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Finding plants that are a true black is always dificult. Ophiopogon Black Beard is very close to a true black. It is a new introduction that is faster growing with foliage up to 55cm long. Perfect for containers as it is evergreen and is a great contrast against lighter coloured flowers.
Are gnomes the new fashion statement for high rise apartment balconies? This one was spotted loitering in a container in sunny Limehouse perhaps getting over the disappointment of not getting into the Chelsea Flower Show next week.
Good contemporary sculpture for gardens is hard to find. David Harber produces amazing stuff. Visit his website www.davidharber.comto see a great rang of sculpture, sundials and water features.
The above shows Matrix which is composed of random bronze hoops forming a sphere of 1.7m. The petals between the hoops are mirrored on the outside to reflect the suroundings.
David Harber sculptures have been found in the past in many award winning Chelsea Flower Show display gardens so its worth keeping an eye out at next weeks show.
Are you ready for the scorching summer the 'weather men' promise?
'A laid-back cushion, so you can enjoy life the easy way. You can lounge at the beach, in your garden, on the boat or on your balcony. With your friends and family or just easy on your own. Smooff® is super soft so you won't feel those nasty rocks and bumps. With Smooff® you can lie down and relax where, and whenever you want. It can be used on its own and also as a cushion on a sun lounger. And ... it's also a chair'
Available in three colours - Lusty lime, Funky Orange and Stylish Black
www.4garden.co.uk £79.99
http://www.4garden.co.uk/acatalog/all_dept_cushions_smooff.html
If you can't be bothered to grow your own lettuce or salad leaves from seed but still want to pick you own fresh, you can now buy ready grown salad tubs.
At only £3.99 a tub, it is an economical way to give you 6-8 weeks of salad leaves. Perfect for on a balcony or patio or even as a help yourself on the patio table for bbq's.
Look out for them in garden centres this spring.
How to while away the summer evenings with the perfect accessory for your deck or yard.
The Thermowood Bath Barrel with inside sub stove from www.kirami.fi
Inspired by gothic arches, the Colorado chimenea from www.lahacienda.co.uk , has a good good hearth size and a contemporary feel.
It's made from heavy guage steel finished with a stainless steel top. It is painted in a matt black to complete the modern look. Available in three heights - 105cm, 125cm and 160cm from £79.99.
This is a great stylish alternative to the traditional pot bellied cast iron chimeneas that have been around for many years and have now become more expensive due the the price rises in Chinese made goods.
Sticks from www.extremis.be is a multifunctional space divider for both inside and outside.
'Sticks is a space divider, and the perfect way to create privacy wherever needed, inside or outside. Sticks come in several lengths and material options, hiding the sight for curious glances. As there are separate modules, it is possible to let your imagination run away and create your own special place with Sticks.'
http://www.extremis.be/EXTREMIS_products/Sticks/index.html#display
Style doesn't always come at a cost!
These Wolf Classic Hand Tools are on promotion at present from selected outlets. The range includes a hand trowel, hand fork, small rake and a planter. They are all on offer at £2.99 each.
They have a high quality galvanised surface with a 10yr guarantee for long lasting performance.
With the hostas now in full leaf the deck seems to float above foliage. Simple but effective.
