Kindwood outdoor living expert shares this summer’s garden trends and provides simple tips to update your space.
Following a cold, wet, windy spring, many of us are desperate to get out and enjoy the sunshine now that it’s (finally!) coming out to play, whilst having been largely confined to our homes this past year means that home comforts are more important to us than ever before.
These home comforts extend to our outside spaces, which have served as the only places we have been able to enjoy connecting with family and friends in between the periods of complete isolation.
“With restrictions easing and cabin fever at an all-time high, it could be tempting to forego socialising at home in search of a much-needed change of scenery,” says Taylor Gathercole, outdoor living expert and founder of purpose-led ethical fireside living brand, Kindwood.
“Having spent so much time at home over the past year however, it’s fair to say the nation’s gardens have never looked better. So, with warmer weather and blue skies finally on the horizon, we should embrace this summer’s garden trends and refresh our outdoor spaces, ready for summertime socialising and entertaining.”
Here, Taylor outlines the garden trends that will be hot this summer and shares his guide to turning your garden, patio, yard or balcony into the perfect space for al fresco living and entertaining.
The hottest new venue in town
This year has seen a rise in garden get togethers of all sorts. From birthdays and anniversaries, to intimate weddings and even DIY pubs, they are the best – and most low cost – venue in town. Now we can see more of our friends and family again, this trend looks set to continue thanks to the TLC we have put into improving our outdoor spaces this year.
With food and drink on tap, no stress over bookings, no last orders, no queuing with strangers for the loo, no need to tussle over taxis, and the opportunity to continue enjoying long into the evening, the garden is the most desirable summer venue to reconnect with those we’ve missed this past year.
The ease of knowing everything you need for your guests is a few steps away and the comforts of home are in easy reach makes a traditional garden party the best option for entertaining or celebrating this summer. Try adding lights, bunting and outdoor games or activities to bring your outdoor space to life.
Al fresco everything
Almost any activity can be imported into the comfort of your own home, so why not take them outside to maximise the fun.
This year we have all tripled our streaming service subscriptions, so we don’t feel the need to head to the cinema. The big screen still adds to the experience though, so setting up an outdoor cinema in your garden is the perfect mix. A sheet and a projector are all you should need, whilst throws, pillows and blankets, or even a firepit, will add some added warmth and comfort.
Creating your own bar is another great way to maximise the use of your garden this summer. No queuing necessary and the cocktails will always be freshly made; a perfect night out!
Or why not hire a hot tub for the ultimate outdoor entertaining indulgence? The perfect garden pastime even if it starts to rain!
At home glamping
Holidays are still looking uncertain, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start to relax. 2020 was the start of working from home and summer 2021 will see us holidaying from home!
When the weather is fine, take advantage and set up a tent outside. All you need to do to make it a real attraction is get creative! You can create a cosy canopy from blankets, draped with solar-powered fairy lights for extra glamour. Add pillows and more blankets inside, a campfire outside, hot drinks, marshmallows and singing, and your back garden or patio will provide the perfect setting for a special staycation.
Take the kitchen outside
Outdoor cooking has long evolved past a basic BBQ. Firepits and charcoal grills have reportedly had a 300% growth this year as many of us extended our homes to our al fresco spaces. From pizza ovens to campfires, the possibilities of cooking outside are endless and is a great activity in and of itself.
Utilising your outdoor space means you are staying in whilst going out, so no need to reserve a table a month in advance. Many of us have mastered new culinary skills in the last year too and sharing them with family and friends is a must!
Cooking outdoors doesn’t need to be complex; start simple with a jug of homemade cocktails, followed by freshly cut veg and an array of food that can be roasted over a simple campfire. A fire basket is the perfect way to create a fire that will also keep your guests warm long into the night.
Home growing
It is easier than ever to grow your own produce at home and being self-sufficient – however marginally – can be hugely rewarding. Start small with aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and basil for easy and fresh access for your summer dishes. Mint is also an excellent option and is refreshing in a number of summer cocktails, enjoyed sitting in the garden.
The sustainable benefits of growing your own produce is huge. As well as allowing you to consume the freshest, most organically grown ingredients, it also eliminates carbon emissions related to packaging and distribution. There are a variety of ways to create a vegetable patch – from a converted crate filled with soil or individual pots to a dedicated raised bed built with sleepers. It’s an amazing way for families to learn about and grow plants together, will fill your garden with beautiful sights and fragrances, and attract bees and butterflies!
To find out more or to explore Kindwood’s range, visit: kindwood.co.uk.
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About Kindwood
Kindwood is a leading purpose-led ethical fireside living brand.
Based in Norfolk and founded by eco-entrepreneur and ex-sustainability consultant, Taylor Gathercole. Its mission is to enhance the nation’s experience of the primal comfort of fire, whilst also being kind to the planet.
Kindwood’s Woodsure certified wood fuel range includes a variety of quality kiln dried kindling, hardwood logs and natural firelighters – both for indoor and outdoor fireside living. All wood fuel products are sustainably and locally sourced from estates within a radius of 80 miles or less from Kindwood HQ.
Already offering garden fire baskets, vintage storage crates, and thoughtfully curated kitchenware, the brand is building its range of elegant fireside and fire related home and garden accessories.
Supporting British craftsmanship and small, local businesses, all of Kindwood’s lifestyle products are hand crafted using locally sourced, sustainable materials in the UK. Crafted with care, they are designed to be iconic, stylish and offer quality and durability.
For Kindwood, sustainability is a given. Whilst providing comfort to Brits, Kindwood’s sustainability credentials are authentic and thorough, with the company using exclusively renewable energy sources, zero plastic and locally sourced product.
The brand also partners with The Woodland Trust, planting trees with every bulk order to offset any carbon produced in the manufacturing and distribution process, and plants two trees monthly for every Kindwood employee via a partnership with Planting Tomorrow’s Forests.
For more info or to explore Kindwood’s product range, visit: kindwood.co.uk.
