A gardener’s diary, the summer edit

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Now, whilst I might swap out ‘library’ for thoughtfully curated wine rack’, I do agree with the former. But, I am suddenly acutely aware as the summer has finally entered centre stage with a fanfare that my garden, once a luscious frequented space adorned with touches of soft furnishings and wildlife-enticing plants, is a far cry from being sundowner ready.

My desk-based afternoon daydreams involve planning abundant herb-filled planters for the perfect capsule kitchen garden, filling every gap with the intricate blooms of David Austin roses and lining every wall for heady scent with ‘Gold Flame’ Honeysuckle and ‘Starry Starry Summer Scent’ Jasmine from Roots Plants. But my plans grow like the foliage, with added notions of the homely touches to craft an impeccable inside-outside space for escapism and entertaining.

Graham and Green’s Velvet bed rolls with striped reverse linen must be scattered across gently weather-tempered wooden seating or a pristine cropped lawn. The mix of fabrics feels homely yet baroque, with shades of soft rose, muted yellow and blue-grey that offer a sun-bleached nonchalance. Combine with their velvet with linen border set pad counterparts for a carefree style.

Graham and Green – velvet bed roll with striped reverse linen in Mustard

As I sit with my rapidly cooling coffee, the aggressive ping of arriving emails punctuating the day, I feel it’s wholly unfair I am not instead reclining upon the natural cotton hammock with hue-inspired tassels by Artissanos, from Wolf & Badger. Expertly balanced with a teak spreader, languid afternoon naps are welcomed and encouraged whilst your spritz of choice beads with condensation and the bumble bees linger around the colour tassels… Maybe with a touch of shade offered by the charming beige and grass green scalloped edge parasol from Daals.

Wolf & Badger, natural cotton hammock with hue-inspired tassels by Artissanos

When it comes to the more mindful garden tasks, never before has nurturing the blooms been so aesthetic than the Garden Glory’s Golden Dunes Kit, with a chic brass claw housing a sand-toned hose. Elegance in the most unusual of places is truly the luxury we desire. Likewise, their Shell Cushions bring an exciting and distinctive shape to the mundane, upgrading even the most plain garden furniture or terrace corners.

Garden Glory, Golden Dunes kit

For brightening terraces, zoning patios and generally tempting bare feet outdoors, Ruggable offers the best range of designs for machine washable outdoor soft furnishing. Their Yates Check brown re-jute rug, an Architectural Digest collaboration, is lingering in my cart whilst I ponder whether to add the complimentary Harvest Stripe. Similarly, I long to immerse myself in the cooling evening with the Plain Reversible Cashmere Throw by Johnstons of Elgin and enjoy the rich tones of forest green and pale olivine reflecting the shadows in the garden around me as the sun sets.

Ruggable, Yates Check brown re-jute rug by Architectural Digest

For those who long to linger in their outdoor space with the company of a cracking fire, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with stand in Bronze is a must-have garden addition. With its high-heat ceramic coating and sleek lines, elegance comes without compromising durability, but its smoke-limiting design makes it perfect for tighter spaces like inner-city courtyard gardens where windows might be a little closer.

Solo Stove, Bonfire 2.0 with stand

It’s important to note that this innovative design makes it suitable for lighting on heat-sensitive surfaces, keeping your patio safe, and being portable, it doubles as your campfire. Make sure to pack your Voited Ripstop blanket too, their classic year-round covering for anything outdoors with its water-resistant, windproof and ultra-durable outer layer.

The newest collaboration with Studio AMI, Hamburg and Munich-based graphic designer and art director Amelie, is a capsule of three playful designs that astutely capture Voited’s voice. Bringing her affection for the outdoors into this charming partnership, they share the theme of “Playground Nature.”

Voited, Ripstop Blanket VOITED X AMI in Playtime / Olive

Likewise, the new Mesa Torch creates an enchanting ambience for the garden or camp, lighting the way by night with its super-height flame and variable height design, with a long-lasting five-hour burn.

Solo Stove, Mesa Torch

Creating a spark in the tiniest of spaces, Solo Stove’s Mesa tabletop fire pit is a necessity for cosy late-night entertaining and tabletop marshmallow toasting. Keep a bottle of the Pugilist Spice Blended Rum by Warwickshire Gin Company nearby for the perfect pairing with nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, orange peel, and a smooth vanilla finish.

Warwickshire Gin Company, Pugilist Spiced Blended Rum

All designs include Solo Stove’s signature 360° airflow double wall design, directly feeding the fire from below for a clean burn. Get ready to enjoy the mesmerising movement of the flames without any lingering smokey scent on hair, soft furnishing or clothes. 

Now, all that remains is to enjoy the fruits of the search, to watch the garden grow and to keep wishes for a sublime long summer close by.

Naomi Lake

Lake is a Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Model and Creative Director. As the Beauty & Wellness Editor, she comes to the table with over a decade of knowledge in the industry. When she's not on set or writing, she's in a yoga class, checking out a new restaurant or exploring the menu of a cocktail bar, in the pursuit of the perfect Negroni.

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