Thanks so much - all good advice. We have gone with a combo of anonymous euonymous, dull enough to repel any striped insect, yet pretty for us with variegated leaves. Plus genista broom. We have a large genista in the front garden but had previously only seen it in summer when is is just green. However, arriving this year for the first time in April we discovered it covered in fragrant yellow flowers, and spreading like mad. Just the ticket we hope, as by the time the kids arrive in the summer the fragrant yellow flowers and any interested insects will be long gone. Yes we have discovered pools attract wasps; they were areal nuisance last summer and of course children get paranoid...I got stung just last week as I dragged my hand on the surface of the pool, which is where they seem to like to linger. Thanks again everyone:)

If you are planning to splash out on a new bathroom in 2017 you might be inspired by some of these emerging new bathroom trends. Whether you have a huge bathroom in a country house or a small bathroom space in a town centre apartment there will be an ideal bathroom design for you out there. From a s step back in time to traditional ‘heritage style’ bathrooms to uber-modern cutting edge new styles we have it covered. Here is our take on the top 5 bathroom trends for 2017. 1.Traditional Styles are back Period style bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular with large freestanding roll-top style baths taking centre stage and setting a grandiose theme. Carefully selected period fittings will add a glorious touch of heritage inspired luxury. With this exciting bathroom trend your bathroom will be endowed with a timeless elegance, creating the perfect space for relaxing body and mind. This style need not be confined to older period houses – it can work equally well in a newly built home. The trend for traditional styles has also been reflected in the fashion for traditional paint colours and Edwardian / Victorian tile styles. Muted greys, greens and soft blues are highly popular right now and can complement the bathroom furniture beautifully. Lighting is really important to get right. The right lighting can make a huge difference to the overall ‘look and feel’ of your bathroom. Many bathrooms often have a poor source of natural light so mirrored surfaces and shiny high gloss finishes can boost the available natural light and making smaller bathroom spaces seem larger and inviting. 2.Reflected Glory – Shine bright like a diamond Sparkling, high gloss finishes are growing fast in popularity. With the right lighting they can really give your bathroom a spacious, bright feel. Mirrored and coloured glass, reflective wall panels and tiles, and high-gloss furniture and bath panels are popular light-enhancing materials used in bathrooms. Tiles are a natural and traditional choice for bathroom walls and floors and they are available in a bewildering choice of sparkling, glossy finishes. For an ultra-modern style you should look at smooth, handle-free high-gloss fitted bathroom furniture . Keeping furniture off the floor and using wall-mounted cabinets makes the look even more contemporary. Large mirrors and chandelier style lighting can add drama and a touch of luxury to your bathroom creating a real “wow” factor. Feature a Feature Wall Feature walls have become ‘a thing’ in 2016 and they can be applied to the bathroom just as much as to a lounge or bedroom. Use a “statement piece” of furniture, or dramatic tiling or a large ornate mirror or some other piece of wall art to bring attention and interest to an otherwise bland wall space. Let there be Light – as long as it’s the right light. The right lighting scheme will maximise the impact of glossy reflective surfaces. Thoughtful use of downlighters can cast elegant pools of light over selected surfaces and recessed LEDs placed behind glass will deliver a diffused, gentle light just ideal for this long unwinding soaks in the bath. 3.Back To Nature There is a real interest in more natural materials such as wood and stone. There is a real trend for “bringing the outside inside”. Wood and stone can add real character to your bathroom. They can also complement the sleek lines of modern bathroom. Stone tiles are a natural choice and can be used on walls and floors. Basins and baths carved from stone can add to the natural theme. You can add natural characteristics to your bathroom with wood panelling and as a bonus it will help to retain heat in the bathroom as wood is an excellent insulator. Tongue and groove is ideal for enhancing the heritage theme. For modern themes consider large panels of wood-effect composite. If real wood and stone are pushing the budget too far there are excellent choices available in stone or wood effect materials and it’s becoming increasingly hard to distinguish the natural from the manufactured. Metals are also becoming trendy again with brass, copper and rose gold making being favourites for fittings and trims. 4.For Dramatic Effect Convention – what convention? Increasingly we are seeing free thinking in the bathroom space with the use of solid, intense colours and bold, uber-trendy patterns. Glitzing up plain white ceramics is becoming a popular thing. This year’s colours are elegant and rich – think rich aubergines, deep blues and powerful, impact greys. You need to be careful though – especially in a smaller bathroom as the colours can overwhelm the space so if you are going to incorporate a bold colour or two consider using them in single blocks. You can also introduce vibrant colour via high-gloss lacquered storage cabinets and coloured-glass or by selecting strikingly coloured wall tiles, you won’t be short of choices here. 5.Simply Showers Recreating the Spa- like theme has seen a rise in bathrooms without baths – just showers. This often frees up space in the bathroom for additional furniture and storage options – or it can be left simply as free space for an expansive open look. We are also seeing “invisible edged” shower screens growing in popularity. Unlike metal-edged alternatives “invisible edge” shower screens add an ultra-modern touch. Whatever the size and shape of yor bathroom and whatever your specific requirements we are certain that we will have a bathroom solution for you. Come down to our extensive Bathroom showrooms (we are in Abingdon in Oxfordshire and just 20 minutes from Oxford,) View the bathroom styles on offer from leading manufacturers like Roca, Novelinni and Laufen. Also take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that our friendly and experienced would be only too willing to share with you. If you are a looking for a new bathroom we would be delighted to help you. Our highly experienced consultants can give you as much guidance as advice as you require. We have a large range of exquisite bathroom suites on display in our extensive showroom in Abingdon – just 10 miles from Oxford – with a large free carpark alongside us. Click this link for our Bathroom Showroom map

Hi Fortune, Even the simplest pools that I have worked on professionally, we have always hired a pool company / expert to work alongside with, so definitely do your research to find a good one you like (Or search some here). From a professional perspective I can give you the following guidance having designed and worked on a around five indoor pools, some super lux and others just normal. 1. Get clear on your design and don't change your mind - this will cost you probably quite a lot especially if they have started work already (don't forget that most things you see with pools are hidden). 2. Don't cut costs on heating (water & room), drainage, pool systems, tanking, filters and pumps. You WILL have to fix it over and over and it will always be a thorn in your side. And always listen to the requests for access panels (undoubtedly you WILL eventually need access to absolutely everything). 3. You will most probably need to hire a M&E consultant or a ventilation company separately to deal with the air inside if your pool company doesn't already cover this. 4. Try to cut costs and save money on the external structure and finishes. There are an unlimited number of ways to design a nice pool enclosure - don't get stuck on one way, especially if you are on a budget. Get clear on one idea (fireplace at the end or pitched roof, or glazed end and see that through - your costs will explode if you start believing you need everything. One feature will work - make it special, and if you cant live without the others, put in provisions but save for them later). Don't forget tiling and finishes will need to have slip ratings. 5. Don't forget that glass (and mirrors) if not heated will fog up, spoiling your view out of windows. 6. Don't forget to think about the lighting (and maintenance of it - especially if it is above the pool). 7. Keep all of your warranties in tact and in a safe place - (You will most probably need them). This is the end of my professional guidance! (Change of voice with an Aussie twang) ------The below should not be taken as professional advice or guidance in any way---- Now as an Aussie having worked on way too many pools that I think wasted a lot of money for absolutely nothing and having spent 28 years of my life swimming in millions of different pools, this is what I actually wanted to write to you! 1. I would totally explore European and Eastern European pools. Just like I would trust an Aussie company (but still use your brain, there are always duds amongst the good ones). 2. Never underestimate how strong the smell of chlorine is - you will smell it at least 10 metres away, behind air lock doors and even outside of the building (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise). 3. Salt water pools are superior and worth the investment. (My humble Aussie opinion). 4. Don't choose any plastic finishes for drains that are visible, they look cheap and tacky. There are some fantastic better quality ones (from Australia of course) - check out Aqua Bocci for drainage - its available here too. 5. Also, don't choose plastic edging strips for anything, not sure why these even exist on earth, no matter how expensive everything else is, it will look cheap and its one of the things you will always see. Think about the details and search online for how tiles are finished - there is always a way. 6. Consider an outdoor pool with a roof that closes and opens. Teamed with a good pool cover (electric of course) it could possibly be a much better solution depending on the location. I have always wanted to use Umbris, but haven't had a chance on a project yet! I hope this gave you a head start! P.S, I checked your idea board - your ideas for your pool are absolutely divine! I hope this helped because it would be a pity for such wonderful ideas not to become real! Jo and some pretty pics below, just because...

Thank you - it’s already been dug out and I’ve added a mix of crazy paving down the centre with a large pot in the middle (with a cordyline in) and plum slate chippings for now. I’m really hoping that any bluebells can’t get through the 2 layers of heavy duty weed barrier and the stones, ha ha. If they do then I can just pull the sheets back and remove them. Yes there is a budlea by the canopy and I keep trimming it down so it stays fairly short for now until I find an alternative plant to put there that’s not so tall and likes sun (evergreen preferably) The left side with the large cordyline (seems to be dying off - is this normal in autumn??) has had a good clear out and I’ve also planted a palm and red cordyline type bush along with some other tropical feeling evergreens. Seemed a shame to remove it right now.