Eager to spruce up your garden in time for those pleasant spring afternoons? From souped-up barbecues to aesthetically pleasing accessories, these essential products will have your outdoor living spaces looking better than ever
As the dark days of winter become fewer and farther between, many of us are itching to get back into our gardens and embrace the chance to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re planning to rejuvenate your garden in time for parties and gatherings with friends and family or simply to make it a more pleasant place to relax in over a warm weekend, here are some essential garden buys worth splurging on.
For eco-friendly barbecues
Promising an authentic barbecue experience at the touch of a button, the Char-Broil SMART-E is a worthy investment for those looking for a more eco-conscious solution to their al fresco cooking. It can reach temperatures of up to 370C without the need for gas or oil, and it includes precise temperature control and auto clean technology to take the hassle out of the post-barbecue clear up. Meanwhile, its patented infrared technology, which distributes heat evenly across the entire grill, claims to make barbecued foods 50% juicier. £719.99; keengardener.co.uk
For garden parties
In need of a stylish, easy-to-assemble bar to serve your Pimm’s from this summer? This versatile wooden Garden Bar from Forest could be a winner. A sleek serving hatch, revealed by two bi-fold shutters, provides ample room to serve food and drinks from, while its modular design means the door can be fitted on either side — ideal for smaller gardens. When it’s not in use, the bar can be sealed and locked, enabling you to store drinks or use it as a garden shed during the winter months. £729.99 or £1,039.99 installed; forestgarden.co.uk
For al fresco dining
An ideal centrepiece for larger gardens, this oval Mayfair Rattan Sofa Set from Bridgman is perfect for outdoor dining with friends and family. The set comes with 10 matching garden chairs and grey seat cushions, which can be placed comfortably around the table’s 7.5ft length, while an easy-to-clean safety glass tabletop offers 2,000 hours of sun resistance. A parasol for added sun protection is sold separately. £3,299; bridgman.co.uk
For evening get-togethers
Create the perfect mood lighting when the sun goes down with an outdoor aluminium and polycarbonate wall light from Olbia. Connected to mains power, the two 3.1W integrated LEDs project rays of warm white light both upwards and downwards, illuminating your outdoor space for as long as you need. The sleek, minimalist charcoal casing, meanwhile, ensures the light will be an unobtrusive addition to any outside wall. £65, bulb included; johnlewis.com
For lazy Sunday afternoons
This large hammock offers an idyllic spot for a well-earned siesta on a summer’s afternoon. Big enough to fit two people, the hammock’s cotton canvas is supported by a free-standing, curved arc stand, meaning you can swing peacefully for hours on end without needing to hoist the hammock between a set of trees or beams. The height can also be adjusted, which is handy for easing kids in and out of the hammock safely. £219.99; charlesbentley.com
For stunning feature walls
Perfect for smaller outdoor spaces, the PlantBox Vertical Garden (main image) is an innovative concept that allows gardeners to transform drab walls or fences into spectacular backdrops for social gatherings. Ideal for flowers, vegetables and herbs, its built-in water reservoir helps eliminate over- and under-watering by allowing plants to hydrate as and when needed, while a water level indicator signals when it’s time for a top up. From £77 for a set of three; growingrevolution.com
For soothing accessories
Few things are more relaxing than the gentle tones of running water. To help bring a touch of zen to your outdoor space, Ambienté’s steel waterfall cascade creates a calming sheet of water that emerges from a striking rusted surface. With integrated lighting and a small planter, the waterfall blends seamlessly into your garden’s green space. £349.99; primrose.co.uk
