Little Ways to Weatherproof Your Outdoor Space
Let’s face it, if there’s one thing that the British weather isn’t known for, it’s reliability. It can pour down in summer, produce hailstones in spring or give us a surprise heatwave in the autumn. Whatever the weather, you and your outdoor space need to be prepared, so we’ve compiled a few little tips on things to do so you can enjoy being alfresco, come rain, shine any everything in-between.
Don’t underestimate the power of a parasol
Parasols are typically put up to provide shade against the sun, but they can also protect you from a rain shower too. An overhanging style will give you more flexibility, so you can move it to different areas of the patio and swivel its canopy according to your needs and the position of the sun or the direction of the wind.
Got a party? Get a gazebo!
If you want to weatherproof your alfresco entertaining, invest in a gazebo or pergola. A pop-up gazebo offers shade or rain protection, and can be placed in any part of the garden. Some even come with drop-down sides for added privacy or shelter from the wind. Alternatively, you might prefer a pergola, which have more substantial frame that can be put on a terrace or patio to essentially become an outdoor extension of your house. Add some sofas underneath and, hey presto, you’ve brought your living room out into the fresh air.
Heat things up
Whether it’s a cool spring evening or a blustery autumnal day, a glowing fire pit or outdoor heater enables you to stay warm while getting out in the garden. Any form of heat makes a great focal point and the perfect place to huddle around during an evening chatting with friends. Fire pits, chimineas and outdoor heaters have the potential to really transform a garden, extending the time you can head outside and get some fresh air well into the cooler months.
Layer up
Protect yourself when the thermometer drops or a breeze gets up, by snuggling under a cosy cover-up. Whether it’s Teddy Bear, fleece, knit, cotton or faux fur, we have a range of blankets and throws in heaps of colours and designs.
Add soft accessories
Introducing textiles into a garden is a great way to make it feel cosy whatever the weather. Forget cold, hard chairs; a carefully chosen cushion is a great way to make an outdoor space feel more inviting, meaning you’ll actually want to spend more time out there. All our outdoor cushions are water resistant and, while it’s a good idea to bring them inside if it’s wet, they are made to withstand the odd rain shower. From the bold and bright to the subtle and stylish, we have prints and designs to suit every style, every budget and every outdoor space. If you really want to up the cosy factor, add a complementing outdoor rug and create a bona fide garden room.
Hedging your bets
Another clever way to weatherproof a patio or terrace is by using elements in the garden itself. Plan your outside space so that seating areas are protected from the wind, rain and sun, either by hedges or fences. This will make it feel like a warm, welcoming nook even if there’s a strong breeze blowing. Alternatively, grow a green canopy by erecting an arbour and placing climbers at its base. It might take some time, but you’ll be rewarded with a seating space shaded from direct sunlight that doubles up as a shelter on cooler evenings.
Add clever storage ideas
Some simple storage solutions will enable you to get the most out of your garden all year round. Use garden storage boxes to keep outdoor cushions in so they’re protected against the worst of the weather and within easy reach when you do want to sit outside. It’s also worth protecting parasols with a cover during the winter or on windier days so they’re in good, working order when you come to put them up.
