yardz

BEER BIRD

Beerbird is not an original idea but its still a great add on to the BBQ and the best way to cook a chicken.

Beerbird is a metal grid-like device with a tube of metal fixed in the middle of it. The tube in the middle holds a drink of your choice, lager, beer or a soft drink. Drink a third of the can and place a whole chicken, spiced the way you like it, cavity first onto the can. Place in a covered BBQ and within two hours you will be eating the most juicy succulent chicken you have ever tasted.

This was first launched in South Africa and is now being launched in this country, so look out for it at your local garden centre. RRP £9.99

www.beerbird.co.uk

PEA UPDATE

 

PEA HALF PINT

 

For those of you who read the YARDZVEG Diary, you will know that I sowed Half Pint peas in these 30cm long plastic troughs. This variety of pea, a very old Victorian variety, is perfectly suited to growing in containers as it is quick to grow and very compact. Up to now they have grown well with only regular watering and keeping slugs at bay. They have now started flowering so I'm looking forward to sweet fresh peas in a couple of weeks.

www.thompsonandmorgan.com

BUILD A SQUARE FOOT GARDEN

'Square Foot' Gardening is an American method of growing as many vegetables as possible in as small a space as possible, Seems the perfect solution to yardners wanting to 'grow their own'

Checkout this link to Lifehacker blog for more info.

http://lifehacker.com/369341/build-a-square-foot-garden

MOON SWING

..........The impressive Moon swing has a wonderful smooth beaten copper interior forming a golden hammock, a quiet and majestic place to rest from the hustle and bustle of life

Just right for new age hippy yard dwellers or stressed city workers needing a refuge!

Material: Copper
Dimensions: H2 x W0.7m - Weight 100kg
Price: £7,500
Stand: £1250. Full circular freestanding steel stand 3m high with 1.5m diameter base

Available from www.fletcherandmyburgh.co.uk

CUSHIONS

No matter how good contemporary outdoor furniture looks, it is not always that comfortable. Cushions that are offered with furniture ranges tend to be rather staid and conservative or on the other hand bright and seaside bouncy. These cushions though by www.shrutidesigns.co.uk are stylish and will complement any outdoor space.

LIGHTS & SHADOWS

Small solar spotlights are cheap, from about £12.99 pair, easy to use and very effective in the small garden. Buy those that are matt black with a simple spike for fixing. Position them under plants that allow the to under light and create shadows of foliage. Make sure though that the solar panel is not obscured by anything as this will prevent it recharging the batteries. Rain water standing on the panels will also reduce the recharging rate. One disadvantage with these lights is that after a few days of dull weather their operation is reduced in brightness and the length of operation.  Because they are so small and portable they can be moved around to create a different theatre in your yard - so leave your curtains open, turn off the TV and just enjoy the spectacle!

MY SWEET PEAS

Every year I grow sweet peas, mainly for cut flowers but also because for a small footprint you get loads of colour and scent. I grow them in a 40cm square container that has a good depth and volume of growing media. I always try to use a container compost mix that has water retention crystals included, as sweet peas can be very thirsty even on a warm summers day.

They prefer full sun to get the best amount of quality flowers but any spot that isn't in deep shade is suitable. Make sure you keep them well supported with canes and tie the shoots in with string or special wire rings made for the job. The worst task though is to then remove any of the tendrils that grow to support these climbers in their natural habitat. If you don't remove them, they tend to cling and constrict any flowering shoots making them unsuitable for cutting.

The varieties I have grown this year are Cupani and Suttons Early Fragrance Mixed. The summer weather has not been kind to them and as you can see from the photograph, growth has been slow and flowering has only just started.

Though an old fashioned favourite, sweet peas are great for the small garden. The colours vary from strong primary colours to pastel tones, so make an impact were ever you put them.

NEST

Memories of the 60's and 'The Prisoner' TV programme. The NEST is a great retreat from the world.

NEST is made from all weather synthetic wicker on an aluminium frame so it can be left outside all year round. It is a 1.5m sphere than can be suspended or stood on four legs. It comes with a super comfy weather resistant cushion,

We gather Ian Botham took a fancy to one at the Hampton Court Show in London this week.

www.ampersandlifestyle.co.uk   £1999.99

COVENT GARDEN

Another great feature spotted in London this week. This tower is one of the instillation's dotted around London as part of the London Architecture festival. The tower has winding stairs inside that lead to a comfy lounge/den with a large panoramic window. It was designed for public beaches where you could enjoy the great views but would get you away from the crowds. What a great idea for your yard - small footprint takes up little room and gives you views over fences or walls. Not sure whether the neighbours would be too keen.

CANARY WHARF

Spotted these amazing grass swirling banks at Canary Wharf. They moved and swayed in the wind and were so closely planted that no weeds would stand a  chance against them. They would be great in a small garden as a feature or covering the whole area, with a flowering plant such as Verbena bonariensis growing through. The other main benefit is that they are reasonably drought tolerant so would save on watering. Suitable grasses include Hakonechloa macra Alboaurea, Carex comans, Carex buchananii.

www.big-grass.com