It’s amazing the difference a little spring sunshine can make to our general outlook. Just feeling a little spring warmth on our face has us dreaming of balmy summer days spent lounging in the garden/the nearest available green space. But if you’re anything like us, your outdoor space may be in need of some TLC after a long winter of neglect.
While some jobs – like rescuing the lawn – may take a little more time, there are some easy upgrades you can make now to get your garden (or balcony, or roof terrace) summer-ready.
Here’s what we’re shopping now so we can make the most of the early spring sunshine.
H&M Metal Outdoor Coffee Table
We love H&M for affordable everyday homeware that looks seriously luxe, and it’s just as good for outdoor furniture and accessories.
This stylish outdoor coffee table will instantly make your garden feel like another room – and it’s perfect for resting your summer read and your Aperol Spritz on. Shop it in this chic khaki shade or in the stone greige colourway.
Short on space? Try the side table instead, which comes in three shades.
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H&M Metal Outdoor Coffee Table
hm
£119.99
M&S Rechargeable Ceramic Tile Table Lamp
M&S is our favourite place for stylish table lamps that don’t cost a fortune, and it now has a fabulous range of portable designs, which means they can be used (and moved around) to add a little ambience inside and out.
The jute shade on this ceramic tile lamp makes it perfect for the garden on warm evenings (just don’t take it out – or leave it out – in the rain). It lasts up to eight hours on full brightness after a full five-hour charge.
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M&S Rechargeable Ceramic Tile Table Lamp
marksandspencer
£49.50
Habitat Stripe Outdoor Rug – 180x240cm
If you really want your outdoor space to feel like another living area, an outdoor rug will pull everything together. This bold striped design belies its affordable price tag (although it’s fairly thin; don’t expect something plush underfoot). And can you ever have too many stripes? (Don’t answer that).
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Habitat Stripe Outdoor Rug – 180x240cm
habitat.co.uk
£25.00
M&S Monaco Rattan Bistro Table and 2 Chairs
Add a pop of colour to a small patio or balcony with this rattan bistro set from M&S. The chairs and small table are made from durable steel and weatherproof faux-rattan, so you don’t have to worry about leaving them out – just add some bright cushions so you can enjoy your sundowners in comfort.
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M&S Monaco Rattan Bistro Table and 2 Chairs
marksandspencer
£200.00
B&Q GoodHome Aconite Steel Matt Black Firepit Table
Let’s face it, we might still be in a fool’s spring, so if you want to hedge your bets with an affordable outdoor heater, we recommend this 2-in-1 buy from B&Q. It’s a table and a durable steel fire pit in one chic design.
It uses charcoal or wood as fuel and comes with a mesh lid so it works as a grill or a heater, as well as a wood grain table top for when you just want to put your snacks on it. It’s solid, easy to put together, and not too heavy.
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B&Q GoodHome Aconite Steel Matt Black Firepit Table
diy.com
£90.00
John Lewis Grid Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Cushion
Some colourful cushions can do a lot to make your garden feel more welcoming and luxurious. Even better, these cushions can be used inside and out.
We love the colours and geometric print, and it’s water repellant (although not ketchup repellant so mind that hot dog). You’re just advised to bring them indoors when you’re not using them. If this isn’t to your taste, John Lewis has plenty of alternative designs, including this clashing geo print option.
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John Lewis Grid Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Cushion
johnlewis
£30.00
Cox & Cox Blue Vine Indoor/Outdoor Washable Rug
If you want a rug you can also use inside and out, this floral design from Cox & Cox will add a luxe touch to any garden space – and look lovely with rattan and rustic furniture. This rug is hard wearing and, importantly, washable, so you don’t have to worry (too much) about the barbecue spills.
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Cox & Cox Blue Vine Indoor/Outdoor Washable Rug
coxandcox.co.uk
£65.00
Solar Centre Edinburgh USB Solar Powered Outdoor Festoon Lights (Set of 20)
These festoon lights were voted the best solar lights by our experts and panel in our GHI Approved tests, and who doesn’t love a twinkly fairy light in the garden? The light is warm and bright, and they’re simple to install, lighting up our outside space for just under seven hours. Made for late nights around your B&Q Firepit Table…
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Solar Centre Edinburgh USB Solar Powered Outdoor Festoon Lights (Set of 20)
amazon.co.uk
£122.99
John Lewis Marcy Sling Garden Chair, Navy
A couple of these chic lounging chairs (very Soho House) a cute side table and a rug are all you need to get summer started. Head to John Lewis now and you could be collecting this garden chair from your local Waitrose tomorrow. This also comes as a sofa for £279 if you prefer.
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John Lewis Marcy Sling Garden Chair, Navy
johnlewis
£149.00
Patch Plants Calamondin
If you need some actual plants for your green space but haven’t got round to sewing any seeds yet, don’t panic. Just head to Patch Plants, which came out top for first-time plant buyers in our best online plant delivery service review at the GHI.
You can order plants for indoors and out and they come with detailed care instructions for first-time plant parents. The plants arrive in basic containers but there are prettier pots available to order on site if you prefer. We love this citrus tree, which needs plenty of sunlight. So do we, Calamondin, so do we.
Birdify Smart Bird Feeder with Camera
Bird feeders have had an upgrade. Now they come with cameras and an app, which lets you identify the different types of birds snacking in your garden. With this Birdify design, there’s also two-way audio so you can even hear the birds tweeting. This one is easy to install and clean too, but you do need decent WiFi signal in your garden.
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Birdify Smart Bird Feeder with Camera
argos.co.uk
£99.99
H&M Fringed Parasol
We like the sun, but not too much sun, which is where this parasol comes in. It’s wide enough to cover two people and makes you look like you’re at some fancy beach club. You might have to persuade the kids to bring you cold flannels every now and then.
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H&M Fringed Parasol
hm
£69.99
Argos Home Wooden Green Planter
If you want to add instant colour to your outdoor space, a bold planter is a great addition. Use this wooden one to plant up pretty flowers or fragrant herbs. It’s rust, fade and frost resistant.
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Argos Home Wooden Green Planter
argos.co.uk
£60.00
Bosch Home and Garden 06008A7971 EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer
We wouldn’t be Good Housekeeping if there weren’t some practical buys in here. This pressure washer was our experts’ top buy for beginners in our best pressure washer roundup, scoring 83/100 thanks to it’s straightforward set-up and clear manual.
It comes with three nozzles (note, there isn’t one for cars), and the hose has good reach, making it a decent cleaner (top tip: use it with a good detergent – see below).
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Bosch Home and Garden 06008A7971 EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer
amazon.co.uk
£85.00
Kärcher Genuine Patio + Deck Pressure Washer Cleaner Detergent Fluid (Mixes up to 5L)
Rated the best patio cleaner in our tests, this got rid of grime and mould on porcelain, concrete and natural stone. It’s designed for use with a pressure washer, but you can also just use it in a simple spray bottle, particularly if you only have a small space.
The liquid is highly concentrated (mix one part detergent to nine parts water) and cleaned our very dirty patio in testing. So your green space will be sparkling in no time.
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Kärcher Genuine Patio + Deck Pressure Washer Cleaner Detergent Fluid (Mixes up to 5L)
amazon.co.uk
£11.10
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