Have the perfect summer garden with B&Q

21st January 2011

After attending the B&Q spring/summer press show I came away with their key trends for the spring/summer season and some inspirational gardening tips to share with you. The predominant theme was how to make gardening easier this year – which is helpful especially if you’re not naturally green fingered. (Click on the image below to view my folder!)

Image credit: mydeco.com

Whatever your sense of style, the design teams at B&Q have created an exciting new outdoor garden range to enable everyone to enjoy the outdoors this summer. The launch of Blooma encompasses a new collection of outdoor garden furniture styles such as country, contemporary, heritage and fun to suit every shopper and style of garden.

In addition, Alan Titchmarsh is working with B&Q for the second year running and his expert tips and easy gardening advice will help you get the most out of your garden this summer.

Making it easier to… Plant and grow your fruits, herbs and vegetables, to help beat rising food bills

Image credit: B&Q

Whether you are an expert in gardening or a veg patch virgin, B&Q have a variety range of specially designed ‘Grow Your Own Products’ with easy to follow how-to guides to get you planting and growing your own food. So if you’re looking for a new hobby this summer, get planting and start saving.

Making it easier to… Using garden tools that work best for you

Choosing the right garden tools can sometimes be like stumbling through a maze, which is why B&Q have selected trusted retailers and brands such as JCB to provide the right power tools for you. Also new for this summer is the build it yourself wheelbarrow, which comes in a range of six gorgeous colours to suit any garden’s colour theme.

Making it easier to… Accessorise your garden in small ways to make a big difference

Image credit: B&Q

Add some personality to your garden this spring by selecting garden wall art and apply it to a bare wall to make it look lively. Mix and match from a range of plant and flower pots and position in empty corner spaces – these little touches to your garden will make a big change. Choose from a variety of decorative outdoor accessories in the shapes of cute animals, butterflies, flowers and leaves and let them make your garden a home.

Making it easier to… Entertain and cook for your guests outdoors

Image credit: B&Q

To turn your evening into a perfect garden party, simply add outdoor lighting to your garden. Whether you prefer it to be minimal or prefer to make a big statement, select from a range of beautiful tinted fabric lanterns and spread them over branches, birdhouses or cover up that old washing line and add some colour to your garden. Al fresco fans can choose from a selection of barbecues with built-in bins to dispose of waste as you grill. Or if you’re really feeling adventurous, select from a range of portable barbecues which have been designed to be small enough to take on picnics and camping.

Making it easier to… Choose your garden style

Image credit: B&Q

To sum up, the key spring/summer garden trends that B&Q showcased were country, contemporary, heritage and fun.  For all the country lovers out there, take a look at the Marquise coffee set table with a two seater sofa and two armchairs and accessorise with lovely cushions to create that warm country feel.

If you prefer your garden to have a contemporary look, create a statement and choose the fabulous hanging egg chair to blend in with the natural forms of your garden.

For those who are looking for a heritage style, dress your patio or decking area with the Saigon coffee table set, which has a rich wooden texture. Add classic white cushions for comfort and simplicity within your garden seating.

Image credit: B&Q

Lastly, for those who love to have fun in the sun, select an Hawaii deckchair or a sunbed lounger to embrace the sunshine and get that beach-body tan. I would suggest placing them in your garden wherever the sun is shining the most!