Astrantia major sub. involucrata Shaggy
Wonderful green/white flowers perform above dark green deeply cut leaves. It flowers from late May into June.
Great for containers but requires a good water retentive compost.
www.crocus.com £6.95
03/06/2008
MINI BARBS
The 'Mini Cube' from www.thedesignhouse.dk is powder coated or nickel galvanised with a cast iron grill.
This must be one of the best designed small bbqs. Perfect for table top cooking allowing diners to cook their own food and become really involved with the meal preparation.
02/06/2008
DECKCHAIR DREAMS
This summer 2008, The Royal Parks Foundation, the charity for Londons eight Royal parks, celebrates a new collection of 'Deckchair Dreams'. ( www.deckchairdreams.org )
Each year a range of superb deckchairs are created to be sold for the charity. The chairs are all designed by chosen artists in various fields.
This year, they are delighted to welcome visionary artists, cartoonists, book illustrators, fashion designers, thespians, soldiers and taxidermists to their list of generous contributors. These include Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn, Keith Tyson, Matthew Williamson, Raymond Briggs and Joanna Lumley - plus many more.
The Deckchair Artists have generously donated their designs to create a special limited-edition collection of these deckchairs..
Each deckchair has a solid merpauh wood frame (from a sustainable source) and a quality artist's woven canvas that you can enjoy for years to come. The canvas only, can also be purchased without a frame.
BAMBOO DECKING
30/05/2008
COOL
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.
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
