Image source: Coco Wolf

It’s no secret that the weather in the UK is less than impressive. Cold, wet winters keep most of us indoors from November to March, while the infamously unpredictable British summer can be just as disappointing. Over the colder months especially, our beautiful outdoor spaces become neglected, and we all get a little fed-up looking at the same four walls. Well… not for much longer!

Today, I want to show you how to let your gardens, balconies and terraces live up to their full potential, whatever the weather. Come rain, shine or snow – you’ll be out there, enjoying the scenery and relishing in the beauty of every season.

The Essentials

If you plan to use your garden as an extension of your indoor living space, there are a few basic things you need: comfortable furniture, decent lighting and warmth. Even on the hottest day of the year, things can get chilly after dark.

I’ve written about garden lighting extensively on the blog, so I’ll only cover it very briefly here. You want a nice balance of practicality and ambience. Wall lanterns are great, as they’re connected to the electrics and work just like an indoor light. Solar lamps are eco-friendly, and are a charming touch dotted along a walkway. Fire pits provide both light and heat, killing two proverbial birds with one stone.

As an alternative to a fire pit, patio heaters are great. They usually provide heat from above and thus are a safer option if you have children or pets. They’re very effective, and come in a range of designs so you can pick one in your style.

As for furniture, something like an outdoor sofa and armchair set, or a really high-quality outdoor table and chairs is ideal. The idea is to linger over drinks and conversation, so comfort is key. I’m a big fan of Coco Wolf’s outdoor furniture which successfully combines form and function. Think beautifully stylish pieces made from materials that will withstand the elements.

The Extras

A barren garden, ravaged by winter frosts and endless bouts of rain isn’t particularly pleasant to sit in. Fortunately, there is a solution, and that is seasonal gardening. It takes a little more planning and skill to create a garden that blooms all year round, but the payoff is well worth the extra effort. I don’t exactly have the greenest of fingers, so I’ll defer to the experts for gardening advice. Here is a good starting place.

You’ve heard of a summer house, right? Well what about a winter one? With a bit of extra insulation, a log cabin, summer house or even a humble garden shed can be turned into a cold-weather hideaway. Line the walls with sheepskin rugs, stock up on blankets and prepare a flask of hot chocolate and you’re ready to go!