Garden touches recommendations

3 years ago

We're finally getting the garden done as per @rachelmidlands design from last year (so excited!)

I was wondering whether anyone has any recommendations for some of the more finishing touches mainly

- Greenhouses (omg everywhere has a 12-25 week wait! - and places to avoid?)

- I'd like some solar powered lights, maybe fairy lights around the seating area, some spots for the trees I plan to put in

- Garden furniture - Ideally I think I like the idea of a rattan sofa I can lay down on, but In a set do be used for dining for 6 people

Featured Answer

nmlondon

3 years ago

https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/Lumify_USB_Solar_Fairy_Lights_Warm_White_300_LEDs-775-77.html

For garden lights, have a look at Solar centre. Some lights are solar USB chargeable too. I have one solar fairy light set that I bought in November, decided to keep them on. Will be ordering more now since they were out of stock Christmas time. Also bought three solar lantern lights, which will go on the slatted fence panels (3-4 working weeks waiting time, sold out in Wicks). Really happy with these.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (19)

Gabby Wong
Original Author
3 years ago
Perfect - thank you! It seems such a gamble with solar lights whether they'll be any good or die after a week or only last an hour of light each night!
Related Discussions
Bedroom advice - finishing touches!
Q
Comments (45)
Hello again all and sorry for the delay! i have now got a throw and started to extend my gallery over the corner. I grabbed an old chair and rug that were kicking about in my parents' garage and put them in the corner to give me some idea of what i want. actually, i kinda like the beat-up chair but i don't think the rug looks right. is it too small? Now i have the reddish throw (LOVE it... from the Avoca shop in Belfast - amazing place, if you are ever in Belfast do go!!) I am actually considering replacing my blind because i prefer red tones to the turquoise. Just not sure what I would get instead? Still need a fab lamp and more cushions but wisdom says wait for the January sales! I still think I need something more eyecatching on my vanity too... Considering a map above my bed but I don't know if it would compete with the gallery wall too much? have to say i do love the "hello" sign!
...See More
Best paint brand that supports touching up
Q
Comments (2)
A trade quality, scrubbable (diamond) matt paint should allow you to wipe away any marks and do touch ups. The trade quality paint is slightly thicker than standard shelf paint and has better coating ability and therfore, should suffice longer. a gloss finish paint doesn't allow effective touch ups without making it look a mess and patchy. If you want to go for a satin/gloss finish and would like to do touch-ups, you would need to re-paint the whole wall. Hope this helps a little.
...See More
Need recommendations for garden designeR
Q
Comments (0)
I am purchasing a semi detached house in nw8. It has a small garden that i plan to renovate. Before exchanging, I’d like to get a landscaper to view the garden and make sure that there are no surprises later e.g. there are a few trees that I’d like to get removed. Any recommendations?
...See More
Garden furniture cushions need filling - recommendations sought
Q
Comments (0)
Our garden furniture cushions went a bit “flat” towards the end of last summer so I need to do something to improve things ready for this year. Any recommendations of places to source suitable filling/cushion pads? I can’t decide whether I should just get new cushions or simply add an extra pad. The set is a Kettler Mini corner set. Kettler don’t offer replacement cushions on their website. Thanks, Angie
...See More
nmlondon
3 years ago
I am in SW London (Kingston) and, apart from charging the light the very first time, as recommended, it’s been on its own since November, so it seems it’s getting enough sun. Cannot complain, touch wood. The lantern ones are pure solar, and are great, too. I’m actually ordering more, as I’m writing this.
Gabby Wong thanked nmlondon
User
3 years ago
I'd recommend The Solar Centre too. I put a couple of their Kodiak post lights in my garden 4 years and they still light up in the evening even though plants have grown over them.
Gabby Wong thanked User
rachelmidlands
3 years ago
Hi Gabby. Oooh, I’m super excited to see your finished garden 🙂. I like the paving, looks very smart.
Can’t comment on greenhouses as I’ve never had one. And I’ve only ever had cheapo solar lights, although some string lights I had from Aldi have faired pretty well over winter. Think I’ll be shopping at The Solar Centre as well.
How’s the puppy?
Victoria
3 years ago
I have the solar centre lights, really recommend.
Gabby Wong thanked Victoria
minnie101
3 years ago
Hi Gabby, I think you’ve had a typing “check“ done on you 😢 Did you mean in reality you need a dining set? I’m being too lazy to look back but have a feeling I suggested an adjustable table before so you have the best of both worlds? Not sure if any of these could work?

https://www.garden4less.co.uk/search?term=Adjustable+table
Gabby Wong thanked minnie101
Gabby Wong
Original Author
3 years ago
@rachelmidlands me too! 😂 Need to work out what trees etc we're going to plant next!

Know I want a fig tree, still really tempted by some clumping bamboo - Love the look of it and it's great screening... thinking maybe another fruit tree? as the in-laws have apple, pear and plum... I'm thinking of something less typical, like peach? and then maybe some non fruiting extra screening like red Robin.. or something. Puppy's gorgeous, and so good.. I think we lucked out - will be a shock if we get a 2nd at some point 😂 Definitely going to look at solar centre - they sound great!

@minnie101 very well interpreted.. yes, meant to say sofa to be able to lay down, but able to seat maybe 6+ around a dining table to be able to eat. (including stools or additional chairs)

Thanks for the link! will have a look, not sure if I'm reassured the ones I was looking at aren't wildly out of the ballpark, or just disappointed they all seem to cost so much!
minnie101
3 years ago
Fig trees are lovely, I’m SO not green fingered (understatement!) but I had an Italian courtyard style garden in my old house so had one (and didn’t kill it). I think they like a sunny sheltered spot.

Two puppies?!!

Garden sets can be really dear. I will change it at some point but we’ve still got a rattan effect set with table just for 4 which was really cheap 13/14 years ago and tbh it’s fine, just needs a good scrub or jet wash after the winter as we don’t cover it! Stating the obvious but winter is a good time to buy them as they reduce them so much
Gabby Wong
Original Author
3 years ago
hahahaha no... no no no, not 2 puppies simultaneously... but if we were at some point in the future to get another dog...

I love fig trees too... my Gran has one which grows the most delicious figs! it's amazing.

I have come to realise recently they do just cost a lot. but as you say, we're also don't tend to replace until it's completely broken but our current only seats 4, but maybe it's worth buying ones we like if we're going to keep them for 10-15 years... Unfortunately I think it's past that sale season, lots already aren't available till June/July!

I think lockdown has made everyone prioritise their garden early this year
Sonia
3 years ago
Good quality garden furniture isn’t cheap. I bought mine in the end of summer season sale and it was the showroom one, so greatly reduced. Apart from online, some of the nicest furniture is in garden centres. John Lewis are quite good but pretty expensive.

There are lots of lovely trees you can try. Figs are not delicate at all in my experience. My parents had two growing out in the open. They do prefer sun, as do all fruit trees. Peaches need a warm wall to grow against. Lots of info on RHS website.

Ive always bought relatively cheap solar lights which run out of power within the year so I’ll be looking at the solar Centre too!
Gabby Wong thanked Sonia
Victoria
3 years ago
They are based in St Albans, Sonia
Sonia
3 years ago
Pretty local then Victoria 👍
Lynne Gough
3 years ago
went to the greenhouse people for both my greenhouses and she'd. smashing customer service and will erect. yes there a wait but worth it.
glendevon
3 years ago
Having had years of buying (and chucking away) various solar lights, I have come to the conclusion that the best type are the ones with tiny little lights incorporated in copper colour wire, which are available from various sellers. I have got 2 sets on the tree in the middle of our lawn and they have been in operation all winter, albeit just for an hour or so on cloudy days. They throw out a terrific amount of light. (I also have the electric versions for Christmas trees as I am so enamoured of this brilliant design!)
PRO
Starki Limited
3 years ago
My family aren't green-fingered but have the uncanny ability to purchase property with greenhouses (yes, sometimes more than just one) already in the garden.

With no use for them, we often put them on free listing sites and have no trouble getting them dismantled and taken away by those who are looking for a sturdy glass house. Bar a couple of panels, they're normally in very good condition - this may be a cost-effective and quick way to get one for your garden. If you're not 100% on dismantling and re-erecting then the cost of a local handyman will likely be far less than the cost of buying new and paying for installation.
rachelmidlands
3 years ago
Glad your pup is doing well 🙂. Fruit tree sounds like a great idea. No experience with them myself although my mum had a very ancient crab apple tree in her garden. I do know that that some need a another pollinator tree nearby so they can develop fruit and some are self fertile. Something to bear in mind. As Sonia says, RHS website has loads of info.
A second hand greenhouse could be a great idea if your stuck for finding one. Spring is an ideal time as people start getting out and clearing their gardens. There’s nearly always a few on our local free cycle pages, gumtree etc.
Gabby Wong
Original Author
3 years ago
Oh free cycle/gumtree is a brilliant idea! Thank you!

Yea, definitely need to double check as well which trees/plants are dog safe when he decides to eat them
nancyorford
3 years ago
A few tips(from personal experience!)

I used to chuck solar lights when they died on me. Then I found out that some solar batteries have a limited life, so now keep a few AA/AAA solar batteries in stock (from Amazon).

Figs,I think,grow better with restricted roots. Would restrict clump bamboo too, just in case.

Greenhouses can be dominant in gardens- by all means get hold of a free/cheap one for now, but long term a good one looks better in a garden setting. The metal ones now come in great colours & are maintenance free.
Gabby Wong thanked nancyorford

Garden touches recommendations

nmlondon

Comments (19)

Gabby Wong
Original Author

Related Discussions

nmlondon

User

rachelmidlands

Victoria

minnie101

Gabby Wong
Original Author

minnie101

Gabby Wong
Original Author

Sonia

Victoria

Sonia

Lynne Gough

glendevon

Starki Limited

rachelmidlands

Gabby Wong
Original Author

nancyorford

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Garden touches recommendations

Comments (19)

Gabby WongOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Gabby WongOriginal Author

Gabby WongOriginal Author

Gabby WongOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Gabby Wong
Original Author

Gabby Wong
Original Author

Gabby Wong
Original Author

Gabby Wong
Original Author