Send Her Victorious!

Everyone at Lime Orchard would like to wish Her Majesty our very best wishes over this Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.

The Queen is of course well known for her garden parties at Buckingham Palace but is you are planning a slightly lower-key celebration in your own garden this weekend then leading garden centre chain Dobbies has some sound advice to make sure you keep safe:

1. Do not place the barbecue where anything will be dangling above it, such as low-hanging tree branches. And be sure it is far enough away from any structure to avoid smoke stains or discolouring. Never try to move your barbecue while it is alight.

2. Make sure your barbecue is on solid ground so that it doesn’t roll or tip.

3. Even if your barbecue uses natural gas and has a permanent location, survey the surrounding area before you light up, especially the first time in the spring. Greenery can grow surprisingly fast and leaves and twigs might have accumulated where they shouldn’t be, so clean up all debris first.

4. If you have no choice but to place your barbecue on a wooden deck, be sure it is free from debris such as dry leaves, twigs, etc.

5. Clean-up is crucial. Don’t let grease build up on your barbecue as it catches fire easily and can be difficult to extinguish. If that does happen, quickly close the lid.

Read more: http://www.dobbies.co.uk/blog/barbecue-safety-guide

Football Fever Allows Women to get what they Really Want!

As the nation prepares to sit back and watch the beautiful game for a whole month, this could be the perfect time for all ‘footie widows’ to cash in on the opportunity to get the garden looking great for summer.  So whilst the man in your life lies slumped in front of the TV why not grab the chance to get to grips with the outdoor room?  That way you can create the perfect environment for all those world cup celebration / commiseration parties!

Advances in outdoor living have made it possible to replicate pretty much all of the luxuries associated with the indoor living space – thus easing the way to creating the ultimate alfresco entertainment zone.  Get your party rocking with a sophisticated outdoor sound system; warm up your guests with a cosy patio heater, chiminea or fire pit / brazier and light up the ‘room’ with simple tea lights or a bespoke outdoor lighting system.  But regardless of the number of latest ‘cool’ features and gadgets you pack into your garden living room, your outside space will never fulfill its true potential if it lacks a basic design template.   

A professional garden designer will help you maximize the opportunities in the area available, taking into consideration you / your family’s specific aesthetic as well as functional needs to deliver a totally bespoke solution.  Investing in a professional design does not need to cost the earth, nor does all the work need to be completed in one hit.  A reputable designer can help you identify your priorities for the garden and can produce a design blue print that – if necessary - can be completed in stages 

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.