How gardening can help you feel good While a bit of weeding and pruning might not seem like the most energetic of activities, studies show that gardening goes beyond providing a good workout, as it can also be therapeutic and reduce anxiety as well as physical pain. Research has shown that prolonged light exercise, such as gardening, can burn more calories than a gym session, in spite of feeling much easier to do. This physical exercise, in combination with spending time outdoors being creative and productive, can also improve mood and self-esteem. Amazingly, images and recordings of natural environments alone have been proven to reduce feelings of pain and even improve healing times in hospital wards. The therapeutic value of gardening is becoming more and more recognised, according to the Royal Horticultural Society, which promoted the positive impact of horticulture and green spaces at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show, with two Chelsea gardens pledged to NHS patients. Garden tweaks to improve wellbeing Aside from green-fingered tasks, there a few tweaks that can make your outdoor space reach its full wellbeing potential: Create space to sit in It’s really important to find a place in your garden to enjoy its beauty and serenity. You can choose garden furniture to reflect your taste, making it an elegant and useful part of your living space. Whether it’s with al-fresco meals at a dining set, basking in the glorious sun on a lounger or enjoying some tranquillity with a good book on an outdoor sofa, take the time to relax in your outdoor space. Grow from seed Grow plants from seed either on your own or as a fun way to get children to experience the joys of gardening. The enjoyment you get is timeless, and people of all ages will not grow tired of seeing their seedlings germinate and then grow on in the garden. Try your hand at growing fruit and veg There’s nothing more exciting and rewarding than nurturing tasty fruit and vegetables to put on the kitchen table. Buying vegetable seeds and planting them with your children is an affordable and easy activity for the school holidays and teaches them how food is grown. Fill your garden with plants that welcome wildlife By growing flora that attracts bees and butterflies, your garden will become a hive of activity. Plants from the Lamiaceae family, including lavender, rosemary and sage are best as they’re also low maintenance and easy to keep. For more useful advice, have a look at these handy tips on creating a feel-good garden from RHS award-winning designer Matt Keightley. The health benefits Whether you have a lifetime of gardening experience or are just getting started, we’ve created a handy visual guide. From the physical health benefits to improved mental wellbeing, our guide covers the benefits of outdoor living across all age groups. The benefits of outdoor living don’t stop there either. Having created a beautiful garden, it can be enjoyed in many different ways, from enjoying a morning coffee on a comfy garden chair to hosting BBQs for friends and family.

Whether you're preparing a mid-week family meal or throwing a lavish garden party, make sure your BBQ is a safe success.

Although summer may feel like a distant memory and any thoughts of lounging in the sun are far gone, don’t despair as we have some exciting news for 2020. With fresh new ranges, expansion of popular collections and new brands launching in 2020, here is a preview of what’s in store. Even More of the Palma Collection We will be expanding our popular Palma Collection with a wider choice of garden dining chairs and tables. We have introduced a wider range of protective covers to keep your furniture in top condition. We will be introducing hanging egg chairs and reclining garden chairs, to bring even more ways for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Keep Life Simple! New for 2020, we are launching a very exciting brand called Menos, which will offer bold colours and exciting new materials. Ideal for those looking for comfortable outdoor furniture, without taking up too much space. The range includes dining chairs, tables and parasols, which you can Mix and Match in a choice of colours to create a set, perfect for you. Enjoy your garden, whatever the weather We want to make your outdoor living space, as comfortable as possible and the new Kalos range will do, just that. Create a warm ambience with a choice of Kalos electric lighting and heating, suitable for all types of gardens. The range also includes gas fire pit tables which will keep you and your guests warm, with its glowing flames. BBQ The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal BBQ’s are back, bigger and better in 2020. With a wide choice of BBQ’s these is something for everyone. Whether you see yourself as an outdoor entertainer or you’re after a portable BBQ for the beach. Not forgetting a wide range of Everdure BBQ accessories, which will have you creating epic meals for the family in no time. Luxury Range We will continue to offer the Yati & Kebon luxury garden furniture, which encompasses a wide variety of products including lounge chairs, sofas and benches. Yati & Kebon’s high quality products truly turn your outdoor living space into a beautiful sanctuary. Guarantee We are so confident in the superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials that our garden furniture are made of, that we offer a 3-year warranty on all the frames whether its metal, wicker or teak wood. All the cushions and protective covers come with a 12-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence. LOFA Kettler are honoured members of LOFA (Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association), whose primary aim is to ensure that manufactures develop good working practice and a respect for the environment. We are proud that all our garden furniture products meet the high standards set out within the LOFA, Code of Practise.

The nights maybe drawing in but that doesn’t mean the BBQ needs to go into hibernation. Here are 4 reasons why you should get your BBQ out this winter. Halloween Summon the fire on the spookiest night of the year with a Halloween BBQ party. Pick your favourite dishes and give them grizzly names – decorated accordingly. What about rotten ribs or chilling chilli lobster? Mwaahaha! Recipe Idea: Try the “Apple Bobbing” Tart Tatin and Smoked Ice Cream BBQ dessert. Fireworks Night A BBQ is the perfect way to feed guests at your home firework display. The fire from your charcoal grill complements the smell of the bonfire. A menu on a bonfire night should have the classics; hot dogs and burgers. Recipe Idea: grill the Ultimate Hot Dog with Crispy Shoe String Potatoes Christmas If you’re looking for an alternative Christmas Dinner idea, try firing up the BBQ? Grill a turkey drumstick or put a chicken on the rotisserie for a different taste over the festive season. You can cook the whole meal on the 4K outdoor oven from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal. Recipe Idea: Try the delicious roast leg of lamb. New Year’s Eve Bring in the new year with a big feast! Cook chicken wings, chicken kebabs or a grilled mix seafood platter for your BBQ buffet. Guests can help themselves to your delicious treats before the big countdown to midnight. Recipe Idea: The Grilled Mix Seafood Platter is perfect buffet food for any party.

If high-intensity fitness exercises are not your thing then maybe it’s time to give table tennis a go. Also known as ping pong, the game is played in more than 200 countries worldwide and is growing in popularity in the UK. The reduced movement required makes table tennis an ideal recreational sport for all ages and abilities. Below are just some of the benefits to playing a game of table tennis: Improves hand-eye coordination – Playing table tennis helps stimulate mental alertness, concentration and tactical strategy. It is the perfect game for both young and old to sharpen reflexes. Develops mental acuteness – A key element of table tennis is the speed, spin and placement of the ball. Research has found that regular players of table tennis are highly skilled in both creating and solving puzzles. Improves reflexes – Due to the fast-paced, short-distance nature of table tennis, it helps improve muscle movements. Great for the joints – Unlike some physical exercises, table tennis does not put too much pressure on your joints and can, in fact, improve leg, arm and core strength. It doesn’t matter what fitness form you are in; a game of table tennis can be enjoyed by everyone, even if you’ve had a knee surgery. Good for weight loss – Even a 10-minute game of table tennis can do wonders for your fitness. A 150-pound person in weight can burn around 272 calories by playing table tennis for one hour. Considering how addictive the game is, you will be playing it for hours. Sociable – Table tennis can be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of age, physical ability or gender, therefore, helps improve communication and build relations. Buying a table tennis table for your home will allow siblings and parents to spend more quality time together whilst playing. Improves Balance – Staying balanced and being able to quickly change directions are key to being successful in a ping pong rally. With regular play, it will help improve balance. It’s Fun – Give it a go and we can guarantee you will share hours of joy and laughter. With all these benefits it’s no wonder that table tennis has been dubbed “the world’s best brain sports” by America’s best-known psychiatrist, Dr Daniel Amen. Fun Facts Table tennis has been an Olympic sport since 1988. In professional table-tennis volleys, the ball can reach speeds as high as 90mph. Table tennis is the national sport of China. Table tennis is one of the most popular indoor sports in the world. It is estimated that 300 million people, worldwide play ping pong. Now that you’re convinced, check out our wide range of table tennis tables and start playing! If you need help choosing the right table tennis then head over to our table tennis buying guide for more information.

For over 50 years we have been moving and inspiring generations of children to explore the great outdoors. Since 1962 we have continued to provide family fun through producing iconic, durable ride on toys that have taken thousands of children on endless adventures. Now, we’re looking back through the years at the #GoodOldDays while reminiscing of playing outside for hours on end from dawn ‘til dusk – when there weren’t as many electronic devices to distract us from the outside world! There are huge benefits in outdoor play for children but with more and more digital devices, it’s becoming harder and harder to decrease screen-time and take part in activities away from television, phone and tablet screens. Childhood memories of the past were all about embracing the freedom of the outdoors, playing with neighbours until it got dark, penny sweets, climbing trees and making dens! According to research by the National Trust, children spend half the time playing outside as their parents, but outdoor play shouldn’t be a thing of the past. Not only does it have such an important part to play in creating childhood memories, but there are also benefits of outdoor play on children’s development, such as: Building social skills Developing muscle strength Advancing motor skills Encouraging self-confidence Increasing sleep quality Enhancing academic performance We offer a wide range of outdoor toys that are a fantastic way to help children develop these lifelong skills while having fun and spending more time outdoors, including table tennis tables. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a Daytona Air head of to our Facebook page and enter our competition. All you have to do is like the post and comment your most cherished memory of ‘playing out’. Let’s look back through the years at some of the most legendary Kettler Kettcars: 1962 The launch of the first Kettcar and the beginning of a long success story that continues to this day. 1964 A modern plastic steering wheel replaced the metal handlebars making the Kettcar lighter and easier to pedal. 1967 Moving with the times all Kettcar models are fitted with a weatherproof high back plastic seat for extra comfort. 1969 The Super Kettcar is fitted with a cushioned bucket seat and integrated roll cage which provided additional grip. 1980 The Salzburg had a specially developed tubular body which absorbed impacts even more effectively. 1983 With the Sauerland the backrest and steering column could be collapsed in seconds to fit into the boot of any car. 2004 For the first time ever a model is built for children up to 16 years of age. It was also fitted with a two-speed derailleur. 2007 With the Nevada 2 drivers now had the choice of 7 gears as well as an electronic speedometer. 2012 To Celebrate the 50th Anniversary, this model takes its places among the successful series of pedal racing cars.

It is that time of the year where we prepare next year’s garden furniture range ready for Solex, the annual outdoor trade show. The exhibition gives buyers from our retailers a sneak peek at what’s to come in our industry for 2020. No Sleep ‘Til Solex 2019 This year our stand is bigger than ever, with fresh ranges, expanding collections and NEW BRANDS! Yes, Kettler will be distributing more than ever in 2020, and we cannot wait to show what we’ve been working on to the staff from garden centres from across the UK. Our teams are working hard finalising the ranges as well as putting together the most ambitious show we’ve ever done. Our 2020 Vision We plan to start the new decade with a bang! As the Palma collection continues to grow in popularity, we are bringing in new additions to expand the range. This will include more ways to relax and dine. Our aluminium range will also see further growth; however, it comes with the usual Kettler twist. These contemporary designs mix materials and use modern colours to push the latest garden trends. Not Just Kettler Garden Furniture The Kettler world is growing. We aim to make outdoor living as comfortable as possible, keeping you in your garden for even longer. How do we do this? By bringing in even more garden accessories. The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal range will be making a return to the show, including the new 4K charcoal BBQ. After a successful launch in London as well as coverage in many national publications, we believe the 4K will be a hit at Solex. We will also be showing Jati & Kebon garden furniture as well as the luxury RHS by Kettler wood and wicker ranges. We cannot wait for Solex 2019 to begin! To all buyers and staff coming to the event from garden centres and department stores…get ready!

We’re offering one lucky fan the chance to win a cricket bat signed by two legends of the cricketing world, Alec Stewart and Jeff Thomson following our recent Ashes BBQ-Off. To enter, head to our Facebook page and simply like and comment with your signature BBQ dish and why you like it so much! Before entering, please see the below Terms and Conditions. Terms and Conditions: This competition closes on Monday 10th June at 10.00 GMT. The winner will be chosen at the discretion of Kettler GB Ltd and notified via Facebook message. UK entrants only. Entrants must be able to supply full address details to allow for delivery of prize. You are not allowed to enter this competition if you currently or have previously worked for Kettler – this also applies to the families of current employees. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Whether you’re looking to throw together an intimate dinner with a bit of panache or hosting a birthday and catering for a dozen, no garden party is complete without the delicious taste of chargrilled BBQ food. Whether you’re cooking on gas or grilling on charcoal this summer, getting it just right can seem a daunting task. That’s why, as the exclusive distributor of Everdure by Heston Blumenthal BBQs in the UK, we have provided some expert tips to make sure everyone can create their own spectacular BBQ spread. Start Properly Taking your time to start the charcoal fire properly using kindling, newspaper or card as a kick-start is essential. Buy natural lumpwood charcoal without chemicals, additives or artificial flavourings and don’t be tempted to reach for the lighter-fluid as nobody appreciates the taste of a gasoline-scented kebab or burger. Instead, use a single match to light some newspaper surrounded by coals and nurse the flame to full ignition. Don’t over-do it on the heat Flames and over-heated grills do not make for more thorough-cooking. If you cook your meat when the flames are too high you’ll end up with blackened meat that may not be thoroughly cooked. Remember, smoke is your friend, flame is your enemy. Create two zones of charcoal with one dense, high pile and another with none or only a thin layer to give you more control over cooking temperatures – we call this “charcoal management”. Don’t play it too cool Your natural instinct may be to take meat straight from the fridge to the BBQ, but you must resist! Allow meat at least half an hour out of the fridge before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature and be perfectly ready for thorough, even cooking. Click here for more tips on food safety. Rest is crucial No matter how hungry your baying crowd is, going straight from the grill to the plate is missing a trick. If you allow your meat to ‘rest’ for five minutes the food is able to relax, soaking up juices and adding another level to the taste. Enjoy the experience Going back to the caveman era, cooking over fire has been a social experience that brings people together. Make sure that you enjoy the BBQ experience this summer with friends and family – get them involved in the cooking; let them smell the food, watch the browning and taste the flavours. Remember to entertain and socialize and you’ll have the perfect garden party.

The CUBE™ portable BBQ from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal received the Honest John BBQ of the Year award for 2019. The small grill designed with the three Michelin starred chef received a glowing review from the product testing site. Product of the Year The CUBE BBQ received an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5 and Honest John awarded it the product of the year in its category. The review commented on its practicality as well as the style. Clever features, such as the cool to touch handles and the plastic storage tray was also highlighted. Award Winning BBQ’s Also this year, the Force™ Gas BBQ received the award of Which? Best Buy for BBQ’s. With the launch of the new 4K outdoor oven, the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal BBQ range is looking to continue their growth and inspire people to cook outdoors. The range of BBQ accessories are available through Kettler, or to shop the full range, find your local retailer.

What better way to showcase our award-winning furniture, BBQ and accessories this season than to host an Ashes-themed garden party. With England and Australia set to go to battle with bat and ball in the coming months and the intense rivalry between the nations reaching fever-pitch, we brought in the best of both nations for a head-to-head BBQ-off. Alec Stewart, who played for England from 1989 to 2003, and Aussie bowler Jeff Thomson – known widely as the fastest bowler in the world – didn’t mince words as the grills fired up, but who was going to be BBQ-master and who was going to be left stumped? Each sportsman chose their own dish to prepare, with Stewart opting for a stacked burger, and Thomson choosing a traditional steak and prawn combo. Download the recipes for the stacked burger or the steak and prawn combo to create your own BBQ feast. The pair’s efforts were overseen by professional chef Ashley Hatton, who holds the position of Head of Development at Michelin-starred Fat Duck Group. In the interest of fair play, the competitors were given identical charcoal BBQs – a Hub from Heston Blumenthal’s Everdure collection. Whilst Alec and Jeff were experts with a bat and ball, with over 180 Test Match appearances between the pair, it was clear to see that they were out of their comfort zone and not wanting to let their country down. As we powered up the Fast Flame Ignition System™ on the HUB both Alec and Jeff were giving Ashley a grilling of their own to try and secure top BBQ cooking tips and gain an advantage ahead of the culinary clash. View our video to find out who would triumph in the Kettler Ashes BBQ Off! Get The Look – if you’re feeling inspired and looking to get your outdoor space ready for a summer garden party, here’s our products as featured. Get set for summer in style with the latest, luxurious garden furniture from Kettler One of our most popular ranges, the Palma Collection is part of the modern Casual Dining concept. The outdoor wicker furniture gives you flexibility with wicker and rattan furniture for both the garden and conservatory. Enjoy sofas for lounging and tables for dining on. Palma sets come in a choice of sizes, with the Palma Corner to the Palma Cube as well as individual armchairs and benches for additional seating. With comfort at its absolute core, the Palma collection features ultra-soft cushioning on all seating with double piping for extra support. The cushions are UV, stain and shower resistant, and all furniture pieces are made from weather-proof wicker, handwoven with a 5mm half-round weave on square-tube aluminium frames for low maintenance and strength. This season’s must-have is available in your choice of rattan or white wash. For more information or to find stockists click here. Become the ultimate outdoor entertainer with the Everdure HUB BBQ For the ultimate charcoal cooking experience, look no further than the HUB BBQ from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal. With its Fast Flame Ignition System, you can get your charcoal burning at the perfect temperature in just ten minutes. The ideal balance of function and form, the HUB comes with a subtly integrated rotisserie that means you can perfectly cook that show-stopping suckling pig or a whole chicken for all to enjoy! For more information or to find stockists click here.

We are thrilled to announce that the FORCE™ Gas BBQ from the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal range has been awarded the Which? Magazine Best Buy for April 2019. The 2-burner gas BBQ received an “Excellent” Verdict from the trusted review site. Independent BBQ Review Which? has been offering independent reviews since 1957 and their coveted Best Buy gives consumers a great indication of top market leaders. Which? have found that 7 out of 10 consumers are more likely to choose a product when it comes with the trusted Best Buy logo. The FORCE™ 2-burner gas BBQ received Best Buy after its review which you can read, as a member, on their website. Which? praised the quick pre-heating, the large cooking area and the sleek curves in the design. Award Winning BBQ’s The FORCE™ BBQ is one of two gas BBQ’s from the award-winning Everdure by Heston Blumenthal range. The FORCE™ is a versatile gas barbeque made with power and grace. The seamless shape is designed for a smooth airflow for an even cook. Interchangeable cast-iron grills and flat plates mean you can adjust your set-up to suit your recipes. This collection also includes charcoal BBQ’s and accessories. We saw the launch of the 4K charcoal oven in the Spring of 2019. The 4K BBQ includes the latest in modern outdoor cooking design, including Fast Flame Ignition™ and Touch Screen control. You can find out more at your local Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Retailer.

After a successful tour around UK garden centres in 2018, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal BBQ’s are heading back on the road. Specially trained teams will be cooking on charcoal and gas BBQ’s at different locations across the nation. Free BBQ Demos You will have the chance to taste unique recipes designed by chefs from The Fat Duck Group for free. Try the coffee rub steak or a tasty vegetarian BBQ option and get cooking tips to improve your grill skills. Demo Day Offers Enjoy special demo day offers on Everdure By Heston Blumenthal BBQ’s and accessories, including the new 4K outdoor oven (T&Cs apply). The Everdure range includes both charcoal and gas BBQ’s with modern features that revolutionise outdoor cooking. Garden Centre Tour Below is the list of Everdure by Heston Blumenthal retailers we will be visiting over May and June. May Saturday 11th May 2019 Squires Garden Centre (Cobham) 10am – 4pm Saturday 11th May 2019 Webbs Garden Centre (Droitwich) 10am – 4pm Sunday 12th May 2019 Garsons Garden Centre (Esher) 10am – 4pm Sunday 12th May 2019 Radway Bridge Garden Centre 10am – 4pm Saturday 18th May 2019 Squires Garden Centre (Twickenham) 9am – 6pm Saturday 18th May 2019 Hilltop Garden Centre (Oxon) 9am – 5.30pm Sunday 19th May 2019 Morden Hall Park 10am-4pm Sunday 19th May 2019 Frosts Garden Centre – Millets Farm 10am – 4.30pm Saturday 25th May 2019 St Johns Garden Centre (Ashford) 9am – 5.30pm Saturday 25th May 2019 Norwich Camping 9am – 5.30pm Sunday 26th May 2019 Cambridge Home and Garden 10am – 4pm June Saturday 1st June 2019 Oaktree Garden Centre 8am – 6pm Saturday 1st June 2019 Frosts Garden Centre (Woburn Sands) 9am – 6pm Sunday 2nd June 2019 Squires Garden Centre (Shepperton) 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 2nd June 2019 Bedfordshire BBQ Centre 10am-4pm Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June 2019 Hydropool – Cheltenham Food Festival TBC Saturday 15th June 2019 John Lewis Southampton TBC Saturday 22nd June 2019 Haskins Garden Centre (West End) 9am – 6pm Saturday 22nd June 2019 Bourne End Garden Centre 9am – 6pm Sunday 23rd June 2019 Squires Garden Centre (Woking) 10.30am – 4.30pm Sunday 23rd June 2019 Haddenham Garden Centre 10.30am – 4.30pm

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal officially launched the 4K Charcoal BBQ in the UK and Ireland in April. The occasion was marked by a special event in London which saw chefs from The Fat Duck Group cook on the new BBQ. Heston Blumenthal himself made an appearance to celebrate the launch. 4K Charcoal BBQ Top chefs from The Fat Duck Group cooked on the 4K charcoal BBQ on location in London’s bustling Canary Wharf. Bloggers and journalists tasted unique recipes designed by the chefs and picked up BBQ cooking tips. Representatives from The Times, Ideal Homes and The Independent attended the event as well as bloggers and influencers. Ex-cricketer and BBQ enthusiast Matthew Hoggard, ex-England rugby player David Flatman and 2018 Great British Bake Off contestant Ruby Bhogal were among the guests invited to the one-off event. The BBQ recipes cooked on the new outdoor oven include the harissa baked scallops, Asian ribs with Yuzu coleslaw and the smoked milk ice-cream, black cherry and meringue. Guests watched as the food was cooked in the kamado-style BBQ and saw features such as the touch glass display and new Airflow Control in action. Meet & Greet with Heston Blumenthal Heston Blumenthal made a special appearance at the event to mark the launch. Journalists and bloggers were able to put their cooking questions to the three Michelin star chef and discover more about the range he developed with Everdure. In the afternoon, competition winners were able to meet and greet Heston. Guests, who entered a competition on Kettler’s Facebook account, took selfies with the world-renowned chef and tasted the food cooked on the 4K. The event was a total success and we are excited for the summer ahead of us. Find your nearest Everdure by Heston Blumenthal retailer to find the future of BBQing, now.

The long Easter weekend is the best time to get into your garden. There is no better time to roll up your sleeves and make your outdoor space beautiful. Here are some gardening tips to improve your outdoor space this Easter break. Mow the Lawn Mowing the grass becomes a weekly job at the end of spring and if you haven’t already, the Easter weekend is the perfect time to start. Cut the grass to an inch and trim the edges with a half-moon tool. Repair lawns and re-seed bare patches in March or April. Using fertilizer gives grass that lush green appearance. Spike the lawn for drainage and to let the roots breathe. Plant Vegetables and Sow Seeds Carrots, cauliflower, peas, and potatoes should be on your list of vegetables to plant in April. Sow tomatoes from seed and prepare for the incoming rhubarb stems. Plant summer-flowering bulbs in pots and borders (3 times their depth), throwing away any bulbs from the winter that have rotted. Introduce kids to the fun world of gardening, taking your children or grandchildren to your local garden centre to buy some seed packets. Show children how to sprinkle the seeds onto well-drained soil in sunny spots in beds and borders. Then rake the seeds into the surface. Spring Clean Your Garden Furniture Take the protective covers off your garden furniture and dust away any leaves or dirt. Wash your garden furniture with warm soapy water and a sponge. Check your cushions, which should be stored indoors over the wet and winter months, so they are ready for the warm weather. Check your BBQ, cleaning away any old charcoal or grease that may have been missed in the Autumn BBQ clean. Don’t forget to clean the outside of the BBQ too. People respect a good-looking Barbie. The Garden Dirty Work Yes, unfortunately, you may need to get your hands dirty this Easter bank holiday. April is the time when weeds begin to show – remove all unwanted weeds by hand or with a hoe. Smother weeds with mulch or use groundcover fabrics to suppress re-growth and be sure to read the labels If you’re using chemical weed killer. Slugs and snails arrive in the garden with the April showers and warmer temperatures. Use liquid slug killer or wood ash around your plants. Alternatively, if you own chickens, let them protect your garden. The Easter weekend is a time for relaxing and enjoying a family barbecue or hosting a garden party. However, these quick and simple gardening tips will have your garden looking great in no time. For more gardening tips for April, take a look at the RHS advice pages. * Feature image by rawpixel.com

We are celebrating the launch of Everdure by Heston Blumenthal’s 4K: the next innovation in outdoor cooking by launching a competition to join Heston Blumenthal at the BBQ launch. The future of charcoal cooking is here! Unleash your inner chef all year round with the new Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 4K outdoor oven (RRP £1795), the latest addition to the Michelin star chef’s hi-tech range! Launching this Spring, the show-stopping 4K is the pinnacle of outdoor dining, inspired by the 4000-year tradition of Kamado-style and man-made ceramic clay cooking, it merges the rich history of charcoal taste, with revolutionary 21st century technology. Kettler is the official distributor Everdure by Heston Blumenthal in the UK and Ireland. The Prize: Up to 25 winners will be invited to bring one guest with them to a BBQ with Heston Blumenthal at The Sipping Room, 16 Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AX on Wednesday 10th April from 4pm till 6pm. How to Enter: Visit our Facebook Page where our competition post will be pinned at the top from 4pm on Friday 5th April through to 12pm on Monday 8th April 2019. BBQ enthusiasts can enjoy a two hour meet and greet and exclusive demonstration of the 4K. Simply comment on our competition post stating why you should win, in no more than 50 words. Terms & Conditions: By submitting an entry to this Promotion, entrants agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Entry instructions form part of these Terms and Conditions. The competition will be live from 4pm on Friday 5th April to 12pm on Monday 8th April 2019. Entries submitted with incomplete information, or found to contain invalid information, shall be deemed invalid entries. Entrants are limited to over 18s. No automated, third party or bulk entries are permitted during the term of the promotion. Multiple entries in breach of this provision will result in those entries being disqualified. Entrants must like Kettler’s Facebook page and comment on Kettler’s competition post stating why in no more than 50 words they should win. Kettler will select up to 25 of the best qualifying responses based on those that demonstrate a passion for outdoor cooking and a genuine interest in the Everdure 4K BBQ. Entrants will be required to attend the meet and greet event with Heston Blumenthal on Wednesday 10th April from 4pm to 6pm. Each winner may bring one guest aged 18 or over. All entrants will be required to arrange their own transport to and from the event, and cover their own expenses. Up to 25 winners will be announced on Monday 8th April at 4pm via Facebook. The Promoter’s decision is final. The Promoter reserves the right to cancel, amend, terminate or temporarily suspend this Promotion at any time with no liability to any entrant or any third party. The Promoter and its associated agencies and companies accept no liability for any loss, expense or damage which is suffered or sustained (whether or not arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with the Promotion and/or prizes, other than such liability that cannot be excluded by law including death or personal injury caused by negligence, where liability shall be limited to the minimum permissible by law. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a breach of these Terms and Conditions by an entrant, The Promoter may, at its sole discretion invalidate the relevant entry and disqualify the entrant from the Promotion, irrespective of the stage in the Promotion reached. The Promoter’s decision in all matters relating to the Promotion is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. Entrants hereby release Facebook of all liability that can be excluded under English law. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. The promoter of this competition is Kettler Garden Furniture, Merse Rd, Redditch B98 9HL.

In March, we began celebrations for the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 2019 BBQ range. We held a training event for retailers from across the UK, including staff from garden centres and John Lewis stores. The day of cooking, learning and eating took place at The Crown in Bray, Heston Blumenthal’s very own gastropub. The New 4K Outdoor Oven Guests were introduced to the new 4K charcoal BBQ and shown the outdoor oven in action. Top chefs from The Fat Duck Group fired up the BBQ and cooked low and slow pastrami as well as pork ribs over charcoal. Cooking Over Charcoal Attendees received a hands-on cooking experience on the Fusion charcoal BBQs. Chicken wings were cooked in the Rotisserie Cage from the BBQ accessories range. Grilled Sweetcorn was a vegetarian option, grilled with a paprika butter. Outdoor Cooking Inspiration Each training event kicked off with marshmallows and pastries cooked over the portable Cube charcoal BBQ. Elsewhere on the day, guests cooked a Banana Split on a gas BBQ, with ice cream, a caramel ganache and bacon. Our training days were the first of many Everdure by Heston events coming in 2019. We will be hosting an official UK launch event for the 4K BBQ. Also this summer, our teams will be touring with Heston’s BBQ’s, giving cooking tips, free food, and great savings in garden centres across England. Visit the Everdure website for recipe ideas from Heston Blumenthal and his team of chefs. Discover more about the new 4K BBQ and find your local retailer here.

Spending time in your garden helps raise your mood and recharge your batteries. Creating a space to unwind will help you escape this summer. See our helpful tips to add comfortable, homely touches to your garden. Choosing your garden design Pick a calming theme from the latest garden trends to help you relax. An idyllic country garden filled with big green hedges and traditional garden furniture helps us forget about the fast-paced, tech-filled world. For a modern garden design try the Nordic style, with simple lines, natural colour palette and ultra-soft furniture. A Japanese Zen garden has a stripped back style with flowing water features, low, comfy seating and large, decorative stacked rocks. A Buddhist statue helps achieve a peaceful state of mind. Creating an Outdoor Nook For so many, comfort means hiding away, and the garden is the perfect place to escape everything. Finding your nook is easy. Pick a spot that isn’t overlooked by neighbours or near the kids’ play area. Surround yourself with tall plants or fences and put your feet up with a good book. How to Add Soothing Sounds Escape the noise of the street in an urban garden with simple garden accessories. Wooden bamboo chimes and a water feature or bird bath bring soft and natural sounds. Introduce calming music to your garden with a wireless parasol speaker or enjoy the natural sounds of a light breeze rustling the trees and plants around you. Natural fragrances for your Garden Planting sweet-scented flowers such as gardenia, lavender or sweet peas in your garden not only add fragrance but also helps reduce stress through gardening. These colourful flowers make your garden look warm and welcoming with vibrant petals. Planting herbs in the garden add a fresh fragrance and can be used in dishes at meal times. Visit your local garden centre or nursery for help on what’s best to plant or pot in your garden. Outdoor living room furniture Look for indoor furniture for outdoors, such as a family corner sofa with thick cushions. Put your feet up on an outdoor footstool and bring garden accessories, such as a side table or coffee table to your patio. Utilise shade on a warm day with a parasol or sit under a tree to enjoy a cool breeze. If you have a garden with a great view, don’t block it up with trees and hedges. For the ultimate touch of leisure in your garden, soak up the bubbles in a hot tub to relieve stress.

As soon as we get a few early days of spring sunshine, everyone begins to wonder what to do with their garden and long, sunny afternoons entertaining seem just around the corner. To help you make the most of your home garden this spring and summer we have put together some top tips to get your garden looking amazing, no matter what the size. Modular Garden Furniture Modular garden furniture gives you the flexibility for all occasions and adapts to the space you have. You can pick and choose the type of furniture to suit the space you have or the guests you are expecting. It’s perfect for both hosting a garden party or relaxing with a good book on the patio. SHOP: Charlbury Casual Dining Sets Small Garden Ideas If you have a small urban garden or even a balcony, introduce plant pots to add colour without using too much space. Replace grass with stones or slabs for a low maintenance design and if it’s just the two of you, buy a bistro set and enjoy romantic meals outdoors. SHOP: Café Roma Bistro Set Adding Outdoor Accessories Garden decorations and accessories are a great way to add homely touches to your outdoor space. Put plant pots on garden shelves or plant stands to add different levels to a garden. To give your garden a more spacious feel, a mirror can make a nice addition – alternatively, a side table always makes for a handy place to keep nibbles and drinks within arm’s reach. Light Up an Evening Garden Don’t go inside when the night falls! Watch the stars by the warmth of a fire pit table. A fire pit or chiminea creates a focal point for people to huddle round when darkness falls. Hang solar panelled lights over your garden or along a fence for a little eco-friendly light at a low cost. SHOP: Palma Fire Pit Table with Palma Corner Sofa and Side Table Your style doesn’t have to end at the back door. The garden is a part of you and when you invite guests over you should be proud to show them your perfect outdoor space. Define your look and then take your style outside.

Summer 2019 will see Kettler begin a new venture with Belgian garden furniture manufacturers Jati & Kebon. Jati & Kebon is Indonesian for ‘teak’ and ‘garden’, referring to the company’s beginnings, producing teak garden furniture in the heart of Indonesia. In 2010, they expanded into aluminium garden furniture, made in their state-of-the-art production unit in China since 2010. Their styles extend the living space, turning gardens into outdoor rooms. The luxury garden furniture cleverly blends form and function for long-lasting quality with impeccable comfort. Their modern designs blend materials, with teak table tops set into aluminium frames. Jati & Kebon invest heavily in research and development to produce quality-crafted garden furniture with the best materials. Their aluminium garden chairs and tables are strong, light and corrosion resistant while their teak wood is carefully selected for the best durability outdoors. High-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies give the frames a flawless finish. The modular lounge sets can sit in many different configurations. Each range includes 2-seat and 3-seat sofas as well as side chairs and coffee tables that come together to complete your set. Create a high-quality outdoor dining set with the choice of garden tables and dining chairs. The pieces are available separately to mix and match each piece. Jati & Kebon garden furniture is sold worldwide, and now we are distributing a selection of handpicked ranges to the UK. We share a love for luxury garden furniture that is sure to make an impact. View the range very soon.