Set Sail for Summer!

With Cancer Research UK’s latest research findings revealing a shocking tripling in melanoma rates among British 15-34 year olds since the late 70s – and the latest available figures showing that the total number of cases of malignant melanoma for all ages increased from 10,800 in 2007 to 11,700 in 2008, a rise of 8.5%, the need for adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays has never been more topical.
Enjoying the benefits of the outdoor room in the summer sunshine is perfectly acceptable as long as you ensure you and your family have access to the sanctuary of some shade. There are a number of options available if you need to create a safe sun-free area in the garden but one of the most effective (and often dramatic) means is via a Shade Sail.
Shade sails are made from scientifically developed material which has been impregnated with both waterproofing and UV protection. The average UV protection of shade sails is around 85% making them suitable for preventing burning on all but the fairest of skins in temperatures higher than we are ever likely to experience in the UK. When you consider that Factor 85 is probably good enough for most people in the tropics, the level of sun protection afforded by a shade sail is more than sufficient for the UK climate.
A key benefit of a shade sail is that it can be cut to any shape or size and because of the treatments they are impregnated with, they are also tough and solid and retain an attractive shape. Shade sails can be used to cover driveways and paths; they can cover all or part of a patio; or they can make roof like areas for what effectively become outdoor dining rooms. Shade sails can be strung together in attractive groups to form staggered or larger shading areas and they can be attached to the sides of buildings or strung between poles.
A fact often not considered is that a shade sail need not necessarily be just for summer. Sails can become a permanent addition to the outside room since they also offer protection from rain and wind as well as from the sun. And let’s face it, in Britain we are likely to need more protection from the rain and wind than from the sun!

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

With the cost of living rising at its fastest pace for two years, as inflation hit 4% in January, many homeowners will be looking at tightening the purse strings and dispensing with the annual summer trip abroad. If your traditional two week break is looking likely to be spent at home, then make it a holiday to be remembered by investing time now to get your garden get-away in ship shape condition.
Hopefully – weather permitting – you’ll be able to sample the delights of UK alfresco living so it is worth reviewing your outdoor dining facilities now if you want to be ready to enjoy ‘your very own place’ in the sun:

• Does your garden offer a dedicated dining area which can easily accommodate your outside garden furniture?
• Does the area offer sufficient shade from the midday sun, so diners can sit (safely) and comfortably outside for extended periods of time?
• Is there easy access to power in your outdoor dining zone, so that barbecues and lighting can easily be activated without having to rely on hazardous extension leads?
• Does the garden furniture do the garden justice? Is it in dire need of a style update?
• Is the area lacking in privacy? Too noisy or simply too exposed? It might be time to build in some additional shelter to create a more intimate dining spot

For the professional low down on how to create the ultimate outdoor dining area for your garden, contact our garden design team on 0845 5391467 or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk for further details.

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Merging Indoor Living with Outdoor Living

A recent article in The Independent drew attention to the number of hours we can sometimes spend choosing planting schemes and agonizing over paving materials for the garden, which is sometimes in sharp contrast to the lack of effort put into selecting the  furniture which will adorn the outdoor room. 

Given that a sizeable chunk of our well earned ‘garden’ down time is likely to entail eating, drinking or simply chilling, it seems ridiculous that  we are content to compromise on such a significant detail.  However, as the trend for outdoor living spaces continues to gather momentum, there is a growing body of designers who take pride in incorporating bespoke seating into their plans to achieve not only the delivery of a functional practical seating solution but to also provide a striking stylish focal point for the outside room. 

Choice of material, colour and the all important comfort factor are important points to consider when reviewing built in seating options and in our wonderful British climate, it is also advisable to incorporate some easy to access storage options to house any cushions during the less sunny months!  Speak to a member of our design team to find out more on this subject ….

Alfresco Entertaining on the up

Research carried out for the Horticultural Trades Association this July revealed that over three quarters (77%) of garden owners use their gardens for eating and entertaining, with half (50%) owning a barbecue and the same proportion also having outside lighting. And with over half of respondents (56%) also claiming their gardens as a stylish outdoor party venue, it seems that the outside room is increasingly becoming the social hub of the home! Stylish furniture and accessories are key to the creation of a chic alfresco entertainment zone.