Garden Furniture Blog

Up to 65% off Valentine's Gifts plus a special voucher code.

2012-02-08T03:06:00.000-08:00

Garden Furniture Sale Extended

2012-01-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

We've extended our January Sale until the 23rd January 2012, with up to 60% off Garden Furniture, Gardening Tools & Accessories, Home Furniture and much more.

Rattan Garden Furniture Sale

2012-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Rattan Garden Furniture has a number of excellent qualities: namely that it is hard wearing and largely resistant to the elements, and that it is a highly attractive and stylish kind of garden furniture. As part of Gardens and Homes Direct's Winter Sale, we have some huge reductions on our Rattan Garden Furniture, with savings of up to £800!

Zanzibar 1.2m Collection Was £999.99 - Only £679.99 - Saving £320.00 - (32%)

We stock a broad range of Rattan Furniture, including Modular Rattan Cube Furniture such as the Garda Rattan Cube Furniture Set and Suntime Lyon Brown Modular Rattan Corner Sofa Set, Rattan Chairs, such as the Suntime Lyon Rattan Tete-a-Tete Chair and Lyon Rattan Highback Dining Chair (Two Tone Brown), and full Rattan Garden Furniture Sets such as the ever popular Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Suite with Cream Cushions and Lyon Rattan Sofa Collection.

Outdoor Rattan Sofa and Chair Set Was £599.99 - Only £314.99 - Saving £285.00 - (48%)

With up to 50% off our Rattan furniture in this sale, why not bag yourself a bargain in time for the spring? Hurry, because stocks are limited and our sale is due to end at the end of January!

Suntime Amalfi Black Modular KD Rattan Collection Was £999.99 - Only £694.99 - Saving £305.00 - (31%)

New and Unique Garden Benches

2012-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

The cold grip of winter may still be on us, but that doesn't mean it's not time to start thinking about some new garden furniture for the spring and summer months. Over at Gardens and Homes Direct we've recently taken delivery of a new range of Garden Benches in a variety of designs that will suit any garden.

A recent addition to our collection of garden benches is the Antique Copper Garden Bench, a beautifully rustic and substantial bench that's clean design and copper finish will look excellent in any garden.

Antique Copper Garden Bench

A unique addition for this year is the Ornamental Half Circular Seat, which is ideal for placement around a tree, or against a wall or fence. Made from steel this bench is weather resistant and hard-wearing, and it's simple traditional design, finished in brown, fits well into almost any garden.

Ornamental Half Circular Seat

In a similar vein to the Half Circular seat is the Ornamental Tree Seat, which is a fully circular seat designed to be wrapped around a tree in your garden. This excellently made piece of garden furniture can comfortably seat up to 6 adults, and it's understated design makes it an excellent focal point of your garden.

Ornamental Tree Seat

Another great kind of Garden Bench is one that features an arch, such as the Ornamental Garden Arch & Bench. This Bench has a beautiful rustic feel, and the arch is ideal for climbing plants to grow over, creating a real secret garden feel.

Ornamental Garden Arch & Bench

For those who prefer wooden garden furniture to metal, there is always the Rustic Arch with Seat, a stunning yet simple arch and garden bench combination that provides a great place to relax and absorb the happenings of your garden.

This is by no means a definitive list of all the garden benches we stock at Gardens and Homes Direct, we have a huge range of wooden garden furniture, metal garden furniture, gazebos, home furniture and much more. Furthermore, until the 15th January 2012 we still have our Winter Sale on, with huge savings of up to 60% on many items, why not stop by early and bag yourself a bargain for summer 2012?

Winter Sale ends 15th Jan – Up to 60% off garden furniture, home furniture, gifts and pet supplies.

2012-01-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

Up to 40% off in our Home Entertainment sale

2011-12-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Garden Furniture Sale

2011-07-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Here at Gardens and Homes Direct we almost always have a Garden Furniture Sale on, with many products reduced at any given time, and reductions on Garden furniture reaching as high as 63%! Why not stop by and view our excellent sale range and bag yourself a bargain?

Metal Gazebos, Cheap Gazebos, Awning Gazebos and Pop-up Gazebos

2011-07-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

Gazebos are a great addition to the garden, particularly in the unpredictable British summer, when the sun can be so hot as to burn your skin one minute, only for the rain to come, seemingly from nowhere, and rapidly ruin your time in the garden!

Gazebos provide shelter in both of these eventualities, and they can be an aesthetically pleasing, and in some cases, permanent Garden feature. There are numerous types of gazebo available, and each suits different requirements, budgets and gardens.

Instant Pop-up Gazebos

Pop up Gazebos can be erected in seconds, and are as simple to put up as lifting the frame and pegging it down. Instant pop up gazebos are a great choice for those who are short of time, and particularly those short on money; Pop up’s are often a cheap Gazebo to buy due to their simplicity of design. The 2m x 2m White Aluminium Instant Pop Up Gazebo is a great example of an affordable, effective and practical pop up gazebo.

2m x 2m White Aluminium Instant Pop Up Gazebo

Metal Gazebos

Steel framed gazebos (as distinct from pop-up gazebos) are metal framed Gazebos that can generally be put up in a relatively short space of time by a couple of people. They are different from pop-up gazebos in that they are not designed to ‘pop-up,’ but they have the advantage of being heavier, more hardy and thus designed for longer use, such as over the weekends. Many steel framed Gazebos are designed with aesthetics firmly in mind, and thus carry a little more class than the raw practicality of a pop-up gazebo. Two wonderful examples of steel gazebos are the 2.5m Fleurie Metal Gazebo and the stunning, Mongolian-inspired Suntime Samarkand Metal Gazebo.

Suntime Samarkand Metal Gazebo

Swing Gazebos

Swing Gazebos are an innovative combination of a garden swing seat and a Gazebo, some of which feature a detachable gazebo, so the set can be used either as a swing, or as a Gazebo! An award winning example of this design is the Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing - Beige, which even features the ability to fold the swing seat flat to form a day bed for lazy days in the garden.

Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing - Beige

Gazebos with side panels or curtains.

Some Gazebos also come with detachable side panels, or with curtains, so that you can keep the rain out, screen the sun on hot days, or just create a little privacy. The feature Pop Up Gazebos detachable side panels, while the best-selling Suntime Deluxe Gazebo - Beige 3m features integrated curtains, so both of these Gazebos are well designed for inclement weather or for privacy.

Suntime Deluxe Gazebo - Beige 3m

Barbecue Gazebos

A Barbecue Gazebo is a Gazebo designed to fit around a barbecue and prevent the barbecue and cook from getting sunburnt or, as is so often the case in our fair land, rained on. The Burma BBQ Gazebo is a great example of this kind of Gazebo, and it even features side boards to provide additional food, drink and preparation space around the Barbecue.

Burma BBQ Gazebo

Lean-to and Awning Gazebos

These Gazebos are designed to be a semi-permanent or permanent fixture that attaches to your home or garage, providing an area of shelter around a backdoor or over a patio. These Gazebos have the advantage of being designed to be erected and left in place, and thus are resilient to the elements. The 3.5m Steel Wall Awning Gazebo and the St Tropez Gazebo Awning are excellent examples of this type of Gazebo.

St Tropez Gazebo Awning

Wooden & wicker/rattan Gazebos

Wooden Gazebos are, like awning Gazebos, designed to be a semi-permanent Garden feature, akin in many ways to a summerhouse. These Gazebos make for a great relaxation spot in the garden if you have the space. The Willow Hexagonal Gazebo and the stunning Oriental Wooden Pagoda are two examples of this kind of Gazebo.

Oriental Wooden Pagoda

Gazebos are a very handy garden feature to have, allowing you to enjoy more time in the garden, and to host barbecues and parties, safe in the knowledge that the unpredictable British weather need not be such a concern.

Garden Benches

2011-07-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Garden Benches are a great way to relax in your garden during the summer months, and are ideal for reading a book or watching nature going about its business. Garden Benches are typically either wood or metal (or sometimes even Rattan), or sometimes a mixture of several materials.

Wooden Garden Benches

Wooden Garden Benches are the classic, quitessential garden bench, defined by their attractive wood finish. Wooden Garden Benches come in a number of types, such as the traditional wooden bench (as you may see in a park), like the Canterbury Antique Pine 3 Seat Bench, as well as storage benches like the New Mexico Wooden Storage Bench, which features a storage compartment underneath the seat, and even Glider benches, such as the New Mexico Wooden Glider which features a mechanism to allow a gentle rocking/gliding action for additional comfort and relaxation.

New Mexico Wooden Glider

New Mexico Wooden Storage Bench

Metal Garden Benches

Metal Garden Benches are also available in a variety of styles, such as the elegant Cream Renaissance Metal Garden Bench and the stunning Madrid Folding Bench, both of which can be folded flat for easy storage, as well as the Rose Love Seat which looks like a wrought iron bench, but is in fact made from aluminium, making it lightweight and rust resistant.

Madrid Folding Bench

Garden Benches are also available as Duo Seats, which feature a central table with two chairs attached at either side, making them an ideal garden seating solution for couples.

What are Duo Seats?

2011-07-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Duo seats, also known as Tete-a-Tete seats, are a variation on the traditional Garden Bench and Garden Chair, featuring two seats, typically separated by a central table or armrest. These seats are ideal for couples and friends who wish to relax in the garden, and are additionally useful if you like to enjoy a drink and a book because of the handy central table. Some Duo Seats even feature a tiered shelf, so you have room for both drinks and books!

Suntime Havana Duo Seat Bench (Oreo Stripe)

The Suntime Havana Duo Seat Bench (Oreo Stripe) is a beautifully finished, comfortable steel and textilene Duo seat with a two-tiered tempered glass central table. This Duo seat also comes in Black, Copper, Humbug Stripe and even in Terracotta with padded seat cushions for extra comfort and indulgence!

Suntime Havana Padded Duo Seat with Terracotta Stripe Cushion

Gardens and Homes Direct also has a variety of Rattan Duo Seats such as the Suntime Amalfi 4 Ply Black Rattan Duo Bench Seat and the Suntime Lyon Rattan Tete-a-Tete Chair, both of which feature central tables and attractively finished Rattan seats. Rattan Furniture has the benefit of being easy to clean, and largely weather and waterproof.

Suntime Lyon Rattan Tete-a-Tete Chair

Metal Garden Furniture

2011-06-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

With the weather finally providing some real summer sun in the UK (albeit erratically!), many of us are going to be spending some time out in the garden. Metal Garden Furniture provides a great way to relax and has a number of key features that make it an excellent choice for you garden.

The Benefits of Metal Garden Furniture.

Metal Garden Furniture comes in a number of varieties, such as Wrought Iron, and Aluminium and Textilene Garden Furniture, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Wrought or cast iron garden furniture is a very popular form of garden furniture due to its rustic appeal and fantastic aesthetics: Iron furniture almost alwaysmakes for attractive garden furniture. However, it has a number of drawbacks that need to be considered before you make a purchase. Wrought iron furniture is very heavy indeed, and this can present problems if it is necessary to move it frequently, such as when the weather turns for the worst or when you require the seating in the conservatory or elsewhere. It also does not fold down for easy storage, and unfortunately, due to its iron construction, it can be vulnerable to the elements, and is quite prone to rusting if it is not given the necessary care and attention.

Devon 3pc Metal Bistro Set

Aluminium and Textilene Garden Furniture has a number of advantages when compared to its Wrought Iron counterpart. Aluminium is not prone to rusting, this is a trait that is limited to iron and iron based alloys, such as steel, and this means that Aluminium Garden Furniture is more resistant to rain and moisture. This form of metal garden furniture is also lightweight, and is generally foldable, which makes for ease of storage and movement; ideal if you need to bring your furniture into the house or conservatory, and much more practical if you wish to store your garden furniture for the winter. The Textilene fabric used in the construction of such furniture is also easy to clean and resilient, so this form of furniture tends to require little preventative maintenance and care provided it is treated responsibly. So, is the question of wrought iron furniture vs. aluminium furniture really a question of aesthetics vs. practicality? Not necessarily! While wrought iron furniture can be undeniably attractive, modern aluminium garden furniture sets can also be very aesthetically pleasing, even chic and stylish too.

Regis 6 Piece Patio Furniture Set

For example, bistro sets such as the affordable Devon 3pc Metal Bistro Set are ideal for breakfast in the garden with your partner, and the contemporary cow print and clean design makes this a funky, modern design.

Florida 8pc Copper Patio Furniture Collection

Another affordable metal garden furniture set is the Regis 6 Piece Patio Furniture Set, which features 4 folding chairs, a table and a parasol, making this an ideal set for the family or for entertaining a few guests.

Gardens and Homes Direct also has a great collection of 6-seater metal Garden Furniture sets, such as the Florida 8pc Copper Patio Furniture Collection and Florida Black 8pc Garden Furniture Collection, and the stunning vivid blue San Martinique 1.5m Blue Metal Patio Set.

San Martinique 1.5m Blue Metal Patio Set

All of these metal garden furniture sets benefit from lightweight aluminium and Textilene construction, making them largely resistant to rust, and folding chairs so that the sets are easily moved and stored. They are also generally far more affordable than their wrought iron cousins, which is handy in our current economic climate!

It is for all of these reasons that we would recommend Aluminium Garden Furniture to anyone who is considering buying metal garden furniture this summer!

Great Conservatory Furniture

2011-06-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

Conservatory Furniture

With our fine nation’s erratic summers and penchant for rain, it is sometimes simply not practical or desirable to relax on your garden furniture in the garden. This can be a particular pity if your expensive patio furniture set spends most of its time waiting in the garage for the opportunity to come out for the sunshine! This makes conservatory furniture ideal both for those with the benefit of a conservatory, and for those who desire the flexibility of garden furniture that can be used both inside and out.

Rattan Conservatory Furniture

Rattan Garden Furniture makes for excellent conservatory furniture for a number of reasons. Rattan Furniture is weather-proof and hardy, so it is well suited for use outdoors, and to the rigours of being moved from inside to outside and back. Rattan Furniture also benefits from being relatively lightweight compared with many wooden furniture sets, due to its construction either from Rattan cane or from plastic resin, and this relatively low weight is particularly useful if you find you are frequently relocating your furniture into a sun trap! Rattan furniture is also stylish and urbane, and many sets are very aesthetically pleasing. This also makes Rattan furniture great for entertaining guests, as its timeless appeal and simple elegance help create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, particularly if you add some furniture cushions for extra comfort.

Suntime Lyon Rattan Tete-a-Tete Chair

Where Rattan conservatory furniture has a real edge of its metal counterparts is in terms of its suitability for the floor surface of a conservatory. Have you ever heard the sound of metal furniture being moved over a tiled surface? It is not a pleasant sound! Furthermore, the metal feet and legs of some garden furniture can in fact scrape and scratch tiles and wood, leaving permanent damage to your beautiful conservatory floor. While wooden garden furniture is less liable to create this problem, it too has limitations as conservatory furniture, namely that it can be heavy to move, and this can be a real problem if you are seeking to move your conservatory furniture outdoors or vice versa.

Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Suite with Black Cushions

Rattan Conservatory furniture comes in as many styles and designs as you could desire. Some of the designs and stylesa available include: Duo Seats, or ‘Tete-A-Tete’ seats, which feature two Rattan seats joined by a central table feature, such as the Suntime Lyon Rattan Tete-a-Tete Chair.

Rattan Corner Seats/Sofas. These Rattan seats are designed to sit in the corner of a room, garden or conservatory, creating an excellent comfortable space, particularly if embellished with some throw cushions. These are often modular items of furniture that allow you to build different configurations of furniture depending upon the available space and your furniture needs. Examples of this kind of Rattan Furniture include the Suntime Lyon Brown Modular Rattan Corner Sofa Set and the Suntime Amalfi Black Modular KD Rattan Collection, each of which can be moved into several configurations.

Suntime Amalfi Black Modular KD Rattan Collection

Rattan Chair/sofa & table collections. These typically feature a table and 4 – 6 places of seating on Rattan chairs or sofas. The Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Suite with Black Cushions, Manila Rattan & Wooden 1.3m Gateleg Table Set and Lyon Rattan Sofa Collection are all fine examples of this kind of Rattan Furniture collection. These are excellent for use on the patio or in the conservatory, and are great for al fresco dining and entertaining guests.

Suntime Lyon Brown Modular Rattan Corner Sofa Set

Rattan Cube Furniture sets. These ingenious Rattan Conservatory Furniture sets are designed to fit snugly together to minimise space usage when the furniture is not in use. The The Qube - Brown Rattan Cube Collection for example, features a square table, four chairs and four foot stools. The foot stools sit inside the chairs, which in turn fit seamlessly under the square table, forming a tidy and space saving self-contained cube. In many ways, these excellent furniture collections remind one of Russian Dolls!

The Qube - Brown Rattan Cube Collection

Finally, there are unique Rattan chairs, such as the Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Teardrop Seat, which is a stunning and stylish feature, which, when seated in your garden or conservatory will be the envy of all who see it. This is ideal for relaxing in a corner of your conservatory or garden.

Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Teardrop Seat

While there are no hard and fast rules as to what is the best furniture for the conservatory, we would recommend considering Rattan Furniture as an option due to its durability, flexibility and undeniable style!

Festival Survival Guide

2011-06-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

The summer festival season is upon us and many of us will be getting out to experience the joys of a festival. Festivals can be really magical, yet they can also be a testing experience, depending on the weather and a number of other factors, so Gardens and Homes Direct has decided to write up a short festival survival guide to help you survive any festivals you attend!

1) Be prepared!

It may seem very obvious, but you’d be surprised at just how unprepared many people will find themselves. For example, this author once attended a Festival where the weather was expected to be brilliant, and consequently had packed only for a glorious summer weekend. On the first night the heavens decided it was time to unleash three months of rain in 2 short hours, soaking all and sundry and turning the festival into a quagmire, with mud coming above the knee in some places. Worse still, the rain didn’t relent until Sunday! One flooded tent, two shoes lost to the mud, and a whole weekend feeling wet and sorry for oneself in shorts and t shirts taught this writer a valuable lesson – be prepared for the worst! A good start is ensuring you have a tent, sleeping bag and roll mat, and Gardens and Homes Direct has just the ticket – a Camping Set featuring a two man tent, a sleeping bag and a roll mat, which is an absolute bargain at Only £29.99! For those of you who just need a tent, the excellent Economy 2-Man Tent will set you back a mere £14.99! A small price to pay for shelter and sleep, and we challenge you to find a cheaper camping kit!

Other items I would strongly recommend taking are a torch, a lantern and perhaps even a solar light to mark your tent, as finding your campsite by night can be a little tricky! No matter what the weather appears to be promising, ALWAYS pack some warm water proof clothes and wellies, just in case. Nothing can dampen the festival spirit quite like being soggy all weekend!

Food: While many festivals will have numerous food stands serving a delicious cacophony of cultural foods, depending on the festival these meals can be quite expensive, so it always shrewd to take some food of your own. Keep it simple, ready made pasta can be easily eaten without any preparation, and fruit is always a handy and healthy snack to have at hand. Bear in mind that perishable foods are difficult to store, so many items you would usually keep in your fridge have a limited shelf life once they are stored in a tent.

Drinks: Many festival goers will drink a significant amount of alcohol, but even those who do not can find themselves rapidly dehydrating while dancing, walking around or sleeping in hot tents, so it is vital to both your enjoyment and safety that you keep a steady supply of water available. All festivals will have standing taps available throughout the campsite, so generally just having a couple of refillable bottles at hand will be sufficient to head off the dangers of dehydration.

2) Keep smiling, be friendly and throw yourself into it. Most festivals have a fantastic atmosphere, and festival goers are, with very few unfortunate exceptions, very friendly folk, who are generally more than happy to help and share. If you can keep smiling, be kind, polite, generous and helpful towards your fellow festival travellers, your enjoyment of a festival will increase significantly, and you will find that these behaviours will bring the same out of those around you. For example, this writer helped some late arrivals set up their tents on the Saturday afternoon at the Glade festival this year, and was rewarded with free drinks and food, and some new friends for the weekend as a result. In the great wash out year of 2007, this writer was given free food, drinks and shoes by complete strangers who could see that I was unable to find my friends, and was struggling without decent clothes. Basically, good deeds and being a positive influence on those around you will help breed those qualities in everyone else, and it is important that you do your part to make the festival enjoyable for yourself and others. Even if you find yourself lost, hungry and cold try to maintain a sense of humour about it all – many other will be in the same conditions, and a good ‘blitz spirit’ can make near intolerable circumstances quite enjoyable.

3) Don’t panic. If you do get lost or separated, try not to panic. Firstly, have a separation plan with your festival buddies, that has a process for if you should get lost. For example, my festival buddies and I tend to have a process such as: 1) try to phone your friends and arrange to meet. 2) If this is not possible, have an arranged meeting point at an easy to find festival landmark, such as your tent or a visual feature. 3) Have a back up plan such as another meeting place, or an event or artist you know you are both going to attend. If you do become separated, don’t panic! Talk to strangers, or other people who look a bit lost, you can (and I often do) make lifelong friends at festivals, often as a result of becoming separated! Other tips for keeping hold of people include holding hands with your friends as you pass through dense crowds, performing frequent head counts if you are moving around a lot, or all wearing a recognisable fancy dress feature, such as a hat or brightly coloured jacket.

4) Suspend all judgements. It is only natural, and quite unavoidable, that we sometimes judge people on their appearance, but why deny yourself the opportunity to meet great people because of generally incorrect assertions about a ‘type’ of person? You owe it to yourself and everyone else to leave as many of your pre-conceptions about people at the festival gate as possible.

5) Wear a silly hat/outfit/moustache. While this is really the same instruction as #2, I felt it deserves to be singled out for special attention! You will see many other festival goers dressed in all manner of silly outfits. Just this year I have seen pantomime cows, people in full antique diving suits, men dressed as women, all manner of silly hats and even people in custom built suits of neon, amongst a great many other fancy dress outfits! Get involved, and help bring a little more festival joy to yourself and those around you.

6) Finally, be safe and help keep other safe. If you see a crime such as theft or violence, report it to the stewards or security. If you see someone in a bad way, check they are alright, look after them, and if necessary get a first aider or paramedic to them. Be aware of the other people’s needs too, try not to tread on toes (literally and metaphorically!) and be ready to apologise if you do accidentally hurt or disadvantage someone. Try live and let live: you may see some behaviours you do not like or approve of, but unless they cause harm or risk to others I would be inclined to just look the other way!

Good luck, festival explorers!

20 Great Father's Day Gift Ideas

2011-06-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

With Father’s Day just around the corner we at Gardens and Homes Direct decided to put together a list of 20 Great Father’s Day Gift Ideas. Whether your dad is mad about music, crazy about the garden or just very much into his gadgets, we have something for him. And, as a little extra, we are offering 10% off anything from our Father’s Day Gifts Range that isn’t already reduced in price! Just use the voucher code DAD10 to redeem your 10% discount!

Garden Furniture Cushions

2011-06-01T01:03:00.001-07:00

Gardens and Homes Direct stock a range of garden furniture cushions to fit a host of different types of garden furniture, ranging from garden benches to garden chairs. Outdoor cushions can make your time in the garden more comfortable and relaxing, particularly if you have wooden garden furniture, which can be an attractive garden feature, if not necessarily the most comfortable! Garden Furniture Cushions can also be great if you have wrought iron furniture too, as although it is aesthetically pleasing, it is again not necessarily the most comfortable furniture.

Some of the kinds of Furniture Cushion Gardens and Homes Direct stock include single seat pads that are suitable for most wooden, Rattan and wrought iron garden chairs, and can make even the hardest chair comfortable.

We also stock a variety of 2 and 3 seat cushions that are suitable for most garden benches and some garden swings, providing comfort and attractive designs that will help your garden stand out.

We also stock Steamer Cushions, which are padded cushions designed for sun loungers and reclining wooden chairs. These cushions feature integrated head rests and are jointed at the points where it is necessary for them to bend, so they fit snugly to most sun loungers.

Great Sun Loungers for relaxing in your garden

2011-05-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

With the promise of a spring heatwave at the end of this month, there’s never a better time to get out in the garden and enjoy the sun’s rays. Gardens and Homes Direct has a diverse array of Sun Loungers and garden chairs so you can do just that.

Sun Loungers come in a number of different forms such as fully folding garden chairs and reclining sun loungers, and can be made from a range of materials, such as aluminium and textilene, wood, rubber or plastic, or any combination of the above… or even from Rattan! Some Sun Loungers even feature padding or cushions for additional comfort.

Gardens and Homes Direct has a number of Sun loungers and garden chairs to suit just about any budget and any style. You can show your patriotism with the St George’s cross adorned England Chair, which is a must have for international football games and the Olympics, or enjoy the ability to recline almost fully in the Aluminium & Textilene Tuscany Reclining Deckchair.

Tuscany Reclining Deckchair - Cappuccino

For those who really want to enjoy some comfort and style, there is the Black Royale Sun Lounger, which has multiple reclining positions and even features a head cushion.

Black Royale Sun Lounger

We even have a stylish and practical Rattan Sun Lounger, the Suntime Lyon Rattan Folding Lounger, which folds away for easy storage, and has the benefit of being hard wearing and easy to maintain due to its Rattan construction.

Suntime Lyon Rattan Folding Lounger

For those who’d like something a little different, Gardens and Homes Direct also has a number of large garden beanbags such as the Blue Beachbum Giant Bean Bag, which are an unconventional but brilliant way to relax in the garden.

Large Purple Bean Bag Cushion

We even offer special deals on sets of 2 Sun Loungers, so you can treat your partner and yourself to a wonderful way to relax!

2 Cream Miami Sun Loungers

Gardens and Homes Direct is also proud to stock the innovative Helicopter Swing (as featured on the Gadget Show). This garden chair is a swing seat that is able to swing freely from its frame and features an integrated parasol, making it one of the more indulgent and popular garden chairs available.

Helicopter Swing

Why not get yourself a sun lounger and make the most of the sun in your garden?

Great Garden Furniture for the Heatwave

2011-05-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

According the weatherman, we in the UK are due for a heatwave towards the end of May, with temperatures expected to reach an average of 29C! In light of this, we’ve picked out some Garden essentials for the hot weather, things that no garden should be without during a sizzling spring heat wave.

Gazebos.

A garden gazebo is a brilliant addition to any garden, as they allow family and guests shelter from potentially hazardous direct sunlight, which is particularly useful if any of your family and friends are fair skinned and burn easily. They also provide welcome shelter from spring and summer showers, should the heavens decide to open, which they are wont to do in our fair land! Furthermore, many gazebos come with side curtains and panels, allowing shelter from wind. Gardens and Homes Direct has an excellent collection of Gazebos, ranging from cheap Gazebos such as the Suntime Instant pop-up Gazebo, through to the stylish, Mongolian inspired Samarkand Gazebo and the best-selling Suntime Deluxe Gazebo.

Patio Furniture

Another useful piece of garden furniture is a patio set. Patio furniture sets are great if you enjoy dining in your garden, and are an absolute essential if you are entertaining guests or having a barbecue. Patio Furniture Sets come in a variety of styles to meet any requirements, ranging from cheap molded plastic sets like the Cortez Patio set, through to metal garden furniture sets, such as the Florida Patio Furniture sets, and even the chic and hard wearing Rattan Garden Furniture sets, such as the Amalfi Black Rattan Furniture set. Many of these sets are weather resistant (although we’d never advise leaving any garden furniture out through the winter), easy to clean and hard wearing, making them ideal for use on the patio or in the conservatory.

Barbecues

A barbecue is a welcome addition to any garden, and they are an excellent way of cooking food when entertaining guests. Gas Barbecues are far easier to use than charcoal barbecues, as they cook more quickly and evenly and do not need to be left a long time for the coals to reach a suitable cooking temperature. They are also cleaner than their charcoal counterparts, and produce fewer carbon emissions, meaning they are more environmentally sound.

Parasols

Parasols serve a similar role to that of a gazebo, though with a greater focus on shelter from the sun. Many patio furniture sets come complete with a parasol and parasol base, and it’s also possible to buy a parasol without a garden furniture set to go with it. Gardens and Homes Direct has a broad range of parasols in various sizes and colours to suit any requirements and to match most existing garden furniture sets.

Children’s Garden Toys

If you have children, then keeping them entertained during the summer can be a real challenge, particularly if you are busy yourself. Gardens and Homes Direct has a variety of products that can help you. For example, we stock trampolines in various sizes, and even give away a free safety enclosure net to surround the trampoline and provide extra safety. We also have a range of children’s summerhouses, that make great play spaces for children and allow them their own area of the garden… their own little ‘den,’ if you will!

SunLoungers & Garden Chairs

Sunloungers are a great way to relax in your garden, and come in a variety of styles and prices to suit individual needs. Many are multi-position recliners, such as the Black Royale Sun Lounger, and we even stock double packs of sunloungers at discount prices, such as the 2 Cream Miami Sun Loungers, so that you and a friend or family member can enjoy reclining in the garden together!

There are many other useful items of garden furniture and home furniture available over at Gardens and Homes Direct, so why not pop by and see what summer essentials we have for you?

Introducing the Fiskars Weed Puller.

2011-05-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Gardening season is upon us, and removing weeds from your lawn and border may be proving to be a tedious and time consuming task, or you may be putting unpleasant pesticides onto your garden to try to stop the persistent growth of weeds. There is another way however, that is both quick and easy, and requires no weed killer, digging or bending over.

What is the Fiskars weed puller?

The Fiskars weed puller is an environmentally sound method of removing weeds from your lawn and borders. It requires no digging and you don’t have to bend down to remove the weeds, so it is a real labour saving device.

Fiskars Weed Puller

How does the Fiskars weed puller work?

The metal claws reach deep into the ground and grab the weed’s roots from several directions, so that when you remove the weed it removes the majority of the root system too. The Fiskars weed puller also features an ejection system, so you don’t have to clear the claw manually each time.

Easy to use, efficient and environmentally sound.

All this means that the fiskars weeder is an efficient, easy to use device that saves your back, your energy and your time, and helps you avoid the use of pesticides on your garden.

Gardens and Homes Direct has this fantastic device in stock now, so why not make weeding your garden easy and buy one today?

Make more of Spring and Summer with a Garden Gazebo

2011-05-16T02:38:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here, and crocuses and daffodils are popping up everywhere. The buds are opening and sprinkling some colour on the newly verdant land after our long and grey winter.

2m x 2m White Aluminium Instant Pop Up Gazebo

If you enjoy sitting in the garden at this time of year to look at the emerging colour and life, you might want to consider getting a Gazebo. That way, even if it starts to rain (or the April showers kick in, as they are so apt to!) you can still look at your beautiful garden coming into bloom. Gazebos are also a brilliant way to entertain guests and host barbecues and garden parties, providing shelter from wind, strong sunlight and rain for your guests.

Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing - Brown

Some Gazebos have removable side walls so you can be enclosed and looking out of one side while being protected from any side gusts of wind. Other Gazebos are made of wood and are permanent features, perhaps more akin to summerhouses, in that they are not made to be dismantled and stored away. These Gazebos may have shutters, blinds or windows to help keep out strong sunlight or light showers.

Suntime Samarkand Metal Gazebo

Gardens and Homes Direct has an excellent selection of Gazebos, ranging from cheap gazebos such as the Suntime Instant Pop Up Gazebo, which is ideal for those on a budget, to the Suntime Deluxe Gazebo (which is a best seller for a reason!), and the excellent Suntime Luxor Swing Gazebo, which is a great value garden gazebo that houses a removable garden swing seat! We also have the beautiful, Mongolian-inspired Samarkand Gazebo, which is a stunning and unique gazebo. We also have some permanent Gazebos, such as the Sandringham Wooden Garden Gazebo and the Sienna Wooden Gazebo Awning, which are ideal if you have the space for a permanent Gazebo or lean-to.

Sandringham Wooden Gazebo

With a Gazebo you can truly enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of spring and summer, and host brilliant garden parties, without the fear of being rained out of your own garden!

The benefits of Poly & Resin Rattan Garden Furniture.

2011-05-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

What is Poly Rattan Furniture?

‘Poly’, ‘Faux’ or ‘Resin’ Rattan, is artificial Rattan made from plastic resin instead of the traditional Rattan cane. This plastic resin is drawn out into long fibres which are then woven like real Rattan to make furniture. The final effect is authentic looking Rattan Garden Furniture.

Why choose resin Rattan Garden Furniture?

Faux Rattan Garden Furniture has the advantage of being more resistant to water and rot than traditional Rattan furniture, due the plastic involved being waterproof, and not organic, and therefore less prone to rotting or decaying.

Faux Rattan furniture also has the advantage of being relatively durable and tough, as well as being light enough to be easily moved, but heavy enough to prevent it being carried away in high winds. For these reasons Faux Rattan Furniture makes excellent garden furniture, which can withstand being left out during inclement weather.

Rattan garden furniture is also considered to be stylish and chic, and we at Gardens and Homes Direct have a fine collection of attractive natural and Poly Rattan Garden Furniture at affordable prices.

3x Tall Black Rattan Planters

These 3 tall Rattan Planters are an attractive place to plant flowers and plants in your garden.

Bambino Bistro Set - Brown

The Bambino Bistro Set is an affordable and stylish Rattan Garden Furniture Set, and features 2 natural Rattan Chairs, and a tempered glass table top.

Cocoon Hanging Chair

The Cocoon Hanging Chair is a retro and chic Poly Rattan Hanging Chair, and it's ideal for relaxing in your Garden on long summer's afternoons. It's also very similar to our Cora Hanging Chair.

Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Suite with Black Cushions

The Suntime Amalfi Black Rattan Suite is one of Gardens and Homes Direct's best sellers. It is a black Faux Rattan Garden Furniture Suite that is ideal for the Patio or the Conservatory.

Venice Rattan Garden Furniture Collection

The Venice Rattan Garden Furniture Collection is a stylish Faux Rattan Garden Furniture Set and features one sofa and two chairs, including red cushions, and a stunning coffee table with a toughened glass table top.

These are just some of the beautiful Rattan Furniture we have on our site, and we also stock a range of other garden furniture, home furniture, BBQs, gifts, pet supplies, and much more...

Recycling Waste for your garden

2011-05-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

The world is quite rightfully recycling mad at the moment, and many conscientious people are trying to reduce their negative impact on the planet by switching to solar powered garden lighting, replacing lightbulbs with energy saving equivalents, boiling less water and turning the thermostat down a little in winter. Whether you believe in man-made climate change or not, there can be little dispute that as the global population swells dramatically, it is sensible to reduce our resource usage and the reduce the energy it requires to bring those resources to us. That’s why recycling is becoming increasingly important. For example, making a new drink can out of recycled aluminium requires only 5% of the energy compared to creating a new can from raw materials, and doesn't require that we extract any more aluminium ore from the earth. Similarly, every ton of waste glass recycled into new containers saves a remarkable 350Kg of Carbon Dioxide from being released into the atmosphere during the creation of an equivalent amount of new glass. In short, recycling helps save precious materials, and hugely reduces the energy required to create these products and the carbon cost of their creation.

In response to the benefits of recycling, most local councils now recycle card, cardboard, paper, tins, bottles, jars, newspaper and plastics, and now many councils are even able to recycle Tetrapaks and yoghurt pots.

Compost Converter

You can even recycle your kitchen waste by compositing your food waste. This has the benefit of not further encumbering our already over-used land fill sites, and has the added benefit of creating excellent compost for use in your garden. Gardens and Homes Direct have an excellent compost bin that’s designed just for the role, with a 220litre capacity, a secure, windproof lid, and a wide hatch to get compost out. Fittingly, it’s also made from recycled plastics! What better way to do your part for the environment and your garden then by composting your kitchen waste?

Why not throw your own Royal Wedding Garden Party?

2011-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

With the Royal Wedding and three bank holiday weekends just round the corner, we've put together a collection of Garden Furniture and accessories so that you can throw your very own Royal Wedding Garden Party. We have some great offers available, with savings of up to 50%, and we're offering 10% off any items from our Royal Wedding promotion that aren't already reduced in price! Just use the voucher code ROYAL10 at the checkout to redeem your 10% discount. This special offer includes metal garden furniture, wooden garden furniture, barbecue equipment, garden benches and garden heating and lighting solutions; everything you need to host a garden party of barbecue fit for a king!! Offer ends 29/04/11.

New Range of Garden Power Tools Added.

2011-04-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

As the main gardening season gets into full swing, gardens and homes direct has added a new range of gardening tools to help you get your garden into shape. We've added lawn mowers, earth tillers, hedge trimmers & chainsaws, grass strimmers, leaf blowers and lawn rakes, so we have every garden tool you need for a great garden!

Cheap Wooden Garden Furniture

2011-04-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here at Gardens and Homes Direct we have some great products in our wooden garden furniture sale, with some huge savings off RRPs. Here are some of the great items of wooden garden furniture we currently have on sale:

Camillion 2 Seat Wooden Garden Bench, Was £99.99 - Only £59.99

The Camillion Wooden Garden Bench is hand crafted in stunning hardwood (from sustainable sources) and looks great in any back garden. It's also brilliant value at £59.99 (40% off!).

New Mexico Wooden Glider, Was £119.99 - Only £79.99

This beautifuly finished bench is an excellent piece of wooden garden furniture, and features a smooth gliding/rocking action for relaxing in your garden.


Wooden Chichester Bar Set, Was £159.99 - Only £79.99

This wooden garden furniture set is made from hardwood and folds away for easy storage. It's also a steal with 50% off the RRP!

New Oxford 1.3m Garden Furniture Collection, Was £599.99 - Only £349.99

The New Oxford 1.3m Wooden Garden Furniture Collection is hand crafted from sustainable hardwood into a classic style, and includes 4 reclining garden chairs and a Lazy Susan. Currently it's on sale with 42% off its usual RRP!

Cheap Metal Garden Furniture

2011-04-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

At Gardens and Homes Direct we have a range of affordable metal garden furniture, and we currently have an excellent metal garden furniture sale on featuring some brilliant bargains on metal patio sets! Here are some of the excellent products we have on sale, with up to 60% off some lines:

Bambino Bistro Set - Black, Was £199.99 - Only £79.99

The Bambino Bistro Set is a great little 3 piece metal garden furniture set, and features 2 Rattan chairs and a frosted, tempered glass table top, and it is an absolute bargain with 60% off!

3 Piece Seychelles Bistro Set - Black, Was £114.99 - Only £99.99,

This charming 3 piece Bistro set features two folding chairs and a tempered glass table top, and is an ideal item of metal garden furniture for relaxing in the garden on summer afternoons.


Black Julio Patio Set, Was £129.99 - Only £99.99

This chic 4 seater textilene and metal garden furniture set features hard wearing textilene folding chairs, a tempered glass table top and even includes a matching parasol. This stylish and cheap Patio set is great value for money, and is great for entertaining small parties or enjoying lunch in the sun.

Green Rufford Bubble Patio Furniture Set, Was £229.99 - Only £149.99

This beautiful metal patio set features an authentic Mosaic design table top, and two chairs with seat cushions, and is a bargain with 35% off!

Florida 8pc Copper Patio Furniture Collection, Was £499.99 - Only £299.99

The Florida 6 seater 8 piece metal garden furniture set, features a parasol and tempered glass table top, and 6 textilene and metal reclining chairs, and is absolutely brilliant value with 40% off! This metal patio set is ideal for family gatherings in the garden.

Carmel Metal Garden Furniture Set - Brown and Cream, Was £399.99 - Only £379.99

The Carmel metal garden furniture set features 4 extremely comfortable cushioned garden chairs, a round table and a large parasol, and is ideal for dining in the sunshine.

St. Remo Patio Furniture Collection - Black, Was £499.99 Only £399.99

With its clean lines and black table top The St Remo Metal Garden Furniture Colection is stylish, and features reclining textilene chairs and a parasol with crank handle for those hot days.

Up to 50% off Patio Furniture Sets!

2011-04-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

Up to 50% off Patio Furniture Sets, including Rattan Garden Furniture, Wooden Garden Furniture and Metal Garden Furniture Sets! Only while stocks last!

Great recipe for BBQ pork Chops. Why not get your Barbecue out this weekend?

2011-04-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

The sun has been out this week, and the weather looks like it should stick around for the weekend, so why not make the most of it and spend some of your weekend reclining on your patio furniture out in the garden?

It’s certainly not too early to crack out the barbecue; spring has definitely ‘sprung,’ so why wait around until the summer?

Here is a great BBQ pork recipe which is sure to get your taste buds tingling. Combined with some fresh salad, bread rolls and sauce, this recipe will impress your friends and family and keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1tbs clear honey
• 2tbs brown sugar
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 2/4tsp salt
• 2tbsp soy sauce
• Small handful of crushed mixed peppercorns
• The zest and juice of half an orange
• 4 pork chops
• Orange slices, to garnish

Instructions:

Stir the sugar, honey, salt, oil, soy sauce, peppercorns, orange juice and zest in a bowl until almost smooth.

Cook the pork chops on a medium grill for 15-20 minutes, brushing with the sauce mixture throughout cooking. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, and brush the mixture on both sides of the chops.

Lay the chops on a bed of salad leaves with some chunky bread and decorate with the orange slices. Use any leftover glaze as a sauce – but be careful not to overpower the flavour of the pork!

Presto! Delicious BBQ Pork Chops. This recipe also goes well with Pork Ribs, and even chicken, so why not experiment?

How do I clean my Rattan Garden Furniture

2011-04-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

If your wicker Rattan garden furniture has started to gather dirt between the weave, there’s no need to worry – following these simple cleaning steps will make your Rattan Furniture look as good as new.

You will need:

A hose, preferably with high pressure

A bucket of water

A scrubbing brush. One similar to a washing up brush will suffice

A Toothbrush

Some Toothpicks

Spray paint and spray primer (if you wish to repaint your Rattan Garden Furniture)

1 – Take off any cushions or covers. Hose down the furniture, preferably with a hose with significant pressure, this will help loosen any dirt that has gathered. Turn the garden furniture over and hose the underside too.

2 – Using a scrubbing brush, go over the whole of the garden furniture, using the bucket of water to rinse the brush in. If you need to, use an old toothbrush or toothpick to get between the reeds if they’re proving difficult to clear.

3 – Hose down furniture again, top and bottom. Check for mould, and spray a mild bleach and water solution on any mould or remaining dirt you find, and scrub again with a toothbrush until you have cleared any remaining dirt or mould. Hose down thoroughly again afterwards.

4 – Leave to dry for 24 hours

Only follow steps 5-8 if you are repainting your Rattan Garden Furniture.

5 – Put an old sheet or painting mat on the floor with the furniture on it. Spray paint primer over the entire piece of garden furniture.

6 – When primer has dried, spray-paint each piece of furniture with your desired colour of spray paint. If the first coat produces inconsistent coverage, apply second coat when first is dry.

7 – Leave to dry for 24 hours and then spray each piece all over with a clear sealer.

8 – Leave for 24 hours before putting your cushions back on and enjoying your new-look rattan garden furniture

Visit us at www.gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk to see our huge range of affordable garden furniture, home furniture, pet supplies and gardening tools.

Encouraging Wildlife into your Garden part 2

2011-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Attracting more wildlife to your garden.

Have you got a charming garden and beautiful garden furniture, but find your garden is a little too tranquil? Perhaps your garden could do with some more wildlife to help bring it alive? Here are a couple more ideas for encouraging wildlife into your garden.

Designate an area for a woodpile.

If you want more wildlife to visit your garden, then there is one very simple thing you can do, if you have the space and don’t mind a bit of a messy corner, and that is build a wood pile. By simply piling up some dead wood and leaving it undisturbed in a shaded place, you can attract a range of species to your garden, such as:

Frogs & Newts – They love damp spots, particularly for hibernation.

Centipedes, ground and rove beetles – They will not only help keep your garden slug free (helping your precious pretty flowers and other vegetation!) but they will also attract their predators, such as birds.

Fungi – Various Fungi will thrive on damp rotting wood, and these will in turn attract slugs (away from your plants and flowers) and snails.

All of these slugs, snails, beetles and other insects should help attract birds and hedgehogs, which may in turn attract badgers and foxes if you are lucky.

Build a Pond

A well thought out and positioned pond with a rockery is a great place for wildlife, and should attract frogs and insects in abundance, and subsequently birds and mammals that are the natural predators of these creatures. Ensure that the pond has sufficient surface area relative to its depth, to prevent the oxygen levels dropping too low to support life, and the water becoming stagnant. As a rule of thumb, the larger a pond is, the more wildlife it will support! See this guide for more detailed information on building a pond.

We have already covered some other things you can do to encourage wildlife into your garden in this post. Added together with some habitats and food for wild animals, these features will ensure your garden is teeming with life and activity, which makes relaxing on your garden furniture and enjoying your garden all the more interesting!

Garden furniture, ornaments and garden lighting to improve the look of your garden.

2011-03-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

There are a great many factors that go into creating a beautiful and functional garden. Of course, having a well-kept lawn and beautiful foliage is very important, but there are other factors that affect the look and feel of your garden, such as garden furniture, garden lighting and garden ornaments.

Garden Furniture

Choosing garden furniture is a key part of designing your garden. You want it to be suitable for your needs (such as hardy and weatherproof if you are leaving it outside all year), comfortable enough that you can spend time on it, and attractive enough that it complements the aesthetics of the garden as a whole.
What kind of garden furniture will suit your garden is often a matter of personal preference and budget. For example, some people may find some brightly coloured garden furniture such as aluminium and textilene sets garish, while others may find that the bright colours match well with their garden in bloom. Rattan garden furniture and wooden garden furniture tend to mesh well with whatever aesthetic you have decided upon for you garden, as they both have a timeless appeal and undeniable style. Rattan and Wooden furniture also have the advantage of being quite hard wearing and reasonably resistant to weather damage.

The Stunning Venice Rattan Garden Furniture Collection

Garden Ornaments

Garden Ornaments such as pots and planters, trellises, and statues, gnomes and figurines can really bring extra life and detail to your garden. Terracotta is a classic choice for pots and planters, as it is attractive to look at and heavy enough that plants won’t be blown over. For ornaments, some people may find gnomes to be a cliché, or unattractive, but there are plenty of other attractive options for garden ornaments. For example, there are a range of terracotta and stone statues available such as our Angel garden statue. There are even some garden ornaments that contain LED solar lights, such as this Terracotta warrior statue, that charge themselves during the day and cast pleasing light in your garden by night. There is also a broad range of options available when purchasing pots and planters, such as metal planters with quirky designs, and more traditional wooden trellis planters, that are ideal for a corner of your patio.


Solar LED Kneeling Terracotta Warrior Light	Seated Buddha Ornament	127cm Angel Garden Statue

Garden Lighting

Some well positioned solar powered garden lights can provide a beautiful ethereal glow to your garden by night, illuminating flowerbeds and bushes with a soft warmth. We have a wide range of solar powered garden lighting options available, including the quirky and aesthetically pleasing solar stake glowlights that are ideal for placement amongst flower beds, and the more traditional solar post lights, which are a great multi-purpose garden lighting option. Solar powered garden lights can also be extremely useful for marking pathways and ponds, preventing any slip ups should you be in the garden after dark. They are also maintenance free and environmentally friendly, as they charge themselves by the sun’s light during the day, making them a near essential addition to any garden. They also have the advantage of helping you keep a garden party going into the night!


Red Chinese Solar Lantern	Crystal Kingfisher Solar Glowlight	Pack of 10 Stainless Steel Hat shaped Solar Lights

All of these elements, when combined with a tidy lawn and some creative gardening skills can contribute to a stunning garden that will be the envy of all your friends!

Up to 41% Off Garden Swing Seats!

2011-03-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

As spring swings into gear we are offering some huge discounts on Garden Swing Seats & Hammocks, with discounts of up to 41%! The best part is, if a swing seat isn't already reduced in price you can get 10% off by using the Voucher Code SWING10 at the checkout! Offer Ends 09/04/11.

Relax with a Garden Swing.

2011-03-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

A Garden swing seat is the ultimate way to relax in your garden. From a single chair that rocks back and forth, to gazebos with a swinging sofa/double bed underneath, there is sure to be something to suit you.

If you like to cuddle up with your loved ones on the sofa, and feel that sitting outside on patio chairs can be a bit restrictive, then perhaps you should consider a garden swing seat. They are available in a range of colours and designs, suitable for every budget.

Green County Swing Seat

At the budget end of the scale are two seater textilene swing seats such as the Green County Swing Seat, which is ideal if you want a swing seat but don’t want to break the bank. If you prefer a more luxury option, then perhaps the Quito 3 Seat Swing, with its chic design and clean lines is more for you. We also have the innovative and award winning Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing - Brown, a garden swing seat with a real difference; the 3 seater swing folds flat into a sofa bed, and the gazebo can be removed to be used separately as a sun shield elsewhere in your garden. The Suntime Luxor is available in a range of colours, and is the epitome of stylish, flexible and practical garden furniture.

Quito 3 Seat Swing

For the ultimate in garden relaxation, the Helicopter Swing is an extremely stylish addition to any garden furniture set. This unique and unusual black hanging chair features full length cushions, so you can recline outside and feel as if you are weightless, as the chair gently sways in all directions. With the fitted headrest and its own canopy to protect you from the sun, it’ll be difficult not to fall asleep on this comfortable garden swing.

Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing - Black

Of course, garden swings aren’t just great for relaxation, they are incredibly useful if you are hosting a barbecue or garden party, and kids adore them too, so it’ll help you keep the little ones out of trouble when the family is out in the garden.

Helicopter Swing

Why have a Garden Arbour?

2011-03-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Finding a placewhere you can enjoy some true tranquillity can be really difficult. Why not build yourself a peaceful garden haven by getting an Arbour?

Weston Arbour

Garden arbours fit nicely around the edge of almost any kind of garden. They are a lovely addition if you have a small gap between bushes or trees, or a secluded spot at the bottom of your garden, and large arbours can even be used as a kind of summer house in the corner of your garden.

Winchester Arbour

Garden arbours are typically like a garden bench with an arch over them. As many Arbours have trellised sides, they can often be covered with climbing plants, creating a real ‘secret garden’ kind of aesthetic.

Haven Corner Arbour

Larger arbours are more like small Gazebos & summer houses, often featuring a more enclosed space, and some of these larger Arbours provide sufficient coverage for you to be able to stay outdoors during rain showers. Remember though that most arbours, regardless of size, still have open or trellised sides, so they will not keep you dry in a torrential downpour! If you are looking for greater shelter in the garden than an Arbour can provide, you may be better looking for a summerhouse or large permanent gazebo!

Chatsworth Summerhouse

An arbour is a great place to relax, and they are very attractive garden features when they are positioned well and covered with climbing plants in a secluded corner.

10% off Mother's Day Gifts from Gardens and Homes Direct!

2011-03-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just round the corner, so we've put together over 100 unique Mother's Day gift ideas for you. Better still, we are offering 10% off any Mother's Day gifts that are not already reduced in price! All you have to do is use the voucher Code MUM at the checkout to redeem your discount. Why not get your Mother something a little different this year?

New Products now in: Gardening Tools and Accessories: Lawn Mowers

2011-03-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

With the spring gardening season upon us, we've added some great new Gardening tools to our site, including Lawn Mowers and Hedge Trimmers.

Bosch ASB10.8Li Cordless Shrub Shear

Bosch Rotak 32 Rotary Electric Lawn Mower

Bosch ASM 32 F Cylinder Lawn Mower

Bosch ALR900 Lawnrake

Bosch Rotak 34 Ergoflex Lawn Mower

What are Bistro Sets?

2011-03-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

If you only have a small garden or yard, then a Bistro set of patio furniture can give you somewhere stylish and confortable to sit outside while not taking up all the available space.

If you picture yourself sitting in the outside seating area of a stylish French cafe, you’ll probably picture small circular ornate tables, replete with matching chairs with oval backs and flat seats. If you’re picturing this, then you already know what a Bistro Set is.

Most Bistro Sets consist of a small circular table and two chairs, though some will also feature a parasol. You can get Bistro Sets that look like the elegant, ornate metal sets you see outside restaurants and cafes, or clean and chic designs, with simpler tables and chairs made from either metal or wood.

Dorset Bistro Set

Some have fabric seats and backs, in the style of director’s chairs; others are made of textilene fabric with glass topped tables, so there are a range of styles to suit various budgets and tastes. For example, we have the highly affordable yet classy hardwood Dorset Bistro Set at the budget end of the spectrum, right through to the simple and clean lines of the Green Rufford Bubble Patio Furniture Set.

Green Rufford Bubble Patio Furniture Set

Why wait any longer, bring yourself a touch of the continental coffee culture by treating yourself to a Bistro Set for your garden!

Garden Swings & Hammocks

2011-03-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Sitting out in the garden is a great way to relax; especially after a hard day of work and now the days are getting longer and the spring is beginning to take hold.

Lying on the lawn or relaxing on your garden furniture with the sun on your skin can really help you feel calmer. Indeed, safe and sensible sun exposure has many merits, such as encouraging the body to release Vitamin D and fighting SAD and stress, contributing to an overall feeling of wellbeing. But it’s easy to quickly become uncomfortable on a hard surface, and there’s always the danger of insects crawling onto your body or into your drink.

Hammocks and garden swings are much better at supporting your body than the ground, as they bend around you or come with big comfortable cushions. They are also raised off the ground, so your drink and your skin will be safe from pesky ants and spiders!

The gentle swaying motion is so relaxing that it can be enough to send you to sleep, so make sure that your skin is well protected with sun cream if you plan on being in the sun all day – a little sun exposure can be good for you, but too much can be dangerous, especially as this country is experiencing much higher levels on the UV index than ever before.

Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing

With larger swings such as the best selling and award winning Suntime Luxor Gazebo Swing, you and your partner could enjoy a cuddle in the garden, or you could put your feet up and enjoy a good book. We even have swing seats designed for one, such as the innovative and fun Helicopter Swing.

Helicopter Swing

Either way, there is hardly a better way of loosening up, relaxing and just kicking back for a few hours than with a comfortable garden swing.

Encouraging Wildlife into your Garden

2011-03-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy seeing wildlife in your garden, then you can take steps to encourage it to return and thrive.

Provide water

Most wildlife requires clean water for drinking, bathing and reproducing. Suitable sources of water can include natural sources like ponds, lakes, and streams, or man-made sources like birdbaths, fountains or water features.

Supply food

Planting native shrubs, flowers and trees is a good way to give your local wildlife the nutrients they need, as native plants and flowers will provide suitable seeds, berries, pollen and other food sources for insects and birds. Adding a bird feeder stocked with bird seed can be a great way of encouraging wild birds into the garden, and you can add a bird house, ladybird house or even a bat house to encourage long term residents to move in and bring life to your garden.

Create cover

Wild animals are not usually comfortable around humans, as they often see as us as a potential predator threat, so having plenty of places to hide will make them feel safer. It’s also somewhere animals will use to hide from predators and inclement weather. Thickets, hedgerows and other dense foliage all make excellent hiding places for garden visitors.

Make a place to raise young

Most wildlife needs a sheltered place to raise their young. This could be inside a tree, under a bush or shrub or under a rock. Bees and butterflies use small holes, like the inside of dead bamboo stalks or cracks in trunks. Why not provide a birdhouse or even a beehive too? This will keep your garden alive with activity.

Make it natural

Allowing your garden to thrive naturally while avoiding chemical pesticides and too much interference will make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be overgrown and messy to be successful, but too much interference in the natural processes will put off some creatures. Gardens and Homes Direct have many of the gardening tools you’ll need for garden maintenance.

New Products Announced.

2011-03-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Waldorf Black Sofa Bed

Contemporary retro styled black faux leather upholstered sofa bed with soft grain touch. Simply push the back of the sofa down flat to convert it in to a comfortable double bed.

Only £199.99

Suntime Instant Pop Up Gazebo

Suntime Instant Pop Up Gazebo

What a spectacularly quick and easy way to brighten up your summer partying! This elegant hunter green instant aluminium pop up gazebo is shower proof, UV resistant and can be erected in a few minutes.

Only £49.99

Hosting Barbecues in Autumn and Winter.

2011-03-09T01:59:00.000-08:00

Barbecues are a great way to bring friends and family together. It is possible, with a little perseverance, to keep hosting barbecues all through the year provided that your garden is well equipped with garden furniture and accessories to make eating outside comfortable.

A common misconception is that barbecues have to stop with the end of the summer. You could host a Halloween party and cater for your guests by having a barbecue. You could even host a bonfire night party and have a barbecue at the same time, since people will already be outdoors watching the fireworks. It is also possible to host impromptu barbecues in the early spring when the weather blesses us with an unseasonably warm day.

Gazebos are really handy garden accessories that come in particularly useful when hosting barbecues. It could be advisable to have more than one gazebo, or a dedicated barbecue gazebo, as it may be necessary to shelter the barbecue itself from rain, and you will also need to shelter your guests as they are enjoying the food and the atmosphere of the party.

If the weather does get a little too rainy then there is little harm in moving the party indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat barbecue food. Stationing the barbecue beneath a suitable gazebo will ensure that the cook and the food can stay dry and the party will not suffer.

Making more of your back garden

2011-03-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

The following items of garden furniture can all add a little something extra to your garden, both in terms of its aesthetic appeal and its usability and convenience. Garden furniture is a great way to get your family and friends out in the garden, so it is worth looking into all these possibilities if you want people to use your garden more often.

Garden benches

Parks are always well served by lots of garden benches. This is because garden benches add to the visual appeal of the space and offer people a nice place to sit. Consequently, many people sit on park benches to relax and watch the world go by. Placing benches in your back garden will have a similar effect, particularly if you pick out a south facing sun trap with a pleasant view of your garden.

Patio sets

Patio sets give you and your family and friends an ideal place to sit, socialise and eat. This is great if you like hosting barbecues and garden parties, eating outdoors or if you simply like to use the garden socially. Patio Sets usually consist of a table and a few chairs, although some sets come with a parasol, and some even come with a Lazy Susan too!

Gazebos

Gazebos are very popular additions to the garden because they are attractive features and can provide welcome shelter from wind, rain and harsh sunlight (when we are fortunate enough to experience any sun!). They offer a retreat where you can go and sit in shelter to enjoy your garden and the peace and quiet it offers.

New Products Announced: Mi Hub Integrated Home Cinema Systems

2011-03-01T03:08:00.000-08:00

Mi Hub Opus White Home Cinema System

These revolutionary home cinema systems are TV stands with integrated features such as high quality speakers and DVD players. These stylish, space saving entertainment systems are unique and made with high quality componants. Click here for more information.

Get £20 off our 'Poem' Beds with the Voucher Code BED20

2011-02-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to look at our range of beds, and our extensive range of home furniture!

New Product Added: Bambino Bistro Set

2011-02-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Bambino Bistro Set

A 3 piece rattan furniture set including steel framed round table with frosted, tempered glass top, and two comfortable, classy brown rattan chairs. Perfect for enjoying an afternoon drink in the garden or on the patio.

Only £119.99

Winter doesn't have to put a stop to Barbecues

2011-02-24T03:52:00.000-08:00

As long as the weather is not too windy and isn’t too wet, it is possible to continue enjoying your barbecue through the winter, should you wish to, particularly now the days are beginning to get longer and the temperatures are becoming more mild. Why not have a winter weekend barbecue with some friends and family?

You can always entertain your guests beneath gazebos in the garden and use these handy garden accessories to provide shelter for your guests. Garden lighting is also a good idea if you expect your barbecues to carry on late into the evening, and garden heating with a patio heater or Chiminea will keep the chill off your friends and family.

Don’t stop using the garden just because summer has yet to arrive. Take every chance you get to enjoy your garden, barbecue and garden furniture!

New Product announced: Poem Black Kingsize Bed

2011-02-24T02:28:00.000-08:00

Poem Black Kingsize Bed

Only £199.99

A classic king size bed design with elegant patterned frames at the head and foot. Metal frame with black powder coating.

Dimensions:
152 x 208 cm

Easy assembly
Mattress not included

Attractive patios sets for gathering in the garden

2011-02-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Patio sets are a really good way of making your back garden into a more social space, and making it much better suited to hosting parties and barbecues. It’s great to have an outdoor space where you can gather with your friends and family, particularly in the summer, and a good Patio Set can ensure you reclaim a sadly underused Patio space.

Deluxe Rimini Bronze Patio Furniture Set

Patio sets generally consist of a table and a number of chairs, and they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit all needs. For larger patios, it may make sense to invest in a large table with six to eight chairs, so that lots of people can gather around the table to enjoy the weather and each other’s company.

Turquoise Miami 8 Piece Garden Furniture Set

For smaller patios or tighter budgets, smaller Patio Sets with round garden tables with two or three chairs (sometimes known as Bistro sets) may be sufficient. Round tables like this are great for intimate gatherings, or for enjoying a coffee with a partner or friend in the morning.

3 Piece Seychelles Bistro Set - Humbug Stripe

When you are shopping for patio sets, you will also become aware of the different materials that are available to you. There are Wooden, Rattan/Wicker, Plastic and Metal patio sets, and the choice of which to purchase is a question of preference and budget.

Suntime Lyon 6 Armchair 2.1m Rattan Dining Collection

New Product announced: Quito 1.8m Oval Dining Set

2011-02-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

Quito 1.8m Oval Dining Set

Dine outside in luxury with the Quito Dining Set. Gather round the 1.8m glass oval table and lean back in the ultra-comfortable thick cushions of the four metal chairs. Perfect for a long summer night around the table with friends.

Dimensions:
Table: Dia. 123cm x H71cm
Chairs: 80.6cm x 62.2cm x 94.6 cm

Glass is 5mm thick and tempered.

Decorating your Garden Seating area with plants and flowers.

2011-02-21T03:36:00.000-08:00

When you have introduced a few items of garden furniture to your garden, it is a nice idea to decorate the seating area to make it more visually appealing and comfortable. It's not uncommon for people to buy a patio set or a set of garden benches and then expect people to sit out and enjoy the garden without having created an attractive space. Why not decorate the seating area of your garden to add to its appeal and make it more attractive?

Pots and planters are easy to move around and make ideal decorative features to place amongst your garden furniture. Once they are replete with plants and flowers, they will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden greatly, particularly in summer when your plants and flowers are in full bloom.

Trellis planters such as this wooden Trellis Planter are a really great idea. These allow you to plant climbing plants against walls that can transform even the most drab wall or corner of your garden, giving the area a real ‘secret garden’ feel once the climbers have taken hold.

Make sure you choose any plants for your seating area wisely; try to avoid planting things that will attract too many bees and wasps, as this could turn your dream seating area into a nightmare in the summer, when the wasps are out in force!

Another great idea for decorating your garden, is to add some garden lighting to your seating area. There are a number of options available, such as solar lighting which have the benefit of not requiring trailing power leads or using any electricity, and of switching themselves on and off as the night falls, or you could even re-use some Christmas outdoor fairy lights to give the area a warm glow. There are many possibilities to create an inviting and comfortable area with the use of plants, ornaments and lighting, the only real limit is your imagination!

Useful pieces of garden furniture

2011-02-21T03:15:00.000-08:00

Effective use of your Garden is all about treating the garden as an extension of the home rather than an incidental area of outside space. Garden furniture is a great way to achieve this is, as it makes the garden into a sociable and inviting space. However, patio sets are really only the starting point. There are a number of other items of outdoor furniture you can add to your garden to really bring the space alive.

Arbours

Arbours are an excellent garden feature, and a useful item of garden furniture: They generally comprise a seating area, and a frame which can be dressed with climber, plants and flowers.

Garden swings

Many people choose garden swings in their garden because they are so comfortable, and provide an excellent place to relax and recline during pleasant weather. Garden swings are so popular that it is not uncommon for there to be a scramble for a seat on the garden swing when you have people over, and children absolutely love them too!

garden benches

Garden benches bring a park aesthetic to your back garden, which makes for an attractive setup, and they provide extra seating which is useful for entertaining guests at parties and barbecues.

New Product announced: Copper Capri 6 Piece Patio Set

2011-02-18T05:55:00.000-08:00


Copper Capri 6 Piece Patio Set - Only £109.99

This comfortable Capri Patio furniture set consists of 4 copper coloured textilene chairs, a copper tempered glass top table and a copper crank and tilt parasol.

The chairs have multiple reclining positions and should they get dirty, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth!

The table features a tempered (toughened) glass top with a parasol hole and integrated parasol support.

The parasol is easy to erect with its crank handle, it can also be tilted to ensure shade from the sun no matter what its position in the sky.

Visit our Patio Furniture Section for more great prices on Patio Furniture.

New Products: Giant Beanbags

2011-02-17T03:42:00.000-08:00

Giant Bean Bags, ideal for relaxing in the garden or home!

Up to 33% off all stoves!

2011-02-16T03:46:00.000-08:00

Get up to 33% off wood burning and cast iron stoves for your home, just visit gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk

How to throw the perfect Garden Party

2011-02-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

With summer on the way, planning a garden party or barbecue may soon be back on the agenda. We've prepared a short guide to help you throw a garden party that will impress your friends and family, and leave you the envy of your neighbours!

Setting the Scene

First and foremost it's important to get your garden looking tidy and pretty. Of paramount concern is mowing the lawn, it's no good having your guest's feet getting damp from an unkempt lawn! If you don't have a decent lawn mower, Gardensandhomesdirect have affordable lawn mowers, grass strimmers and leaf blowers to help you keep your garden trim and tidy.

DAYE 220W Electric Grass Trimmer

DAYE 550W Electric Hedge Trimmer

DAYE 800W Electric Lawn Mower

Next, to truly wow your guests, why not get some beautiful flowers and plants in your garden? Well kept and arranged borders and flower beds are a real delight for guests and for you, so why not invest in some beautiful flowers and plants, or perhaps even some fruit bearing plants for your garden? Here is a great short guide to designing and planting a border or flower bed. You could even invest in some pots and planters to decorate your patio or pathway for the event, and you'll continue to benefit from a stunning garden long after your guests have departed.

Redcurrant 'Jonker van Tets'

Meilandina Standard Rose

Welcome Pot Holder

Some people may really enjoy a themed party, whether there's an occasion you're celebrating, such as a birthday or marraige, or whether you just like the idea of a fancy dress party. For example, if your party is taking place in the evening, then perhaps you could have a formal wear party, asking your guests to put on their glad rags for the occasion? Or if the event is set for a hot afternoon, perhaps a beachwear themed party would be a better idea? You can even tailor your food to the theme, or vice versa, the only limit is your imagination!

With your theme set, your lawn trim, and your flower beds looking stunning, it's time to consider kitting your garden out for guests with some...

Garden Furniture

No garden party would be complete without some garden furniture for your guests to utilise. Ideally, you'll need places for your guests to sit, tables for them to eat off, a gazebo to protect them from the sun (or inclement weather) and perhaps even some garden heating and garden lighting, if you plan to party long into the night!

Patio Furniture Sets

First and foremost it is vital that your guests have a table to sit at and eat from. There are a broad range of patio furniture sets available, ranging from affordable plastic sets, through to mid priced steel and textilene sets right up to the more expensive, but very classy and hardwearing, all weather Rattan garden furniture sets. The kind of Patio set that's right for you depends upon a number of factors, namely available space, budget and requirements. Folding sets provide the advantage of being collapsible for those who are short of space, while plastic sets can generally be stacked to save space. While most Rattan Garden sets do not fold, Rattan does provide the advantage of being weather resistant and requiring very little maintenance, so there is less need to pack it down when the weather is bad.

Lyon 4pc Lounge Rattan Collection

Garden Chairs

It may also be an idea to provide some garden chairs for your guests, and these come in a variety of styles and forms. There are the classic folding deckchair style garden chairs such as this Manhattan Deck Chair, recliners and loungers such as the New Oxford Textilene Reclining Chair and Black Royale Sun Lounger, single glider seats such as this Boston Single Glider and even truly unique Rattan garden chairs like the Cora Rattan Hanging Chair and the Amalfi Teardrop Rattan Garden Seat. There are also a number of excellent swing seats and hammocks available, such as the Quito 3 Seat Swing and the award-winning Luxor Swing Luxury Gazebo, a a Gazebo with a difference; it houses a removable 3 seater swing seat! You could of course opt for a more traditional garden bench for your party, such as this Camillion 2 Seat Garden Bench.

Manhattan Deck Chair

Amalfi Teardrop Rattan Seat

Luxor Swing Luxury Gazebo

Gazebos

Gazebos are a great way of providing shelter from the sun (or the rain, knowing the English weather!) in your garden, and that makes them an ideal feature for barbecues and garden parties, and can prove to be a life saver if you've put a lot of work into your party only to have the weather turn against you at the last moment. There are a range of Gazebos on the market to suit different budgets and needs, such as easily erectable free standing Gazebos like the 2.5m Fleurie Metal Gazebo, semi-permanant free standing Gazebos like this Hexagonal Gazebo and awning-like Gazebos that are designed to fix to the side of your house, as well as permanent Gazebos that are more akin to summerhouses, like the Rowlinson Willow Hexagonal Gazebo or the Rowlinson Sandringham Wooden Gazebo.

Samarkand Metal Gazebo

Chimineas

If you want to keep your garden party going into the night, then what better to keep your guests warm than a garden chiminea? Chimineas add a real rustic charm to a garden, and the heat they generate is ideal for keeping the night alive in the garden. There are a number of styles available, such as the contemporary and chic Pyramid Steel Chiminea, the more traditionally styled but equally stunning 90cm Cast Iron Chiminea, and the towering, impressive 1.8m Chiminea, all of which will make a memorable and welcome addition to any garden. There are of course other ways of heating a garden, such as wall Patio heaters.

Pyramid Steel Chiminea

90cm Cast Iron Chiminea

1.8m Chiminea

Garden Lighting

It's no good having your guests stumbling around in the dark of your garden once the night draws in on your barbecue or party, so it is almost certainly advisable to get some kind of lighting for you garden. Modern LED and solar technology means you can now get solar powered LED garden lights at very affordable prices, such as this ten pack of Solar Party Stainless Steel Lights for just £29.99, which are ideal for marking a path or driveway. Solar lights are ideal for the garden for a number of reasons; they don't require mains power and so have no trailing wires, they switch themselves on and off according to ambient light, and they are environmentally sound as they generate their own electricity from the sun's rays. There are also solar powered LED fairy lights available and decorative solar lights like the Lily & Hummingbird Solar Stake Light and Multi-Coloured Solar Wind Spinner, and these are ideal for creating magical decorative garden lighting effects like an illuminated flower bed, or an ethereal glowing hedge.

Solar Stainless Steel Lights x10

Lily & Hummingbird Solar Light

Multi-Coloured Solar Wind Spinner

Food

So we've covered getting the garden equipped and ready for the event, now we need to turn our attention to perhaps the most important aspect of a good party: Food! For a good garden party, you really can't beat a barbecue replete with steaks, kebabs, burgers, sausages and salads, and it's often prudent to provide a vegetarian option in case any of your friends require it. I would also provide plenty of snacks such as crisps, nuts and sweets to keep your guests busy and well fed while they wait for their barbecue! Here is an excellent guide to safe and tasty barbecue grilling, and here are a collection of great recipies for barbecue marinades, so you can make winning food for your guests. Gardens and Homes Direct also have a range of garden dining accessories, including Unbreakable Dining and Cutlery Sets, Table Mounted wine coolers, Fridge Pitchers, Ice Buckets and Drinking Glasses, all of which are ideal for garden parties and barbecues. I would also recommend providing a variety of beers, wines and soft drinks (for the designated drivers!) to keep your guests well watered at your party.

Contingency Planning

Given the erratic nature of British weather, it is essential that you have a contingency plan in the event of foul weather! Providing garden shelter with a Gazebo is an excellent start, but it is also important to ensure you can cook and serve most of your meal indoors if neccessary, and that you have activities your guests can partake in indoors, such as board games, films, video games and parlour games, such as charades. This way, if your garden party is threatened by the weather, you can relocate your party indoors and still have a great time!

For One Week Only

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

For One Week Only, get £200 (33%) off this award winning Beige Luxor Hammock Swing Gazebo, now only £399.99!

Hurry now, while this great deal lasts!

Bargain product of the week!

2011-02-09T03:30:00.000-08:00

Get a great deal on this Amalfi Black Rattan Set with £200 off! Click here for more info.

Gazebos

2011-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Garden Gazebos

With spring just round the corner many people are now beginning to think about spending some time in their garden, particularly spending some time with their families or hosting barbecues and parties where the weather permits it. But what happens when you organise a barbecue party, and the weather takes a turn for the worse? Or when your barbecue party is going swimmingly, except for the blistering sunshine (well… I can dream!) The solution, of course, is a good gazebo. Gazebos provide ideal shelter come rain or shine, meaning that you won’t have to cancel your garden party and your friends and family will still attend, safe in the knowledge that they can shelter from the rain or the sun!

If you’re looking for a little bit of shade in a violent sun, then perhaps an affordable 2.5m Fleurie Metal Gazebo would be ideal for you. This gazebo is attractive and elegant, and provides pleasant reprieve from the sun.

2.5m Fleurie Metal Gazebo

If you are looking for a Gazebo that offers enhanced privacy and protection from insects, then perhaps the Polenza 2.5m Cream Gazebo would be better for you. The ornate design and integral net curtains make this gazebo a stylish addition to any garden.

Polenza 2.5m Cream Gazebo

Then there is the sturdy and decorative Beige Deluxe 3m Gazebo, which is a little larger than the aforementioned Gazebos, and features removable fly-nets and curtains, providing enhanced protection from rain and inclement weather conditions. It’s sister Gazebo, the Brown Deluxe 3m Gazebo is in fact one of the UK’s best selling Gazebos!

Beige Deluxe 3m Gazebo

If you are short of garden space, or if you require something a little more permanent than a standard Gazebo, then a gazebo that is designed to fit up against your home, garage or shed, like this ingeniously designed 3.5m Steel Wall Gazebo, could be a better choice for you.

3.5m Steel Wall Gazebo

Or maybe you are looking for some garden seating AND a gazebo? If so, why not have a look at the Luxor Black Swing Seat Luxury Gazebo, an innovative gazebo with an integrated swing seat that folds flat into a bed. What makes this gazebo quite excellent, is the fact that you can remove the swing seat to leave just the gazebo in place. This Gazebo also features curtains to keep the wind and rain out, or for a little added privacy.

Luxor Black Swing Seat Luxury Gazebo

If you prefer a fully permanent Gazebo, more akin to a summerhouse, then perhaps a Rowlinson Willow Hexagonal Gazebo would be best for you. This rustic feel gazebo is made from treated Willow and so can stay in your garden all year round.

Rowlinson Willow Hexagonal Gazebo

Winter is a surprisingly good time to buy a gazebo, as many retailers keep their prices low before the peak garden furniture season of spring-summer, so why not get in early and treat yourself, your family and your garden to a gazebo?

10% off Valentine's Day Gifts!

2011-02-02T03:10:00.000-08:00

There's only a little over one week left until Valentine's day, and that means there's only one week to find something for your special someone! We have a great variety of gifts for her and gifts for him, and gifts for you to share, and we are offering 10% off all of our Valentine's gifts that are not already reduced in price! Just use the voucher code LOVE10 at checkout to redeem your discount. Why not do something a little different this year, and get something for you to both enjoy together?

Choosing the right Patio Furniture Set

2011-01-28T02:17:00.000-08:00

If you’ve got a nice large Patio, it may seem like such a waste to leave that space empty, especially with spring around the corner. Why not fill that space with some charming Patio furniture? A nice Patio set can make a lovely finishing touch in your garden, and makes an ideal place to host parties and barbecues, and to relax with a good book during the summer months. There are some things to consider first though:

The construction and material of the Patio furniture should be a major consideration. For example, Rattan and faux-Rattan garden furniture is renowned for being weather-proof and hardy, making it ideal for those who wish to leave their Patio furniture out all year long. Over at gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk we have a large collection of this Rattan and Faux-Rattan furniture at affordable prices. Rattan Garden Furniture is also stylish and chic, like this Amalfi 1.1m Rattan Patio Set however, much of this kind of furniture is not foldable or collapsible, meaning that if you are a short on space Rattan furniture may not be the best choice for you.

Amalfi 1.1m Rattan Patio Set

Steel or aluminium and textilene furniture often has the advantage of being collapsible for easy storage, which is ideal if you are short on garden space. Textilene garden furniture, much like Rattan furniture, is also very easy to maintain and clean, although due to its low weight it may not be ideal for those living in windy areas, as it can be more easily blown around and damaged by a high wind. Steel/aluminium and textilene garden furniture also has the advantage of being generally cheaper than it’s Rattan cousin, so for those on a lower budget, this may be a sound choice, although debate rages about whether it is as stylish, or as resilient in the long run as Rattan furniture, and it must be remembered that steel can still rust without due care. Fortunately, collapsible and light furniture is easily folded and stowed during bad weather. This Florida 8 Piece Steel & Textilene Set is a fine example of metal and textilene furniture

Florida 8 Piece Steel & Textilene Set

Wrought Iron furniture has an undeniable touch of class, and a certain traditional style that its tough to beat. It is also very heavy, so wind is no longer a concern, although moving such weighty furniture around may become a concern instead! Due to its iron construction, it is not as resilient to the elements as Rattan furniture is; Iron is prone to rust without due care and attention, so if you are looking for Patio sets you can leave out all year long with minimal maintenance, wrought iron may not be the best choice for you. However, it is often very attractive garden furniture, such as this Rose Garden Bench Set, and for many that pro point outweighs the cons of requiring maintenance and being heavy.

Rose Garden Bench Set

For those on a tight budget, plastic or resin Patio furniture may be the best way to go. While it is not as stylish as Rattan, wrought iron, hardwood or textilene, it is very affordable, and provided the wind is not too high, it is almost completely resistant to the weather, and requires minimal effort to clean. We have some plastic patio sets available at gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk, and if you are looking for a Patio set on a budget, then something like this Corsica 4 Seat Patio Set might be ideal for you.

Corsica 4 Seat Patio Set

Hardwood patio furniture is stylish, and often carries the advantage of being collapsible so it can easily be stored when you need the space or the weather is bad. While most of the furniture is treated to prevent weather damage, it is important to remember that it is still wood, and while hardwood is resilient, it is perhaps a step too far to say that it is totally weather resistant. It is however, relatively light and generally much more affordable than rattan furniture, and well-designed sets are very attractive indeed. We have a number of hardwood patio sets available at gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk, such as this Dorset 6 seat Dining Set which is both elegant and affordable.

Dorset 6 seat Dining Set

Another consideration when buying Patio furniture is size. A smaller Bistro set may be ideal if you are short on space, or have no need for a larger set, and they are also very cost effective. For example, this Dorset Bistro Set is a stylish folding set, which is currently available from gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk for as little as £39.99.

Dorset Bistro Set

Patio Furniture Accessories and Care:

If you are buying some patio furniture, it may be prudent to invest in a patio furniture cover too, even for furniture sets that are weatherproof, to keep your patio set looking in tip top condition. And if you are making you patio into a haven for spring and summer parties, why not invest in a barbecue too? We have a range of affordable gas barbecues ranging from simple single burner gas barbecues to barbecues with multiple burners and hot plates.

Suntime Melbourne 3 Burner BBQ

For One week only, a further 10% off all Christmas stock!

2011-01-20T02:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas may be over, but our Christmas clearance sale is not, that's why at Gardens and Homes Direct we are offering 10% off all of our Christmas stock! All you need to do is enter the voucher code XMAS10 at the checkout to redeem your 10% discount! Here are just some of the great offers we have in our Christmas clearance sale:

Christmas Trees


210cm Randolph Pine Tree ~~Was £69.99~~ Only £29.99 Saving £40.00 - (57%)	180cm Pre Lit Lincoln Pine Tree ~~Was £59.99~~ Only £29.99 Saving £30.00 - (50%)	210cm Pre-Lit St Moritz Spruce ~~Was £249.99~~ Only £239.99 Saving £10.00 - (4%)

Christmas Lights


20 Battery Powered LED Lights ~~Was £5.99~~ Only £2.99 Saving £3.00 - (50%)	200 Multi-Coloured Lights ~~Was £46.99~~ Only £25.00 Saving £21.99 - (47%)	Colour Changing LED Wreath ~~Was £39.99~~ Only £29.99 Saving £10.00 - (25%)

Christmas Gifts and Accessories


Reindeer Table Light ~~Was £3.99~~ Only £2.99 Saving £1.00 - (25%)	Gold Sun Design Card Holder ~~Was £24.99~~ Only £16.99 Saving £8.00 - (32%)	Remote Controlled Sockets ~~Was £39.99~~ Only £29.99 Saving £10.00 - (25%)

10% Early Bird discount on new lines of Garden Furniture!

2011-01-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Buy our 2011 season garden furniture now at discount prices! These items will not be available for despatch until April 2011, but if you pre-order now, you can use a special discount voucher code 'EBIRD' to receive 10% OFF! Hurry, because as soon as this furniture comes into stock, it will not qualify for the discount!

Our new products include Patio Furniture, Conservatory Furniture, Rattan Furniture, Gazebos, Swing Seats and Hammocks and Garden Chimineas amongst many other new items!

Up to 54% off Patio Furniture + 10% Discount Voucher!

2011-01-17T04:06:00.000-08:00

Here at Gardens and Homes Direct we are giving you a headstart on spring with huge savings of up to 54% off on our Patio Furniture range! Better still, you can get a 10% discount on any Patio Furniture that is not already discounted on our website by using the voucher Code PATIO11!

Here just some of the products that we have amazing discounts on:

Florida 8 Piece Steel & Textilene Set - Ivory

~~Was £499.99~~

Only £229.99

This simple understated design, with clean lines, will look fabulous on any patio or corner of your garden. As an eight piece set, it's also great value. Complemented by a matching colour parasol, what more could you need for alfresco dining with family and friends?

New Oxford 1.3m Garden Furniture Collection

~~Was £599.99~~

Only £349.99

Dine in style this summer with a classically designed garden suite. Hand-crafted with mortise and tenon joinery from gorgeous sleek, velvety hardwood sourced from sustainable plantations, the New Oxford dining set is the last word in alfresco luxury.

1.2m Malibu Rattan Furniture Collection

~~Was £999.99~~
Only £749.99

This fabulous indoor/outdoor all-weather faux rattan set is perfect for entertaining guests. The natural looking rattan lends itself beautifully to the outdoor environment. The table is finished with a toughened glass top and the chairs are complemented with a plush polyester cushion. Our Malibu range is at the pinnacle of outdoor living design, yet has a durability that will have your outdoor seating area looking great for years to come.

These are just a few of the Patio and Garden Furniture sets we have with amazing discounts on them, and remember, you can get a 10% discount on any Patio Furniture Sets from our collection that are not already discounted, by using the voucher code PATIO11 at the checkout! And if the Patio set you want is a new line and only available for pre-order, you can use the Voucher Code 'EBIRD' to get 10% off instead!*

*Please note that you can only use one voucher code at a time, and only on products that are not already discounted in the Patio Furniture section

Rattan Garden Furniture

2011-01-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

What is Rattan?

Rattan (from the the Malay rotan) is the name given to a group of palm trees native to Asia, and predominantly to Indonesia. Where Rattans differ from other palms is in their slender stems, and in the fact that the majority of Rattan plants grow like climbing plants rather than 'normal' palm trees. The wood from Rattan palms is regarded as durable, lightweight and flexible, which makes it excellent for furniture construction, and has the added attraction of being faster growing than many other wood sources, meaning sustainable and environmentally sound logging of Rattan is easily possible.

Rattan Garden Furniture

At Gardens and Homes Direct we are pleased to play host to an extensive collection of Rattan Wicker Garden Furniture. One of the things that makes Rattan furniture great is it's resilience to extremities of weather, including intense summer sun and biting winter cold, which means you can leave your Rattan garden furniture out all year round, safe in the knowledge it is hardy enough to withstand the worst the weather can throw at it. Another great thing about Rattan outdoor furniture, of course, is that it is attractive and aesthetically pleasing!

Rattan Chairs

We have an excellent collection of Rattan Chairs as part of our range of Rattan wicker furniture. For example, we have the excellent Manila Rattan Duo Seat, a pair of Rattan chairs connected by an aluminium frame with a dividing table:

Manila Rattan Duo Seat

A similar Rattan chair is the Madrid Rattan Tete-A-Tete Seat, complete with an elegant finishing touch; the central coffee table with its additional shelf:

Madrid Rattan Tete-A-Tete Sea

We also have some more unorthodox Rattan Chairs, such as the Cora Rattan Hanging Chair, which is not dissimilar to a swing seat, and ideal for relaxing in your garden in summer:

Cora Rattan Hanging Chair

In a similar vein to the Cora Rattan Chair, we have the stylish, modern and unique Amalfi Teardrop Seat, a Rattan Chair with a difference; it's unique teardrop design. This Rattan chair is ideal for cosying up on a summer's evening:

Amalfi Teardrop Seat

Rattan Garden Furniture Sets

At Gardens and Homes Direct we also have an outstanding range of Rattan Garden Furniture Sets such as the Amalfi Garden Suite, a fashionable and chic Rattan outdoor furniture set:

Amalfi Garden Suite

We also have a number of Rattan furniture sets that feature full sofas, making them ideal for parties and gatherings on the patio or in the garden. A popular favourite is the Lyon 3 Seat and 2 Seat Rattan Sofa Collection, a collection of Rattan Chairs, a Sofa and a table:

Lyon 3 Seat and 2 Seat Rattan Sofa Collection

Rattan reclining chairs, sun loungers and sofa beds

We also have a number of other items of Rattan garden furniture, such as the Manila Rattan Sun Reclining Lounger:

Manila Rattan Sun Reclining Lounger

and the Malibu Rattan Sofa Bed, which is ideal for placing in your conservatory or garden:

Malibu Rattan Sofa Bed

This list is by no means exhaustive, we have many items of Rattan wicker garden furniture that will add a touch of class, comfort and cool to your garden. Why not visit us and browse our collections? You can also follow us on Facebook and join our mailing list for access to exclusive competitions, news and special offers.

For one week only, up to 20% off All Gazebos!

2011-01-11T01:36:00.000-08:00

Here at Gardens and Homes Direct, we are giving you a headstart on spring with amazing discounts on all of our Gazebos, including swing seat and hammock Gazebos, with savings of up to £220!

Why not pay us a visit and see our great prices? You can also follow us on Facebook for exclusive competitions, special offers, voucher codes and news!

2010-12-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Huge savings of up to 50% available on Garden, Home and Christmas stock!

50% off children’s Zip Scooters!

2010-12-08T02:39:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season has left us feeling festive and generous, that’s why we are offering a spectacular discount of 50% off children’s Zip Scooters! This means you can buy a children’s scooter for as little as £34.99! If you are struggling to find something special for your kids, a Zip Scooter could be just the Christmas gift you need.

Zip Scooters

The Zip Scooter is an innovative and fun new scooter design that improves fitness and can achieve speeds of up to 25 km/h!

This scooter is not like other scooters; unlike a traditional scooter, the Zip Scooter is driven by opening and closing your legs. The faster you pump, the faster you go! It’s great fun and great exercise, and with just a few minutes of practice anyone can get the hang of it.

We have 3 varieties of Scooter to choose from, starting from just £34.99, so why not visit us and take a look?

Conservatory Furniture

2010-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Well the Summer is over and you may be thinking you won't need any more garden furniture for another six months. Fortunately Gardens and Homes is here to tell you that you're wrong. It may be too cold to sit outside, but you can still enjoy the few rays of sunshine our British Winter offers by relaxing on some of our finest Conservatory Furniture.

Our beautiful Resin Rattan Furniture is able to easily withstand the direct sunlight and high humidity that you get in a conservatory. And whether it's a Dining Set or just a Seat , all our faux rattan furniture is extremely attractive and wonderfully comfortable. Nothing can beat lounging around in your conservatory on some beautiful furniture, even if the world outside is freezing over.

And since you're already in your conservatory, you may as well have dinner in there. So pick up some Wine Glasses and Cutlery to enjoy a lovely meal on your new Rattan Dining Table.

And since the sun will be going down around mid-morning at this time of the year, lighten up your newly furnished conservatory with some Net Lights, Icicle Lights or Twinkling Fairy Lights. These will give your conservatory a great look at any time of the year. Remember, these are not just for Christmas; they're for light.

Warm up this Winter with some great Conservatory Products from Gardens and Homes.

Malibu Rattan Sofa Bed

£999.99

1.8m Gibraltar Collection
£799.99

Wine Glasses

£9.99

Malibu Rattan Brown Collection

£1000

Madrid Tete-a-Tete

£399.99

108 Blue Net Lights

£19.99

There are more conservatory products to be found at http://www.gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk/Garden/Conservatory-Furniture

And see our entire collection of indoor and outdoor furniture at http://www.gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk/