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. Next time the sun is shining, go outside and find the sunniest area in the garden. Even if this is at the front of the house, it can be screened from neighbours using low maintenance planting.
Natural stone products are used often for paving in Mediterranean countries, so you could recreate this using Tobermore Pietra Sahara sandstone flags. To set off the area, they look great combined with the Tegula or Granite Setts to bring out the warm cream and terracotta tones of the flags. If shortage of seating ever presents a problem due to unexpected visitors, this can be solved by building a low wall around the edges in Garden Stone Walling with coping. 60cm is perfect seat height and can also provide an attractive backdrop. The Garden Stone Walling is double sided, so it looks good from front and back. However, tall planting behind this again in the form of non-invasive bamboo or tall grasses, will also provide a wind break shelter.
Railway sleepers are very popular for use in gardens, but over time they can become very slippy and dangerous. In response to this, Tobermore have produced a concrete version called Log Stone. It looks just like weathered railway sleepers and as it has a fine woodgrain on the surface. They can be set into the surface of the lawn which means you can easily pass the lawn mower over them. If you would like to create a path leading to your patio or another focal point, these could create a simple, cost effective and attractive solution.
There are many occasions throughout the winter when the sun shines, the wind drops, and it actually gets quite warm. With this new oasis created in your garden, you can get away from it all without leaving home.
Vanessa Drew