Modern+Gardens

ISS 39

S M

525 WIN A

NEW SUMMER
IDEAS TO HOUSE!*
INSPIRE
& EXCITE *SEE PAGE 73. T&CS APPLY

Garden makeovers

“BRING ON THE SUN, OUR
GARDEN IS BBQ READY!”

JUNE ISSUE 29 MAY - 25 JUNE Outdoor living

ON TREND LIGHTING IDEAS FOR
AFTER DARK WOW
CURVED PERGOLAS

FOR GARDENS OUTDOOR
BIG & SMALL BARS FOR

SO EASY... EVERY

BUDGET

✽ ul pur os a e gr l ch l

✽S o s

✽ M ou oor k n n w k d

✽

HYDRANGEA RUNAWAY BRIDE

PLANT OF THE YEAR BUY 1

The Chelsea Flower Show 2018 FOR

£14

BUY 3 WAS £36
NOW ONLY

£24

SAVES £12

Take a look at our ONE OF THE MOST FLORIFEROUS AND PRETTY AS A PICTURE,
brand new website THIS HYDRANGEA WILL BE YOUR MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

hayloft.co.uk A brand new type of hydrangea, Garland is named for reasons which will become obvious. Instead of one bloom
at the end of each branch, like most hydrangea, Garland produces blooms on each pair of leaves from early
15% summer to autumn. You will have up to six, large, stunning, lace-cap flowerheads on each branch, looking just like
off living garlands.

Register for email offers online, Good for cutting and perfect for borders and containers. Prefers moist, neutral to acidic soil in sun or part shade.
to receive an email with your Height & spread 1.2m (4'). Fully hardy perennial.

online discount code Your order will be confirmed together with a copy of our latest catalogue and your 10.5cm pots will be delivered
within 14 days with our No Quibble Guarantee.

ORDER • ONLINE hayloft.co.uk • PHONE 0844 335 1088 QUOTE MG0619

SEND THE COUPON TO: Hayloft Plants, FREEPOST RTGR-JAGJ-JETG, Pensham, Pershore WR10 3HB MG0619

NAME & ADDRESS PLEASE SEND ITEM CODE PRICE QTY TOTAL

1 × RUNAWAY BRIDE PTHRB01-MG0619 £14

3 × RUNAWAY BRIDE PTHRB03-MG0619 £24

P&P (UK ONLY) £4.95

Postcode          Tel TOTAL DUE

I enclose Cheque/PO made payable to Hayloft Plants Ltd or please debit my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro Please enter the last 3 digits of your
security code (CV2)

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EMAIL Thank you for your details which will be kept securely and will not be shared with
third parties. We may send Hayloft gardening catalogues in the future, if you prefer
Thank you, we may update you on your order and we will invite you to sign up for our special offers. not to receive them, please call 01386 562999. Occasionally the advertised delivery
date may change, however, this will be clearly stated on your order confirmation.

HAYLOFT PLANTS, MANOR FARM NURSERY, PENSHAM, PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE WR10 3HB

outdoCoelrelibvriatneg FlSonwoeorEdzsairrntipeingnaikgcolniSh,nnecignoiaaJaogmslkustufoinrnuwelpngosacuarrolenndeegdsetsrhe sun

PHOTO: LIVING4MEDIA

Hello...
My outside space has taken on a bit of a Med-style
feel to it as I’ve been seduced by one of this year’s big
garden trends for all things bright and colourful. June
is renowned for being called ‘Flaming June’ and I’ve
fallen in love with the uplifting, colour-clash mix of bright
orange, pink and red flowers. This is such a change from my usual go-to
of monochrome planting with a touch of greenery but has definitely
made it easier to create some showstopping containers, and even
hanging baskets. I’ve never been a huge fan of the latter as they remind
me of 1970s B&Bs! Suddenly, though, the humble hanging basket has become a
modern garden owner’s must-have. So, I’m planning to buy some and fill them with
hot-pink trailing petunias mixed in with zingy orange calibrachoa ‘Million Bells’ and
scarlet red pelargoniums (pictured right). If you want to update your garden and make
it a stylish and on-trend space, this issue is packed with easy ideas and expert advice to
inspire you. And don’t forget to take snaps of your garden and share them with us via
Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Jules

Editor Jules Barton-Breck

COVER PHOTO: GAP/FRIEDRICH STRAUSS You can find us on aFndilloythoeurrtgoawredreinngwsipthikelsu,ppin7s8
www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk
Facebook Modern Gardens Magazine
Twitter @Modern_Gardens and you
can post us your modern garden pics on

Instagram @ModernGardens

sGleeivke abnoduncdhaicrileisneaarrepvaanmelps,wpi2th6

Inside this The owners of this

MONTH... 40 garden make the best
of a small space.

35 On-trend orange touches
for a summer pick-me-up.

Reader garden Easy ideas SMALL
makeovers GARDENS
20 Beautifully balanced
14 “We’re proud to show off BIG
our new garden” ON THE COVER Simple modern symmetry will add a IDEAS
restful, calm effect to your garden.
Clever use of symmetry and repetition 94 Make this easy candy
has transformed this corner plot. 26 Try uber-smart slatted stripe lolly planter.
fencing
30 “There’s a spot for every We
occasion” Give garden boundaries a revamp with LOVE
sleek and chic linear panels. this!
A series of linked spaces creates different
rooms for relaxing and entertaining. 35 Update with orange

40 “We’ve made small It’s the perfect on-trend colour to bring
beautiful” your garden to life this summer.

This suburban garden is packed with 38 Selina’s garden style
easy, stylish ideas.
How to get creative with terracotta.

Simple makes 46 On the table ON THE COVER
& projects
Get your outdoor furniture working
harder for you with multi-purpose tables.

94 We love to make 50 Easy espalier

Quick ideas to add colour to your Using an espaliered plant to cover a bare
summer garden. fence is simply a matter of training.

97 Creative edging 53 Floral faffery

Turn boring borders into modern features Easy to make early summer wreath.
with these upcycling ideas.
56 15 on-trend ways with
112 Project pergola ON THE COVER hanging baskets ON THE COVER

Create an eye-catching feature in your Give your garden wow factor with these
garden with the latest curved pergolas. stylish ideas.

54Top buys to add some Regulars

pizazz to your garden.

6 Earthy pleasures

What to buy, make and do this month.

12 Blooming lovely

Plants and shrubs to buy now.

62 What to do in your garden

Quick fixes and tidy ups.

76 Ask the designer

How to add zones to a small garden.

88 I’m in the garden

We take a peek over a reader’s fence.

6 Fun and colourful 91 Paws & whiskers
must-haves.
Enjoying your garden with your pets.

74 Making an entrance 103 Q&A

Simple planting ideas for your hallway. Got a question? We’ve got the answer.

78 Towering spikes 116 We love outdoor living

Add dramatic upright stems for that Your garden highlights.
larger than life factor.
122 Enjoy a carnival of colour
84 Plant a jewelled corner
Save money on vibrant plants.
Summer flowers for a tropical feel.
124 Get gorgeous blooms
87 Just hanging around
Buy great value perennials.
Create the ultimate relaxing spot with
lush greenery and a hanging chair. 126 Garden notebook

92 Fabulous viburnum ON THE COVER All you need to know to get started.

10 reasons you need this in your garden! 130 Our garden crush

106 Easy outdoor kitchen It’s where we’d like to be this month!

It’s the latest must-have. ON THE COVER

108 Bring the party home 66 SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Upcycle a metal planter into Get your own outdoor bar. ON THE COVER

56a stylish hanging basket. Outdoor living

25 Fiona’s patch

Bringing a small, town garden back to life.

69 Make your garden glow

Light ideas for after dark wow. ON THE COVER

Best buys

54 10 buys

It’s time to go bold and bright.

Grow your own ✽ Subscribe to Modern Gardens now
and receive two glass cloches with
118 Nasturtium flowers wooden stands worth £25.

Enjoy them with pasta, cream them into
butter and use them to pretty up salads.

rthy

DREAM PLANT GROW PICK MAKE BUY

EARTHY PLEASURES

SUMMER MEADOW POT

Pretty, colourful and easy to grow, romantic cosmos are daisy-like
flowers that can reach a willowy 1.8m tall. They do as well as bedding
plants as they do in containers, but we think their dreamy charm is
enhanced in a vintage-style planter. Best to invest now, as they flower
from July to October. Regular deheading will encourage new growth,
and the flowers can be cut – just snip and pop in a glass jar for a
simple but effective display. Antique Ivory Cosmos Collection,
£15.95/10 jumbo seedlings sarahraven.com

FEATURE: FIONA GALLEY PHOTO: GAPCAMOUFLAGE Let there
PHOTO (C ) JONATHAN BUCKLEYHERB SNIPPERS bee light!
Sleek and stylish, these
herb scissors are made Add a warm, pretty glow to a hedge
from plastic, so you can or shrub with these bumble bee solar
stick them in with your lights. Weave through cascading ivy or
herbs when you’re not wisteria for extra fun. 20 Bee
using them. Plus, their LED Solar Fairy Lights, 3m lead,
leafed-shaped handles £8.99/20 lights4fun.co.uk
will ensure they blend
in with the greenery UPDATE A DONE-FOR DECKCHAIR
beautifully. Leafers Herb This canvas replacement deckchair sling in
Snips, 14.5cm, £7.68 abstract floral print will give a drab deckchair
animicausa.com a new lease of life. Maui Multi-Coloured
Patterned Cotton Deckchair Sling, H142 x
W51.5cm, £10 habitat.co.uk

TASTEFUL TOOLS
If you’re going to invest in gardening tools,
make them aesthetically pleasing ones!
This Scion Spike Garden Tools Duo
fits the bill with its cute hedgehog
print, plus the handles are
made from durable solid
wood. £29.99
johnlewis.co.uk

Easy
update!

➣

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 7

GREAT
VALUE

GORGEOUS PLANTERS SMART
These whimsical planters are far too pretty blue one or a short (18cm) but sweet red SCULPTURE

to be displayed with anything other than one, but we suggest buying one of each! Introduce on-trend sculpture into your
garden with this handsome hare. He’s
themselves. Plant up aromatic herbs and use They can be left outside and cleaned with regal enough to be displayed alone, or
use him to add some personality to a
as a table centrepiece instead. There are a damp cloth. Alice Townhouse Pots, £26 cluster of pots. Wire Hare Sculpture,
60cm, £22 next.co.uk
two to choose from: a tall (23cm), graceful each anthropologie.com

3 FUN OUTDOOR CUSHIONS @SUSTAINABLESPROUT

TROPIC
& BRIGH
Blue Flam
Print Out
Cushion,
x 40cm, £
direct.asda

SUNNY & A SMILE INSTAGRAM
CIRCULAR om Pom Yay INSPIRATION
Sunshine Round or Cushion, 45
Showerproof 14 ar os co uk This month, our jaws have dropped at the weird
Outdoor Cush yet wonderful fruit, veg, herbs and flowers grown
40cm, £10 by @sustainablesprout. An array of edible flowers?
johnlewis.co.uk Four different colours of carrots? A human-sized
cabbage? It’s all there, along with beautiful images
8 MODERN GARDENS JUNE and inspiring ideas, encapsulating their sensible
‘grow what you eat’ ethos.

EARTHY PLEASURES

PRACTICAL POUFFE ROMANTIC GLOW
A multifunctional addition to your garden, this floor Add ambience to an al fresco dinner for
cushion is soft enough to rest bare feet, yet sturdy two by popping a tea light into each of
enough to support a tray of drinks. Lisbon Floor these stone holders and spelling out that
Cushion, £30 sainsburyshome.co.uk magic word. Rustic Distressed ‘LOVE’
Candle Holder, £12.95 melodymaison.co.uk

A LITTLE PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Stackable CUTE & KITSCH
OF WHAT chairs The fashion for flamingos and the
YOU FANCY growing fad for inflatables have fused
Have modern, comfortable and to create this kitsch ceramic snack bowl.
Strawberries, practical extra seating to hand There’s also a white unicorn and a black
coconut cream courtesy of these lightweight, swan in the range. Flamingo Pool Float
& cocoa nibs bamboo stackable chairs. Bowl, 20cm, £19 redcandy.co.uk
76 x 64.5 x 71cm, £47.95 each
YOU WILL NEED homebase.co.uk ➣
✽ 400ml can full-fat coconut milk (kept in
fridge overnight) JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 9
✽ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
✽ 250g strawberries
✽ 4 small (approx 10cm high) glass tumblers
✽ 100g cocoa nibs
✽ Fresh mint
Makes 4 – suitable for vegans

WHAT TO DO
1 Open the can of chilled coconut milk and
scoop out the milk that has solidified. Place in a
bowl with the vanilla extract and whisk until light
and fluffy, around three minutes. If the cream
is too thick, add a little of the non-solidified
coconut milk to loosen it.
2 Wash, hull and halve the strawberries and
divide into the tumblers until they are about
a third full. Top with a dollop of the coconut
cream, until two thirds full.
3 Sprinkle the cocoa nibs on top and finish with
a sprig of fresh mint.

EYE-CATCHING
WIND CHIME
The delicate tinkle of a wind
chime goes hand in hand with an
idle afternoon in the garden. This
ceramic design ticks the tropical
trend box. Pineapple Wind Chime,
79cm, £40 anthropologie.com

DRINKS ON TAP
Drink dispensers are great, but
often made from precarious
glass. This one still does the job,
but being made from plastic
and costing just a fiver, you
can afford to be more carefree
about it. Soft Drink Dispenser,
H25.5cm, £5 hema.com

Display pretty peonies

PHOTO: With lush petals in dazzling colours and an and placing one peony in each. Snip
THEJOYOFPLANTS intoxicating scent, it’s no wonder peonies each stem at a different height to create
are a much-loved favourite. Buy them a staggered effect, and opt for up to five
now and create this dramatic display by different colours. Group together in a
painting glass or ceramic bottles white pretty basket to finish the look.

SCANDI-STYLE SOFA
The weathered, solid eucalyptus base
in timeless grey combined with squashy
cushions and arm rests makes this corner
sofa the ultimate bring-the-indoors-out
seating solution. And you can’t beat that
sweet spot where the two corners meet!
Melrose Corner Sofa, W168.8 x H79.7cm,
£1,099 marksandspencer.com

We
LOVE
this!

CACTI COCKTAILS

The craze for cacti is in full swing. Get involved with these fun but
functional cocktail glasses. Made from sturdy and shatterproof
plastic, they look best with a citrus-coloured concoction such as a
lemon and basil martini, cheers! Set of 2 Cactus Plastic Cocktail
Glasses, H20cm high, £8 next.co.uk

10 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

EARTHY PLEASURES

SUMMER CONTACT US
HERBS Address: Modern Gardens, Bauer Media, Media House,
Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA
Whether adding to a satisfying new Email: [email protected]
potato salad or a refreshing glass of
lemonade, you can’t beat snipping EDITORIAL
your own fresh herbs. Plant mint and Phone 01733 468000
rosemary in pots near a back door so Editor Jules Barton-Breck
they’re within easy reach, and where Art Editor Emma Howcutt-Kelly
you can enjoy the aroma every time Production Editor & Head of Publishing Angela Kenny
you step outside. £3.99 each or Contributors Clare Howcutt-Kelly, Greg Loades, Fiona
£10/3 dobbies.com Galley, Jill Morgan, Jules Barton-Breck, Kate Sleeman,
Louise Curley, Melanie Whitehouse, Melissa Mabbitt,
CHIC WATERING CAN Sarah Wilson, Sue Parslow
Shiny and shapely, the Mizu
Metallic Watering Can will nks to Caroline Glynne-Jones, Geoff Hodge, Marisa
get even the most reluctant y and Sarah Flitcroft
gardener watering. 37 x
25cm. £30 oliverbonas.com VERTISING
ne 01733 366404/366411
RACTICAL oup Commercial Director Nicky Holt
esign on this waterproof tray, ideal for mmercial Director Iain Grundy
om the indoors out. Cactus & Bird Large y Accounts Lawrence Cavill
thornbackandpeel.co.uk splay Sales Lucy Baxter

3 BUYS FOR A SMART 1 ARKETING
FRONT DOOR hone 01733 468209
and Manager Charlotte Walsh
1 DAPPER DOOR KNOCKER irect Marketing Manager Julie Spires
Solid Brass Bumble Bee Door Knocker, irect Marketing Executive Olivia Caouki
10.5 x 13cm, £60 coxandcox.co.uk Digital Marketing Assistant Kate Burton
2 SLICK LETTER BOX Head of Newstrade Marketing Leon Benoiton
Post Box with Lock in charcoal, H37 x Newstrade Marketing Manager Samantha Thompson
W25cm, £30 gardentrading.co.uk
3 STYLISH DOOR MAT PRODUCTION
Please Remove Your Louboutins Door Phone 01733 468878
Mat, 60 x 40cm, £25 amara.com Print Production Rebecca Stone
Advertising Production Chloe Martin, Kurt Baker
Printed by Southern Print
Distributed by Frontline

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CEO Paul Keenan

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32

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 11

Blooming lovely

IN JUNE

Try our pick of the most beautiful plants you can buy now

SILENE ‘STARRY DREAMS’ £5.99/9cm pot

The upward-looking faces of this dainty flower are snowy
white and dance in summer breezes Height 20cm

FOXGLOVE LORAL
GEMS
£1 per plant
Tall and stately, this a sha
architectural flower is spot
so classy you’d never
believe it originates in wild IUM
woodlands. Use it to add ORRHIZUM
a touch of airy elegance.
Height 150cm Spread m pot
35cm. naturescape.co.uk geranium
woodland so
ppled shade.
pink flowers really

ght 50cm Spread
cus.co.uk

ADD GEOMETRIC STYLE Three blue summer beauties

SPIRAL ALOE £66/3L pot F E ATU R E: M EL I S SA MA B B IT T. PH OTOS : A L A M Y. PR I C E S A RE F O R O N E PL A N T
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED AND CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING
This exquisite jade succulent with perfect
spiralling leaves may be small but it is a real
garden showpiece. It’s hardy down to -15°C
so can stay outdoors year-round. Plant in full
sun in free-draining soil. Height 5cm Spread
1m. surrealsucculents.co.uk

£9.99 £17.99 £8.99

FAIRY BELLFLOWER CALIFORNIAN LILAC CORNFLOWER
‘CONCHA’ ‘CENTAUREA CYANUS’
Treat Classic cottage garden
yourself upright perennial. Grows in The best blue-blossoming Blue as a summer sky, and
sun or semi shade. Flowers
12 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019 until July. Height 50cm shrub you can grow in a sunny loved by bees and butterflies,
Spread 30cm.
thompson-morgan.com spot. Flowers until the end it flowers until October.

of the month. Height and Height 45cm Spread 30cm.

Spread 3m. crocus.co.uk marshalls-seeds.co.uk

GIVE IT A TRY EARTHY PLEASURES

GARDEN FIREWORKS COW PARSLEY

Celebrate the height of summer with these show-off flowers. Each allium £1 per plant
is a burst of exhilarating purple, while the iris buds look like white-tipped With its delicate
rockets that burst into flares of white-hot flame. Combined with a sprays of creamy
sprinkling of starry, sparkly cow parsley, this arrangement of plants will white flowers, this
add excitement to any garden. wildflower is as at
What are the plants? Cow parsley, white Dutch iris and allium home in a designer
‘Purple Sensation’. garden as it is in a
When do they flower? All three look their best in early June, but the hedgerow. Height
allium seed heads will dry to a buff brown colour and add character to the 90cm Spread 35cm.
spot for months afterwards. naturescape.co.uk
Where do they thrive? These plants will thrive in a sunny spot and prefer
well-drained soil.

WHITE ALLIUM
DUTCH IRIS ‘PURPLE
SENSATION’
£4/12 bulbs
Pure and bright, these £11.99/2L pot
graceful blooms are Lollipop alliums
held on tall stems with are both fun and
strappy leaves. architectural. They’re
Height 60cm Spread easy to grow in almost
20cm. wyevalegarden any soil. Height
centres.co.uk 80cm Spread 10cm.
waitrosegarden.com

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 13

THE ULTRA-MODERN 1
black, cube pergola adds
both height and drama to a
corner of the garden.

CHARCOAL COMPOSITE 4 3

SAiGE decking (£56.40/m2, BLUE-GREY GRANITE

compositedecking.co.uk) is the same creates a path around the

impactful shade as the pergola. garden and across the pool.

From £34/m londonstone.co.uk.

READER

Makeover

F E ATU R E: M EL A N I E W H I TE H O US E PH OTOS : M I KE JA RM AN PH OTO G R AP H Y, A L A MY“We’re proud to s
off our new gard

Clever use of symmetry and repetition has transformed
PAUL AND ANGELA BAKER’S corner plot

With an out-of-control garden that changed every room in some way,” says Paul. any excuse for putting off the job. “The garden
was heavy on maintenance and “The garden was really nice but it was a lot of had become a wilderness and we wanted to
short on seating areas, Paul work as the previous owners were really into create a place we felt keen to sit out in,” recalls
and Angela Baker were too their plants. There was a lovely old oak tree in Paul. “It’s an awkward shape and wraps itself
embarrassed to invite their friends around to the back garden but reluctantly we had to around the side and back of the house. We
eat outside in the summer. “The garden left remove it about ten years ago as a neighbour wanted to make it more regular, easier on the
Angela stressed out every time she looked at it,” said its roots were affecting their property. Then eye and to create separate areas while keeping
says Paul. we lost interest in the garden altogether.” the space unified through the planting and
features. Overall, we were after an easy
The couple bought their home, which was a Paul had taken a garden design course, but maintenance garden that was formal in style.
former grocery and sweet shop built in the the couple decided to leave any renovations of
1930s, in 1998. “When we moved in, we thought their plot until an extension to the house was “We wanted entertaining areas that we could
we wouldn’t change much but over time we completed. But by late 2015, there was no longer
use at different times of the day as the sun ➣

14 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

2 READER GARDEN

THE FENCING BEFORE
and horizontal trellis
are painted with The gadrdeemnawnadsedanaulontloovfeadttweinldtieornn.ess that
Cuprinol Garden
Shades in Urban Slate, OUR GARDEN
£22/2.5L wickes.co.uk PL AN

NEAT AND FORMAL LOCATION
box balls help to define Dedham, Essex.
and frame the seating THE LOOK
area. A trim little and Modern and symmetrical,
often will keep them in with classic white planting.
good shape. SITE & SOIL

THE TWO FOUNTAINS Size 215m2
in the pool bubble gently Faces East (back garden) and north
and are lit up at night.
(side garden)
Soil Good loam

OUR BUDGET
Paving £3,300
Gravel £515

Composite decking £5,700
Planting £4,700

Lighting & installation £1,800
Raised rendered bed £1,000

Cube pergola £1,250
Artificial lawn £560
Laying lawn £250
Water features £1,600
Garden furniture £2,600
TOTAL: £23,275
HOW LONG IT TOOK

Paving 2 weeks
Decking 3 weeks
Pergola 2 weeks
Water features 1 week
Painting the fences 1 week
Lawn & planting 3 weeks
TOTAL: 12 WEEKS

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 15

THE DINING ROOM overlooks the TALL ORNAMENTAL
reflective black pool. The mirror-like pear trees obscure the
surface is created by adding black dye neighbour’s garage roof.
to the water. They produce white
flowers April-May and
scarlet foliage in autumn.

SYMMETRY AND REPETITION
in the form of colour, shape and
materials are what makes this garden
so stunning.

“We’ve finally
got a garden we
can sit out in”

moves around the house. We didn’t want a of weeds and broken slabs,” remembers side garden. “It made sense to have these
formal dining table, preferring a more relaxed designer Angela. “Paul and Angela were at a as straight paths,” says designer Angela.
feel with sofas around a lower table. And we loss as to where to start after their oak tree was “The paving I recommended was London
wanted spaces where the garden furniture could removed. Because it’s a corner plot, it’s an Stone blue grey granite, because it comes in
be moved around.” awkward shape, and a neighbour’s garage roof different formats. The paths are a combination
needed obscuring.” of square 600 x 600mm slabs laid in a running
The Bakers were also keen on an all-white bond pattern, stepping stones set in grey
planting scheme with separate eating/ Paul’s preference was for straight lines and pebbles and plank paving 600 x 200mm.
entertaining areas on different levels. a formal design. He wanted a garden for
entertaining with interchangeable seating areas, “I wanted to separate the side and back
While visiting a local stone supplier, Paul a water feature and a limited planting palette gardens and recommended a trellis screen
picked up a business card for garden designer of mostly white. at the entrance to the back garden. The back
Angela Tolputt of Zinnia Garden Design lawn was to be the putting green, with very
(zinniadesign.co.uk). “I rang Angela and she An existing timber deck led from the dining close pile artificial turf, and a mix of blue and
prepared three outline designs, one of which room, and the Bakers wanted to replace this with white flowers.”
stood out, and a planting plan including a more decking. “I suggested composite because
separate one for spring bulbs,” says Paul. “Her it’s low-maintenance and long-lasting,” says Although the Bakers liked the first design
plans were in colour, which was really helpful for designer Angela. “They also wanted an area for ideas, there were eight revisions before the final
understanding the design.” sunloungers, and Paul wanted a lawn with design was agreed. “Having done a garden
artificial grass to practise golf on.” design course, Paul was quite discerning and
THE DESIGNER’S BRIEF not willing to compromise, but it was quite
The main access into the garden is from refreshing to have a client whose ideas were
The Baker’s garden was quite a challenge. a side gate, which had to remain. Further access already well-formed,” says designer Angela.
“When I first saw it, it was very unloved and full was needed from the kitchen extension into the

16 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

READER GARDEN

Low effort, Salvia nemerosa
high style

GOOD IDEA ARTIFICIAL GRASS THE HARD LANDSCAPING
means low-maintenance in varying shades of grey and
A sculpture at the end and is ideal for Paul different textures blends
of the path acts as a to practise golf on. together nicely. Ice blue 20mm
Golf Putt Pro Artificial granite chippings work with the
visual full stop Grass, from £84/1 x 4m stone, approx £178.40/bulk
lionlawns.co.uk bag stonewarehouse.co.uk

Astrantia major

Lady’s mantle

Paul and cAamngeeltao’gsetheaersyinca12re,wfoeerkmsal WHITE PLANTS
garden add calm colour to the
garden and pop against
MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN ➣ the dark grey fence.

Work began in March 2016, with the Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
landscaping taking 10 weeks and the planting
a fortnight. “I wanted to create two separate JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 17
gardens, each with their own seating areas,
which meant two square, formal lawns and
different lounging areas, giving a choice of
where to sit,” says designer Angela.

The main lawn, made of real grass, now has
a sunlounging area facing due south in an

A MINIMAL PALETTE DEEP PURPLY-BLUE
of purple and white Salvia nemorosa
planting is peaceful and ‘Caradonna’ adds height to
serene in the back garden. the border. Keep it
blooming June-October by
ultra-modern black ‘cube’ pergola. The seating removing flower spikes as
area here is accessible from the kitchen soon as they start to fade.
extension. The neighbour’s garage roof that was
visible is now softened by ornamental pear more and more these days,” says designer look at the stars by night, and to see the birds
trees, Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ .The Angela. “It’s a good foil for the white and blue around it in the day. I also like the putting green,
composite deck in a charcoal shade spans flowers, which pull everything together and which I don’t use as much as I’d like but it’s great
almost the entire width of the back garden. provide a serene feel.” entertainment when our friends come over. It’s
“This is the end of the garden journey and made such a difference to our weekends as
comprises another seating area, reached by a A HAPPY ENDING when the garden was a wilderness it had no
decking step,” explains designer Angela. “A function and we didn’t want to spend time in it.
raised rendered planter squares off the awkward The Bakers are thrilled with the end result. “The
corner here and the planting softens the large most successful bit of redesign has been “I would definitely use a garden designer
expanse of deck.” correcting the awkward shape of the garden, again. They have different ideas that you’d
and being able to invite friends round and sit out probably never think of yourself. Yes, it can be
The trellis screen dividing the side and back at night,” says Paul. “The seating area by the costly, but I see it as an investment that should
gardens was rejected in favour of a pair of pool is a favourite spot. It’s great to sit there and add value to your home.”
loose-headed olive trees so that the division
remained but there is a partial view through and
around the trees.

The colour grey was used throughout on the
walls, floor and gravel. “I find clients want it

Bringing the garden to life at night

SPOTLIGHTS highlight a step and help UPLIGHTERS at the base of the ornamental A BLACK DOWNLIGHTER produces
to ensure nobody trips and falls, while a pear trees create a magical effect at night and outward-spreading rays that create a soft
water feature lit from above adds interest extend the time Paul and Angela can spend in but strong light that reaches the seating
to a long stretch of wall. their garden. area without dazzling guests.

18 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

cordless COMPACT CORDLESS SYSTEM
power. WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
made by
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—STihl. the garden. Be ready to take on the challenge with tools from the
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READY FOR ANY CHALLENGE system are designed to be easy to use, light-weight and also quiet.
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a high-performance lithium-ion battery that can be used in all the
tools in the system. That’s real cordless power. Made by STIHL.

AVAILABLE FROM APPROVED STIHL DEALERS AND
SELECTED GARDEN CENTRES. STIHL.CO.UK/CORDLESS

BEAUTIFULLY

BALANCED

A few simple elements of MODERN
SYMMETRY will add a restful,
calm effect to your garden

All well-designed gardens use So why is order and symmetry so pleasing
balance in different ways to create a and calming to the eye? When a garden is
harmonious space. A modern garden packed full of different, contrasting features,
design that majors in symmetry, like the eye darts around, trying to take them all in,
Paul and Angela Baker’s plot on page 14, is but finding it hard to settle on any one element.
anchored firmly in calm and serenity. A garden When balance and symmetry are used well, the
planned along these lines will give your space an opposite is true, hence the calming effect.
ordered designer edge.
Bringing this kind of balance to your garden
There are countless ways to achieve this look, doesn’t mean a total redesign. First choose
whether it’s with beds of perennial planting your starting point, which we will call your axis.
mirrored across the lawn, shrubs planted either It can be imaginary. For instance, if you have a
side of a path, a matching pair of lollipop bay circular lawn or patio, you take the centre as the
trees flanking a front door, or simply with careful starting point. Balance around a circular lawn
placement of well-chosen garden furniture on a could translate simply as similar-sized trees and
patio or decking area.
shrubs planted at more or less opposite points. ➣

CALM OASIS

This modern slate water
feature and raised bed
create a striking focal point
with matching planting
of box, lavender and
agapanthus on either side.

FEATURE: FRANCESCA CLARKE. ➣
PHOTOS: NARRATIVES, GAP, ALAMY

20 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

EASY IDEAS

SUN TRAP

Symmetrically placed rattan
sunloungers under a parasol
create an inviting spot to sit.

SO SIMPLE

Pleached lime trees
and low box hedging

mirror each other
across the garden.

TIP tUosmeeajfufxescitmttowifsoesytohmretmhcareetlrmeycionlgours

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 21

Total symmetry would involve something more RUSTIC CHIC
formal, for example box balls of the same size
planted to mirror each other on the imagined A double-fronted house
axis. Other useful central reference points lends itself perfectly to
from which to create symmetry include a tree, garden designs based on
a garden gate, a pergola, or even just a large symmetrical lines.
decorative pot.
lp
HARD LANDSCAPING
DOUBLE UP
Creating balance and uniformity with paving
and hard landscaping is essentially using Espaliered ornamental
repeated patterns based around straight pear trees growing
lines. A rectangular pond, for example, can along this wall are
easily be defined with an edging of slate or framed with two pots
sandstone, and the same materials used as of box balls on either
a path to and from the pond along a central side creating a strong
axis. But Mark Lane, garden designer and symmetrical focal point.
BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, advises
against using symmetry 100 per cent. “It can
become monotonous if you’re not careful, with
everything feeling normal,” Mark explains. “A
few unexpected touches are a good idea.”

What those personal touches could be is
down to personal taste, but a collection of
painted pots on a stepladder or a summer
house decorated with bunting would work well.

A LESSON IN KERB APPEAL

There are few houses that aren’t improved
by a balanced approach in the front garden.
The front door is the perfect central reference
point for symmetry, even if the house itself
isn’t perfectly symmetrical. Create balance on
either side of the door with a pair of matching

22 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

EASY IDEAS

Instant impact

✽ Plant the same shrub in borders on
each side of a pathway.

✽ For the ultimate in fuss-free
symmetry, use artificial topiary on either
side of your front door.

pots, planted with box balls, skimmia or hebes. juneberry or a small apricot tree such as Prunus ✽ A row of solar lights simply spiked
These will give a pleasing rounded shape with mume ‘Beni-chidori’. Even a row of three, into the soil will define a pathway.
minimal pruning. Further down the path, you planted at regular intervals on either side of a
could add more mirrored planting or potted path or gravel, will lend a pleasing air of modern ✽ Garden furniture, placed strategically
greenery with a pair of lollipop olive trees. If formality to a small garden. on a patio, can introduce symmetry
your path has borders on either side, design a effortlessly. Position urns or pots at
symmetrical planting scheme of mixed clipped For screening, choose pleached trees such either side of a gate or flight of steps.
shrubs, mingled with more informal perennials as lime or hornbeam spaced regularly along
or grasses to add movement. a boundary wall or fence. Likewise, a row of JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 23
equally spaced trees or shrubs of the same
Bear in mind the aspect of your front garden variety, planted or placed in pots against a
when thinking about your planting options wall or fence, creates an ordered symmetrical
– does it face, north, south, east or west? backdrop for a lawn or patio as well anchoring
Matching borders work best when both receive the rest of your garden design.
a similar amount of sunlight throughout the day
(so your front door would face north or south). PERENNIALS FOR COLOUR
If one of the borders is shaded by a tall tree or
garage, for example, perfect symmetry may not If you’re going for matching borders either
be as easy to achieve. side of a lawn, patio or flight of steps, they’ll
need to face east and west rather than north
TREES TO TRAIN THE EYE and south, or the conditions of light and shade
in each one will be too different. Practical,
An avenue of trees can be incorporated into low-maintenance choices with a formal feel
all but the tiniest of gardens, using symmetry include box or holly balls, yew hedges, hebes
to add wow. For small gardens, choose suitably and lavender. Clipping them once or twice per
small trees, such as airy Himalayan birch, year will keep them in shape.

The Hose that
always flows.

Unstoppable.
The new GARDENA Liano textile hose.
Kink free.
Robust and agile.
Lightweight.

Available at selected Garden Centres and DIY Stores.
To find out more visit www.gardena.com/uk

Passion for life.

Fiona’s OUTDOOR LIVING

Kinertbheapfrpoenatl
garden

Plant, vintage and craft-lover
FIONA CUMBERPATCH has a
small, town garden in Lincolnshire
that she’s bringing back to life with
easy projects and planting ideas

As I’ve misty purple campanula, which look lovely Make
spent so against the dark paint, and they will trail over life
much time the edges as the summer goes on. lovely
pottering
about in the back There is not much space for grow-your-own Decorating the fence
garden, the front of in my plot, but I will always find room for herbs.
the house was starting I like to plant several types in the same pot to My summer herb selection
to look neglected. make a mini herb garden. Mint is a thug that
We only have a needs a pot all to itself, otherwise it will spread
small rectangle and wrap its roots around the other plants
out there, but I am and overwhelm them. Thyme and rosemary
keen to make it work very well together because they’re both
look inviting. An evergreen clematis Mediterranean plants, which don’t need a lot of
‘White Abundance’ is a good way to mask water. Marjoram, oregano and lemon balm are
an unattractive utilities box by the front door. an attractive combination of leaf shapes, and
This plant will grow happily in a pot, and once they’re delicious in salads and sauces, so I keep
the pretty white flowers have gone, it forms a mine in easy reach by the back door. I would
green ‘living screen’ all year-round. never be without chives, as I like to snip these
Evergreen box balls are the ideal plant over a fresh tomato salad and they must be
for lining a pathway. They don’t need much one of the simplest herbs to grow. When they
looking after, just a trim with some secateurs to go to seed, you get pretty little purple pom
pom flowers, which attract bees.

“I always want my garden to be the
peaceful place where I go to wind down”.

FEATURE; FIONA CUMBERPATCH keep the circular shape, and I give them plenty My plan to keep clutter to a minimum Home-made tra
PHOTOS: FIONA CUMBERPATCH, SHUTTERSTOCK of water when it’s hot. A big basket of flowers continues. I made some simple wooden
hung on the wall by the door is the finishing storage trays for my pots and plant labels. 9 MODERN GAR
touch. For the moment, my mauve violas are The plain boxes came from a car boot sale. I
still looking healthy, but they will be replaced painted them with some spare shed paint in
with some trailing pink or white pelargoniums willow green, then added a strip of blackboard
as soon as they start to fade. I like the way paint at one end. With a stick of chalk, I can
they look against the mellow old bricks of our keep everything labelled up. Less mess means
terraced house. less stress, and I always want my garden to be
the peaceful place where I go to wind down.
Morrisons supermarket has an amazing
selection of planters this season, including Fiona
a soft-grey wicker basket wall container and
some vintage-style zinc tubs, which I picked up Instagram @fionacumberpatch
with my grocery shop.
blog www.fionacumberpatch.com
I love simple hook-over pots to hang on my
back fence. This year, they are planted with

25

Try uber-s rt Perfect
for a small
slatted
fenci g space

Give garden boundaries a revamp with
SLEEK AND CHIC linear panels

FEATURE: JILL MORGAN Join the fence revolution, and make sure they make an attractive backdrop to any style
your panels are as stylish as the rest of garden while still providing plenty of privacy.
your outdoor space. Today’s hottest
gardens are ringed with practically As well as creating runs of full height fencing,
sturdy but beautifully smooth-finished fences these panels are truly adaptable. Use them as
constructed from linear timber battens. Built screens to divide off areas of the garden or a
as a double skinned construction, with battens patio where you need extra shade or privacy, or
fixed alternately onto either sides of central add half-height units to extend the height of a
timber uprights, the effect is striking, uniform
and modern. garden wall. The contrast between brickwork ➣

Known as Hit and Miss and Venetian-style TAILOR-MADE STYLE
fence panels, the overall look is much lighter Get creative and build
and airier than traditional Larchlap or your own style fencing
interwoven-style fencing, thanks to the glimpses in an instant with this
of light that filter through due to the way the modular Blooma Neva
panels are constructed. Often pre-finished in system. Fence Slats
light and neutral paint shades or close grained, £28/3. Decorative panels
dense timber that silvers with age beautifully, from £90, all diy.com

QUICK
&

EASY

SCREEN OFF AN AREA
Cosy up a seating area and make it private
by adding a stylish screen. Simple and quick
to install, slatted panels work beautifully
as partitions, filtering strong sunlight and
adding protection without totally blocking a
view. From £170, screenwithenvy.co.uk

26 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

EASY IDEAS

GOOD
IDEA

TRY TWO-TONE
COLOUR Create a look
that’s inviting and packed
with interest. A simple
bench, constructed from
timber battens, fits neatly
up against slat-style
fencing and sits on top
of a raw timber deck. Top
the bench with a comfy
seat pad and plenty of
tactile scatter cushions
for a cosy spot to enjoy
solo or with friends.

How to install
a slatted fence

Erecting a wooden fence is a simple
task that needs few tools, and most
projects can be completed within a day.

YOU WILL NEED

✽ Tape measure

✽ String

✽ Bamboo canes – 1 for each post

✽ Spade

✽ Grey Concrete Fence Post H2.36m
x 85mm, £165/5 diy.com

✽ 1.8m Contemporary Wood Double
Slatted Fence Panel W1.83m x H1.8m,
£372/4 diy.com

✽ Spirit level

✽ Ready to use Postcrete – 1 bag per
post, £4.75 wickes.co.uk

WHAT TO DO
1 Measure where you want your fence
to go and mark with a length of string,
pulled taut. Ensure the area is free of
plants and debris. Mark the position of
each fence post, pushing a bamboo cane
into the ground for each.
2 Dig a hole 50cm deep for each post.
Place a fence post into the first hole. Slide
a panel into the grooved post so it sits
snugly up against it. Check with a spirit
level that both are vertical. Add Postcrete
to the hole around the post following the
manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to set.
Repeat for the other posts and panels.

TWwIPhiittTheerDaamawisCtyiumapnbredinrSofoleraGgaarnardsesea,nr£tSh1hy6a/l2doo.e5ksLin,

TnIPatLumertautllhltyie-fttooirmnaablesreufbwfetceletatyheetr

MAKE FENCING A FEATURE
A screen made from a few slatted
panels can make a big statement in
any garden or patio. Use it alongside
traditional trellis, brickwork and
solid fencing for a striking contrast
and to give a socialising area its own
personality. Venetian Fence Panel,
from £53.22 jacksons-fencing.co.uk

and slatted panels is highly effective without DESIGNED BY GEORGIA LINDSAY
appearing top-heavy.
IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES With its prominent horizontal lines, this style of fencing
Another benefit is the increased ventilation can visually ‘stretch’ your outdoor space. Accentuate the effect by adding floating bench
that these fences offer. The gaps between style seating. Made from square timber battens and fitted to make good use of a wasted
the battens enable air to freely flow through corner, the finished look is perfect for family get-togethers or cosy evenings with friends.
making them ideal for exposed, windy sites and
less prone to being blown down in high winds.
You can appreciate this fact by the way tall
plants growing next to the fence move in the
breeze. Tall, elegant grasses and clump-forming
bamboos planted here will rustle, sway and
mesmerise with their movement.

Increased ventilation can also have a positive
impact on the health of your plants too, as
damaging spores and resulting diseases have
nowhere to linger. Take advantage of this by
using them around dark, shady areas where
many plants are unable to thrive.

28 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

EASY IDEAS

CLEVER PHOTO: GEORGIA LINDSAY GO FOR UPRIGHTS
COMBINATIONS PHOTO: SOUTH HAMS FENCING AND LANDSCAPING Add a sense of height
and drama to your patio
with vertical slatted fence
panels. Drawing the eye
upwards, they create the
illusion of taller walls and
greater headroom, giving
the feel of an intimate
and cosy space. Aim for
a seamless look by fixing
sections to a row of sturdy
posts behind.

A CORAL PANEL adds a

colourf focal point among

CONTROL YOUR the p colourway.
PRIVACY
Make your patio your DISGUISE STORAGE Maintenance
sanctuary by keeping AREAS Creating a smart and
nosey neighbours co-ordinated garden is the Thanks to their sturdy construction, these fence
at bay. This timber shared aim of many home panels need very little upkeep. We spoke to top
panel has tilting slats owners. Chic slatted fencing fencing experts to find out key dos and don’ts.
than can be angled here hides less-than-lovely
to let through light sheds and bins. Paint in a ✽ “The quickest way to clean in and around the
or keep out prying single neutral shade for a sleek cladding is to use a leaf blower, which is essentially
eyes. Fit within a run yet soothing look. a reversed hoover,” says Wayne Cocker, director at
of similar style fence South Hams Fencing & Landscaping. “This will blow
panels or as a pair out any cobwebs or unwanted debris build-up. If you
positioned at right don’t have access to one, the alternative would be
angles for a corner a brush and maybe a high-power hose down, which
screen. Adjustable will usually remove the build-up.”
Screen, from £116 ✽ “Jet washing can be too harsh for timber and
grangefencing.co.uk strips away the surface cells,” warns Darren
Staveley, deputy retail sales manager for
That’s Jacksons Fencing, “so use a pressure washer,
clever! such as a Karcher, lightly.”
✽ “Exterior wood brushes are designed to apply
GO FOR CONTRASTING products that are slightly more liquid evenly across
TEXTURES Team the beauty surfaces that are less smooth than plaster,” explains
of smooth, silvered timber Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Cuprinol.
with delicate grasses for a “To speed up the process of painting any slatted
magical combination. Double fence, use a combination of a small, deep-pile fleece
Slatted Fence Panel, 1.8 x 1.8m, roller for the flat surfaces and a 2-inch paintbrush for
£99.99 forestgarden.co.uk the fiddly bits such as the underside of the slats. If
you have lots of fencing, consider a Cuprinol Spray
and Brush unit, which will get the job done in a
fraction of the time.”

4

THE FRAGRANT
WHITE FLOWERS
of climber star jasmine
will pop against the grey
fence in summer, while the
glossy, evergreen foliage
adds year-round interest.

3

LARGE PLANTED BEDS
are surrounded by box
hedging and filled with yellow
achillea and the orange russet
tones of heleniums.

READER

Makeover

ARTIFICIAL GRASS 2
divides the zones and
keeps the space
low-maintenance.

F E ATU R E: G A P. P HOTOS : G A P/ PAU L D E BO I S, pot
NICK GOUGH, DOUGLAS VIEIRA sion”

A series of linked spaces gives CLAIRE AND SEAN
MCHUGH four different rooms for relaxing and entertaining

30 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

1 READER GARDEN

THE ANGULAR SHAPE OUR GARDEN
of this Toby Steamer Chair PL AN
creates a stylish place to
relax. No padding required! LOCATION
£480 tobychairs.com. Victorian semi-detached in Ealing,
Floating head cushion, £25.
West London.

THE LOOK
Modern with a classic touch.

SITE & SOIL
Size 5.8 x 28m
Faces South
Soil London Clay

OUR BUDGET
Clearance & preparation £1,500

Paving £5,800
Lawns £2,500
Furniture £1,300
Planting £7,000
TOTAL: £18,100

HOW LONG IT TOOK
Clearance & preparation 3 days

Planting 5 days
Paving 3 days
Lawns 1 day
TOTAL: 12 days

THAT’S CLEVER CLAIRE AND SEAN
spend as much time as they
A time-saving automatic can in their new garden.
watering system is hidden
under a layer of mulch in

each of the beds

As with most Victorian townhouses, Claire and Sean wanted a garden where they
Claire and Sean McHugh’s semi could eat, relax and entertain friends but with an
came with a long, thin garden at the odd shape to work with, they didn’t know where
back and a narrow return down one to start. Inspiration came from a garden down
side. To make the most of all the available space, the road that had been given a makeover.
the couple decided on a wrap-around extension,
building over the side return and across the back MODERN THEME
of the house to create a sleek new kitchen-diner.
“The new extension worked well,” says Claire, “The owners had used a company called The
“but unfortunately during the building work the Distinctive Gardener (thedistinctivegardener.
garden got wrecked! We hadn’t used it that com) and we really liked what they had done so
much beforehand anyway, and it seemed we contacted them with an outline of what we
sensible to put off doing anything major until wanted,” says Claire. “They came back to us with
the house was sorted out. But with that done, a design that divided up the garden, with each
we definitely had to act.” space visible from the next. It made the whole

thing look much wider and less like a corridor.” ➣

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 31

STRIKING TAUPE
planters are filled with
golden bamboo, set off
beautifully by the dark
grey fencing behind.

“The new scheme created a series of distinct THE MAIN PATIO
areas in the garden, each with its own area feels like an extension
atmosphere and outlook, but brought together to the kitchen-diner
by unifying themes of planting and structure,” thanks to the use of a
explains Nick Gough who designed the garden similar shade of light
alongside colleague Douglas Vieira. “Claire and porcelain paving creating
Sean get a different experience in each of the a seamless transition.
sections and can decide where they want to sit
to best enjoy their day. To make the garden gel, “The view from the kitchen is
though, the different zones have repeated amazing all year-round”
elements within them, giving an overarching
theme that’s modern with a classic touch. It was leaves of ornamental rhubarbs add drama, and an invisible backdrop for the planting when seen
particularly important to integrate the garden mature cornus shrubs give constant interest, from the kitchen-diner. “A lot of planning has
with the new extension, carrying the straight with attractive variegated leaves in summer and gone into this garden,” says Nick. “In summer, at
lines and modern feel outside.” vibrant red stems in winter. There are also three least one of the areas is always in the sun and
large yew balls for year-round shape and colour. one in the shade, so Claire and Sean can sit
WOODLAND GETAWAY This whole area is a riot of foliage and texture. It where they feel most comfortable. There’s
looks stunning at night when the fire bowl is lit, year-round interest and colour, with tulips and
The kitchen now seamlessly opens out onto a casting shadows all around.” alliums in spring, and purple salvias and rusty
patio of porcelain paving, closely matched to orange heleniums in summer.”
the interior flooring so that house and garden FAVOURITE SPOT
appear to merge. Claire and Sean use all the different spaces
The woodland bed leads, via a line of stepping but their favourite spot is the wooded area
Beyond the patio, a path leads through an stones, to the final ‘room’ of the garden. With its where the fire bowl is. “It’s lovely sitting there at
artificial lawn to the second area, where loungers table, chairs, barbecue and large summer house, night playing music with the surrounding trees lit
offer an ideal place to sit and read or enjoy a it’s the perfect place to entertain friends. The up,” says Claire. “We barely used the garden
drink. “For continuity, the paving here is the summerhouse has been painted black to form before but now we’re outside all the time!”
same as on the patio,” explains Nick, “and the
planting is contained within beds of box
hedging to mimic the lines of the kitchen. This
gives a formal feel, toned down by the vibrant
flowers and ornamental grasses that spill over
and above the hedges.”

The path continues across the lawn to a third
seating area, this time with gravel flooring,
where a Corten steel fire bowl creates a
wonderful focal point. This space has a much
more casual feel and is surrounded by
woodland-style planting that lets Claire and
Sean feel they have escaped into the
countryside. “The huge walnut tree gives a
lovely canopy that encloses the space, and we
decided to enhance the woodland feel by
planting acers, ferns, foxgloves and
shade-tolerant geraniums,” says Nick. “The huge

32 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

READER GARDEN

A CORTEN STEEL
fire bowl is the focal
point in the wooded area.

HELENIUM REMOTE CONTROLLED
‘Moerheim Beauty’ fills lighting allows a single area to be
the beds with orange illuminated, or the whole garden
daisy-like flowers from to be brought to life for a party.
June to August.
PAINTED BLACK,
COME OUTSIDE the summerhouse, which
runs the entire width of
A secluded gravel area is the garden, forms an
perfect for morning coffee as almost invisible backdrop
to the woodland planting.
well as evening parties
JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 33

A style guide to the outside

Industry expert and founder of Out and Out Original, Daniel Fairburn,
brings you this season’s best deals on designer furniture.

Visit www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 for
more exciting deals and discounts.

Havana - Patio Dining Set SAVE
£200
Make the most of your garden this year with the
beautiful 8-seater Havana Garden Set. Comprising 8
stackable armchairs and matching 200 cm rectangular
dining table, the Havana is made almost entirely from
aluminium so is lightweight and easy to move – yet
incredibly strong. It is also maintenance free. With
fabric seat and back rest, the chairs are extremely
comfortable. Normally £699, the Havana is now

available at an incredible £499. To receive your

£200 discount quote MG29MAYA at checkout.

SAVE Madrid - Rattan Dining Set
£400
This fabulous outdoor dining set is ideal for entertaining
and seats 8 in comfort. The large 2 metre aluminium
dining table features a grey polywood table top and,
with poly-rattan chairs, this designer set is maintenance
free. Perfect for outdoor living and a great way to
spend more time in your garden this year. Normally
£999, the Havana is now available at an incredible

£599. To receive your £400 discount quote

MG29MAYB at checkout.

Panama - Twin Sun Lounger Set with Ice Box SAVE
£250
Chill in your garden with this set of 2 Panama Sun Loungers
with matching ice box. Also included are seat cushions
for added comfort plus 4 different reclining positions to
create that holiday atmosphere in your own garden. Made
from all-weather resin construction this qualifies for outdoor
use all year round. For added convenience they can be
neatly folded away when they are not in use. Also this
twin Sun Lounger set comes with a 1 year constructional
warranty. Was £499, it’s now just £249 for readers when
you quote your £250 discount code MG29MAYC.

To receive your seasonal discount on any of these products quote discount code at
checkout at www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752 before 26.06.2019.

EASY EASY IDEAS
MAKEOVER
DRINK, ANYONE?
This elegant little table and chair
set is a quick and cheap way to add
a dash of orange. Helsinki Orange
2 Seat Bistro Set, £39 dunelm.com

POT UP PRETTY
ECHINACEA
For an instant colour
hit, fill a few orange
pots with daisy-like
echinacea. For a similar
pot, try Fiori Porto
orange planter, from
£24 getpotted.com

FEATURE: JULES BARTON-BRECK PHOTOS: GAP,Update with
FLORA PRESS, THE JOY OF PLANTS
ORANGE
It’s the PERFECT ON-TREND
colour to bring your garden to life
this summer

➣J U N E 2 0 1 9 M O D E R N G A R D E N S 3 5

GO FOR A BRIGHT TOUCH
Highlight raised beds with a
lick of paint for a fast, modern
update. Try Colours Apricot Matt
Woodstain, £7/0.75L diy.com

Yes, it’s definitely a bold colour to will also contrast beautifully against foliage
go for, but it’s one that will instantly and black, grey or white structures.
add a stylish and dramatic touch to
any modern garden and it’s bang The colour orange is a blend of yellow and
on-trend this year. red, with pure orange being an equal mix
of the two. However, there are hundreds of
Claire and Sean McHugh used it in their different tones of orange ranging from peach
garden (see page 30) by planting drifts and coral through to terracotta and tangerine.
of bright orange echinacea plants to add
repeated pops of colour among lots of dark Dependent on which tone you prefer and
green foliage. your personal style, with clever use of paint,
plants and the latest accessories, you can
A few splashes of orange will create a ‘look create different looks in your garden such as
at me’ effect when it’s hot and sunny and vibrant and quirky, happy and celebratory or
bring a touch of warmth on a gloomy day. It calm and reflective.

RATTAN VIBE CHIC LIGHT
The RORI chair is a robust and Edison The Petit Table
easy stackable chair. The simple Lamp with Mr Orange
design will complement any Lampshade Cover,
setting. £29.95 homebase.co.uk H25 x Dia16cm,
£77.95 worm.co.uk

3

MODERN
GARDEN
UST-HAVE

METAL PLANTERS
Mimi Set of 2 Metal
Planters. Large, L48 x H19
x D15cm. Small, L44 x H16
x D13cm. £40 habitat.co.uk

PUNCHY EASY IDEAS
COLOURS
Plants that pop

BEGONIA Super-size blooms flower
until October. ‘NonStop Orange’, H20
x S20cm. £6.99/3 plants jparkers.co.uk

GAZANIA ‘New Day Bronze Shades’,
flowers until October, H20 x S20cm.
£5.95/5 seedlings sarahraven.com

Pheasant’s tail grass MARIGOLD Sun-loving ‘French Fancy’
flowers until the first frosts, H25 x S25cm.
£19.99/60 plug plants crocus.co.uk

ADD IMPACT WITH AN OUTDOOR RUG NEMESIA ‘Sunsatia Plus Little Orange’
Turn a plain area into an eye-catching focal flowers until October, H30 x S20cm.
point with a zingy orange outdoor rug. Leave it £8.50/5 rooted cuttings sarahraven.com
outside in the summer and just spot or jet-wash
to keep it clean. For a similar rug, and cushions, JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 37
try wayfair.co.uk £89.99.

Selina’s garden

YLE

TERRACOTTA

Stylist & book author SELINA LAKE shares her
on-trend styling ideas & glorious garden buys

Five years ago, when my husband Dave Drip glazed
and I moved into our house, we
inherited a tired looking living room. These wonderfully rustic
The previous owner had painted all the terracotta tumblers with
walls terracotta back in the 1990s and it was in their drip glaze against a
desperate need of a makeover. I couldn’t paint matte finish can be
over the chipped terracotta walls quick handily stored in the
enough, replacing them with a crisp, brilliant fridge to keep drinks
white backdrop, perfect for my styling touches. cool for longer. They’re
Fast-forward to now, and terracotta is once not just beautiful to look
again cutting it on the trend reports. As at and drink from,
opposed to the ‘90s terracotta trend, which they’re charming to hold
was all about recreating a Mediterranean feel, too. The irregular
now the look is inspired by a mix of retro looks dimples in their sides are
from the ‘60s and ‘70s combined with rammed made for fingers to grip.
earth tones via Morocco, sprinkled with new £20/set of two
design ideas from California that mix leafy rowenandwren.co.uk
plants with rattan furniture.
I’m not planning to repaint the living room Artisan vase Trnenodwing
just yet, but I have been inspired to add a few
terracotta tones to our garden. Instead of Carefully crafted from unglazed terracotta Terracotta is taking over this
using newly made terracotta, which can be a in a simple bottle shape, this gorgeous season with its rich, earthy natural
little too orange, I like fired clay pots, which handmade vase will add an artisan accent tones that are easy to incorporate
have faded over time. Perhaps inspired by the to your garden. Display on your garden
Pantone colour of the year, living coral, and table with a single stem of cut foliage. into our gardens. It blends well
loose cousin to terracotta, I am blending £40 coxandcox.co.uk with blousy pink blooms such
plaster pinks, blush, rusts and peachy pinks
to keep the look pretty and stylish. So how as rhododendrons and
do you bring the look to your outside hydrangeas.
space? For a quick fix, paint a fence or shed
in Burnt Orange 80 or Plaster Pink 200
exterior paints (mandlpaints.com). Or, a
simple trip to a junk shop could yield some
old terracotta pots to plant up with herbs and
add to a sunny spot in your garden.
Selina

38 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

Lovely linens EASY IDEAS

This subtle Plaster Pink Linen Tablecloth Instagram
adds an elegant feel to the garden while @selinalake
remaining an easy colour to use when the
weather’s nice. The natural creases in this
material give it a relaxed feel. Team with pops
of terracotta and pink flowers to get this look.
£82/L200 x W140cm rowenandwren.co.uk

PHOTO: SUSSIE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

DIY display PHOTO: JULIA CURRIE Colour inspiration

Add some terracotta hues by painting a wall, The Sarah Price M&G
fence or gate in your garden using M&L Lulu garden at RHS Chelsea
94 exterior paint (from £30/L mandlpaints. Flower Show 2018 illustrates
com) and then gather up a collection of old perfectly the mix of colours
pots to display in front of the new backdrop. that blend well with earthy
Fill them with plants that will do well in the terracottas. Take a look at
fired clay material such as Mediterranean the designer’s website for
herbs and succulents. more inspiration.
sarahpricelandscapes.com

✽ NEXT MONTH:
URBAN LUXE

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 39

READER AFTER

makeover

“We’ve STAR JASMINE 1
made small, is trained up and
beautiful” across the slatted
feature panel
opposite the house
to soften the look.

ALEX AND EVA HUNT’S garden THAT’S CLEVER!
is packed with easy, stylish ideas
A circular lawn draws
the eye to the centre of
the garden and makes it
feel larger than it is

3A MIXTURE OF

grasses and
flowering perennials
fills the beds.

FEATURE & PHOTOS: GAP A MULTITASKING
free-standing parasol
offers shade and acts as a
screen from neighbours.

40 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

READER GARDEN

SUMMER-FLOWERING
Verbena bonariensis
produces a haze of purple
flowers at shoulder height
so is perfect for the back of
a flower bed. Height 1.8m
x 30cm. £9.95/3 x 9cm
plants sarahraven.com

OUR GARDEN
PL AN

LOCATION
Chelmsford, Essex.

THE LOOK
Private suburban outdoor living space.

SITE & SOIL
Garden dimensions: 12.8 x 4.2m

Faces South Soil Clay

A CURVED DESIGN 2 OUR BUDGET
separates the patio Clearance, excavations & irrigation
into entertaining and
relaxing areas. £1,000
Paving £7,000

Turf £650
Plants £3,000
Water feature £900
Slatted panels £1,000
Lighting £1,500
Corten steel edging £2,700
TOTAL: £17,750

HOW LONG IT TOOK
Clearance, excavations & drainage

1 week
Fencing, paving & electrics 1 week

Turf 1/2 day
Planting 1 day
Water feature installation 1 day
TOTAL: 21/2 weeks

THE STRAPPY, INKY ➣
purple, grass-like leaves of
black mondo grass contrast BEFORE
brilliantly with lush greenery.
Bell-shaped, pale mauve
flowers appear June-August.
£6.99/9cm pot crocus.co.uk

TIP Lay natural sandstone paving THE GARDEN
for a clean, modern look was a blank canvas.

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 41

Eva iHnujunst tgootvehrertwdorewameekgsarden EYE-CATCHING
ASTRANTIA
When Alex and Eva Hunt moved blooms from June
into their new build house in 2017, to August. It loves a
they acquired a completely blank sunny spot. Height
canvas of a garden, which is a 90cm Spread 30cm.
daunting prospect, especially if you haven’t £7.99/9cm pot
gardened much before. “It consisted of a bit of waitrosegarden.com
grass with a high fence like a prison yard,” says
Alex. “It didn’t feel welcoming at all and established raised flower beds, improving the
although we used it in the summer, we didn’t existing thick, clay soil with composted green
particularly want to invite people round.” waste. To add a modern touch, on-trend Corten
steel was used to edge the borders. But the
In addition to this, there were drainage issues waterlogged lawn wasn’t the only big challenge,
and the lawn got heavily waterlogged. “We making a small space feel larger was the next.
couldn’t use the garden for days, or sometimes “We achieved this by creating a curved patio
even weeks after it rained,” Alex adds. and lawn, which accentuate the feeling of
space,” says Sean.
THE BIG IDEA
Privacy was also a matter of concern to
The couple, who were expecting a baby, Alex and Eva, as they are overlooked from all
decided to get some professional help. sides, but they didn’t want to make the existing
They approached Sean Butler of Cube 1994 fencing even higher. “Sean was really adaptable
(cube1994.com) in early spring of 2018. “Sean to our budget,” says Alex. “Instead of blowing it
stood out as he really seemed to understand on pleached trees to create a natural screen, he
what we were looking for, and our budget. He suggested that a few strategically placed trees
offered both a creative and pragmatic attitude and shrubs would soften the fence line.”
to the design, and his background in civil
engineering was particularly useful for dealing The couple wanted a slatted screen for
with the drainage problem,” says Alex. fencing, but kept the costs down by adding
it sporadically around the garden rather than
Sean and his team started work in the replacing the whole fence. “It stands out in areas
spring of 2018. Their brief was to create a where we want to see it, like around the patio
useable space, suitable for both a young and towards the back of the garden, where it
child and entertaining, with low-maintenance also acts as a plant support,” says Alex. “The
planting. The first job was to create a land planting in the flower beds helps to disguise the
drain, a network of underground trenches with original fence, which is still there.”
perforated piping, leading excess water away
to an existing drain. With that done and the
problem of the waterlogged lawn tackled, they

“The tree ferns give us the best
view from the dining area”

42 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

READER GARDEN

THAT’S CLEVER SLATTED FENCE PANELS
are used as feature walls to stop
Mexican feather grass adds the garden feeling too enclosed.
texture, colour and movement

to the borders

NEATLY SHAPED BRIGHT IDEA...
lavender adds fragrant
colour to the beds beneath A bespoke water rill
the tree ferns. Trim after built into the fencing
flowering. £3/1L plant creates an ambient sound
homebase.co.uk
▲
TREE FERNS ARE DOTTED
around the garden for subtle shade ➣
from the surrounding houses.

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 43

READER GARDEN

A FULLY ADJUSTABLE
sun lounger that allows the
backrest and centre part to
be raised is a must-have!
Try Wheels Sun Lounger,
£142.99 wayfair.co.uk

THE DINING TABLE
has a built-in fire
feature, so there’s
no need to take up
space with a separate
heater. For similar, try
modafurnishings.co.uk
£2,595.

“The dining and patio area is
the perfect entertaining space”

The overall effect distracts from the housing around the modern gas firepit table. “We love to
around them while a small, child-friendly water entertain and this table is perfect for that,” says
feature creates a pleasant sound to help mask Alex. “It helps to extend a day spent outside,
any surrounding noise. especially in the summer when the evenings,
although lighter, are often a bit chillier. It feels
Sean’s team planted for year-round interest, like you are sitting around a campfire.”
with a mixture of evergreen trees, flowering
perennials and grasses. Three handsome tree ▲ A POR ABL
ferns give height and structure, with black kettle barbecue is
mondo grass and ferns thriving in shadier spots, an ideal choice for a
hardly needing any attention. Meanwhile, small outdoor space.
lavenders and verbena flower for a long time For similar, try Weber
and do well in borders that get full afternoon Master-Touch, £279
sun. A climbing jasmine softens the back panel johnlewis.com
and offers a beautiful perfume when in flower.
THE FREE-STANDING
A WELCOME SIGHT swing chair can easily
be moved to enjoy sun
The patio offers a great view of the rest of the or shade. For similar,
garden, and Alex admits that they probably use try Charles Bentley
the dining area all the more for the view they Swing Chair, £219.99
have of the planting. buydirect4u.co.uk

Although neither of them wanted to spend
much time tending to the plants in the garden,
to their surprise, they have really enjoyed doing
so. “I even mulched and protected the tree
ferns for the winter,” says Alex. “They were an
investment and they’re also my babies so I want
to look after them!”

Their favourite part of the garden is the
dining and patio area where they like to sit

44 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Enjoy laid-back

GARDENING

Spend MORE TIME RELAXING with Fiskars’ new range
of smart tools that promote 0% stress, 100% happiness

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with durable soft grip and non-slip with sharpened edges and long
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Tending to your garden offers the unhappy with the Fiskars product, the tools a NEW TOOLS,
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is it a way of improving your physical NEW 2019 RANGES and Weed Puller, will help
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recent research from Fiskars, 90% of us believe trouble-free with its range of technologically and enjoyable.
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and Xact™ collections for 2019. The
With gardening now being offered as part of ergonomically designed tools in the Light
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THAT’S CLEVER SMALL
ARDENS
This table centre
easily converts from BIG
firepit to ice bucket IDEAS

AL FRESCO FOCAL POINT
Combine outdoor dining and cooking
with this tiled square table with firepit/
ice bucket, two low-level armchairs and a
sofa with seat and back cushions. Amelia
Fire Pit Lounge Set, £1,849 dobbies.com

FEATURE: KATE SLEEMAN ON TH ersatile, multi-purpose furniture has
TABLE been in our homes for some time and
is now moving into the garden with
Get your outdoor furniture working a range of all-singing, all-dancing
harder for you with MULTI-PURPOSE garden tables that do a lot more than you’d
first think. These tables transform their use or
tables full of clever tricks reconfigure in a different way to offer another
role. They are ideal if you don’t have much
room and can also save you money as you are
only buying one item rather than the different
elements separately.
Multifunctional tables generally have a
sociable element. For instance, a table with a
built-in ice bucket means no rushing back and
forth to the fridge on hot summer days.
These tables are available in a choice of
shapes and sizes, from small, bistro tables
for two, up to rectangular or circular dining
tables seating eight. Prices range from £148.50

46 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

DRINKS AND DINNER EASY IDEAS
Be the hostess with the mostess
with this all-in-one hand-woven bar Some of these tables come with a cover for
and dining set with powder-coated the ice bucket when it’s not in use so you can
frame and toughened glass table still use this part of the table. A lazy Susan is
top. Mali Grey Rattan Bar and also often included and this can act as the lid/
Dining Set, £449 homebase.co.uk cover for the ice bucket when not in use, like in
the Canoga Park 6 Seat Round Garden Dining
Set with Ice Bucket and Lazy Susan (£1,095
barkerandstonehouse.co.uk).

Maintenance for a garden table with an ice
bucket will depend on the material. Most of
these tables will benefit from a warm soapy
water wash and rinse from time-to-time and
the ice bucket should be given a good clean to
freshen it up before each use.

GAME CHANGER

A dining table, which converts to a games table,

takes you effortlessly from eating to competing.

You can choose from models that feature a

pool table or table tennis combined. Check

the size of the games table suits you, as it

will often not be the full-size table

you may be used to playing on, and

for the two-seater Hartman Amalfi ensure the quality matches your ➣
Bistro Table with Ice Bucket from
garden4less.co.uk to £1,149 for the FABULOUS
Venice Corner Sofa Dining Set with Ice FEASTS
Bucket in Brown from primrose.co.uk. Try this table and
chair set with
Most of these tables are rattan-effect, two inset grills.
which needs very little maintenance, but Jamie Oliver
there are also cast aluminium options, Feastable, £1,499
which don’t rust, and timeless, natural gardenfurniture
wood tables available to choose from. world.co.uk

Once you have decided what shape and
size you would prefer, check the size of the ice
bucket. Can you can easily fit a full-size wine or
champagne bottle in? What else will it hold? Is
there room for a six-pack of beers?

Check how you drain the melted ice away
once finished – is it quick and easy to do this?
Most include an ice bucket you can simply
remove, empty and refill while some have a cork
at the bottom, which allows the water to drain at
the end of the evening.

RELAX AND CHILL 3-in-1 garden luxury
Gather round this 6-seater dining set, which
includes an integrated ice bucket and lazy If you want a truly hard-working piece of furniture, then a daybed, height
Susan. Maze Rattan Oxford Round Ice adjustable dining table and coffee table all-in-one combination is hard to
Bucket Dining Set, £1,199 cuckooland.com beat. This kind of set really demonstrates what multi-purpose furniture can do.

You can go from full height dining with guests to reducing the table lower
down for drinks, and then simply by putting a cushion over the table and
pushing the bench seating in, you can create a luxurious daybed.

The modular components are easily arranged together to create the
daybed or half-moon sofa. It also features a central footstool with a
cushion that can be removed to reveal a rising table. The table has a simple
mechanism that can raise or lower it to a set height. In the daybed set up,
the diameter is 260cm, so ensure you have the space available to pull it
out into a dining table layout with the benches surrounding. It’s made from
polyrattan with a powder-coated aluminium frame and a table choice of either
toughened glass or polywood, which is created from recycled plastic bottles.
Maze Rattan Oxford Chelsea Lifestyle Suite, £1,499 internetgardener.co.uk

JUNE 2019 MODERN GARDENS 47

EASY IDEAS GOOD IDEA

The Ascot dining set has
integral storage to keep the

gas bottle out of sight

Light up the night Bargain
buy
If your evenings outdoors get cut short when The 8-seat Rectangle Charcoal Fire Pit
the sun has gone down and it starts to feel Dining Table (£2,175 modafurnishings.co.uk) SOLAR STYLE
chilly, then a firepit table could be for you. has two charcoal firepits set into a rattan This brushed metal table has a built-in
Choose from gas or charcoal options and dining table and can be used with the ember solar light that casts a beautiful pattern
look out for a heat-resistant table top, a sturdy guard as firepits or for barbecue cooking. at night. Solar llumina Silhouette Table,
construction and powder-coated aluminium £24.99 studio.co.uk
frames, which are rust-resistant. Or what about a table with integrated
solar lighting that charges while it’s in direct expectations. Is this a bit of fun for the garden
With the Ascot Square Casual Dining Set sunlight? It will then illuminate your table or do you want the ultimate playing surface for
(pictured above) with firepit and two dining automatically after dark to brighten up your money? The Fusion Outdoor Slate Bed
benches (£2,858 bramblecrest.com), you your garden. Make sure your garden offers Pool Dining Table (£1,499 libertygames.co.uk)
simply remove the ceramic insert, add the plenty of sun and you can position it in direct offers a stylish, modern design, quality pool
glass fire shield and light the gas. It is a safe sunlight permanently. These types of tables playing surface and a variety of cloth colours to
and easy choice and you are able to enjoy the generally offer a soft glow not a bright light. choose from. When not in use, it can convert to
fire’s effects in an instant and control the heat. Choose from the Dakota Bistro Set with LED a dining table with a two-piece glass dining top,
Integral gas bottle storage is usually provided Table (£99.99 therange.co.uk) that creates a which adds plenty of modern cool.
under this type of table, with a 5kg gas bottle soft, gentle ambience and the Solar llumina
lasting approximately 20-30 hours. Silhouette Table (above, right). The Outdoor Games Diner Table
(£4,999.99, gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk) is
COMPETING AND EATING Blow a cleverly designed piece of garden furniture
The Outdoor Games Diner Table the that conceals the table tennis surface on the
is a pool table, table tennis table budget reverse side of the dining table so you just
and dining table all-in-one. Benches turn it over and attach the net to play. When
and accessories for pool and table playing pool, the dining table top, which comes
tennis are included as well as a in two pieces, can be stored under the table on
weatherproof cover. £4,999.99 a purpose-built frame so it doesn’t take up too
gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk much space. This isn’t a cheap option though
and is definitely an investment piece.

At 2m long, you need to allow 2m behind
each end and 1m at each side to ensure
you have enough space to play both games
comfortably. The dining table top is made from
a composite laminate, which has been tested
to withstand extremes of outdoor temperature,
and it comes with a weatherproof cover.

48 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019

Perfect Moments
in the Garden

Juliana Premium The Juliana Premium has become a classic
of Juliana’s product range and one of our
Juliana City Greenhouse bestselling models. Such a large number of
satisfied greenhouse owners just can’t be
For a FREE brochure call 01242 662926 wrong.
or email [email protected]
Juliana Greenhouse Centre The Juliana Premium is a greenhouse
brimming with potential. Here, tomato &
2.4 Barnwood Point, Gloucester, GL4 3HX cucumber plants can grow a little taller and the
vines can creep a little further.

The sturdy profile structure provides a stable,
lovely greenhouse with plenty of space for
realising your personal gardening dreams.

Four sturdy wheels allow you to move the City
Greenhouse to the sunny spot on your balcony
or terrace and take it with you if you move
home.

Two removable plant shelves allow you to take
herbs straight to the kitchen or dining table.

For more information please visit
www.greenhouses.com

Recreate 1

THE LOOK

USE AN ESPALIER on a wall or
fence that doesn’t need regular
painting as it will be tricky to
repaint once the plant is growing.

3
4

Easy

ESPALIER

It may look complicated but using an espaliered plant to cover
a bare fence is simply A MATTER OF TRAINING!

F E ATU R E: LO U IS E C U RL E Y PH OTOS : G A P, lex and Eva Hunt brought a boring more flowers. It will benefit from being planted is easy to give new plants too much water,
SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY fence in their garden to life (p42) by against a south or west-facing fence or wall for however. They will be stronger if they have to
using an espaliered star jasmine to added warmth and shelter. send their roots down in search of water so if it
smother it with evergreen foliage and has been raining and the ground is wet don’t
fabulously fragrant summer flowers. An espalier To cover the bare soil at its base, add in plants give them any extra. In following years, they
is a plant that has been pruned and trained to such as evergreen box balls, which will provide should only need watering during dry spells.
grow against a wall or fence in a series of year-round interest, astrantia, with its starry,
horizontal rows. It’s a great space-saving white summer blooms, and feather grass, which Apply a 5cm layer of compost over the
technique that can be used to control the height sends out plumes of frothy, green foliage in surface of the soil in April/May, leaving a gap
and spread of plants, such as woody climbers summer that fades to buff colour in autumn. around the plants so that the compost doesn’t
like the star jasmine, which can grow up to 9m cause them to rot. Applying the compost to
and become too large in a small garden. An KEEP IT LOOKING GOOD damp soil will help it retain moisture over
added bonus is that by encouraging the stems summer and to supress weeds.
to grow horizontally, the plant naturally produces Give each of the plants a full can of water every
week during summer. During prolonged hot, dry To encourage the jasmine to create an
spells they will need watering more frequently. It attractive layered appearance, tie in stems

50 MODERN GARDENS JUNE 2019