If you’re planning to entertain friends or family at home this summer, check out the latest must-have garden gadgets and accessories. A two-minute read.
Spending time in your own garden, be it pottering around alone or entertaining family and friends, is one of the true joys of summer.
And there’s a host of products on the market to help you make the most of the experience.
Here’s a list of what is proving popular at the moment.
Garden fireballs – Fire pits were a hit last summer, but this year, it’s all about the fireball. Like a fire pit but spherical, fireballs look striking and keep you warm when the sun goes down. Just be a bit wary if you have young children or pets.
Pizza oven – Bored with barbequed bangers but still want to cook al fresco? Then invest in an outdoor pizza oven. There’s one to suit every price range, from dinky, portable gas-fired models to built-in woodfired ovens that wouldn’t look out of place in a Napoli pizzeria.
Patio heater – A patio heater will allow you to make the most of your days and nights in the garden. (Let’s face it, this is the UK, so you know the mercury will plummet at some point.) We’re all familiar with the big outdoor heaters you see in pubs (clunky but effective), but many smaller models are available for domestic use. You can choose from free-standing or wall-hanging, gas or electric. Be mindful of those energy bills, though.
Smoke-free barbeque – Enjoy the taste of barbequed food without the smoke or smell (ideal if you live in a built-up area and the neighbours are prone to complaining about smoke wafting into their garden).
Sunken trampoline – Kids love trampolines, but many people find them visually intrusive because of their height and the safety net (which, by the way, is crucial if you want to avoid a visit to A&E). A sunken or in-ground trampoline can be the solution – they’re less impactful visually and safer for the kids. Most people get a company to handle the installation, although you could tackle the job yourself if you’re a confident DIYer (just check you don’t disturb any underground pipework).
From all of us here at Belvoir Stoke-on-Trent, Leek and Biddulph, we hope you enjoy the summer.
