Designer's Corner

Adding 'Kerb Appeal' can increase the value to your home

Author: Vanessa | 1 Comments
The property market is, happily, making a recovery and people are now starting to think of moving house or purchasing a new property.  Spring is just around the corner and most estate agents will agree that this is their busiest time of year. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, or perhaps it has been up for sale for some time, it is useful to think of your property from the perspective of a possible buyer.  There are plenty of property improvement shows on televis... [More]

Design from Down Under

Author: Vanessa | 1 Comments
Now, I don’t want to make everyone jealous, but as I write this I am sitting in the lovely warm New Zealand sunshine.  Whilst I’ve been away, I have been visiting gardens and other such places of interest to pick up some new design tips.  We can all do this when we’re away on holiday and then re-create the holiday feeling back at home in our own gardens. One feature that I do like to include is dense planting as a backdrop.  Another useful idea to make a small g... [More]

Winter Oasis

Author: Vanessa | 0 Comments
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter is upon us, our summer holidays seem a distant memory.  So how can we shorten the winter and keep the memory of warm sunshine in the forefront of our minds?   One of the best ways to do this is to maximise the number of opportunities for sitting outside in the garden.  Even if you only have a small area outside, it can be easily transformed into a sheltered haven.  Firstly, find the best spot for your tranquil retreat.  Nex... [More]

Planning a new patio or changes in your garden?

Author: Vanessa | 2 Comments
Autumn is definitely in the air.  There is a chill in the mornings as we head into the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”.  Of course, there are still going to be plenty of warm sunny afternoons and evenings to enjoy a barbecue before the end of the summer.  It always seems that the garden, particularly the fruit and vegetables, is only getting underway before the summer seems to be nearing its end.   However, in garden terms, the end of the summer is act... [More]

Hints and tips for the garden

Author: Vanessa | 1 Comments
It's been another unpredictable summer.  June saw wonderful sunshine with hardly any rain.  July was more overcast than sunny with August being one of the wettest in history.  In England, it seems flash flooding is becoming more of a regular event.  Fortunately there are still plenty of occasions when we have lovely sunshine.  Then we can sit outside to dine, or even just take a quick break with a cup of coffee.  The ideal situation is to combine year-round interest... [More]