In the UK we’re used to inconsistent weather, except for fairly reliable blankets of grey cloud cover, of course. The sporadic change in the elements we face daily can be frustrating and plans get ruined often by unexpected rainfall and gloominess. During the pandemic, the value of a great garden space was realised by all as we were allowed guests to visit us in our gardens for some semblance of normalcy. This saw impromptu meet ups happening across the country, with people wrapped up in thermals, and hats and scarves to brace themselves against snow and wind. To better accommodate your guests and avoid the uncomfortably cold outdoor gatherings this winter, there are ways in which you can adapt your garden to allow for an enjoyable experience, no matter the weather.
Comfortable Furniture
Your choice in sofas, tables and chairs is a pretty important one so spend some time thinking about what you’re looking for in your seating area. When welcoming your guests to your home, you’re going to want some comfortable furniture but also, when sitting outside, you’ll want those pieces to be resistant to the weather. A comforting L-shaped sofa will be much more pleasant than individual chairs and provides more options for how your guests can relax. Easily removable cushions and covers are also a great idea for cleaning and keeping them dry. They may be waterproof, but that won’t keep water off of them, so bring them inside if they’re at risk of getting wet.
Rain Protection
For an outdoor seating area that will be used
all-year round, you’re going to want some direct cover from snow and rain.
Firstly, choose a good location for this space. Ideally, placing this adjacent
to your house give you protection from one side automatically. Now, you’ll want
to think of a way to protect the area from above. Awnings are a brilliant
choice for this and can be extended over your seating area for both weather protection
and shade. Check out the range available at Nationwide LTD to find a suitable
option for you. There are quite a few different options, from smaller patio
awnings to larger rain awnings so make sure you’ve planned out your seating
area before you decide on the correct size and shape.
Lighting Choices
Try to avoid any glaring and dazzling spotlights
for this space. Bright lights are going to really take away from the feel of
your outdoor seating area, so try to aim for subtle options like cute fairy
lights or tealight lanterns. There are lots of choices for waterproof lighting
systems and it’s also worth looking into installing an outdoor power socket
which has a weatherproof cover. Combine this with an outdoor extension lead and
you can set up your atmospheric lighting anywhere in your garden.
Heating Systems
For those colder outdoor sessions, blankets just
don’t always cut it. Consider how best to warm your guests up a good quality outdoor
heating system to avoid your evenings being unpleasantly cut short. There
are a myriad of different options for keeping everyone warm, from gas heaters,
to timed electric heat lamps and even a fire pit. Having a static firepit in
the middle of your seating area not only keeps the place warm, but it also adds
an incredibly comforting and soothing atmosphere for you and your guests.