| While you're enjoying playing games in the | | | | loads of room in the garden, and they're not |
| garden, give a thought to decorating your | | | | always very attractive. Look for something a |
| outside space. There are lots of fun and | | | | little less permanent. Maybe separate items |
| interesting things you can do without | | | | you can load away in the shed at night, or go |
| spending tons of money... | | | | for something completely different and build |
| | | | a giant chess set. Or if you really feel |
| 1. Wind-Chimes - There are some beautiful | | | | creative, what about a tree-house? They can |
| wind chimes on the market, and you should be | | | | always go to the park for the swings! |
| able to find some that suit your style and | | | | |
| budget. However, you could go one step | | | | 7. Containers - Collect large pots and grow |
| further and make your own. Study how they are | | | | plants you can move around the garden, every |
| made, and get the kids to join in! Wind | | | | day if you like! Grow herbs and flowers and |
| chimes are soothing and very compatible with | | | | position sweet smelling plants on the patio |
| gardening, so position your chimes well. | | | | or round your seating area. Strawberries grow |
| | | | very well in containers as do other useful |
| They must be in at least a slight draught, | | | | plants. Make sure the pots aren't too heavy |
| which you should be able to find outside with | | | | for you to move, or invest in a garden |
| ease. Also, they can scare the birds away | | | | trolley if they are. If you grow colour |
| from your fruit bushes. Hang them on the | | | | co-ordinated flowers, a wonderful display can |
| patio and in the vegetable garden. | | | | be created by positioning your pots well. |
| | | | |
| 2. Lights and Lanterns - For those smooth hot | | | | 8. Wild Corner - I know this may be hard if |
| summer nights. Choose candles for calm nights | | | | you like a neat and tidy garden, but leaving |
| and opt for lanterns if there's a breeze | | | | a wild patch can be very entertaining and |
| about. Solar powered lights are a good choice | | | | visually very pleasing. Nettles and other |
| as there aren't any cables, batteries or | | | | wildflowers attract butterflies and bees, and |
| plugs to worry about. They must be in | | | | it's often suprising how delicate and |
| sunlight during the day to re-charge though. | | | | colourful wildflowers can be when allowed to |
| Large garden candles will burn for many hours | | | | grow in their own space. If you're still |
| and are available in all sorts of | | | | unsure, how about building a little fence |
| aroma-therapeutic scents. | | | | around the area and making a wooden plaque |
| | | | declaring it a wildlife zone...well, it was |
| 3. Garden Furniture - Invest in some comfy | | | | just an idea! |
| chairs for the garden. We don't spend half as | | | | |
| much time as we should outside, simply | | | | 9. Water Features - are becoming more and |
| because we don't feel comfortable. Look at | | | | more popular and also more affordable. Create |
| unique ways of furnishing your garden. Do you | | | | a water feature that will suit your garden. |
| have a couple of trees a hammock could be | | | | Try not to be persuaded by an |
| strung between? Or how about a park-type | | | | over-enthusiastic sales assistant trying to |
| bench with comfy cushions set under the shade | | | | sell you a system that will be far too big or |
| of the apple tree? Whatever the style or size | | | | even too small for your outside space. Do |
| of your garden, look for relaxing furniture | | | | some research before you start. There could |
| so you can fully enjoy your outside space. | | | | be a fair amount of physical work involved |
| | | | and you should arrange some strong arm help. |
| 4. Fake Flowers - Well, hey, we don't all | | | | You could go for a full waterfall and pond or |
| have mature gardens and fresh flowers | | | | perhaps a simple water feature on your patio. |
| blooming all year round! If you have to | | | | |
| resort to a little 'deception' who cares if | | | | 10. Rock Gardens - Rock gardens can take on |
| it looks good? Hang some pretty silk flowers | | | | different themes and colour schemes |
| on a wall, or low roof or even in a tree! If | | | | throughout the year with a little careful |
| nothing else, you'll keep your visitors | | | | planning. There is again some heavy physical |
| guessing :-) | | | | work involved when you're putting together |
| | | | your rock garden but well worth it in the |
| 5. Colour it up - If you still need a bit of | | | | end. Make sure you can get to all areas for |
| colour around the place, get the kids | | | | weeding, watering etc; Try out different rock |
| involved. No, I don't mean let them loose | | | | plants and flowers until you feel happy with |
| with a tin of paint and brushes... what they | | | | the overall view, and even then you can |
| could do is draw some great pictures of | | | | change it. Nothing's set in stone! |
| trees, flowers, animals etc, and you can pin | | | | |
| them around the patio area or 'blu-tak' them | | | | These are just a few ideas. Let your |
| to a tree or two. Remember to rescue them if | | | | imagination free and decorate your outside |
| it rains! | | | | space with love. Read through the Garden |
| | | | Decor and Garden Ideas pages on the website |
| 6. Cut down on Big Toys - Children's outdoor | | | | for more ideas and resources. |
| toys, such as swings, slides etc; can take up | | | | |