Planning to paint a surface outside of your home? Before you kick off, take a look at the weather forecast. \nWhen\n you paint your exterior surfaces can have just as much of an impact on the finished product as the steps you follow.\n\nHere are a few tips to help you pick the best weather for your outdoor paint project: \nCheck the next day's weather forecast before starting a large exterior or masonry paint project. \nChoose a nice, dry day for painting to allow the paint to set and dry thoroughly. \nA poor exterior paint job is usually the result of one of two things: bad weather on the day or lack of surface prep. Get those things right (coupled with the right exterior paint) and you’re looking at a paint job that could last you up to 10 years. \nYour exact drying times will depend on the temperature and the relative humidity during paint application. If you use Lick's exterior & masonry paint, let it dry for at least 16 hours/overnight without any exposure to rain or frost. Keep drying time to a minimum by choosing a dry day.\nIn a nutshell: choose the right weather for painting and you’re well on your way to a flawless finish. Learn more about the best weather conditions for painting outside below.
\nThe effects of direct sunlight on painting outside \nAlthough picking a sunny day for painting may seem like the best idea, too much direct sunlight can actually cause paint to dry far too quickly. To stick properly to the material, the paint needs a little time to soak into the surface before it’s fully absorbed.\nLuckily (in this case) we don’t have to worry about many intensely sunny days in the UK! Choose a day that’s dry and not \ntoo\n sunny and you’re all set. Or just paint a bit later in the day when the sun is going down.\n\nThe effects of rain on painting outside \nThis is a more obvious one, but it has to be said: avoid painting any exterior surface when it’s raining outside, even if it’s just a light drizzle. The rain will wash away the paint before it’s fully set, leaving you with a less than professional finish.\n\nThe effects of wind on painting outside \nWhile a bit of a breeze is not an issue, painting externally in very windy conditions can lead to the binding agent – solvents or water –  evaporating too quickly. You also run the risk of sediment being blown into the wet coating.\n\nThe effects of high temperatures on painting outside \nAlthough you’d ideally paint outside on a day where the temperature is above 10 degrees, overly high temperatures in the UK can come with high humidity levels. \nWhen humidity levels are high, there’s more moisture in the air, which means it can take longer for the water or solvents within the paint to evaporate. This can affect the drying time, so we’d recommend skipping an overly hot day.\n\nThe effects of low temperatures on painting outside \nThe cold British weather can bring high relative humidity that affects certain paints.\nIf you’re using paint that’s based in natural oils and resins, it can become more viscous at low temperatures. This means that when painting in cold weather, some paints will become very thick or semi-solid. Not ideal.\n\nThe ideal weather conditions for painting outside \nSo, you may be wondering, when exactly can I paint outside for the best finish? For Lick exterior & masonry paint, we’d recommend an ideal example of a weather condition of 18 degrees with 65% relative humidity. Our exterior paint can dry in as little as two hours (with a recoat in 2-4 hours), and — when prepped right, and weather permitting — lasts as long as up to 10 years.\nFor the best results, paint above 10 degrees, apply a second coat after four hours, then allow to dry overnight before potential exposure to frost or rain.\n\nIn summary:\nThe ideal air temperature for painting outside is 18 degrees (or at the very least, above 10 degrees)\nRelative humidity of 65%\nWarm, dry, cloudy conditions\nNo risk of rain during the application or drying process. And you’re all set!
\nWant to learn more about the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of exterior paint? Check out \nour guide on the best masonry and exterior paint colours\n and \nlearn more about Lick exterior paint here\n.\n\n\nShop masonry and exterior paint\n

When we spoke to \nRHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winner, Paul Holt\n earlier this year, we were totally sold on the idea of a Mediterranean garden. From low-maintenance gardening to a tendency towards terracotta pots, it’s also a style that can work really well even if you’ve only got \na balcony to play with\n. If you’re looking for a little extra sunshine in your life, get inspired by these 7 Mediterranean style garden ideas.\n\nMediterranean garden idea: Mediterranean colour palette\nFrom earthy Ibicencan neutrals and warming terracottas to Grecian whites and blues, when it comes to a Mediterranean colour palette, the choice is yours. Take a look at our Colour Consultants’ \nexterior paint colour palette\n for some inspiration.

Mediterranean garden idea: terracotta pots \nIt wouldn’t be a Mediterranean garden without terracotta pots—and lots of them. A great option whether you’re working with a large garden or bijous balcony, simply fill them with drought-loving plants for a low-maintenance Mediterranean garden.
\nMediterranean garden idea: Mediterranean plants\nAnd what plants should I fill them with, we hear you ask? Well, there’s an entire genus of plants dedicated to this region. Anything from lavender to red hot pokers to yucca pines and even orange, lemon, and fig trees will grow in the UK. This is where your terracotta pots come in handy as you can transfer any citrus fruits or succulents that won’t last the winter indoors to avoid any frost.

Mediterranean garden idea: herb garden \nAnd let’s not forget about those sweet-smelling Mediterranean herbs. Food is at the heart of Mediterranean culture so bolster your culinary offering with a few home-grown herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and tarragon all hail from this region and are used to withstanding high temperatures with little rainwater, so they’re super hardy. \nMediterranean garden idea: tiles\nWhether terracotta or colourful mosaic, tiles are an integral feature of a Mediterranean garden. We’re only slightly obsessed with these \ntiled Moorish mosaic tile fountains\n found on Etsy.

Mediterranean garden idea: rustic elements \nShiny new plastic furnishings will appear out of place in a Mediterranean garden, so instead opt for rustic wooden tables or a sturdy metal dining set. Add a colourful mosaic top if you’re going for a vibrant Mediterranean palette. Embrace textured stone walls and exposed wooden beams for a really rustic look.

Mediterranean garden idea: embrace gravel\nIn the Med, gravel gardens are commonplace as they’re much easier to maintain than grass and for their cooling properties. In the UK, they create a low maintenance, great drainage option. You can even use gravel along your borders and can plant ornamental grasses or succulents between it.

Like the sound of these laid-back, low-maintenance Mediterranean garden ideas? Check out our \nColour Consultants’ go-to garden accessories for a summer of entertaining\n, alfresco Mediterranean style.\n

We've all fallen head over Birkenstocks for \nboho decor style\n in recent years, and now the trend is expanding its horizons: into our gardens. Championing a sense of fun, freedom, and carefree living, it's the perfect style to bring into your garden. Whether that looks like evenings by an outdoor fire under layers of blankets or drinks with friends beneath strings of festoon lights, take a look at these 7 tips on how to create the ultimate boho garden.\n\nBoho garden idea: boho colour palette \nFrom earthy neutrals to rich colours, when it comes to boho decor, the rules are there are no rules, so you can go as colourful or as muted as you like. However, we'd recommend sticking to hues that can be found in nature—think terracottas, greens, taupes, and ochres rather than pastels or neons. When it comes to \nexterior paint colours\n, create a boho colour scheme with our \ndeep terracotta Red 03\n, \nsoothing Green 02\n and \nGreen 09\n, \nsunshine Yellow 02\n, and light and airy \nWhite 04\n.

Boho garden idea: festoon lighting\nThere's something magical about festoon lighting. It can transform the most rustic of spaces into a fairytale setting. It creates the perfect backdrop to continue a garden party until the evening hours and can demarcate a designated dining or seating area.\n\nBoho garden idea: layer on the textures\nBoho decor is all about layering on the textures. Once you've got your outdoor rug, add some cushions, a throw, beanbags, or pouffes. Think Moroccan style kilim fabrics, ikat, or block prints. Try to encourage low, relaxed seating that begs to be lounged on.

Boho garden idea: rattan or wicker furnishings \nAnother key component of boho decor is using natural materials, and nothing suits the look better in the furniture department than rattan or wicker furnishings. If you plan on leaving your furniture outdoors year-round, there are lots of 'rattan effect' tables and sofa sets that will stand the test of time (and British summers) better than real rattan. We love the beautiful scallop design in \nthis Sklum outdoor chair\n.

Boho garden idea: decorative parasol \nA decorative parasol isn't \nonly\n for decoration (although they do add a certain flair to an alfresco dining area). Come rain or shine, they will see you and your boho decor garden through the seasons. Probably not something you'd want to leave out in the rain, we're obsessed with \nEast London Parasol Company's\n kaleidoscopic range.

Boho garden idea: outdoor rug \nWhen it comes to a boho garden, use an outdoor rug in the same way as you would indoors. You can go neutral and layer on the texture with jute-style fibres or add a splash of colour with a colourful floor mat made from recycled plastic bottles.s (like this one from \nWayfair\n, as featured on our guide to best online shops for affordable outdoor furniture).\n\nBoho garden idea: hung seating\nAnd finally, if you’ve got the space, opt for a hammock (like this \nRendezvous Wave Orange Hammock from Oliver Bonus\n)\n \nor hanging egg chair (we are obsessed with \nAnthropologie’s Peacock hanging chair\n). These are the final components in creating the ultimate boho garden. Whatever you can do to make your outdoor space feel relaxed yet playful.

Want to continue the boho look into your home? Check out \nour style guide on the best places to shop for boho home deco\nr style in your home.

It was a blustery Sunday afternoon when we pottered on over to the leafy East London De Beauvoir neighbourhood to meet with Paul Holt, Creative Director at N1 Garden Centre. Housed in a former button factory, we first came across this urban space at last year’s \nRHS Chelsea Flower Show\n when this little London garden centre won ‘best in show’ for the first-ever Houseplant Studios category.\nWell, we’ve said goodbye to autumn and hello to spring. That’s why we thought there’d be no better time to chat with Paul about his top tips for novice gardeners and how to prep your garden for spring.\n
The clue is in the name, but what was your inspiration behind ‘Celebrate Autumn with Plants’ at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show? \nWell, it was such an unusual RHS Chelsea Flower Show, because of the pandemic, it was the first time in its 100+ year history it had been held in autumn. It had been such a tough time, we really just wanted to go to town with the autumnal colour palette and embrace it as a kid! Chestnuts, jumping into crunchy leaves—and of course, autumnal coloured plants like Coral bead, Orange king, Bird of Paradise, and Eternal Flame (plus a few pumpkins). Houseplants don’t have to be green!

Gardening saw a massive boom during the pandemic. Any tips for the novice gardener? \nFor anyone who started gardening during the pandemic, my top tip would be to just keep it up. I encourage anyone to tend to their plants as regularly as you can—for the well-being of yourself and your plants. Gardens take time, so the best time to start is \nnow\n. If you don’t succeed the first time, try again! It’s like exercise, you just need to stick with it.\n\nWhat do you predict the biggest garden trends of 2022 to be?\nGardeners are wanting to be more wildlife and environmentally friendly. As individuals, we’re thinking about how the plants we grow in our garden can help the city: pots full of wildflowers and pollinators for bees and insects. Going plastic-free and using reclaimed or recycled materials is another big one. We stock pots by the ‘Hairy Pot Co.’ which are a great alternative. In the warmer months, I think we’ll continue to see more people working from their gardens.\n\nFind out how you can \nrewild your garden\n.

Spring is finally here! What are your top 3 tips for gardeners to get their space ready for the summer season? \nKick everything into action with a good clean-up. Dead leaves and mulch are where bugs, pests, and diseases harbour so clear those out and give everything a good prune. If you leave your seed heads, cut off seed heads and dead leaves because you don’t want the new ones coming through.\nRe-pot, upsize, and add some slow-release fertiliser (this should keep you going through March to October).\nNow for the fun part: work out what you’re going to do with the rest of your space. If you’ve got lots of sun, go for some herbs.\nWhat are your favourite (almost) unkillable indoor and outdoor plants?\nThe \ncast iron plant\n. This got its name for good reason. Great for cold rooms and shady spaces, this will survive under almost any conditions. \nAny \nSyngonium\n varieties, otherwise known as the goosefoot plant. Tough and beautiful, they come in intricate patterns. Happiest in warm and moist conditions, so perfect for a bathroom. \nAnd finally, the ZZ plant is great for shade and, native to eastern African, it will tolerate forgetful waterers! \nYour top 3 eco-friendly gardening tips?\nOk, you asked for three but here are four! \nPlants for bees and insects (Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a spreading plant that the bees will love all summer long).\nIf you can, grow your own veg. If you’re short for space, a window box of herbs and edibles will do the trick. And opt for organic fertilisers, compost, and seeds—it’s better for you and the environment.\nWhere possible, try and buy locally. This can be a little tricky, but local growers will usually have a label. A good indicator that it’s grown abroad is that it will have a plant passport.\nAnd lastly, go for peat-free compost. It’s not something a lot of us think about, but our peat bogs are really valuable ecosystems. It takes 100 years to form just 100 mm of peat! They’re full of carbon so when they’re dug up that is released.\n

And finally, what have you currently got growing in your garden?\nSo I’ve got a small garden, but it gets a lot of sun, so I’ve gone quite Mediterranean with two massive olive trees, a fig tree, yucca pine trees, and an agave plant. In the summer I grow asparagus in the shade and give my succulents a little summer holiday outdoors.\n\nWhere can you find Paul Holt and his work? Well, you can either head down to \nN1 Garden Centre\n in East London (or \nW6 Garden Centre\n if you’re in West London), or you’ll find them exhibiting once again at \nRHS Chelsea Flower Show\n from the 24th-28th May ‘22.

We all know that a fresh lick of paint on the walls can transform the appearance of a room, but what about the exterior of your home? Spice up the outside of your property by painting your front door. First impressions matter and it’s the first thing your guests (and you) are going to see. \nNot quite sure where to start? Here’s all you need to know about how to paint your front door.\nWhat to use\nTools and materials-wise, here’s what you need: \nA tin of weather-resistant exterior and masonry paint.\nPaint stripper \nSandpaper\n\nPainters masking tape\n\nPaintbrush\nCutting in paintbrush\nPaint roller and paint tray \nWide scraper \nSponge and bucket of water \nSafety goggles, gloves and a protective mask \nHow to prep your wooden exterior front door for paint\nThe secret to a flawlessly painted front door? Putting in the time to prep the surface before you even reach for that paintbrush. Trust us, it’s worth putting in a little extra time so you can spend the rest of your days showing off that smooth, beautiful finish. \nHere’s what you need to do: \nFirst, get that old and flaking paint off. Slip on your gloves and goggles and start by applying the paint stripper with a brush. Work it into every nook and cranny and leave on for the manufacturer’s recommended amount of time. \nTime up? Try scraping a small patch with a sturdy scraper. If the paint comes off easily, continue to scrape away until you’re left with a bare wooden surface.\nWipe down the surface with a sponge soaked in warm water.\nPut your dust mask on and sand the surface smooth using a piece of fine sandpaper. \nOnce the stripping and sanding are done, it’s time to remove the door handle and wedge the door firmly open.\nHow to prep your uPVC and composite front door for paint\nIf your front door is made of plastic or UPVC, just make sure that you lightly sand the surface before application. This will give the paint something to stick to so it lasts for longer.\n
How to paint a wooden exterior front door\nIf the wood is new or well-weathered, apply a diluted first coat (a mixture of 70% paint and 30% water). This first coat is the most important one for long-lasting results.\nIf the wood is new and treated, we’d recommend leaving it for at least 6 months before painting, as the treatment needs time to weather first. Non treated front doors can be painted straight away (starting with the thin coat first). \nNote - \nsome woods will stain and bleed through light colours. For Plywood, red cedar and very resinous woods, apply a stain blocker first.
\nHow to paint different types of exterior front doors\nTime to paint: \nFor panel doors:\n Start by applying paint to the inner panels and the surrounding mouldings. Next, tackle the central areas working your way from top to bottom. Finish with the outer edges, including the exposed door edges right at the end. \nFor glazed doors: \nAffix masking tape around the edges of the glass panels to protect it from drips of paint. Start by painting the mouldings surrounding the glass, using a small angled paintbrush to cut in (learn how to cut in paint). Moving on to the outer edges, working from to bottom before finishing off with the exposed door edges (check out our tips for painting using painters tape).\nFor flush doors:\n Tackle in smaller sections, working your way from top to bottom in horizontal strokes. Carefully blend each section into the next while the paint is still wet, leaving the door edges for last.\n--\nHurrah, all done! If you can (security permitting) - leave your front door open for as long as it takes to dry.\nWondering \nhow to choose the right front door colour?\n Or \nwhich colours to paint your house to increase its value\n? Choose \nthe best exterior and masonry paint colours\n for you with a little help from Lick.

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a year of firsts. Not only was it the first year to be held in autumn, but it was also the first year that house plants, container gardens and balcony gardens were exhibited. And it wasn’t just the timing of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that the pandemic affected. It massively impacted the way we garden and what we use our gardens for—as you’ll see from this year’s main trends.\n\nSo here are our predictions for the garden trends we’ll be seeing more of in a backyard near you next year.\n2022 garden trend: sustainability\nThe overarching theme of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was sustainability. Just as there are lots of little ways we can play our part at home by recycling and using eco-friendly products, there are tons of ways we can make our gardens more sustainable. From \nrewilding your garden\n by ditching the lawn to quitting the pesticide and going organic, there’s a long list of changes you can make to support wildlife and make your garden more sustainable. Swapping your hose attachment to a rainwater butt is a really simple yet effective one.\n\nThe 'COP26 Garden' took us on a journey through some of the common unsustainable gardening practices to what we can do to mitigate them.\n\nOn the left, you can see a pristine paved and lawned garden, surrounded by hardy yet not very pollinator-friendly shrubs. Paving doesn't allow for water to be absorbed by roots and soil, contributing to flooding, whilst pristine mowed lawns are known as a 'monoculture’: not a great habitat for bug life.\n\nOn the right, you can see an Eden-like alternative, complete with wildflowers and a waterbody to support animal life. If you'd like to implement more sustainable practices at home, take a look at our guide to \nrewilding your garden\n to find out how.

2022 balcony and container gardens \nIf ever there was an indicator about how our attitudes towards gardening have changed over the seasons, it's the inclusion of balcony gardens at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Proving that you don't need an enormous garden to get into gardening, balcony and container gardens are a great way to do a lot with limited space. \n\nThe RHS 'Green Sky Pocket Garden' (pictured left) shows how you can be inventive with what you've got, using wall space to create a herb garden and floor space for hardy grasses, lavender and thyme. If you want to grow fruit and veg, containers are a great way to do so on a balcony. \n\nFrom outdoor lighting to outdoor furniture, take a look at our \n8 budget-friendly balcony decor ideas\n to get yours looking Chelsea-worthy.

2022 garden trend: edible gardens \nContinuing with the fruit and veg theme, edible gardens were more popular at RHS Chelsea Flower Show than ever, but not in the traditional sense. As with balcony gardens, we don't all necessarily have the space for a dedicated vegetable patch. Instead, we saw fruit and vegetables placed in and amongst flower beds. Cabbages provide gorgeous winter colour, whilst courgettes and artichokes have beautiful blooms. Herbs count too. \n\nPlant your provencal herbs like thyme and rosemary with your lavender in the summer months, whilst a hanging basket of pansies not only adds a splash of colour to your garden but your salad too. Find out how to join the 'grow your own' movement with our guide to \nvictory gardens\n.

2022 garden trend: wellbeing\nFrom medicinal plants, as used in the Florence Nightingale Garden (pictured left) in the form of several varieties of echinacea to the Finnish Soul Garden (pictured right), wellbeing was a major theme in this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From embracing the \nCottagecore garden trend\n and growing your own medicinal garden to going full \nScandi-style\n and installing a sauna-cum-ice bath (we can only dream), the idea of nurturing through nature isn’t a new concept. It’s how you implement it.

2022 garden trend: natural materials\nCelebrating the natural and the reclaimed, organic structures were popular this year, including the 'Best Show Garden' winner, the Guangzhou Garden (pictured right) and the 'People's Choice' winner, the Yeo Valley Organic Garden. Both seamlessly blending the lines between the natural and the manmade. Both designs have a lot in keeping with the \nau naturale garden trend. \n\n\nSo whilst you might not be including larger-than-life structures like these in your garden (although we're seriously into that hanging egg chair), think about incorporating natural or reclaimed materials where possible. For example, using old railway sleepers for planters or opting for willow fencing and trellising, rather than the traditional kind.

2022 garden trend: outdoor entertaining \n'The fifth room' has never got more use than during the pandemic. Patio heaters sold out across the country, whilst online searches for fire pits went up by 309% back when the only place we could congregate was in our gardens (it \nwas\n December). From al fresco dining to al fresco bathing, it seems entertaining outdoors is here to stay. So prepare for summer (or winter) and take a look at our guide on \nhow to get your garden decor ready for entertaining.\n\n

2022 garden trend: tropical elements \nWe've all been suffering from some serious wanderlust recently and what better way to satiate this than by creating an exotic escape in our gardens. You don't need to have a tropical climate to support tropical plants. Bamboo, tree ferns, and a variety of palms will all grow in the UK and provide evergreen foliage. \n\nAlternatively, think about other clever ways to bring elements of your travels into your garden. From creating a yoga or meditation pagoda to just hanging up some prayer flags, the 'Trailfinders' Nepali-inspired garden (pictured left) conjures up the peace and tranquillity of the Himalayan foothills. Whilst the 'Arcadia' balcony garden (pictured right) transports you to India by way of enormous carved doors, a hanging \njhoola\n swing, and a gnarled pomegranate tree

A little more on the practical side, we love this South-Asian style vegetable cart repurposed as a flower planter.

2022 garden trend: water features \nThere was water everywhere at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Be it benefitting the environment, creating a natural ecosystem and habitat for insects, birds, and mammals to aiding your mental wellbeing through its soothing sounds and appearance. There are lots of reasons to include a water body in your garden. \n\nIf you're thinking of creating a pond, go natural, and provide an environment that will give sanctuary and sustenance, like lots of long rushes and lily-pad coverage—just sit back and wait for the frogs to come. If you haven't got space for a pond, we love this reclaimed metal water feature (picture right). Just the sound of a simple water feature can combat noise pollution, especially in urban areas, helping to drown out (if you'll pardon the pun) aeroplane and traffic noise. If that's not a reason to get one, then what is.

2022 garden trend: indoor plants\nAlong with balconies and container gardens, 2021 was the first year RHS Chelsea Flower Show showcased indoor plants. There were some seriously inventive designs, like 'The Green Room' (pictured right) turning an outdoor garden room into a potting shed-cum-disco with the use of some neon lighting, pink macramé and disco balls. Or what about 'The Green Bathroom Retreat'? Showing us a snapshot of what our bathroom would look like if we kept buying indoor plants at our current rate. \n\nIncorporating some key principles of \nbiophilic design\n, indoor plants not only look great, but they're also good for both our mental and physical health, contributing to improved air quality as well as reduced stress and anxiety. Like we needed another reason to buy more.

And that’s a wrap! A look forward at some of 2022’s hottest garden trends. Until next year.

With urban sprawl encroaching on our flora and fauna’s natural habitats, it has never been more important to recreate those lost environments through rewilding.\n\nThe global pandemic and its great ‘human pause’ proved that wildlife could reclaim urban areas in just a short space of time. As a result, many individuals have taken up the baton and are now rewilding their gardens. So, what exactly is it, and how can you get involved?\nWhat is rewilding?\nIn its essence, rewilding is about creating a sanctuary for all creatures great and small by providing a source of water, nourishment, and shelter for them to thrive and multiply in. Rewilding is the process of returning land to its natural habitat through the introduction of native plants and natural environments.\n\nBut it’s not just blue-sky thinking. There are ecological benefits to rewilding too. Not only does it increase biodiversity, it can also create a self-sustainable ecosystem in your very own back garden, as well as contribute towards the reduction of climate change.\n“Rewilding is the process of returning land to its natural habitat through the introduction of native plants and natural environments.”\nAnd there are benefits for us humans too. According to \ncolour psychology\n, surrounding ourselves with greenery can have a therapeutic effect on our wellbeing. In keeping with the \ncore principles of biophilic design\n, rewilding can also help us to reconnect with nature. It’s about embracing the wild and sharing our spaces with our fellow creatures.\n\nSo here are our seven simple ways to rewild your gardens and get it ready for your new many-legged friends.\nGarden trend idea: plant pollinators  \nRewilding your garden is all about bringing all the bees to your yard and the best way to do that is by planting pollinators. From lavender to daisies, roses to honeysuckle—anything a bee or butterfly can get stuck into will help improve your garden’s natural ecosystem.

Garden trend idea: ditch the lawn\n\nA laid-to-lawn back garden is known as a monoculture and isn’t a good way to support natural life, but there are obvious practical uses for a lawn. Consider planting wildflower embankments (more on that next) or switching altogether in favour of a more eco-friendly clover lawn.\nGarden trend idea: plant wildflowers \nYou might have noticed in some council-run areas that roundabouts and commons are suddenly awash with poppies and cowslip. They're part of a nationwide effort to rewild some of our city spaces. \n\nFortunately, you can buy ready-made wildflower seed packs: just scatter and wait for them to grow. The beauty is, they're wild, so they couldn't be hardier or more low-maintenance. Scatter them along the borders of your garden to create a wildflower embankment.\n


Garden trend idea: grow creepers along your exterior walls or fencing \nThough the best option is to plant a natural hedge, that can take several years to mature, and for those of us living in cities, it might not be an option. If, however, you've got a garden fence or wall, you can still get stuck into the rewilding game by planting creepers along it. Learn \nhow to paint a fence\n and give your fence a spruce up with our \nexterior and masonry paint\n. For a super eco feel, we recommend our \ngreen exterior paint\n, such as \nGreen 02\n or \nGreen 09\n.\n\n\nShop exterior and masonry paint\n

Garden trend idea: swap chemicals for organic methods\n\nIf you do one thing, swapping chemicals for organic methods is the best place to start. So throw away those chemical pesticides (responsibly, please) and opt for homemade alternatives. From garlic to chilli pepper and vegetable oil to neem oil, there are several DIY ways to keep those flower chomping critters at bay—or when it comes to slugs, just good old table salt.\nGarden trend idea: create a space for creatures to hide and nest \nThe most adorable idea yet. If you want to turn your garden into a haven for all creatures bright and small, then create a home for them. Whether it’s a birdhouse, hedgehog hole, or insect hotel, by making a space for your visitors to call their own you’re much more likely to get them to stay.

Garden trend idea: create a source of water \nIf you can build a pond, amazing. It will become a sanctuary for biodiversity in a garden attracting everything from frogs to dragonflies and birdlife. If not, even a birdbath or small water feature will do the job. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find frogs spawning in!

We hope this guide to rewilding your garden has got you inspired. If you like this, read about \nCottagecore gardens\n or when it comes to interiors, you might be interested in \nJapandi style\n design, which also celebrates and champions nature.\n\nHowever you decide to transform your home, share your decorating diaries with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s begin at the start. The sourdough start-er, to be precise. An innocuous emblem of early pandemic life, no one could have known it would have set in motion one of the most popular trends of 2020: Cottagecore.\n\nSo what is this trend that’s making its way into our homes and gardens, and why exactly is the internet going hardcore for Cottagecore?\nWhat is Cottagecore?\nA celebration of the good life, slow living, and the simple things, Cottagecore embraces a quaint-yet-rustic aesthetic. If it had a mantra, it would be “make do and mend”. At its core, Cottagecore is about handmade, homegrown, reclaimed and upcycled. What it isn’t is brand-spanking new.\n\nA natural follow on from the interior trend, the Cottagecore garden trend is more than just transforming your outdoor space into a vegetable patch (although if that sounds up your street, take a read of \nour advice on creating your very own victory garden\n). It’s about creating a cottage garden aesthetic: growing your own flowers, making your own arrangements, perhaps even growing a wellness garden, and yes, sowing the odd vegetable or two.

Why has the Cottagecore aesthetic made a comeback?\n\nSo, why now? Harking back to a bygone era, it makes sense that cottagecore rose in popularity whilst we were all stuck in our homes and becoming increasingly domesticated.\n\nIt’s no surprise that since March 2020, Tumblr reported a 153% rise in #cottagecore posts. It speaks of a cosy simplicity, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and crowded streets, something that  many of us learnt to appreciate in those early-pandemic days.\n\nThe best thing about the cottagecore aesthetic is that you don’t have to have a lot of space to create it. Designed around the idea of oddly spaced, pokey cottage gardens, cottagecore lends itself to small, walled spaces so you can even recreate that rural-idyll even if you’re in the city.\n\nSo here are a few simple tips for bringing a bit of that cottagecore aesthetic into your back garden.

Cottagecore garden trend idea: create a medicinal garden\n\nBecome your own inner wellness guru and plant shrubs like lavender, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, sage, and damson roses which you can use in everything from cooking to handmade soaps, teas, and facemasks.

Cottagecore garden trend idea: create a sensory experience\n\nLayer colour with sounds and smells. For example, bright yellow sunflowers will attract the eye and bring with them the sound of buzzing bees, whilst jasmine and honeysuckle will tickle the nose, and tall shrubby grasses create a soothing rustle when a breeze blows through them.

Cottagecore garden trend idea: create a space for entertaining\n\nWhere better to enjoy the fruits of your newfound Cottagecore skills than in your garden. Try not to let things get \ntoo\n chintzy. Colourful block-print or rustic fabrics always work well with \nfreshly painted spindle back metal garden furniture\n or rattan furniture. Complete the look with a \nnewly painted white picket fence\n, or add a burst of joy with our \nyellow fence paint\n.\n\nLearn \nhow to paint a fence\n.

Cottagecore garden trend idea: bring the outdoors in\n\nChampion the handmade, homegrown movement by growing your own bouquets—plant flowers like dahlias, roses, sweetpeas, and peonies for a beautiful homegrown bouquet.

Cottagecore garden trend idea: let things get a little wild\n\nRemember not to over-style. It’s meant to be rustic. Prune your flowers and shrubs when you need to, but don’t be afraid to let things get a little bit wild.\nCottagecore garden trend idea: embrace nature\n\nCottagecore is about reconnecting with nature, so try to incorporate elements of rewilding into your garden. Create a welcoming environment not just for yourself but for the bees, birds, and bugs too.

So, if this has inspired you to go hardcore for Cottagecore, make sure to read all about \nbiophilic design\n for some extra inspiration.

The peonies are out, evenings seem to linger on forever and even Wimbledon is back on our screens. Summer is officially here. And with its arrival, what better time to get your garden decor ready for entertaining? Whether it’s barbecues, garden parties or al fresco lunches that last until sunset, our 6-step plan will help get your garden guest-ready without it costing the earth.\nGarden decor tip: give it a tidy\n\nFirst thing’s first, you shouldn’t start any decor job with an untidy space. That includes your garden. Whether you’ve got a balcony, back garden, or acres of land, bust out your dustpan and brush, grab your rake or ride-on mower and give it a good old tidy. \n\nCheck out these \n8 budget-friendly balcony decor ideas\n to get more inspiration.\n\nBefore you even think about planting anything new, get rid of old leaves and give your perennials a prune. If you’ve got room, why not think about buying a composter and turn this year’s waste into next year’s fertiliser?\nGarden decor tip: get planting\n\nGarden tidy and pruning complete, it’s time to get planting. If you didn’t manage to plant your bulbs back in October (don’t worry, we didn’t either), you can buy fully grown foliage this time of year. Garden centres are a sea of colour in the summer months, so now is the time to go wild. You can even liven up your pots with some \nleftover Lick paint\n.\n\nNot only are plants a great way to add vibrancy to your garden, but they’re also good for the environment too (\nread about all the benefits of rewilding here\n). Want to bring all the bees to your yard? Opt for pollinators like lavender, daisies, and snapdragon. While you're at it, why not jump on the \nvictory gardens trend\n? Use your little outdoor space to grow some vegetables or herbs - nothing beats home-grown produce!

Garden decor tip: paint & upcycle garden furniture\n\nWinter months can be tough on garden furniture and nothing makes it look more tired than flaky paintwork. So whether you’re doing touch-ups or a full-blown upcycle, it’s not a bad idea to give your \ngarden decor a fresh lick of paint\n. Our \nmasonry, brickwork and exterior paint\n can be used on both wooden and \nmetal garden furniture\n—even the \ngarden fence\n (read all about our \nexterior paint for wood\n and check out \nhow to paint a fence\n).\n\n\nShop masonry and exterior paint\n

Garden decor tip: paint your shed\n\nWe think it’s time the humble shed came out from the woodwork and became a welcome addition to your garden decor. Because these days, a shed doesn’t just have to be a shed. It can be transformed into a garden office, a yoga studio, a potting shed, a playhouse for the kids or your very own workshop. So whilst you’re getting your garden ready for entertaining, why not give your shed the makeover it deserves too. Give your garden a burst of sunshine with our \nyellow shed paint\n.\n\n\nLearn how to paint a shed\n

Garden decor tip: invest in soft furnishings\n\nThe best thing about gardens in summer is using them for entertaining. So whether it’s cushions and throws or a block-print tablecloth, invest in some new soft furnishings for your seating areas. Even better, if you’ve got any soft furnishings that are past their best, upcycle your indoor décor and give it a new life outside.

Garden decor tip: festoon lighting\n\nNothing, we repeat, nothing will pull your garden decor together better than festoon lighting. Those guys can make a dilapidated old barn look fit for a wedding (trust us, we’ve seen it). Whether it’s festoon lights, flower wreaths or bunting, make sure your home is garden party-ready with some nifty summer accessories for the cherry on top of your decoration project.

We hope this 6-step guide has inspired you to \ndig out your paint brushes\n and get your garden ready for summer. Even a \npaint refresh of your exterior walls\n can work wonders for your outdoor space and give them a bit of a facelift.

With summer almost in sight, now is the right time to start thinking about giving your outdoor spaces a bit of a spruce. One of the easiest ways to transform your garden without a big investment is by reviving your outdoor furniture with fresh paint. How, you ask? Depending on the type of material your garden furniture is made of, you may need to follow a slightly different painting process.\n\nIf your outdoor furniture is made of wood, check out our blog post on \nhow to paint a shed\n, as it’s a similar process for all outdoor wooden items. If your garden furniture is made of metal, you’re in the right place. Learn more about how to paint metal garden furniture and all the prep that goes into it.\nWhat is the best paint for outdoor metal garden furniture? \n\nNot to toot our own horn, but we’ve just launched a range of exterior paint that works beautifully on metal garden furniture. Meet \nLick exterior paint\n, a high-coverage range of paints designed to be used on all kinds of outside surfaces. Our exterior paints have all the pigment-rich vibrancy of our indoor paints, with the added durability and gloss retention needed to brave the outdoor elements.\nTools you’ll need to paint metal garden furniture \n\nStart by gathering your tools: \n\nLick exterior paint\n: explore our range of 13 colours to find the right one for you\nProtective clothing\n\nBiodegradable dust sheet\n or a \ndecorators canvas\n to protect surrounding areas \n\nPaint brush\n\nMetal primer (for ferrous metals)\nHow to prep metal garden furniture before painting \n\nProper prep will decide how flawless your furniture finish will be. Here’s how to prep outdoor furniture made of metal before painting: \nAssess the conditions of any bolts and replace any missing or rusty ones. \nKill any algae on your metal garden furniture with a fungicidal wash. \nRemove any existing paint flakes from the furniture so you have a smooth and even surface to paint on. \nOnce all the above is done, clean and dry the surface before painting. \nIf working with ferrous metals, apply a special metal primer before painting.\nHow to paint metal garden furniture \nFirst, pick a dry day for painting. Although our exterior paint is designed to be weather-resistant, it needs its initial drying time before it can be exposed to rainwater. \nWhen it comes to priming, the process differs a bit depending on the type of metal you’re working with. If it’s ferrous, you’ll need a metal primer. If your garden furniture is made of non-ferrous metals, you can apply our exterior paint directly without priming.\nPainting on galvanised steel? Expose it to outside elements for a couple of months before painting, then apply directly without priming.\nWe recommend applying two coats of exterior paint to your garden furniture, even if you see great coverage in just one. That second coat will add durability and longevity to your paint job.  \nNote, if you’re using Lick exterior paint, you won’t need to use any varnish as it’s designed to be durable and retain gloss.\n

Ready to pick a colour for your metal garden furniture? Explore our new range of exterior and masonry paint, with 13 colours to choose from. And read \nour step-by-step guide on how to paint your house exterior.\n

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