Four things to consider when planning your perfect outdoor lighting scheme Fri, Jul 30, 2021, 06:00 Denise O’Connor Outdoor lighting creates a lovely atmosphere during the summer when you’re spending time outdoors. Photograph: Getty Images  Most things for the outdoors tend to have a relatively short window of use in this country. From garden furniture […]

With the current Covid-19 lockdown in place, there has never been a better time to invest in sprucing up our outdoor spaces. It’s important to create little havens for ourselves to relax and unwind in.

2018 saw the release of ‘Five Seasons’ the documentary movie created by filmmaker Thomas Piper celebrating the life and work of Piet Oudolf. Dutch born Oudolf is credited as being the originator of the Dutch ‘New Wave’ perennial movement which he started in the 1980’s. That movement is centred around the themes of using native North American grasses and prairie plants in a structured but naturalistic manner to achieve broad swathes of colour, texture and movement in urban spaces.

Spring has sprung and summer is just about here. The weather is starting to warm up and the days are longer. No better time to consider giving that back garden or patio area an upgrade and turn them into outdoor living areas that can be appreciated and enjoyed long after the sun goes down.