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It’s nearly that time when we venture out into the garden for the first time of the year.

There’s grass to cut, hedges to trim and plants to prune. But more importantly there’s summer fun to plan.

If you're lucky enough to have a patio or decked area, it deserves as much attention as your indoor rooms. Here’s a few ideas to help create the perfect space outdoors...

Add colour with fabrics

Get on-trend and buy coloured cushions to jazz up your furniture, bold pieces are great for establishing a focal point, or go with contrasting colour - whichever suits your taste.

You could also paint a couple of wooden pallets and use them as a shelf to put ornaments, accessories or potted flowers on.

A shady oasis

There’s nothing better than going out to your garden, sitting in a chair or sun lounger and relaxing with a good book but the unpredictability of British weather can sometimes be a hindrance.

An awning is the perfect solution to beating the weather as it protects from a sudden downpour and provides shade on a roasting summer’s day.

A lot of people think that it’s difficult to maintain an awning, but it’s not. All designs are based on your requirements and can fit your lifestyle without any hassle.

Fully automated retractable awnings can be managed with just a touch of a button. They’re flexible and sturdy enough to be changed to any angle or direction you want wish.

Fill your space with things you love

Personalise your garden with accessories like birdbaths, fountains, wind chimes, plants and flower pots.

Decide on a theme for your garden, whether it’s traditional, rustic, shabby-chic or a modern style and match colours with your dining table and chairs.

The night garden

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a magical space that can be enjoyed when the sun has gone down.

Candles and lighting bring character to a garden at night and charm to a summer evening.

Use candles, lanterns and solar lights and place around your dining area to create ambience.

Bring your space to life

Add a burst of colour to any outdoor space with geraniums. Sunflowers look great in boxes or clay pots and make any outside space feel alive and summery.

If you’re not a big fan of gardening then go for easy care plants and flowers.

Sweet peas smell lovely and the more you pick, the more flowers they produce. All sweet peas need is a sunny spot, supportive fence and plenty of water.

Go to www.lenleys.co.uk for more high-end furnishings.