Introducing Love Logs

Have you ever had a package delivered to your door and been shocked at the amount of unnecessary plastic the company has used? Have you ever been to a supermarket and carried your shopping to the car in protest of buying plastic bags? Have you ever wondered what the world would look like if we all made more sustainable choices? Well, thankfully the number of companies recognising ways to become greener is increasing! A prime example is Love Logs. Love Logs was founded by Paul and Heather, in 2020 and is now a widely successful and highly recognised sustainable business. It was brought to the couple’s attention that there is a huge gap in the market for efficient and high-quality deliveries without the use of plastic. So, they set out on a mission to enhance change within the firewood industry. Their brand provides British firewood logs with low moisture content; thus, they produce fewer particulate emissions and can burn for a longer period. Paul and Heather ensure all their logs are dried in biomass-fueled kilns to ensure optimum performance and lower emissions. In addition, they ship their logs in 100% recyclable cardboard boxes and use only paper tape to seal them. Sustainability, quality, and convenience are at the heart of what they do and it’s safe to say they certainly live up to their values. With a genuine passion for our planet, their goal is to supply environmentally friendly logs in completely plastic-free packaging all while giving back to our ecosystems. So far, Paul and Heather have planted over 50,000 trees to replace those that are being chopped down! What’s even more amazing is that they have encouraged other companies to come up with more sustainable solutions within their businesses too!

An example of another company that has adopted a more sustainable approach is the widely recognised food chain, Leon. Leon has swapped out their plastic straws and cutlery for biodegradable alternatives, they offer a range of vegan options, and sell fairtrade coffee all while giving back to the World Land Trust. Then, there are smaller businesses like Organic Bath Co. They have adopted a plant-a-tree approach for every order placed. What's more, they also use organic products to produce their skincare and have switched to 100% recycled plastic packaging. Some companies are even eliminating plastic from their packaging altogether and recycling any that comes into their hands!

Now, we aren’t suggesting that every business become totally plastic-free. It’s simply not possible! Many of our bigger companies are hugely reliant on plastic to ship their products, even if the product itself is sustainable. You may be wondering, with all the alternative options available these days, why can’t businesses be plastic-free? Unfortunately, it all comes down to money. On the plus side, while we all know it's going to be a long journey to save the planet, it's heartwarming to see that so many companies are recognising the importance of swapping their plastics for greener alternatives!

British vs Imported

While cutting down on plastics is a huge step in the right direction, it isn’t enough to significantly benefit our planet. It is important that when companies are making sustainable choices, they consider a multitude of ways to do so. For example, have you ever considered how far your parcel has had to travel to get to your door? Or even arrive at the country you live in! Often, it’s not something any of us consider when ordering online, and yet every time a product is imported from another country, it significantly increases carbon emissions and impacts our environment. Did you know that over half of the firewood and charcoal sold in the UK alone is imported and driven thousands of miles every day? It’s bizarre to think about when we have many thriving forestlands here! However, it's not all doom and gloom! A handful of companies are also establishing a way of fixing the issue and acknowledging the importance of using British produce for their business.

We are all aware we cannot change the world overnight, but there are ways companies can drive change within the business industry and do their bit to help. Whether that be switching up the use of plastic for a more planet-friendly alternative or decreasing their use of imported goods and using more local produce for their business, if we all work in tandem, we can make huge changes!

Our mission

We are teaming up with Paul and Heather from Love Logs to promote the usage of sustainable wood alongside our much-loved Ooni Pizza Ovens. Love Logs – among other products- produces British pizza oven wood pellets that are manufactured from 100% virgin British wood with no binders or fillers. With less than 10% moisture content, the Pizza Oven Wood Pellets will light easily and get your pizza oven up to pizza cooking temperature quickly. These particular pellets are a fantastic alternative to the Ooni pellets as they work hand in hand with Ooni pizza ovens.

So, the next time you go to purchase logs for your fireplace, or pellets for your pizza ovens, consider Love Logs. You’ll be doing our home a favour.

You can read more about Paul and Heather’s journey and their mission to help the planet here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to hide wheelie bins outside

Wheelie bins have never been all that appealing, we are always thinking of ways to hide them whether we tuck them in a corner behind the house, leave them at the back of the garden, or even shove them in the garage…out of sight out of mind! But here at the Garden Furniture Centre, we make it our mission to enhance any outdoor space in whatever way we can, even when it comes to bins! This is why we chose to invest in the ingenious idea of Galvanized Steel Wheelie Bin Covers. In a choice of a stylish anthracite grey or a stunning wood effect, these covers offer a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor storage solution for displeasing wheelie bins. Manufactured using galvanized steel these covers provide protection against harsh weather conditions while remaining sturdy and intact for years to come. That’s not all! We even have covers equipped with planters! So, not only will these covers minimize the sight of your bins, you also have the option to add some gorgeous plants and flowers too!

We’ve quite literally got you covered! With these covers, you can create the size you need. So, if you have more than one wheelie bin to hide, you can choose from our options of singles, doubles, and even super doubles! You have the choice of combining a double and a single to create a triple cover, or you could opt for two doubles and create a super double, fit for hiding up to four wheelie bins.

The Doors

Believe it or not, there's more! Now that we’ve established their high-quality and sophisticated appeal, let’s talk about their security. When it comes to storing items away, we always want to make sure they’re secure, even if that item is…trash! To prevent any unwanted guests from sneaking into your bins at night, these covers come with easy-to-use and extremely efficient lockable doors. With a simple turn of a key, your bins will be locked away safely.

The Lids

Finally, there’s the lids. To make things even more efficient the cover lids attach to your wheelie bin lid with ease, allowing you to hold the lid with one hand and throw your rubbish away with the other. Additionally, the lids are soft closing, so you don’t have to worry about waking the neighbours when you’re throwing away your wine bottles late at night! As we said, we’ve got you covered.

The Curry Republic Transformation

It’s no surprise that The Curry Republic. receives five-star online reviews! Renowned for its tasty tandoori chicken, delectable Dalla bora and so much more, it really is the best curry house in town! Despite all this, however, owner Rhaj found some room for improvement. Of course, it had nothing to do with the food! It was all to do with the outside aesthetic. The Curry Republic was displaying some rather unsightly wheelie bin covers right outside the restaurant and that is why Rhaj came to us for some help!

It's no secret that we supply some of the best wheelie bin covers on the market – not to be biased! They are not only pleasing to look at, but they are also highly secure and extremely low maintenance. So, without hesitation, our managing director, Jon, was straight to it! Offering some of our beautiful Anthracite Steel Wheelie Bin Covers to replace the eyesores that were there before.

What a transformation, and we aren’t the only ones who think so! Since installing these covers, we have been told by several locals that they are a significant improvement, and it’s safe to say Rhaj thinks so too!

So, if like Rhaj you want to add some class to your bins, head on over to our range of wheelie bin covers and make your neighbours wheelie jealous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing indoors outdoors

It’s that time of year again when the day gets a little longer, our evenings are filled with golden hues, we hear the gentle natters of neighbours in their gardens, and we spend more time outside than we do inside! After a long winter, it couldn’t come at a better time. Here, at the Garden Furniture Centre, we understand the need and want to have your outdoor space ready for this glorious season. So, sit back and pour yourself your favourite beverage while we tell you all about how you can bring your indoors, outdoors.

Lounge under the sun

Sometimes all we need is the sun, a glass of wine, and the perfect serene set-up. Unfortunately, we can’t offer you the sun or indeed the wine but we do offer top-quality, stylish and highly comfortable lounge suites and sets. See our sophisticated Sienna range, guaranteed to provide you with endless comfort while maintaining its structure and style. With sleek teak armrests and highly durable frames, this range is sure to give you a lifetime of luxury! You can truly bring your living room outdoors with this range, with sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and even sun loungers on offer, we have no doubts that you will be able to create the ultimate garden lounge area for you and your guests to enjoy.

Perhaps you fancy something a little more exotic. We offer a timeless Fiji Pipe range that is not only eye-catching in design but also exclusive to the Garden Furniture Centre! This set will surely make your friends and family envious. What’s more, the frames and delicate weave on this set are 100% recyclable, making it sustainable and heavenly all at once. The generous seating space and wide armrests are topped with sumptuous olefin cushions that have firm seat pads and soft hollow fibre giving you ultimate relaxation all round.

If you’re looking to bring your living room out into the sultry summer air then be sure to explore our variety of lounge suites and sets on our website.

Alfresco dining

The smell of BBQs in the air, glasses clinking and music softly playing. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Dining outside is one of many things we all look forward to when the longer evenings ooze in, and that’s why we have an array of outdoor dining sets available for you to choose from. One of our most popular is the Bari Teak Bar Armchair Set, thoughtfully crafted from reclaimed teak, each set is rich in character and unique in design. Additionally, this Bari set is built with a robust and scratch-resistant ceramic tabletop, so it will keep its contemporary look for years to come. The Teak Bar Chairs are made to withstand harsh weather conditions, so even when those inevitable summer storms creep in, you don’t have to worry about your dining set getting ruined. This set is the ultimate way to elevate your garden dining space and create a dinner party experience your guests will remember.

You may be looking for something to spice up your poolside. That’s where our Cambusa dining set comes in. This set radiates elegance and class giving you the optimum dining area for hosting lavish parties. These Cambusa sets are produced by HIGOLD, in a stylish yet sturdy powder-coated aluminium frame that’s easily cleaned and will maintain its appeal over time.

Golden hour cooking

What’s better than an indoor kitchen? An outdoor one of course! You can totally transform your garden with our gorgeous range of Outdoor Kitchen units and equipment. Our spectacular Bari Outdoor Kitchen range is one of our most favoured products and it’s not difficult to see why! Finished with a beautiful teak exterior while also being fully efficient, this kitchen set is designed to give you a lifetime of delightful cooking experiences. Each countertop is manufactured out of high-quality ceramic, meaning it is resistant to UV rays, scratches and extreme temperatures! This range comes with an assortment of modular kitchen units from BBQs to wine cabinets, fridges, and even the kitchen sink! With our Bari Outdoor Kitchen range, you can build your dream kitchen with just the click of a button.

If you’re looking to create the ideal outdoor area ready for those glorious summer days then look no further than the Garden Furniture Centre, and bring your indoors, outdoors.

 

 

 

Hospitality Gazebos | The Perfect Outdoor Shelter for Pubs and Restaurants

Over the years at The Garden Furniture Centre, we have seen our products feature in the most beautiful scenery across the country. As such, we have been fortunate to see our phenomenal gazebo range in fantastic areas far and wide, especially in commercial settings! In this post, we will be delving into the fabulous features of our gazebo ranges and where you can spot them at different pub and restaurant locations.

 

Our Gazebo Range

At The Garden Furniture Centre, we have a huge selection of heavy-duty gazebos that are perfect for any outdoor activity or event! Most notably, it is our versatile gazebos and bioclimatic pergolas which steal the show for many of our customers who come to visit our showroom and trade stands. From bioclimatic pergolas to retractable awnings, we will have something for everyone. Whether you are looking for something simple or a bit higher tech, our selection of commercial gazebos is catered to ensure you have efficiency and style in your outdoor space.

 

Bioclimatic Pergolas

Our Bioclimatic Pergolas are a fan favourite, and we can see why! With their RGB lights and sophisticated remote-controlled motorised roof, our Bioclimatic Pergolas are perfect in any commercial setting for guests to enjoy your outdoor space. Moreover, the motorised louvred roof is fitted with an innovative RBG light system hidden within the louvres. This allows you to set the perfect mood lighting and ambience for guests to admire and feel at ease.

 

 

What is more, many commercial pub and restaurant locations are tight for indoor space and need to find a solution to accommodate more visitors and guests. With our Bioclimatic Pergolas, you can seat your guests with minimal hassle, and you do not need to worry about changing weather conditions due to its bioclimatic functions. With total bespoke control, you have the freedom to control and regulate the temperature inside the pergola as well as the indoor lighting to coincide with the outdoor weather conditions.

 

 

You can find our versatile Bioclimatic Pergolas in the heart of Shakespeare’s County at The Blue Boar Inn located in Temple Grafton where it is beautifully displayed at the front of this picturesque country pub. Here you can enjoy the beautiful Warwickshire scenery inside our Bioclimatic Pergola whilst enjoying a delicious traditional pub meal. You can also view our Bioclimatic Pergolas at the Homewood Hotel and Spa where you can relax and unwind by their pool facilities!

 

Galaxy Gazebos

 

Another staple gazebo at The Garden Furniture Centre is our notorious Galaxy gazebos with manual pull-down textilene screens! Fitted with a sophisticated drainage system and a mechanical louvred roof, these gazebos are the best way to provide shelter and warmth whatever the weather.

 

 

With pull-down textilene screens, you can also give your guests maximum privacy whilst enjoying the surrounding vicinity and further protection from any cold winds or drizzle. Our Galaxy range evokes style and character with its anthracite grey frame and elegant features which will certainly fit well within any commercial area.

 

 

You can find our Galaxy gazebos in many locations around the country including:

• Darlington Tea Room
• The London Shuffle Club
• Mughaha Azam Restaurant

 

 

You can also find our Galaxy gazebos and other products at some of the Lovely Pubs locations such as The Orange Tree and Baraset Barn where you can admire our fabulous gazebos and furniture with a cold beer or G&T!

 

 

Luna Retractable Awnings

If you are looking for a different angle to provide protection and shade for your guests, then our Luna Retractable Awnings might be the perfect fit for you! Fitted with dimmable LED lights, a PVC polyester fabric canopy, and full remote-control access, our retractable awning range allows you to create the perfect area for wining and dining.

With motors created by Somfy, the roof can be adjusted to any length to provide as much shade and sunlight as you desire! Complete with automatic length adjustments, this high-quality technology prevents sagging in the roof which ensures there are no inconsistencies within the fabric when it is fully extended. This is ideal for any smaller pubs and restaurants as it can increase the seating area for your guests to enjoy the surrounding scenery without the interruption of changing weather conditions!

 

 

Why not see our retractable awnings for yourself?! We have the pleasure of our Luna Retractable Awnings being featured at Bar 82 in Hull where they have created a stunning setting for guests to enjoy their bottomless brunches and evening soirees.

So if you are in the market for a versatile Bioclimatic Pergola, gazebo, or Retractable Awning, then we will certainly have something for you at The Garden Furniture Centre. Come and visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen or view our extensive gazebo range online!

What To Do With Your Old Hot Tub?

If you have a hot tub that has been neglected, broken, or simply pushed to the side, then this blog post is perfect for you! Hot tubs can be a way to add luxury to your home and at one point might have been the centrepiece for your garden entertainment. However, nothing lasts forever and it may be time to think about what to do with it next. Well, in this blog post, we are going to give you a rundown of how you can upcycle your old hot tub and give it a new lease of life by creating a raised planting bed!

 

Step 1

The first thing to do is make sure the hot tub is prepped and ready to begin its new adventure, whether this is moving its location or stripping parts that can later be sold. If you have the equipment like our Director, then you can hire a large crane to lift the hot tub and place it wherever you desire. If your hot tub does not need to be moved, simply make sure it is in a location that is easily accessible!

 

Step 2

As previously mentioned, your hot tub will have some hidden treasures that can be used by someone else. To create the raised vegetable bed, all you need is the outer casing as this is where the soil will be kept. Ultimately, you can remove anything internally such as the plumbing, filter cartridge, control system, pump, and other components that can be sold. 

 

Step 3

The next step is to drill a few holes at the bottom of the hot tub to drain excess water which will prevent the roots from drowning. You may have to investigate what materials have been used for the bottom of the hot tub to ensure you do not create any further damage.

 

Step 4

This is the important part! Placing a few bags of gravel at the bottom of the hot tub prevents the roots from perishing. You can get this from any hardware store or even see if anyone local is trying to get rid of some old gravel. Fill the wells and seating area of the hot tub with gravel and make sure it is level before adding the topsoil.

 

Step 5

Time to start filling! Grab yourself a few bags of topsoil and compost and start carefully filling your hot tub to prep it for your chosen crops. Make sure to level and work the soil with a small spade to get rid of any big lumps so the soil is ready for planting.

 

Step 6

The final stage is to start planting your crops! Whether you want to grow your own vegetable garden or a fragrant bed of herbs, you now have a space where you can do both. What once was a disused hot tub is now an upcycled and sustainable raised planting bed.

 

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a huge range of unique planters and storage boxes where you can let your garden flourish with character and colour!

Visit our website or showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm to find out more!

Sun Loungers | How To Make The Most Of The Summer Sun!

 

After the cold winter, we think it is about time that the weather starts to get warmer so we can soak up the summer sun!

At The Garden Furniture Centre, we believe that you should enjoy the beauty of your outdoor area, and what better way to make the most of the hot weather than with our versatile and stylish range of sun loungers! In this post, we will be discussing all things sun loungers from wooden sun loungers to day beds, and how you can kick back and relax with maximum comfort to make the most of your outdoor space!

 

Wooden Sun Loungers

If you like simplicity and tradition, then our wooden sun loungers will be the perfect fit for your garden area. Their elegant and robust structure is what makes our wooden sun loungers stand out as well as their classic style. If you are looking for a modern and sophisticated wooden sun lounger, then take a look at our Vintage Steamer Lounger Chair, TNT Sun Lounger, and Sienna Sun Lounger! Their classic smooth golden finish makes these wooden sun loungers an iconic staple in any home and will certainly be the talking point of any conversation! Our Vintage Steamer Lounger chairs can also be customised with our steamer outdoor cushions which are available in a variety of colours to add style and character to your outdoor area!

On the other hand, if you are looking for something simple, ready to use, and extremely low maintenance, then our Sienna and TNT wooden sun loungers are the way to go. Fitted with an all-weather textilene fabric which manufactured from high-tenacity polyester yarn, this is extremely durable in any weather conditions. With this, you can kick back and relax with ease to enjoy the summer sun!

Our range of Bristol and Stratford wooden sun loungers are also extremely to help you relax in style! Fitted with teak wheels behind the headrest, this gives you the ability to manoeuvre your wooden sun lounger to any desired position. Our Stratford wooden sun lounger can be tilted in a more upright position if you want to enjoy your favourite book or retracts flat for you to soak up the sun rays! What is more, our Bristol wooden sun lounger comes fully equipped with a drinks tray that discretely slides into the frame for you to place your beverage or book when you want to sit back and relax!

 

Rattan Sun Loungers

If wooden sun loungers aren’t really your style, then why not have a look at our range of rattan sun loungers?! Our staple and exclusive Fiji and Montana range rattan sun loungers are the ideal way to add character and unique elegance to your outdoor area. They are manufactured using a 100% recyclable weave and come with a choice of vibrant olefin cushions to complete the look!

However, if you are looking for something with a modern twist, then our Tahiti rattan sun loungers will certainly be the perfect fit. These elegant rattan sun loungers are finished with a beautiful powder-coated aluminium frame and are extremely lightweight so you can move them around wherever you desire! Another modern option is our Meteor sun lounger which is finished with our Spradling fabric and tested to resist moisture, abrasion, bacteria and mildew build-up!

You can also find our sun loungers in our Willow and Seville rattan weave which are a classic example of style and sophistication! These all fully recline and have the added option of our vibrant-coloured cushions.

 

Day Beds

If sun loungers are not working for your garden space, then look at our range of day beds! Our notorious Fiji Apple Day Bed and Montana Apple Day Beds have been exclusively crafted to create our most comfortable apple day bed complete with a stunning range of cushions and accessories! The day bed is carefully placed on a rotational base which can turn 360 degrees so you can follow the direction of the sun for optimal sunlight or shade. There is also a retractable drinks table included inside so you can really enjoy the hot summer weather with friends and family!

We also have a selection of smaller day beds in our exclusive Fiji and Montana rattan weave if you want to add a compact lounging area with style and elegance. This pod-styled apple day bed can recline to your desired height and transforms into an apple when closed!

One of our more modern approaches to the classic day bed is our Meteor Rotating Day Bed which is finished with our high-quality Spradling fabric and weatherproof rattan weave! This day bed is fitted with a rotating base and 2 adjustable sunshades that are uniquely designed as leaves to add style and character to any garden area. There are also two nifty little storage compartments that are on both sides of the cushions so you can enjoy your drinks or cocktails in the summer sun!

So, now that you know everything from wooden sun loungers to apple day beds, what are you waiting for?! View our extensive range online or head down to our showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm to see them on display!

This year’s Gardener’s World Live event at the NEC in Birmingham was bigger and brighter than ever with thousands of budding garden enthusiasts making their way around the incredible display of living garden displays and stands! At the Garden Furniture Centre, we had the pleasure of donating our Romance Teak Bench to Lilidh Matthews and John Tallis’s ‘Escaping Seasons of the Mind’ garden design in support of the charity Perennial.

The Design

Primarily designed to be a space of reflection, the garden represents the escapism of the mind and home as well as symbolising the different states of human emotions depicted throughout the changing seasons. The inspiration for the creation of this garden resonated around two important facts:

- 90% of our lives are spent indoors.

- Most suicides happen during the Autumn season.

As you look from above, the centre of the garden is designed to emulate the shape of a clock or compass to represent the passing of time throughout the year. There are eleven Corten steel posts that slowly decline in height as you move around the garden to highlight how our mindset changes once winter is over and spring begins. This is also demonstrated through the fragmentation of the sandstone paving where it is noticeably divided in the autumn section, but conjoin together as you progress into the spring. Our Romance Teak Bench is then placed at the 12^th point which demonstrates that summer has begun.

As you move around the garden, you can see the transitional stages of the year with the beautiful display of plants and colours corresponding to the four seasons. In the top left corner, the garden starts with the autumn season as it significantly links back to the statistic that most suicides happen during this time of year. This is also the highest point of the wall and Corten steel post as well as the planning heavily focusing on reds and oranges to depict the autumnal season and emotions of anger.

When transitioning to winter, you can see that the planting starts to emulate more blue tones and spikey plants to show how gardens are neglected during this time due to the cold weather. However, at this point, you see the Corten steel posts start to decline in height as the hope of spring becomes more prominent.

Once you progress into spring, this becomes the lowest point of the outer wall and the ending of the Corten steel posts. The inclusion of bright colours and spring planting depicts how this time of year is the hope for a new beginning and excitement for the summer season.

The last section of the garden depicts the summer season where our magnificent Romance Teak Bench takes pride of place! The bench overlooks the autumn and winter sections and acts as a way of reflection on the year that has passed. It also encourages the onlooker to spend more time taking care of their mental health and to make the effort to go outdoors.

How We Got Involved

At the last minute, we received a call from the designers as the bench they had previously chosen unfortunately did not work with the overall concept. Through an extensive search on our website, John managed to find our beautiful Romance Teak Bench which he instantly felt was the perfect final touch to complete the garden. The curvature of the bench and its simple yet elegant design was the missing ingredient to finish the garden and we were more than happy to help!

In the space of a few days, the bench made its way to the venue and was carefully placed in the designated spot to represent the summer segment of the garden design. The bench and garden have been a huge hit with the public as well as famous faces such as Alan Titchmarsh and Adam Frost! The garden has been a great success and we are extremely honoured to be part of such an inspiring and influential project.

Come and visit our other range of benches in our showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm as well as so much more!

 

Escaping Seasons of the Mind

Designed by:

Lilidh Matthews - https://www.findingroots.co.uk

John Tallis - https://www.outdoorlivinggardens.co.uk

 

 

With the longer and lighter days now in full swing, you might be staring out of your window to see the aftermath of the bitter winter that has left your beloved garden in disrepair. The plants you hoped would survive have sadly withered away, or the new bench that you swore you would look after has unfortunately been neglected in the corner. Well, now that spring has sprung, it's time to put your best foot forward and start the necessary changes to make the most of your garden in the spring and summer seasons! If you are unsure of where to begin, we have put together 10 helpful ways for you to get your garden back in shape and ready for whatever the spring and summer months throw at it!

 

1.

The first thing to do is tackle the mess that the winter has left behind. Start by sweeping any debris such as leaves and branches, and then prep any soil where you want to plant new seedlings or bulbs. If you have a greenhouse, then it is a good idea to get it prepared for any new seedlings and cuttings as well as having a clean space to work in.

 

2.

Having a compost area is a great way to use any wastage and turn it into nutritious soil for any future plants and seedlings! Our teak square planters are the perfect space to begin your own compost area without any mess or fuss.

 

3.

Spring is the season to fill your garden with colour and character. Think about what plants you want to add and what colour scheme you want to achieve! Our Think Outside planters are a great way to add a burst of quirky character and colour to your garden area and will certainly make a great home for your new family of flowers!

 

4.

Having a garden does mean that you might be left with a lot of clutter that you want to hide or keep to one side whether it is tools, pots, logs or lawnmowers, the list could be endless. Try creating your own storage corner where you can keep unused items hidden and in one place. Our rattan baskets and teak storage boxes are a good way of making sure your garden essentials are kept together whilst being discretely disguised to fit in with your garden aesthetic!

 

5.

With any big clear-up job, it is a good idea to start thinking about any changes you would want to make. Take a moment to look around and see if there are any sections of the garden that you wish to add, optimise, or even take away to make your outdoor area as efficient as possible. Make a note of what you wish to change and see how your ideas can be turned into a reality!

 

6.

If you have furniture that looks like it has seen better days, don’t throw it away! Try to see if it is worth fixing before saying goodbye, whether that be using our golden care teak protector to spruce up your teak bench or sanding down your metal furniture to get rid of any rust marks. Who knows… you might be surprised what you can save!

 

7.

When clearing your garden, you might come across furniture that may need throwing away or you have cleared some extra space that you want to fill. Either way, it is a good incentive to have an area for friends and family to chat and relax when they visit, or if you are hosting a gathering. Corner units and outdoor lounge sofas are a great way for people to catch up and admire your newly transformed garden area! Alternatively, if you are looking for something a bit more formal you might want to look at our outdoor dining sets which are the perfect addition to enhance your outdoor space!

 

8.

It is relatively known that our wildlife is having difficulty adjusting to our ever-changing climate whether that is bees, hedgehogs, birds, or badgers. However, it is very easy to include certain ways to attract your local wildlife in your garden area! Birdhouses are a great way to provide extra food and resources for your local bird population as well as benefiting you to see what bird species are around your area. Nectar and pollen-rich flowers are also a great way to attract bees and create a sufficient nesting site!

 

9.

We all know the one thing that gets us excited for summer… barbeques. Outdoor cooking in the summer sun is one of life’s greatest pleasures and what better way to make this experience even more enjoyable than adding an outdoor kitchen area! Our Bari outdoor kitchen range and outdoor gazebos are the perfect addition to make the ideal outdoor cooking experience. Crafted out of durable and sustainable materials such as teak and scratch-resistant ceramic, our outdoor kitchens and gazebos will last you a lifetime!

 

10.

Once you have finished making your dream outdoor space, you might be thinking about the finishing touches! Our selection of solar LED lights are a great way to add that missing spark to the evening festivities. Simply place the solar panel in an area where there is direct sunlight and see your lights come to life when darkness begins to fall. From delicate fairy lights to solar floodlights, you will be able to make sure your garden is always the star of the show!

 

Whatever your garden adventures may be, we will always have something for everyone at the Garden Furniture Centre! Tag our socials in your posts to share your own garden renovations and don’t forget to visit our showroom in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre to see our huge range of garden furniture and gazebos!

At the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, there is so much to see and celebrate whether it be bespoke gardens or luxurious garden furniture. This year was extremely special for us as we were delighted to have our Romance teak Bench and Contour Curved Bench feature in Rachel Platt’s Covid Recovery Garden which achieved multiple awards including Best Construction and the People's Choice Award. This garden was created for long sufferers of Covid-19 to rest, relax, and remember the turmoil the world had to endure these past few years.

Rich with hidden meanings and ingenious symbolism, this garden is designed to highlight consequential changes that Covid has had upon all of us. Primarily, the design and shape of the garden is inspired by the medical caduceus emblem which originated from the staff of Hermes who is the messenger between gods and humans and guide to the underworld in Greek mythology. This symbol features the wings of Hermes which sit above the staff that is encased with two snake-like shapes. It may seem odd that there are snakes within the emblem, however it is suggested that the Greeks viewed snakes as a sacred being due to their use in healing rituals to pay respect to Asclepius, the God of medicine.

With this, Rachel has dissected parts of the emblem and created a design that incorporates these significant details throughout the garden. The representation of the snake is displayed using porcelain paths that also demonstrate the absorption of oxygen within the lungs due to their Verdigris finish. Furthermore, the rain garden is a great addition that features a steel rill to emulate the staff which lies opposite the transparent circular arbour that depicts the top of the staff.

Included within the garden lie messages of support and remembrance that are carefully written on a metallic tree structure that hangs at the end of the third steel rill. This ornament hangs over another sculpture that imitates the structure of the Covid-19 protein anatomy to demonstrate the healing and triumph of all the survivors. The intricate attention to detail that Rachel displays with the design of this garden proves why she has had such accredited success from all the visitors and judges at the RHS Tatton Park show.

To gain a more in-depth vision of the garden, I interviewed Rachel to discuss the inspiration and creativity that enriches her ideas, as well as her personal interest for garden design.

1. What was the spark that made you start creating this garden?

"This Christmas just gone, I had an email I took as a sign that I had to enter this year. I brainstormed a couple of ideas, one being long-covid recovery as I had suffered from this myself. Furthermore, no previous show gardens had touched on the topic."

2. What made you get into garden design and why?

"I studied human geography at university with my speciality in the interaction between landscape and culture. After graduating, I wanted to combine my love of design with academia so undertook a post-grad in garden design with the Oxford college of garden design."

3. There is a lot of symbolism within the garden e.g., the caduceus shape, protein anatomy etc. How did you plan and research to incorporate these hidden messages?

"The idea started by breaking down the geometry of the caduceus, figuring out its core components and translating that into a footprint. After that, I filled the design with material choices and ideas which related to the theme and gave the space theatre." 

4. What project are you working on next? (if you can share with us)!

"I am currently in talks to do a stand for a trade event in the next couple of months." 

 

Thank you to Rachel for creating such a magnificent and important garden space for all Covid suffers and front-line staff to remember those who were lost and are still suffering, and we are extremely proud to have been a part of it! 

Click here to discover more of Rachel’s work, and visit our showroom at Yew Tree Farm in Wootton Wawen to view our range of teak benches for your own garden area!

Garden designer: Rachel Platt

Images by Kat Weatherill: https://www.katweatherill.com/

The Pergolux: Our Installation at Spot-On Wake!

At the Garden Furniture Centre, we have a versatile selection of gazebos that can be tailored to your every need! Our extensive range of bespoke and fitted gazebos are a great way to add style and character to any outdoor space. Our most recent installation at water sports centre Spot-On Wake in Wootton Wawen demonstrates how our Pergolux gazebo has many beneficial uses for the public and commercial venues.

The Pergolux

But what is a pergola? Firstly, let us break down the key components of the Pergolux gazebo that makes it so desirable! The main feature of this gazebo is the remote-controlled motorised louvered roof which is fitted with our warm LED lights that are delicately positioned to give your gazebo a calming and stylish atmosphere! This motorised roof can fully open with minimal effort when you want to regulate the temperature, or even to enjoy the hot summer sun.

 

 

Another main feature of our Pergola design is the drainage system which is manufactured to remove any excess rainwater through our innovative drainage channels located within the front two legs. This allows you to have the option of using your garden space whatever the weather and to make the most out of your outdoor area all year round! The drainage system is also familiar on our Galaxy gazebos as this design allows the rainwater to drain effortlessly from the roof and out through the feet. Combined with the watertight and waterproof louvered roof, our Pergolux gazebos are perfect at preventing any harsh weather conditions from spoiling your garden furniture!

 

An optional extra that is included with our Pergola designs is the addition of our glass sliding doors which can lock in place to create a stunning glass wall! These glass sliding doors are extremely durable and will undeniably withstand any weather conditions whilst providing elegance and style to your outdoor area. Fitted with a locking system, these glass doors are safe and secure for you to leave personal belongings or furniture unattended so there is no worry about theft or damage.

 

Spot-On Wake

Recently, our brilliant installations team fitted our bespoke 3.5m x 5m Pergolux gazebo for water sports centre Spot-On Wake! Located in the stunning village of Wootton Wawen, this centre is a hub of thrill and excitement for any water loving fan. The activities on offer are endless; from wake and paddle boarding to open water swimming and obstacle courses, Spot-On Wake will certainly have what you are looking for!

 

This Pergolux is primarily their control centre to monitor the water sport activities as it overlooks both lakes, but it also functions as a lounge area with our garden furniture for visitors to enjoy the magnificent views of the park! This gazebo is fitted with our optional sliding glass doors for maximum protection and privacy when customers want to leave belongings or possessions nearby whilst enjoying their activities. As standard, it also includes our LED motorised louvered roof and anthracite grey frame which looks spectacular beside the action-packed lakes!

 

Take a look at our video below featuring Nathalie who talks you through the Pergolux gazebo at Spot-On Wake!