Surrey Homes | SH36 | October 2017 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

Garden
Passionately Inspired Teak Furniture
careful when using treated wood near edible crops, as some
preservatives, especially those used on older timber are toxic.
Protection and supports – old windows make great
tops for cold frames and several can even be used
together to make a mini greenhouse. Without glass they
can become plant supports, as can metal bedsteads,
gates, ladders, old springs and fretwork panels.
Garden ornaments – architectural finds, pieces of masonry and
stone can make very effective garden sculpture and focal points
in borders – there is huge satisfaction in finding something
that looks wonderful in your garden setting, especially when
you are saving huge amounts of money. There is a fine line,
however, between rustic charm and what might be considered to
be a pile of junk, so be judicious and try not to get too carried
away. Sticking to a theme can help, whether that’s a historical
time period, or through using a limited range of materials.
Sourcing salvage
Antique and retro salvage has become so popular in the
last few years that it is getting harder and harder to find a
bargain. One man’s junk is also another’s priceless object, so
it can sometimes be hard to discern the price you should pay
for either. Boot fairs, salvage yards, junk shops and online
auction sites can be good sources, but shop around carefully.
If you are hunting in salvage yards, wear gloves and stout
shoes so that you can look closely and rummage around.
Be careful about sourcing objects online from pictures
and check the descriptions carefully, as it can sometimes
be hard to visualise the size and scale of what you see on a
small screen. Do check the whereabouts of your treasures
before pressing the button on auction sites, or you could find
yourself trekking miles to collect them (I shan’t tell you how
far I ended up going for the huge galvanised tank in the pic,
suffice to say that they speak a different language there…).
With a little imagination, some vision and the right space,
unusual objects can be used in interesting ways in the garden.
Originality, romance and rustic charm does not have to cost
a fortune either. So let us pour fresh water into ancient tanks,
plant new life around old bedsteads, apply some optimistic
whimsy and salvage with style. Let’s put it out there.
Check out freecycle.org, salvo.co.uk
UK’s Largest Teak Furniture Collection
Showroom Open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Other times by appointment
01256 805 780 www.chic-teak.co.uk
2 minutes Junction 7 M3 (Basingstoke)
TREE SURGERY
Professional Tree Care Service
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Fully Qualified & Insured Team
Felling and Stump Removal
Storm Damage Cleanups
Crown Thinning, Lifting and Reduction
Hedgecutting
Get in Touch for Free Consultation and Advice
T: 01342 851 385 M: 07808 645 800
W: www.katsuragardens.co.uk
E: philip@katsuragardens.co.uk
Contact Jo for gardening courses, border planting and
ideas: 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk
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