yardz

MONOCHROME SPRING

 

Forget all your bright colours, your yellow crocus, red tulips and blue hyacinths - next springs colour scheme for the stylish yard should be black and white.

Dark charcoal grey containers should be planted with the virginal white Tulip purissima whilst clean white or light grey terrazzo planters should shimmer with deep purple/black Tulip Queen of the Night.

Our garden centres and supermarkets are now well stocked with spring bulbs, so for go the bargain mixed bags and search out something a bit more special.

Bulbs to look out for that fit in with the monochrome scheme are : Narcissus Snowbaby, Narcissus Thalia, Tulip tres Chic, Tulip Swans Wing, Tulip White Elegance and Tulip Black Hero.

GLEE: PALM READING

 

Palm is part of a new range for 2009 from Moderna furniture.

With this new range of all weather rattan, which is exclusive to Moderna. They believe they have solved a storage issue common for many outdoor ranges, with the added benefit of having a piece of architecture to appreciate, during the winter months.

http://www.modenafurniture.co.uk/palm.html

THERE'S MORE TO CONIFERS THAN CHRISTMAS TREES!

 

Conifer Week 27th September - 5th October

Conifers have been very 'non you' since the 1970's when every new garden had a selection. They went out of fashion, dispised by the garden designers and ignored by garden retailers.

Today though they have returned, new varieties have been introduced that are perfect for the smaller garden giving all year round colour and interest without over-powering small spaces.

Take the time to go along to your nearest garden centre this week who will I'm sure have a great display of conifers that will change your mind about the humble Christmas tree.

GLEE: AVANT GARDE PAVING

 

Avant Garde paving from Stonemarket

Gone is the boring concrete paving of yesteryear - we now have designer paving! Stonemarket has introduced some stunning new ranges including this very classy Avant Garde range.

Avant-garde is a smooth-cut sandstone which will bring a sophisticated contemporary ambience to any design scheme. All three colour options, Ebony, Silver and Caramel, are ethically sourced quartzitic sandstones with proven durability for exterior use in the UK. Available in five compatible sizes, they can be laid in various combinations for stunning visual impact.

http://www.stonemarket.co.uk/avant-garde

RED-HOT CATS TAILS AT B&Q

 

It's amazing what you can find when least expecting it.

Whilst browsing round our B&Q, I discovered two summer baskets hanging folawn on a stand. Both contained just Acalypha hispida, Red-hot Cats Tail, which is a half hardy shrub that is generally grown as a houseplant. It looked great in a basket and would have survived outside until the first frosts. It likes sun or part shade and moist but well drained compost.

www.diy.com

GLEE: THE EXQUISITE CUBICO PLANTER

 

Lechuza planters are finished to an amazing standard with a range of colour finishes. They are all self-watering and unlike most self-watering containers can be used outside.

The LECHUZA CUBICO is a technical masterpiece. Thanks to its clear lines it is more of a sculpture than a planter. Nevertheless, the CUBICO is always subtle, and creates the perfect environment for each plant. The perfect tone is always set, thanks to the exclusive color palette ranging from matt metallic effect finishes to brilliant high-gloss surfaces. With the optional CUBICO-liner it is not necessary to plant the entire column, and it is easy to replace the plants at any time.

www.lechuza.com

GLEE: OLD BASKETS WITH NEW STYLE

 

Korbo Handmade Wire baskets

Korbo baskets originate from Sweden and were first made in the early 1920's. They are hand made without any welding points. Originally they were used by farmers, fisherman or anyone who needed strong storage that would withstand weather, wind, wear and tear.

Today these baskets make very stylish planters. They are available in galvanised steel or acid proof stainless steel.

www.korbo.se

FILLED WITH GLEE!

 

Sorry for the lack of posts but I've been to the NEC in Birmingham for GLEE, which is one of the main  trade shows for garden, leisure, landscape and pet products in Europe.

I hope over the next few days to bring you all thats new and exciting for the smaller garden that will be in retail outlets next year. I had a great few days and saw lots of things that I hope will wow you.

BUBBLES

 

Bubble is designed by Aaron Rincover and is available at www.mathmos.com £39.00

Bubble is a rechargeable light that is made from soft silicon - you squeeze it to switch it on and off. Available in four colours - red, blue, purple and green, it lasts for six to eight hours on one charge.

Perfect for party nights in the yard and creating amazing effects with foliage.

EBONY AND IVORY

 

A great combination for containers to give flower colour throughout the summer and well into the autumn is cream coloured agryanthemums planted around one of the slim leaved dark foliage phormiums. This one is Phormium Platts Black. The agryanthemums will flower longer if you dead head as much as possible