yardz

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!

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.

SMARTIE PANTS

Fun melamine tableware for yard parties or everyday use. These 'Smartie' items are also available in Marshmellow, Strawberry, Olive, salad, Pizza and Ice Cream designs. All items from £2.50. Splash Designs melamine can be found at www.madmolly.co.uk

EXOTIC BLUE

AGAPANTHUS

This superb container plant is now just starting to flower. It adds an exotic touch to any yard. Available in shades of blue from deepest dark blue to the palest of pale and also in pure white. The large flower umbels are held above deep green strap like leaves. Will survive the winter in sheltered gardens and only needs a liquid feed every 10-14 days during the spring and summer.

Plant in 35cm + containers in a loam based compost such as John Innes.

www.crocus.com

DUNKIN' DONUTS

Just right for Wimbledon weather!!!

The Do-Nut sitting unit is made from durable basics (nylon and PU-coating), which results in a most agreeable sitting sensation. And, since the Do-Nut is water-resistant, it is fit for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Indoors you might think of it as a small, private island on which you can find inner peace.
Outdoors the Do-Nut could function as your personal buoy, a comfy floating island amidst a sea of trees ...

The Do-Nut breaths... The filling consists of flame retardant EPR-'beans'. These little beans absorb the warmth of your body and produce a pleasant and warm sensation.

£149.00 Choice of colours

www.beansbeans.co.uk

HOT OFF THE GRILL

NEW FOR 2009

www.kingsfordbbq.co.uk will be launching the O-GRILL at the Garden & Leisure trade show at the NEC in Birmingham in September.

It is a stylish and unique BBQ that is truly portable. Use a full size gas cylinder at home or a portable gas cannister when on the move - there is no need for expensive conversion kits. The large cooking area and high specification does not prevent it from being fully transportable by just one person. Comes in a range of colours

TWELVE MONTHS ON

Last spring my small, 5m x 5m, garden was empty soil surrounding the newly built deck and rill. We had moved into the new build the year before but had waited until winter to start the hard landscaping. Planting started last spring incorporating lots of organic matter into the planting holes. Now twelve months on plants have matured and we have our own green oasis.

The walls are now softened with flowering climbers including Clematis armandii and Hydrangea petiolaris. The main planting consists of grasses, shrubs and perennials. The rill was designed to allow hot feet to be cooled in summer and bottles of beer to be chilled, whist giving a soothing sound as the water falls into a lower tank. The noise also helps deaden any noises outside the garden.

There is still plenty of work to do but we are pleased that the strong deck design has worked well with the in depth planting.

STEEL CAMELLIAS

STEEL CAMELLIA BUTTERFLY & GEO'FRAME

Hide wormeries and compost bins with this stunning stainless steel decorative frame. Its tough and requires no maintenance to stay shiny and bright. It's artwork in its own right. Made in England.

www.curavie.com    £1950.00

FIRE FIRE

FIRE BUCKET BARBECUE

Long ago before fire extinguishers were scattered at regular intervals folks would rely on the trusty fire bucket to extinguish any impromptu conflagrations or occurrences of spontaneous combustion. Thanks to some bright spark this humble item has been given a new lease of life as a super trendy Barbeque.

Instead of water or sand this Bucket actually contains Fire. Perfect for those alfresco cooking situations, the Fire Bucket BBQ is great for taking out and about, you can even use it to carry all the equipment in. £24.95 

wwww.gadgets.co.uk