Matt James' Outdoor living tips

Matt James, the city garden expert, shares his top 6 tips for summer gardens.

1 Make space for entertaining.

Your patio will be the focus of your garden, so make sure it's big enough for your needs.

Buy a decent-sized table and chairs, bearing in mind you and your guests will need room to move around.

Before you buy, make sure that you check the sizes of the table and chairs, to ensure they won't be a tight squeeze.

2 Create the same style as indoors.

By repeating the material you've got on the kitchen floor in the garden, you'll create a feeling of continuity and blur the boundaries between house and garden.

3 Get some privacy.

This is an essential in a built-up area, where you can be overlooked from all sides.

A pergola is ideal for creating an intimate mood, but for ultimate flexibility, a huge colourful parasol works every time.

4 Be canny with your barbecue.

A built-in barbecue can become an ugly focal point, especially in winter. A moveable grill is more adaptable (and cheaper) and can be moved out of sight when not in use.

5 Use lights to bring the indoors outdoors.

Use garden spotlights and uplighters (position them carefully so they won't annoy neighbours) to add atmosphere and extend summer evenings.

Choose from more expensive, long-lasting options in aluminium and brushed steel. Don't rule out cheap plastic spotlights, they're not-so-glamorous fittings can easily be hidden among plant foliage.

6 Introduce some water.

Water needn't just be for ponds or fountains. A spa or hot tub can fit in the smallest garden. Just be sure to incorporate yours cleverly or it'll stick out like a sore thumb.

Where space is really tight, an outdoor shower is perfect for cooling off in hot city summers.



Want more garden advice?

If you have a small garden, garden designer Jane Brockbank, selects her Best plants for smaller gardens.

If you are entertaining in alfresco why not create a tropical garden room

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