility to mix and match wicker armchairs, sofas and coffee table to find your perfect layout. Like many of our garden furniture sets, the beauty of both RHS Hampton and Harlow Carr, is that this furniture looks great indoors too; you can really make the most of your furniture all year round. Modern Garden Furniture The same factors still apply for modern garden furniture, size, durability, your garden style but you also have the advantage of new technologies and advancements. The KETTLER Palma range is the perfect example, boasting a modern casual dining concept with the flexibility of choices and modern features such as fire pit tables. Palma Casual Dining Corner Sofa Casual Dining, a relatively new concept for garden furniture, makes the most out of your garden space and ideal for those looking to entertain, as well as those who have a smaller space that can’t facilitate separate lounging and dining sets. The Palma Casual Dining Corner Set provides the ultimate outdoor dining experience and is at the height of modern garden furniture – whether you’re looking to host a luxury meal outdoors or an afternoon lounging in the sun. Palma Fire Pit Table If you’re starting to lean towards a modern furniture set for your garden, this may just convince you. The Palma Fire Pit Table provides an ambient atmosphere that transforms your space whilst the sun goes down, keeping you and your guests warm on those cooler summer nights. There you have it, whether you’re looking for traditional or modern garden furniture, we hope we’ve been of help. Here at Kettler we provide a large variety of both styles, our Palma and RHS Collections are the tip of the iceberg! We have been trusted by customers up and down the country for many years in providing only the best quality and styles for your homes. Find one of our stockists across the UK by clicking here.

The team here at Kettler GB hope you’re enjoying introducing some normality back into your life with lock down restrictions easing over the past weeks. Bringing family and friends together in our gardens has been a highlight for many, and we have some great ideas if you’re looking to transform your space for the ideal casual dining experience. Palma Casual Dining Corner Set The Palma range offers versatility with a modern design, that becomes the centre piece of your garden. Our Palma Corner Set offers a fantastic casual dining experience, including a corner sofa and two wicker stools all with ultra comfortable cushions for your family and friends, and a variety of tables to choose from. Palma looks effortless both outdoors and indoors like conservatories for example, allowing you to enjoy your furniture all year round. This collection allows you to choose from a selection of tables including our height adjustable SQ table, a coffee table with a slat top, glass top or make your garden even more cosy with a fire pit table. The options are endless, making Palma one of the most popular casual dining ranges on the market. Charlbury Casual Dining Sofa Set Here’s a traditional design for your more classic gardens. The Charlbury Casual Dining Sofa Set offers a mid-height design including a wicker table with glass top and armchairs with ultra-soft cushions. Perfect for any occasions, the Charlbury Casual Dining Sofa Set provides the ideal setting for alfresco dining and a popular choice for British gardens. Palma Casual Dining Round Set Here’s something different to make the most of your outdoor space, the Palma Casual Dining Round Set provides a unique casual dining design. The curved sofa and bench design provides intimate dining and ideal for use all year round – here at Kettler we use UV resistant and weatherproof wicker for ultimate protection. Our casual dining sets let you lounge or dine in comfort and helps you create new memories with family and friends.

Are you gearing up for the ultimate family showdown, aiming to finally outplay Dad at table tennis? Or perhaps you’ve noticed the kids’ skills sharpening at an alarming rate, edging closer to dethroning your reign over the ping-pong table. Whether you’re a complete novice or someone who’s been casually rallying back and forth but never quite mastered the spin or serve, these tips are for you. With the right guidance and practice, you can transform your game from predictable to formidable, ensuring you’re not just another easy win. At Kettler, we create indoor and outdoor table tennis tables that bring families together, spark competitive spirits, and foster skills that last a lifetime. Sized to international tournament standards and made with high-quality craftsmanship, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at table tennis or desire a setup that can tough out all sorts of weather, we have everything you need to get started and make it last for summers to come. With our table tennis setup and these top 10 tips, let’s set the groundwork for you to become a formidable opponent at the table. 1. Warm Up You’d be surprised at how much hard work goes into a game of table tennis, and you should physically prepare your body for that. Make sure you stretch if you’re looking to go toe-to-toe with the children – no one wants to forfeit due to injury. 2. Learn Different Ways to Serve Your serve can put you at a great advantage. If you practise enough to perfect your serve you can put your opponent on the backfoot from the get-go. You can switch up your serve to keep your opponent guessing, going from backspin and topspin serves to backhand and forehand serves. It could be just the strategy to crack a tough opponent. 3. Solo Practice Table tennis can sometimes be a game of patience, if you stay in the game long enough your chances will improve. Practice your forehand and backhand strokes to ensure you are comfortable with whatever balls come flying your way. With our table tennis tables, you can effortlessly fold up one side to allow you to play solo with a wall, ensuring you can practice at any time. 4. Don’t Go for the ‘Hail Mary’ It’s good to be on the offensive, and the temptation to go for the killer move is constant in the heat of the game. However, what separates the good from the great is the ability to stay in the game and pick your moment wisely. 5. It’s All in the Feet Footwork is everything, be mindful of being on your toes ready to position yourself for whatever comes your way. Keep your weight on your toes to be able to move forward more readily, and bend your knees to give you better balance. 6. Deceive Your Opponent Like any sport, if you’re predictable, you become easier to play against. Being unpredictable is hard, but if you practice different strokes you have a better chance of deceiving your opponent with an unexpected shot that sails past them. 7. Try and Read Their Game As you try to deceive your opponent, table tennis is also about trying to anticipate their game and find weaknesses. Whether it’s your 8-year-old son or your partner, everyone’s got a weakness, and there’s no shame in exploiting it to win your bragging rights. 8. Develop Your Spin Game Master the movement of the ball to be able to hit the ball with a curve and send it in another direction once it bounces. Putting spin in your serve can really add a new dimension to your game… it also looks really cool! 9. Focus on Your Mental Game Table tennis isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s also a mental one. Staying calm and focused under pressure can make a significant difference in your performance. Practice mindfulness to improve your concentration and reduce pressure during matches. Remember, a strong mental game can turn the tide of a match in your favour. 10. Practice, Practice, Practice The secret to improving in table tennis is the same core principle as any other sport. Everybody starts with little knowledge of the game but attains skills and confidence through regular practice. Here at Kettler, we provide a range of high-quality indoor table tennis tables and outdoor table tennis tables so you can practise all year round. Follow these 10 steps and you’ll turn into a formidable opponent and secure bragging rights in the family.

The bank holiday weekend is upon us and 2021’s extra-long weekend holds even more significance for so many across the country. Whilst we’ve been spending the Winter months apart from our loved ones, the bank holiday weekend is our first opportunity to introduce some normality back into our lives. It’s been such a difficult year for many, but it looks like there is finally some light (in more ways than one) at the end of a very long tunnel. April showers won’t stop us having some fun once more, but if you’re looking for ways to warm your garden our KALOS Outdoor Heating and Lighting can provide the ideal solution. With a comprehensive range of electric heating, fire pit tables and outdoor lighting, we’ve got everything you need to create the best of times. KALOS Electric heating Bringing indoor style outdoors we offer a range of KALOS Electric Heating which combine style and functionality. Our Ibiza Floor Standing Heater provides an impressive heat output whilst being equipped with a wireless speaker, and LED colour changing light, providing added entertainment for your guests. KALOS Fire Pit Tables The height of outdoor heating design, creating a beautiful ambiance for you and your guests. The KALOS Stone Fire Pit Coffee table is the perfect addition to your garden. A centre piece of conversation, adding character and style to your outdoor space. Outdoor Lighting Whether you’re looking to accessorise your outdoor living space with an elba LED candle, or perhaps you’d like to bring an ambient warmth with the glow from our Copper heaters, we’ve got a range of styles to suit your space. You can view the full KALOS Outdoor Lighting and Heating range here and find a stockist for your favourite products right here.

This month Kettler GB reaches a significant milestone as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. The first Kettler GB office opened in August 1985 selling fitness equipment. Since that time Kettler GB has constantly evolved, selling best-selling products like the iconic Kettcar, garden furniture, and table tennis tables. Responding to changing consumer demands Kettler GB is today the leading garden furniture brand in the UK. Since its inception, the company has grown considerably and with the expansion of the warehouse in 2019, now offers more products than ever before. Over the past three decades, Kettler GB has seen many changes: new trends, new purchasing habits, and more recently change in working habits, but one thing has stayed consistent – our passion for quality and innovation. Managing Director, Paul Bevington has been with the business through most of those changes and reflects: “More than ever I am immensely grateful for the support of our customers and our loyal staff. Now is the time to focus on the challenges ahead”

Your outdoor living space can be a difficult space to curate, no matter how big or small, especially if you live in the UK with its unpredictable weather. We wanted to share our tips and tricks to turn your garden into an extension of your home. With a little extra thought and creativity, not only does it give you another part of the house to enjoy, but it can also add value to your property too. Walls – Let’s start with the shell; like any room in the house, you can also add walls to your garden. I’m not talking about fences here; there are lots of options to create an outside room, like using Pergolas for example. For a real showstopper, why not browse our Panalsols? With adjustable panels and stylish slats, your garden is sure to get a lot of wows when guests enter! Garden Furniture – Adding comfort and practicality to your space is key to outdoor living. Take your time when it comes to purchasing a furniture set, and remember, if it’s expensive its probably for a good reason. Quality is key, as your outdoor furniture has to face all weather, unlike the indoor stuff. Think about what’s important to you; if you have a large family and enjoy eating outdoors, then a large dining area may be better suited to you than a sofa set. We recommend our Casual Dining range which ticks a lot of boxes, and is suitable for dining and lounging on! Heating & Lighting – adding heating and lighting to your garden not only creates a cosy ambience but is practical too, as it also allows you to continue enjoying your garden right into the evening. The UK summers can still be rather chilly at times, adding heating to your garden will help you get the most enjoyment from your outdoor space. Whether you add a pendant light, or want a lamp on your side table, our Kalos range has all the heating solutions you can think of. Accessorising – One of the final steps in any home is to accessorise and the same rules apply for gardens – mirrors will help make your space appear larger and the use of a rug can help section out open plan living. Large, window-like mirrors are incredibly popular, making your outdoor space look larger, but also adding some interest to plain, dull fences. Make things cosy by adding candles, whether you want a romantic vibe or just a cosy night to yourself, candles can add a calming atmosphere for you to relax in your garden. The elba LED candles allow you to enjoy the gentle flicker of a real candle, without having to worry about the messy wax. Soft furnishings are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor living areas and can help compliment and soften the appearance of garden furniture. We recommend being a bit braver with colours when it comes to cushions and throws as summer is the best time for it (Remember to store them away during wet weather though)! Start your garden makeover today and shop at www.kettler.co.uk

Thank you, to everyone who entered our Garden Makeover Competition. We’re pleased to announce the lucky winner of the Kettler Garden Furniture Worth £3,000 is: Linda Jones, Kent Congratulations to our lucky winner, we hope you enjoy your prize! If you weren’t lucky enough to win this time don’t worry, head over to the Kettler Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts for more great competitions. Looking for tips on how to make the most of your garden this summer? Check out Kettler’s blog posts for inspiration. Top Tips to a Comfortable and Relaxing Garden A Garden for all Occasions Garden Decor Ideas to get the most from your Outdoor Space

Life’s most precious moments are in the details. Read our list of little things that bring the best of times, according to you.