Welcome to our July issue of ‘Fun In the Garden’ and I hope you’ve been able to appreciate some of the joys that summer brings! This year has certainly been very different to usual and staycations are looking likely for many of us.

However, paradise is not lost! You can bring the beach vibe to your garden with a few special touches …

Brilliant Bougainvillea

Create the vibrant colours of Spain and Greece with large pots of popping pink bougainvillea. It loves the sun but must be kept frost-free in winter.

Browse the art at The Sculpture Park

If you’re missing browsing the colourful markets abroad, visit the enchanting exhibits at The Sculpture Park, set in 10 acres of woodland, with three lakes. The Sculpture Park is the world’s largest all-year outdoor sculpture exhibition, located in the Surrey Hills. There’s plenty to explore while you decide whether to buy that special something! Details here.

Garden geckos and turtles

Re-imagine those sun-caressed holidays where little geckos scurry along terracotta and white surfaces. Or where you can bathe with real turtles in warms seas. Decorate your garden wall with charming imitations. Available in many garden centres and online.

Picnics and views at Chantry Wood

You may already know Chantry Wood, near Guildford; it offers a mix of flat walking and more challenging hikes, depending on which path you choose! If you climb the hills, you’ll find panoramic vistas over surrounding meadows. Great for a summer picnic.

Mediterranean paella

Conjure up a balmy evening eating al fresco by the sea with this barbecued Seafood Paella recipe from Weber.

Bushy Beverage

While we can’t throw a serious garden party yet, we can hold a socially-distanced one or enjoy partying with our house family. If you’re preparing a paella, you can at least be serious about your accompanying sangria, with this carefully-considered Spanish recipe – salud!

As I write, we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll be able to get out and do more in the coming months. Whatever happens, our gardens will see us through! If you’d like help with your outside space, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us here.