Western Mail Article - 4th July 2009

Idle away the summer days with some nifty tricks.

Some fakes can be better than the real thing.

Take a look at the latest in artificial turf.

Lazy Lawn (www.lazylawn.co.uk) allows you to wave good-bye to the business of mowing, along with the trauma of bald patches, weeds, moss and mud.

You can pick from 10 realistic styles.

I like the emerald green shade of Lazy Summer.

If you have a concrete yard you can simply roll this out during the summer months and pack it away in the winter.

Meanwhile, bring on the sun loungers and chill out.

Artificial turf is a great idea for a shady garden, where real grass struggles.

It’s also a bonus if you have a family and the lawn gets scuffed by kids playing.

When planning your garden, treat it as you would your interior living space and divide it up into areas in order to create interest.

Stagger your flower borders rather than laying them out in long ribbons, and try and create a journey from one end of the garden to the other.

Even in a tiny garden an element of surprise can be introduced by erecting a framework for plants such as wisteria to grow on, thus creating an intriguing look-through effect.

Outdoor sculpture is becoming very popular.




For unique contemporary sculpture look at Sculpture Culture (http://www.sculptureculture.co.uk/).

Helen Sinclair, Terry Ryall and Gary Ley are based at the far tip of the Gower Peninsula, and produce their work in the outbuildings of Helen and Terry’s farmhouse.

Large sculptures tend to need a lot of space around them to give them a context.

This can be a problem if you fall in love with something that’s to big for the space you have available.

Sure, if you love it, you should have it regardless.

But it’s worth bearing in mind that, in time, it might become overbearing, so choosing a piece that looks comfortable in its surroundings might be a better option.

A sculpture that looks as if it’s an organic part of your garden will add to the charm and
harmony.

Garden structures that can be used as home offices are increasingly popular too.

Such garden rooms are also excellent if the weather turns nasty on a your barbecue.

A structure like this can also serve as an extra bedroom after a summer party.

And can even be used in the depths of winter as long as it is adequately insulated and you have a form of heating, such as wood burner.

Cosy enclosed huts like this were very popular in Georgian gardens, although, if you want a lighter, brighter effect you can opt for more glass.

Look up www.roomsoutdoor.co.uk or call 020 7720 7799 for further information.

Another option for the garden is a gazebo. With open sides providing a panoramic view, they are ideal for sheltering from light rain or intense sun.

The Savannah Breeze House is ideal for a small garden, yet it can house eight people on circular bench seating around a 120cm table.





The roof options are Cape Reed thatch or cedar shingles.

Have a look at www.breezehouse.co.uk/savannah for further information.

Just make sure that your chosen building is in keeping with the rest of your garden.

If you have a very traditional, cottage garden, for example, a contemporary building could jar.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors.

Tel: 029 2037 1277. http://www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk/

Blog created 4th July 2009 by Molly Lamb ( Cathedral School )