Wooden sheds work well in British gardens because they are a mixture of natural beauty and expectation. Garden sheds have such a large variety of uses, so it’s worth spending a little time understanding what you will use the shed for before you go ahead with the purchase.

Size does matter

If there’s any advice that’s worth listening to, then speak to people whose views you trust and they will almost always give you the same piece of advice – buy the largest shed that you can afford, because you will grow into it.

A shed, by nature, is somewhere that you will store your garden tools, power tools, garden equipment, paint and all of the odds and ends that you don’t want to keep in your main home – and your lawnmower and perhaps a bike or two and the children’s garden toys.

In addition, garden sheds are generally used to hoard goods. Keeping half used cans of 10-year-old paint and packs and cans of chemicals for your garden, five years after their sell by date, is guaranteed to take up unnecessary space in your wooden sheds.

There is always an opportunity to purchase more garden tools over the years, so you will quickly understand the need to purchase a shed that can grow with you.

Which shed will you choose?

Wooden sheds still remain the favourites for a British garden over the options of metal sheds and plastic sheds.

Wooden sheds need to be carefully looked after and maintained regularly if you are to prevent the wood falling damp and then rotting. Metal sheds require far less routine maintenance, but repairs must be completed quickly if you find scratches or dents to the surface which will encourage rust to take over a section of your shed. Plastic sheds are an option that works well for a lot of people, but they don’t give you the same visual appeal in a traditional British garden. Walton’s garden sheds website gives you the opportunity to browse through all of the models to decide which best suits you and your garden.

Wooden sheds blend in well with traditional wooden fencing panels. They can be stained or painted the same colour so that they either blend in or stand out in your garden setting.

The location of your garden sheds needs some future thought because trees and bushes do grow and they can damage garden sheds if you don’t trim them quickly enough.

A pent or an apex roof will decide which way the water flows from the roof of your wooden sheds, which helps make sure that the water doesn’t flow off into your neighbour’s garden, but equally doesn’t pool around the base of your garden shed which could lead you to a long-term damp problem.

Fortunately, Walton’s garden sheds are available in such a great range of sizes and shapes that there is sure to be one that meets your needs not just now, but into the future.

Farming is an intensely ‘hands on’ business, with most farmers getting up at the crack of dawn and working on the land or with their livestock until darkness falls. When the daily work is completed there are usually a hundred and one different tasks awaiting the tired farmer’s attention, so where on earth are they supposed to find the time to get acquainted with the workings of a computer?

Nevertheless, it can really pay enormous dividends for the savvy farmer to invest in a computer, whether it be a desktop, laptop or tablet. Many farmers already have a smartphone, recognising the usefulness of being able to check on weather reports and crop prices for example. It’s only a small leap from there to surfing the internet in search of great prices, discounts and special offers on a vast range of products and equipment.

Whether you are a livestock farmer bulk buying animal feed, or an arable farmer in search of fertiliser and seeds, the internet is a fantastic way of searching for the most competitive prices on a huge variety of goods. From the farmer looking to get rid of pigeons and crows to the landowner with lets shoots on his land, it’s possible to source even shooting accessories online whilst digging out the most competitive prices.

Nobody could expect a farmer to have time to learn the intricacies of modern computing, but most farmers can easily learn the basics which will allow them to surf the internet quickly and easily. For those die-hard Luddites who refuse to join the technological revolution, there is usually at least one family member, neighbour or friend who might be persuaded to do the surfing on the farmer’s behalf.

Use the internet to search for products, narrowing your search according to your needs. Do you want a local supplier, for example, or are you prepared to look further afield in order to achieve the most favourable terms? Comparing prices and services across a number of suppliers, means that when you place your order you can be satisfied that you have found yourself a really good deal.

You don’t have to choose between secure and private fence panels or the decorative options as many of the decorative garden fencing models are just as strong, equally as large and completely effective, whether you’re just worry about keeping pets in your garden or providing a private area to section off your vegetable garden.

Looking at trellis fencing

Made from slats of wood, and put together to create a lattice pattern, trellis fence panels are the most popular style of decorative bordering for your garden. They have been traditionally used to help climbing plants like honeysuckle and roses, to climb around the top of your fence panels to give a great finish to your garden fencing, rather than just leaving a bland selection of six-foot wooden panels to look at.

Some people choose to paint their trellis fencing. If you choose a dark colour, your garden fencing will contrast well as your flowerbeds become alive. To give your trellis fencing a traditional look, you can mix white paint with water to provide a wonderful whitewash for your wood.

Adding decorative features

Some people choose to add outdoor lights and weave them through the trellis to create an extremely different look compared even to normal trellis fencing. Other people choose to thread a range of decorative materials through their fencing to add different colours which provides a very different impression of your fence panels. If you add trellis fence panels around private seating areas, you can create a lovely private and relaxing area in your garden.

Because you may need to water your climbing plants during the dry seasons, you will save money financially by buying pressure treated fence panels with trellis toppings. These fence panels can withstand water being sprayed around the area and this makes them much more low maintenance over the longer term. Otherwise, you will have to carry out annual maintenance to preserve the wooden fence panels against damp and rot and bugs that eat wood. You will find it very difficult to paint around a honeysuckle or climbing rose on your trellis and as your vines grow rapidly, it will become an almost impossible task.

You can find fence panels here and by taking the time to click through the various options, you can decide if you want your whole garden filled with trellis fencing or whether you’re going to choose to be more subtle and install occasional trellis fencing panels. The size and style of your garden will reflect how well the trellis fencing works on your property.

By choosing shorter fence panels you can add a range of trellis toppings to suit your desires. Although wood looks the most natural in a garden setting, some garden fencing experts choose metal railings to finish the fence panels. It’s all a matter of personal choice and preferences.

This means that the choice of outdoor light fittings is crucial. As well as ensuring that the lights that you have chosen go in the right place, the fittings must also make the garden make sense aesthetically. The fittings are part of the garden furniture and must be treated as part of the overall design. This opens up new possibilities when it comes to creating a theme and a look for a garden space.

Obviously, choosing the right lamp for the fittings is also very important. Some people may prefer something more discreet and less noticeable, a lamp which provides interesting light and shade without being a part of the design itself. Others like their lamps to fit in with the kind of garden aesthetic which they want to create, choosing lamps which are made from certain materials, or follow a certain kind of design theme.

The way in which lights are powered is also an important consideration. Setting up cabling arrangements can be complex and requires a specialist. Many garden lighting features are these days powered by solar energy though, which helps garden designs to fit in with a more environmentally friendly mindset. This can also save money on energy costs for any lighting design, which in turn can help with creating a bigger and more extensive lighting project, where possible.

Before going ahead with any design, it pays to assess what the lighting needs will be, both in terms of function and decoration. Some lights may be required to show off those aspects of the garden which appeal to the senses, such as plants or statues. Others may be required to light the way along paths to certain parts of the garden. Evaluating how all these lights fit together in a harmonious design whole can be an illuminating process for anyone thinking about lighting projects in their garden. New issues arise which can lead to some surprising and innovative solutions.

Lighting really can give you two different gardens to enjoy, depending on the time of day. Considering the options can also lead to some pleasant surprises.

What writers need to write

Despite the fact that coffee shops are consistently at least mildly noisy, JK Rowling managed to make the best of a difficult situation, to be able to write. If you ask most writers what they would need to create the ultimate writing room, the first demand will be for total silence and a complete lack of interruptions.

Even if you have a smaller garden, the addition of a corner summerhouse could provide you with a writing studio, away from your home, which means away from your children, the television, the telephone and people knocking on your door to sell you magazine subscriptions.

Before you are able to install a garden summerhouse, you might be getting up at 5 AM to write for a couple of hours before going off to work. Alternatively, you might be settling down to write at midnight, when the rest of your family are peacefully asleep.

The provision of a garden summerhouse gives you the opportunity to set up a writing area that suits your particular needs. For some people, this might mean a coffee machine permanently brewing your favourite blend and providing regular caffeine throughout your writing process. The quietness and the rich aroma from the coffee will hopefully allow you to relax sufficiently so that your imagination can run wild.

The furniture needs to be just right

Most writers perform their miracles directly into a computer of some sort. You will need to be able to install electricity into your garden summerhouse so you can add a desktop computer and printer because most writers still like to print out their work for their first stages of editing.

Although many writers work directly into a laptop computer, most laptops, and their smaller cousins, netbooks, won’t hold enough charge to see through an entire day’s writing and tablet computers haven’t yet reached the standards required to be able to adapt a novel across the weekend.

As you are almost certainly going to be sat facing a computer, it is important for a writer, who wishes to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, to have the keyboard at exactly the right height and angle, with the same applying to the largest screen you can afford.

Your chair must be extremely comfortable. This cannot be underestimated as you are going to be spending between four and eight hours a day sat in your favourite chair with only breaks every 40 min or so to keep the blood circulating throughout your limbs.

Everything else you include in your ultimate writing room will be individual to you. Some people prefer perfect silence while others prefer a little background music. Some prefer blank walls so they can add post-it notes by the thousand with instantaneous ideas, and others prefer an oil painting or two so that the brain can take time off for good behaviour.

Spring cleaning: get your garden ready

To start, you’ll need to clear away all of the debris that the winter winds left behind. Get rid of all the wet, rotting leaves, clear away the mud and clean your storm drains. You’ll want your garden to be clean and dry so your guests don’t get their feet wet. You should also spend some time removing any extra garden furniture, garden tools, and weeds so you have a clear, clutter-free space to host your parties.

Some garden designs work better for barbecues than others. In general, you want to have enough space to host a number of guests and also to accommodate your grill. Try setting up a table in the middle of the yard and placing the grill near the house so that you can easily get to the kitchen to reach supplies. If you need to, you may have to alter your garden’s design to make space, such as removing extra shrubs or beds of flowers. Instead, keep these things around the perimeter so they don’t infringe on your party area.

Choose the right grill

Next, you will need a grill. Generally speaking, a grill should be easy to use, durable, and cook food thoroughly. You should invest in a high-quality cooker that you can use year after year. Do some research or visit a garden supply store to find a grill that will work for both your style and your budget.

Additionally, kitchen appliances can also make a difference. For example, a bigger fridge will accommodate a larger selection of beverages that will certainly create a better party experience for your guests. Or, choose a microwave that is big enough to heat up and keep side dishes warm, so that you can have more time socialising and less time slaving over the stove.

Best furniture for outdoor entertaining

For furniture, choose a table and chairs that will last. Plastic is a good choice because it will last for a long time, but can get dirty more easily. Instead, consider teak or wood, though be aware that it may be less durable. You can find more information on garden furniture by visiting the Guardian’s home and garden section .

Hosting a barbecue is an easy way to celebrate spring and summer. Be prepared by getting your garden ready today!

How to look after antique furniture

Antique furniture should not be cared for in the same manner as most modern home furnishings as the use of polishes, adhesives and finishers can affect their value.

Don’t assume antique furniture needs to be fed with oil – instead they usually need moisture and so you should avoid storing them in hot, dry areas such as an attic. Furniture oils can temporarily enhance their appearance but can contribute to degradation over time and attract dust and dirt so a varnished finish is usually preferred. Typically, a thin coat of wax may be applied on an annual basis (consult an expert about how frequently to wax); with dusting, using a dampened lint free cloth, carried out on a weekly basis. Remember wax may not be appropriate for all surfaces and so you should consult a furniture specialist. Also steer clear of silicone based polishes that can penetrate a finish.

Brass and copper hardware should not be polished even if it acquires a soft patina that appears unattractive. This is because the original finish should be maintained to help the piece retain its value.

Keeping antiques well maintained is also influenced by where you keep them. Sunlight can degrade early finishes, woods and fabrics so store antiques out of direct sunlight. Humidity can cause wood to expand and contract so invest in a dehumidifier to minimise adverse affects; and don’t leave furniture near any heating appliances.

Finally, be wary of insects, particularly if your antique furniture is made of wood, leather or upholstery materials such as horsehair. Insects such as termites can eat their way into the grain of wood while cockroaches can damage an existing finish by feeding on dirt, grease and body oils. If you spot an active infestation consult a conservator/exterminator as quickly as possible.

What if your furniture needs restoring?

Antique furniture restoration can be performed in many ways. One of the most important things to take into account is the lighting you need for this operation and the mess you will make whilst doing it. It is best to do tasks like this outside and utilise appropriate garden lighting to let you see the grain of the wood and in order that you don’t miss any areas. The most basic is refinishing which involves stripping off the old finish, removing scratches or scuffs and applying a new finish. Worn or damaged hardware may be replaced with similar parts; while severely damaged or rotted furniture may require wood to be replaced. You should only restore what must be restored and it is best to use traditional products such as shellac or lacquer rather than modern finishes like polyurethane.

Due to the time-consuming and complicated nature of furniture restoration it is usually better to hire a professional who has the skills to perform the task and has access to the correct materials and equipment. Furniture restorers may be adept in skills from stripping and sanding to carving, parquetry and French polishing and can provide a refined finish to restore the antique as close as possible to its original condition. Shop around for a reputable professional, look for recommendations and don’t be tempted to take on the job yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Anyone who has been paying any sort of attention to upcoming events in the last couple of years will know that the UK in general – and London in particular, is the place to be this year. The rapidly approaching Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games mean that eyes are on London as never before. With so much to celebrate, there has rarely been a better time to send flowers to London.

It is unfortunate that in the eyes of the world London retains something of a grim and drab reputation, for all its glamour and splendour. Deep set images of “pea soup” fogs in the 1940s and 1950s are difficult to shift. This widespread, if misconceived image is countered by the reality of London’s many floral treasures. This year, London’s eight superbly managed Royal Parks have been pulling out all the stops to provide a horticultural spectacle for the expected record numbers of tourists. Many of London’s flower gardens feature species that are now widely available in international flower delivery arrangements.

Send Flowers to London: Get inspired by Chelsea Gold Medalists

The undisputed Queen of the British horticultural calendar is the annual Chelsea Flower Show, an extravaganza bringing together the great and the good from around the world. This year’s Chelsea Flower Show launched on May 23rd 2012 and the prestigious awards for the best garden displays were announced on May 24th. If you have friends in the area, why not send flowers to London in order to mark the occasion.

Here is a low down on the top three Gold Medal winning gardens for the main categories:

Best Show Garden: Brewin Dolphin Garden

Designed by Claire West and built by Steve Swatton, the Brewin Dolphin Garden celebrates 250 years of the company and focuses its display on the nineteenth century topiary craze. The winning garden uses beech hedges and yew topiary as a controlling structure, contrasting with lower levels of unstructured herbaceous plants. There is an aura of mystery and timelessness about the display – with the yew topiary forms standing like guardians of continuity among the rambling borders.

Best Fresh Garden: Green With…

Green with… is an example of the vibrant modernism and innovative flair that sits comfortably side by side with tradition at Chelsea. It is a cage like structure dominated by three pink Perspex tubes. If you wanted to send flowers to London in this style, the controlled grace of an ornamental orchid would be your best option.

Best Artisan Garden: Satoyama Life

Designed by Japanese horticulturalist Kazuyuki Ishihara, this gold medal winning garden is a nostalgic re-creation of the traditional gardens once common around Satoyama in the Japanese lowlands. The structure is simple and harmonious, and emphasises the theme of equilibrium with nature, a principle as often forgotten in the garden as in the board room.

To find properties to rent and to make sure these properties are worth your time to view, take note of some of the questions you should be asking. Firstly, list what you are looking for in a property. Do you want a bath and shower? Do you want a furnished or unfurnished property? Think about how many bedrooms you want and whether or not a garden is an important feature for you.

Check how much space you’ll need and if you’re looking for a family house or a flat. If you are looking for just yourself you may well be willing to share with someone else, so don’t forget to add this to your list. Renting also impacts on your choice of transport so check if there is space for parking and how close you would be to public transport.

When you’ve got your list it’s time to start looking. Newspapers will list adverts for rental properties but it’s quick and simple to check what’s available with an on-line property search website. These sites provide features that enable instant and wide searches, with results returned within seconds and each property easily examined in more detail.

When beginning your search it’s worth starting with a specific area, a price range and possibly a specified number of bedrooms. However, if you’re not tied to being within a certain area, you may find better options for rental properties if you expand your search up to 10 miles. If you’re on a tight budget, take a look at the latest trends for towns and cities and specific postcodes and where you’ll find properties for rent at lower rates.

Take care when reading the specification of each property, identifying questions that you would need to ask the agent and landlord. Then take a look at the photos and where the property is situated in relation to local schools, parks and main roads. Think about what local amenities you would need and if a property can meet these needs.

Then, with a final list of properties, start ringing estate agents to arrange viewings. Never rent a property without viewing first as photos can miss things out. Take your list of questions with you when you view and check the building over to make sure all equipment works. Make sure it has running hot water, a working toilet, furniture that meets fire regulations and fire alarms.

Next look at the building as a whole. Consider how safe the windows and doors are, how well built the house or flat is and how safe the local area feels. It is also important to think about local noise levels. Sometimes it can help visiting an area at different times to check how a neighbourhood feels on a Friday or Saturday night.

You may find you view many properties before finding something that looks and feels right. However, once you find a place that fits and that meets your requirements it’s all well worth the trouble. A rented property really can feel like home.

Now I must confess that while we had expected to enjoy our stay, I don’t believe any of us thought we would return home with ideas on how to improve our own lifestyle. But, this did turn out to be just such an occasion. We found ourselves on the outskirts of a one traffic light village, with no chain supermarkets or restaurants in sight. Therefore, we stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables being sold in a roadside booth by the very people who farmed them. The fish and meat we travelled farther to obtain at a lovely traditional market. Again, we were probably in the presence of those who had caught or raised the product. Sure, we can do something similar at home, but trying to negotiate a price with someone with only a Portuguese phrase book makes it feel auspicious.

Once back at the accommodation, which was situated on three acres of beautifully landscaped property, we found ourselves at a loss for what to do next. Nowhere really to go, we decided to make full use of the handmade brick barbecue and table set under the pergola. It took some time to settle our minds, and wind down from all of the stimulation we are accustomed to back home. Still it did happen, and we agreed that inhaling the scent of the beautiful wildflowers all during the day, and feasting on barbecue at night was divine.

After a full week of nothing but board games, picnics and sing-a-longs, we were ready to reunite with our former way of life. Still, we promised ourselves that we would make a few changes once back at our cottage. My list included the following, getting a great barbecue for our garden, as we liked the experience of eating out under the stars a great deal. However, a more modern version would be our preference, as we would like to have more control over the way the bbq cooks. Also, we are going to craft our own pergola and then install our outdoor table and chairs underneath. Eventually, we hope to have Clematis growing up the wood of the pergola, which will remind us even more of the valued time we spent together. It is such a nice thing to be able to come back to reality with a few ways to make everyday life a wee bit more magical.