As BBQ season approaches, you've probably thought about the state of your garden more than once - we know we have! Sounds like we all need some brand-spanking new garden accessories to lift our spirits.
If we're going to be spending more time outside, we want our gardens to actually be a place that we want to be in, and luckily, it doesn't have to cost us an arm and a leg to do so.
From garden furniture to lighting, cute decorative additions and shelving, here are some super cute garden accessories we'd LOVE to have in our gardens this summer:
Best garden accessories
Outdoor Festoon Lights - Battery Powered
Festoon lighting not only gives your garden a cute festival vibe, but it'll help you keep the party going way into the night.
garden mile® Acacia Hardwood Garden Love Seat
You'll need somewhere to relax and admire your new set-up, won't you? This loveseat is durable, comfortable and looks great.
Artscope Set of 4 Decorative Cushion Covers
Bring a touch of the tropics to your patio furniture with these adorable cushion covers.
Lepro Curtain Lights Plug in, Warm White LED Curtain Lights
Fairy lights aren't just for Christmas, you know! So add a spot of magic to your pergola or gazebo with these fancy curtain lights.
Vintage Church Garden Mirror
Add a classic touch to your outdoor sanctuary.
30 LED Pom Pom String Light
Add a splash of colour and liven up your outdoor space with these gorgeous coloured pom poms.
Outdoor Solar Lantern
This solar-powered lamp can be placed on the ground or hanging from a tree to create a wonderful light show. The rechargeable AA battery takes 6 hours to charge fully and will light up for 8-10 hours at night.
Giant Bean Bag Chair
Invite your family and friends to sit on something a little different - a giant beanbag! Ideal for lounging in the garden with a book, it's water-resistant, tear-proof and won't fade with time.
Handmade Parasol from East London Parasols
These gorgeous handmade parasols from East London Parasols will make you feel like you're on holiday - and they're SO Instagrammable. Lovingly crafted in India and Indonesia, they'll really brighten up your garden and have everyone asking where you bought it.
Provence Ladder Shelf
This rustic ladder shelf lets you display your potted plants and garden accessories in all their glory.
Yaheetech Rattan Hanging Swing Egg Chair
Let's be honest, who doesn't want an egg chair in their garden? Although pricey, it's stylish, durable, and SO comfy to relax in. NEED!
Quick ways to give your garden a makeover:
Now you've splashed out on your favourite accessories, there are some things you can do to give the things you already own a refresh.
• Try painting your plant pots bright colours, giving your fences a lick of dark varnish or repainting your existing furniture to make it feel brand new.
• Get to work on your patio, removing any weeds or unwanted moss. Then, give it a blitz with a pressure washer or by hand. It's a tough job, but it'll be worth it.
• Invest in a bird feeder or a bird table to bring some wildlife to your garden to really get close to nature. If you have tools or toys laying around, you can easily make your garden more appealing by building a shed or storage unit.
Now, get ready to enjoy the great British summer in all its glory.
Now! More News!
Charlotte Crosby has a homeware range called Naked Lane and it's a vibe
WATCH: 'I Had To Burn That Dress!': Kyle Richards Reacts To Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Iconic Moments
Are you SPF savvy?
You've got your garden decked out, but have you got your SPF sorted? We should be wearing SPF all year round. While you may be tempted to work on your tan this summer, it's so important to keep your skin protected.
We spoke to the Consultant dermatologist for Stratum Dermatology Clinics, Dr Adam Friedmann, about choosing the right SPF.
"SPF is the most important product in any skincare regime. The absolute minimum factor for white skin should be SPF30. Darker skin tones can sometimes get away with lower SPF levels which might vary depending on how dark the skin is," he tells heat. "If in doubt, opt for an SPF50 so that your sunscreen is still giving a good level of protection as it fades."
We should also look out for products with a higher number of stars of "UVA" protection, to give better levels of defence.