The Lifestyle Stainless Steel Electric Cooler from www.keenbbq.co.uk £259.99.
A stylish way to keep drinks cool when global warming finally strikes urban Britain.
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May 2008
30/05/2008
28/05/2008
WOW! A PARASOL TO BRIGHTEN EVEN THE WETTEST DAY
The TUUCI Manta Parasol from www.globalparasols.com combines the best in frame and fabric materials to produce an unrivalled parasol.
Inspired by the graceful ocean flight of the Manta Ray. Sweeping lines evoke an image of effortless grace and strength. the Manta sets a new benchmark in shade design.
HOT WOKING
The HOT WOK concept - a different way to cook outdoors. Its a nice alternative to grilling since the kitchen is moved outside and so everyone can participate in the food preparations.
With HOT WOK cooking you get the best from Asian style cooking with crispy vegetables and juicy tasty meat. The HOT WOK range consists of outdoor cooking units including gas burner tables and kitchens as well as a range of amazing burners, cooking pans and accessories.
27/05/2008
THE ORIGINAL LOOFT LIGHTER
It’s the quick, safe and eco friendly way to start barbecues without the need for flame, gas or lighter fluid, in fact super-heated air lights the charcoal on your grill or barbecue in about 60 seconds. It also works indoors if you want to light your fireplace. The integrated metal bottle opener serves as the perfect complement to any barbecue. £49 approx.
UNDER COVER TOMATOES
A great idea and environmentally friendly. Hide your gaudy grow bags with this stylish if a little rustic grow box, made from old floorboards and pallets. Available in a high or low format. From £55 + £7.50 p&p.
23/05/2008
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (3)
'A WELCOME SIGHT'
Though designed as a front garden that is actually usable and not just a car park, the ideas within this garden could be easily transfered to any outside area. It is a great piece of design that rightly won the best in show for urban gardens.
Design inspiration
The inspiration for this garden came from frustration. Front gardens now function only as a domestic car park and no longer act as a meeting place for neighbours to chat and discuss local issues. Adam explains: "I wanted to design a garden that would not only welcome you home and make you smile but also make you want to sit and socialise with your neighbours and hopefully, by doing this, add something to our ever-declining sense of community."
Designer: Adam
NICE'N'SHINY
Great stainless steel contains that are perfect for massing sysrinchium in. Hard wearing, weatherproof stainless steel without a lip to the edge. Stunning mirror or brushed finish.
40 x 40 x 40cm £90 30 x 30 x 30cm £65 20 x 20 x 20cm £45
PLANT OF THE MONTH (2)
SYSRINCHIUM STRIATUM 'AUNT MAY'
A unique plant with super stripy cream/grey leaves. In late spring/early summer it has pale cream flowers along the stems. Loves full sun.
Looks amazing planted in blocks in gravel or in formal containers.
22/05/2008
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (2)
PEMBERTON GREENISH RECESS GARDEN
A really great garden that takes account of the needs of the yard owner. The garden is sunk to create privacy and the water feature baffles external noise. The planting is predominatly grasses with some perennials. Seating is incorporated into the design so there is no problem with storage. This is a real garden not just a show garden.
Design inspiration
Paul Hensey says: "Perhaps unusually for a garden designer, I have a background in product design so I'm as likely to look for inspiration in man-made as well as natural forms. I love looking at architecture and exhibition spaces.
"I'm also very methodical. We don't design showy, 'theatrical' gardens or spaces that are out of proportion for their intended use or the space they need to fit. So the Chelsea garden was always going to be a real, complete garden that could exist if dropped into an identical space in someone's back yard."
Neil Lucas says: "As a plantsman I naturally look at the suitability of any plant to its situation, and many grasses are ideal urban plants requiring very little maintenance and are able to work in almost any situation.
"I have been wanting to develop our theme of 'right plant - right place' at Chelsea for some time, so I am really excited by the opportunity the garden will provide to show how some of the grasses we have featured on our Chelsea stand over the last six years might work in a garden setting."
Designer: Paul Hensey and Neil Lucas
SATELLITE
Stunning new fuchsia for 2008, Fuchsia Satellite - its four corolla petals look like tiny satellites orbiting the stigma. Wonderful carmine colour with a semi-trailing habit. Plant in a tall container to get the best view.
