MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN (From Watford Observer)

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN

8:35pm Sunday 18th July 2010

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We love to use our gardens to the full and a crucial part for entertaining is a ‘seating area’. This is equally important whether we are gardeners or not – as soon as the sun shines it’s good to be out of doors. One of my favourite things is to sit in the garden with a group of friends – either drinking coffee, tea or wine depending on the time of day.

What is there about cooking a meal outside that gives such pleasure? In the not so distant past using a barbecue was a real challenge – often waiting for hours for the charcoal to heat and then being presented with an offering that was likely to have a hard, black crust covering a semi-raw middle. No-one denies it really is an art to get it just right. Thanks to modern equipment all of that is a distant memory and these days it is said our enthusiasm for barbecuing is only rivaled by that of the Australians.

When it comes to choosing a new barbecue we are spoilt for choice, some models provide outside heating at the same time as cooking our food. How often do we start in sunshine only to see the sun cover over and we are eagerly looking for warm jackets? Install some kind of lighting to add to your enjoyment as the light fades. By choosing carefully lighting can create either a soft and romantic atmosphere or a one that is bright and revealing.

The obvious place to start is the patio and this should be a bit more than fixing a spotlight on the nearest wall. Do you really want your guests to look like startled rabbits caught in a headlight? Also remember that lights sited high on walls cast large, deep shadows. Cleverly placed lights can be used to show up patterns of foliage, hanging lanterns can create moving patterns of shadow and an arrangement of fairy lights can give a magical effect to the evening.

Very, very important – any outdoor equipment using mains voltage should be installed by a qualified electrician. He will be able to advise you on all the correct cables etc. If this is likely to be too expensive there is a huge variety of solar-powered alternatives which are efficient and easy to use. Finally, if you don’t want permanent fixtures of any kind use candles. They come in all shapes, colours and perfumes and can be relied on to add a special something to your evening but be on the generous side as too few can give a gloomy atmosphere.

Hope the weather holds for you!