Lockdown Mag Jun 20

FREE!
36 page
magazine
Create your perfect outside space - no green fingers required!
GREAT
IDEAS TO
TRY NOW
best-selling lifestyle garden magazine
50
easy ideas
to create a
stay-at-home
sanctuary
free!
lockdown
living
DOWNLOAD
Simple projects
fun garden stuff to
make this afternoon
So easy...
✽ Quick updates for a more peaceful plot
✽ Upcycle old bottles into stylish garden decor
✽ Paint your fence and transform your space
✽ Make delicious drinks and nibbles with herbs
Outdoor living
turn your shed into
a relaxing retreat
12
easy-grow
blooms to
soothe
your
senses

Lockdown living
download
Photo & cover photo: shutterstock
Small
gardens
Big
Ideas
Welcome to your free Modern Gardens Lockdown
Living Download. It doesn’t matter how big or small
your outside space is, it’s easy to turn it into a calming
sanctuary, where you can retreat from the turmoil
we’re seeing all around us. Whether you’re staying at
home and spending much more time than normal
in your garden, or you’re a key worker who needs a
tranquil oasis to escape to after a tough shift, your
outdoor living space is more important than ever
right now. And all the quick and easy ideas in this
free download will help you transform your plot into a restorative haven
where you’ll instantly feel calmer. Being outside among nature is proven to
lower stress levels, which in turn can benefit your immune system, so there’s
more reason than ever right now to enjoy your garden.
I hope you have fun making these easy projects and creating your very
own Garden of Eden. Stay safe,
Editor Emma Kendell
WANT MORE IDEAS
AND INSPIRATION?
✽ Every month, Modern Gardens
magazine is packed with...
✔ Inspirational garden
makeovers
✔ Easy projects to
update your plot
✔ The best no-fuss
plants to grow now
✔ Savvy shopping tips
✽ Get three issues delivered
to your door for just £5,
see page 26
3 issues
for £5
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your door!
Inside your digital download…
4 We love to make…
Easy projects to add a sense of calm and turn
your garden into a sanctuary.
7 Treat your fence to a makeover
Transform boring boundaries with stylish
tones and trellis toppers.
12 Plant a calming corner
Easy-grow flowers and foliage that will soothe
your senses this summer.
14 Gotta lotta bottles?
Upcycle them into fab garden accessories
with these fast projects.
19 Chocolate mints
Make your own delicious after-dinner treats
with herbs from your garden.
20 Turn your shed into a room
Revamp an old shed and create a relaxing
retreat away from everyday life.
25 Have a heart
Bring some summer chic to a garden wall with
this feel-good make.
28 Make a pallet bench
Need extra seating so you can escape from
everyone? Here’s the answer.
30 Thyme Prosecco
Toast summer evenings with a glass of bubbly
flavoured with home-grown herbs.
31 Perk up your pots
Turn drab planters into pretty features with
these fab upcycling ideas.

We love to make...
These quick and easy makes will bring a SENSE OF CALM
to your garden, turning it into a soothing sanctuary
30
minutes
Herb infused
candle
Enjoy the soothing effects
of a flickering flame with this
rosemary-infused candle jar.
£6.69
superfast make!
Tabletop light bath
To create this tranquil mini water
feature, place some pebbles in
the bottom of a planter and
nestle in a set of outdoor
fairy lights (we used 40
Warm White Star Micro
Battery Fairy Lights, £8.99,
lights4fun.co.uk), fixing the
battery pack to the outside of
the planter with duct tape.
Fill with water and float flower
heads for a fragrant pop of colour.
simple Makes
Free
you will NEED
✽ White candle, chopped into small pieces
✽ Heat-resistant glass bowl
✽ 5 drops Miaroma Rosemary Essential Oil,
£6.69/10ml hollandandbarrett.com, optional
✽ Sprigs of rosemary, sage, and thyme
✽ A few small flowers from your garden
✽ Old jar, or Vogue Clip Top Preserve Jar,
£3.53 caterspeed.co.uk
✽ Wick from a melted candle, or use Pre-
Waxed Wick Assemblies for Soya Wax,
£2.65/9 hobbycraft.co.uk
And
relax...
30
minutes
two-tiered
planter
This soft harmony of pink
and purple flowers is
soothing to the eye, and
they smell great too!
feature: emma howcutt-kelly. Photos: emma howcutt-kelly, gap
WHAT TO DO
1 Heat a saucepan of water until simmering.
2 Put the candle pieces in a glass bowl, then
place the bowl over the saucepan. Stir the
candle until melted, then stir in the rosemary oil.
3 Arrange the herb sprigs and flowers in the
glass jar. Add a wick, ensuring it’s central.
4 Pour in the melted wax and leave to set. You
can speed up this process by placing your
candle in the fridge.
TIP To melt the wax in a
microwave, simply heat for
3-4 minutes, checking at
regular intervals
15
minutes
Floral bottle
garland
A hanging flower display will
add the perfect finishing touch
to a calming corner.
YOU will NEED
✽ 1m length of twine
✽ Old bottles, or clear Hanging Mini Bottles
x 6, £2.95/3 pipii.co.uk
✽ Thin wire
✽ Seasonal flowers of your choice
Free
WHAT TO DO
1 Lay the twine out flat on the ground and
attach the bottles at equal distances using
pieces of wire, making sure they are secure.
2 Hang your garland up on a fence using nails
or hooks to secure the twine at either end.
3 Tip a small amount of water into each bottle.
4 Gather up some flowers from your garden
and add an arrangement to each jar.
YOU will NEED
✽ Gravel
✽ 2 terracotta pots – 1 small and 1 large
✽ Multi-purpose compost
✽ Selection of pink & purple flowers
such as phlox and nemesia
✽ Glass jar
✽ Candle or tea light
WHAT TO DO
1 Put a few handfuls of gravel in the large
terracotta pot to help with drainage, and
half fill with compost.
2 Put the smaller pot in the centre of the
large one and push down firmly. Add some
gravel and compost to the pot.
3 Add the plants to each pot and top with
compost. Water with half a can.
4 To give your planter a gentle glow at
night, simple push a glass jar firmly into the
small pot and add a candle or tea light.
✽ This feature first appeared in the
June 2018 issue of Modern Gardens.
4 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 5

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fun ideas | new trends | clever makes
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Make the most of your outside space with stylish ideas that won’t break the budget!
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NO-FUSS PLANTS to grow now and SAVVY SHOPPING TIPS.
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photo credit here please
6 MODERN GARDENS APRIL 2016

Lockdown
project
easy ideas
Treat your fence to a
makeover
Transform boring boundaries with
stylish tones and trellis toppers
feature: jennifer morgan. photos: clive nichols, gap photos/
Friedrich Strauss/J S Sira - Jamie Dunstan (Gardeners’ Boutique)
Something as simple as painting your fence
with colour can transform your garden
in just one afternoon. It will make your
existing plants take on a new look, too.
Green foliage will appear much more vivid and,
depending on the colour you choose, you can turn
your favourite blooms into a real feature.
As a guide, choose a contrasting colour for
a bold look, such as black fencing with green
climbing plants. If you'd prefer a more subtle
look, go for gentle tones such as soft green or
grey. There is an abundance of heritage shades
to choose from for external woodwork, all of
which are ideal for creating a modern vintage feel,
especially if you are painting a slightly weathered
fence. These shades will also give a contemporary
look if you are adding colour to new fencing with
smart clean lines. Try classic cream, pale dove grey,
soft sage or duck-egg blue.
Adding trellis to the top or side of a fence is a
great way to add depth and interest, too, especially
if you paint it too. As well as being practical for
plants to scramble over, you can use it to define
areas and add height or shape to your garden.
It will also increase privacy from neighbours.
get started
Summer is the perfect time to get painting,
but check the weather forecast for at least 24
hours before you start. You should only paint
in conditions above 5ºC, and you should avoid
strong sunshine as the paint or stain can dry out
too quickly giving an uneven chalky finish. Paint
the sections of fence in the shade first and work
your way round as the sun moves.
You’ll need a 10cm (4in) fence paintbrush, plus
a smaller 2.5-5cm (1-2in) brush for those awkward
gaps. Alternatively, you can use a paint sprayer, just
check that your chosen paint or stain is suitable to
be used with one and prepare a larger area than if
you were painting by hand. ➣
That's
clever!
Fix an old mirror
to your fence to
double the effect of
favourite plants
instant update
Soft greys instantly
bring a contemporary
feel to your garden.
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 7

how to get a professional
finish to your paintwork
✽ Trim back any foliage that will get in the way and
protect plants and flowers by covering them with
newspaper or plastic sheeting. Use cable ties to
hold back any plants leaning against the fence.
✽ As with any decorating, indoor or out,
preparation is key. Remove any old nails or screws,
and sand rough areas or splinters. Clean the fence
thoroughly – if it’s sturdy, use a power washer such
as a Karcher, very.co.uk. Remove any fungi, algae or
moss using a fungicidal wash, and scrub any mould
with a specialist cleaner. Leave it to dry completely.
✽ Pretreat any bare wood with a wood preserver,
then apply a coat of primer. To prepare trellis, use
fine sandpaper, removing dirt and smoothing any
rough edges, then wipe down with a damp cloth
to remove dust.
Maximum
joy,
minimum
fuss
✽ If you're putting up any new fence sections
or trellis, paint them before fixing in place. Lay
them out on an old sheet or plastic. Give the
side facing you a coat of paint, then once it's dry,
flip it over and do the other side.
✽ Use brushstrokes in the same direction of the
wood grain, as this will give a smoother finish.
✽ Apply fairly liberally, but try not to drip! Start
at the top and work your way down. Check
you haven’t missed any bits, then use a smaller
brush to paint in the awkward gaps. If necessary,
apply a second coat once dry – check the paint
label to see the best time window in which to do
this; many exterior paints require a second coat
within eight hours, or it won't adhere properly.
✽ Use a small brush around any holes or cracks
to ensure paint doesn't drip through to the
neighbour's side of the boundary.
COLOURFUL CORNER
Use any leftover fence panels
to create a patio screen. Slatted
panel, from £184 each 1800 x
880mm gardentrellis.co.uk
Add a
touch of
loveliness
CHIC combination
Use painted trellis to top a
cream fence, leading the eye
upwards. Fence painted in
Garden Shades Pale Jasmine,
trellis painted in Urban Slate,
both £20/2.5L diy.com
Olive tree
that's
clever!
Painting the trellis on
the back fence a darker
colour than those on
the side boundaries
will make your garden
feel bigger
easy ideas
How to fix trellis
Even if you’re a DIY novice, putting
up trellis is reasonably straightforward.
Although its primary job is to give
climbers something to grip onto,
painting it a delicious shade is a great
way of adding year-round colour to
your garden.
✽ FIXING TO A WALL requires
battens as you have to give the
plants some space to wrap around
the framework – if you screw trellis
flat to the wall, plants won’t be able
to climb and will get beaten down by
heavy winds. Your battens need to
be between 3-5cm (1-2in) thick. Fix
to the wall using a masonry drill and
rawl plugs with brass or galvanised
screws, which won’t rust. One batten
at the top and bottom of your trellis
should be enough, unless it is very
high. A top tip is to cut the battens
narrower than the width of your
trellis so you can’t see them.
✽ SECURING TO FENCE PANELS
follows the same process as above.
You might get away with fixing directly
to the fence panel rather than a batten
if there’s enough of a gap for those
climbing tendrils to weave in and out
(around 3-5cm), or you're using the
trellis for texture and don't plan to grow
plants up it.
✽ FIXING TRELLIS TO THE TOP
of existing fence panels requires
fence post extenders. These are
wooden or metal sections that fit
over the top of existing fence posts
(try Fence Post Extender, £8.99
amazon.co.uk). Once they are in
place, simply screw your trellis into
the new sections of posts fitted in
the extenders. Do check that this
won't raise the height of your fence
over 2m high, which would mean
you may need to apply for planning
permission. And let your neighbour
know your plan before you get
started with your fence revamp!
simply stylish
To maintain the beautiful
appearance of natural
wood, give it a coat of
clear wood preserver. Try
Sika Wood Preserver Clear
£22.29/5L screwfix.com
8 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
Red bistort
'Superba'
SUGAR SWEET
The palest of pinks
provides a pretty
backdrop to cobalt pots
and garden furniture.
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 9
➣

easy ideas
Fast
and
fabulous
Petunia
Good idea!
Give a sense of
structure to your plot by
only painting the fence
panels, and not the
supporting posts
Calibrachoa
feature fence
You don't need to paint all your
fences the same colour! These
slatted panels are transformed
with a wash of green behind a
raised bed, to show off the blooms.
Contemporary Fence Panel, £94.99
for 2m (6ft) gardenstreet.co.uk
pockets of blooms
Not only do fence-mounted
planters instantly transform
boring panels, they're great
space-savers too, making
the most of unused vertical
space. Try primrose.co.uk for
something similar.
contrasting tones
Pick out a gate and paint in a contrasting colour
to the fence. Gate painted in Stiffkey Blue
Exterior Eggshell, fence painted in Breakfast
Room Green Exterior Eggshell, £29 each for
750ml farrow-ball.com
✽ This feature first appeared in the
August 2017 issue of Modern Gardens.
Try
something
different
pastel perfection
Fence painted in Protek Royal Exterior Superior
Wood Finish Eggshell Blue and Antique Pine,
ladder painted in Soft Mocha and Eggshell
Blue, £17.99 each for 1L protekwoodstain.co.uk
10 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 11

✽ This feature first appeared in the
July 2017 issue of Modern Gardens.
EASY IDEAS
Time to
unwind
More soothing plant combinations to try…
Best for a
sunny
spot
Plant a
Calming
corner
Soothe your senses with
easy-to-grow flowers and foliage
Plant list
Create a cool refuge in your
garden filled with calming
herbs that you can escape
to when you’re feeling
frazzled. These fragrant leaves and
flowers will sooth your senses, and the
soft mauve and white colours are a
solace for tired eyes. Lemon balm and
lavender can be made into calming
herbal teas or added to cold drinks
for a refreshing twist. These plants will
thrive in a sunny or partly shady spot
with moist but not soggy soil.
2 x echinacea £9.99
These bright daisies will attract butterflies and bees
into your corner of calm from July to October. You
can drop the flowers into hot water for a health
boosting herbal tea. Height 75cm (2 1 / 2 ft) Spread
45cm (1 1 / 2 ft) thompson-morgan.co.uk
Best for
Damp
soil
1 x Angelica £5.99
A tall plant with large leaves and green flowers.
They have a cool celery-like flavour and make a
healthy salad ingredient. Remove flowers as they
fade to keep it coming back year after year. Height
170cm (5 1 / 2 ft) Spread 1m (3 1 / 2 ft) crocus.co.uk
1 x Rosemary £8.95
The strongly scented leaves of this shrubby herb
are thought to improve concentration and help
relieve headaches. Pick bunches of fragrant
foliage to add to cut flowers. Height and Spread
90cm (3ft) gardeningexpress.co.uk
2 x Bergamot ‘Beauty of
cobham’ £6.99
Whorl-shaped flowers appear from June to
September and attract butterflies. The lemonyscented
leaves make calming peppermint tea.
Height 1m (3 1 / 2 ft) Spread 45cm (1 1 / 2 ft) crocus.co.uk
3 x Feverfew £2.75
These dainty daisies grow quickly and have a
warm and spicy scent. They flower all summer.
Made into a tea, or eaten fresh, the leaves were
traditionally used to relieve migraines. Height and
Spread 50cm (2ft) victoriananursery.co.uk
2 x White comfrey £5.90
This plant will be a tonic for your other plants and
shrubs as it adds nutrients to the soil. It has pretty
white flowers that look good in dappled shade
in June and early July. Height and Spread 45cm
(1 1 / 2 ft) norwellnurseries.co.uk
1 x Lemon Balm £5.99
The scalloped leaves of this edible herb taste
lemony and have great calming qualities. Add
them to boiling water to make a soothing tea,
or scatter into your bath water before a soak.
Height and Spread 50cm (2ft) crocus.co.uk
2 x french lavender £8.95
The tufts of petals crowning each flower make
this lavender showier than the plain English type,
but it smells just as sweet. Inhale the scent for
anxiety and fatigue. Height 45cm (1 1 / 2 ft) Spread
50cm (2ft) charellagardens.co.uk
1 X White ragged Robin £4.95
The shaggy white blooms of this meadow
flower create a pale mist of soft petals.
They are the perfect balm for tired eyes.
Height 45cm (1 1 / 2 ft) Spread 50cm(2ft)
claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk
Best for
Shade
1 x Chives £2.75
As well as flavouring your cooking, chives are
thought to aid sleep and mood. The pretty purple
pom pom flowers will keep appearing all summer
if you snip them off as they fade. Height and
Spread 30cm (1ft) victoriananursery.co.uk
1 x Mint ‘Strawberry’ £5.99
Use mint leaves to flavour teas and add to
summer cocktails and refreshers. Plant inside a
large pot sunk into the soil to stop it taking over
the corner. It has mauve flowers in August. Height
and Spread 50cm (2ft) brooksidenursery.co.uk
3 x Sweet rocket £7.99
The mauve and white flowers are gorgeously
scented, perfect for creating a relaxing mood. It lives
for two or three years and drops seeds easily, giving
new plants. It flowers from June to August. Height
75cm (2 1 / 2 ft) Spread 45cm (1 1 / 2 ft) crocus.co.uk
feature: MELISSA MABBITT Photos: gap PHOTOS, shutterstock, Alamy
12 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 13

Upturned bottle edging
A really easy, no-cost project for flower beds that creates a statement.
You will need
✽ Selection of empty wine bottles
✽ Dibber and trowel
What to do
1 Run a sink of hot water and add
plenty of washing up liquid. Add the
wine bottles and leave to soak for an
hour or two until the labels are easily
removed. Use a scourer to take off
any stubborn glue. Leave to dry.
2 Head outside and push the dibber
into the ground where you would
like your first bottle to be. Wiggle
the upturned bottle around in the
hole created by the dibber and push
gently into the soil.
3 Using a trowel, mound up the
earth around the bottle to keep it
secure. Repeat the process with the
remaining bottles until your border
is complete.
Free
small
gardens
big
ideas
LIGHT SHOW
Invest in a nifty cutter and you can turn
glass bottles into all sorts of things.
You will need
✽ Selection of wine bottles
✽ Safety goggles and gloves
✽ Bottle cutter, £18.99 amazon.co.uk
✽ Sandpaper
✽ Galvanised wire
✽ Tea lights
£18.99
SIMPLE MAKES
That’s
clever!
What to do
1 Make a mark on each bottle where you
want to cut off the base.
2 Put the gloves and safety goggles on
to protect from any stray shards of glass.
3 Position each bottle in the cutter and
follow the instructions carefully. Sand off
any rough edges after cutting.
4 Set the bottles aside and measure out
three lengths of wire roughly twice the
length of your bottles. Curl the wire into
spirals by winding around the bottle neck.
5 Slightly stretch out the spirals and
slide up into each of the bottles and feed
through the bottle neck. Pop the tea lights
on the bottom spiral inside each bottle.
6 Attach the lengths of wire to a piece of
suspended string or sturdy tree branch.
Gotta lotta
£5.35
feature: clare howcutt-kelly.
photos: flora press, living4media
bottles?
Us too! Upcycle them into fab garden accessories
with these cheap and easy projects
We all get through a lot of glass bottles each
month, be it wine, beer, soft drinks or condiments.
Instead of tossing them into the recycling, make
something unique with them to style up your
outside living space. These projects all cost next to nothing,
and create striking additions for your modern garden. Some are
super-quick, so you can create a fab accessory in less than an
hour. Others will take an afternoon – but they’re all guaranteed
to have your garden looking good for very little cost or effort.
From striking border edging to a string of tea light holders, a
patio table to a bird feeder, there’s an idea here that will suit
your plot. And, best of all, once you’ve finished you’ll want to
sit down with a glass of wine to appreciate your new creation
– which will free up another bottle to make your next! Cheers!
stained glass display
This project takes little more
than half an hour to do.
You will need
✽ Old bottles
✽ Rubber bands
✽ PlastiKote Stained Glass
Spray, approximately £5.35
amazon.co.uk
What to do
1 Wash any dirt and debris from
the bottles. Dry thoroughly.
2 Place rubber bands securely
over the bottles. Wind a few
times for a more effective look.
3 Lay down some newspaper
and follow the instructions on
the can of spray paint. Start with
a thin layer. You can always build
it up.
4 When you’ve achieved the
desired intensity, leave to dry for
a few hours and then remove the
rubber bands carefully.
5 Repeat the steps for all the
bottles and then group together
for impact or dot them around
your garden.
➣
14 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 15

GARDEN tables
An ingenious idea that creates
a cheap-as-chips portable table
and a pretty floral display.
You will need
✽ Plywood sheets
✽ Selection of empty bottles
✽ Drill with hole saw fitting
to match diameter of bottle
✽ Strong adhesive
What to do
1 Mark the plywood where you
would like your bottles to go.
2 Using a hole saw, create at
least four snug holes.
3 Test the holes by pushing the
bottles through. If too snug,
gently sand using sandpaper.
4 Add a generous amount of
glue to the bottle necks. Insert
the bottles and leave to dry.
Free
Live life
in full
bloom
Free
bird feeder
An innovative way to keep your feathered
friends well fed.
You will need
✽ 1m x 20cm thick plank (40cm wider
than wine bottle)
✽ Saw
✽ Drill with hole saw fitting
✽ Sandpaper
✽ Screws and panel pins
✽ Hammer
✽ Empty wine bottle
SIMPLE simple MAKES makes
Credit: thechickenstreet.wordpress.com
What to do
1 Measure and cut the backboard
(150mm longer than bottle), feed shelf
and neck support (10mm wider than
bottle) from the plank.
2 Use the hole saw to make the bottle
neck hold then sand for a snug fit.
3 Screw the table to the bottom of the
backboard and attach three 10mm planks.
4 Insert a bottle of seed into the neck
support roughly 20mm from the table and
screw in.
5 Create a support for the base of the
bottle using three lengths of 20mm plank.
6 Make sure the bottle fits snugly and
screw the base support in place.
7 Find a suitable spot and drill to the wall.
So
EASY!
£8.59
super sparkly
bud vases
These stylish vases would look lovely on a
windowsill or make the perfect gift.
You will need
✽ Empty glass bottles of different shapes
and sizes
✽ PlastiKote Spray Paint in Super Matt
White, £5.79 bmstores.co.uk
✽ PVA glue, £1.50 wilko.com
✽ Selection of glitter, £1.30
hobbycraft.co.uk
TIP Use wine and beer bottles to
create different height tables
What to do
1 Wash and dry the bottles.
2 Place one bottle on newspaper and spray
with paint. Once the first coat is dry, reapply.
Repeat with all the bottles.
3 Apply a generous layer of glue to the
bottom third of each bottle and smooth
out any lumps.
4 Using your fingers, move the glue around
to create the desired free-style effect.
5 Dip the glued section into a bowl of glitter
until covered. Shake and leave to dry.
➣
16 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 17

simple makes
nautical vase
Give your empty bottles a coastal look
with an easy to make fisherman’s net.
You will need
✽ Bottles, clean and dry
✽ Twine, 7 lengths, each 7 x height of bottle
What to do
1 Fold six of the lengths in half to form loops and
lie them out horizontally next to each other. Lay the
seventh over the top, just shy of the looped ends.
2 Thread the cut ends of each of the six lengths
through the loop and pull tight to form a knot
around the seventh length.
3 Holding the two ends of the single string, wrap it
around the bottle. Secure with a double knot.
4 Working around the bottle, place each string
next to its partner on the left and knot them
approximately 3cm down.
5 Repeat the process, working to the left until you
reach the bottom of the bottle. Gather together the
strings underneath the bottle and tie in a knot in the
centre. Trim any excess twine. Add seed heads of
your choice, we’ve used ornamental carrot.
Free
So
stylish
Ornamental carrot
Little
and
lovely
£1
CANDLE
Centrepiece
So simple to do, you’ll easily be able
to make a few in a matter of minutes.
You will need
✽ Three empty glass bottles
✽ Colourful tissue paper, £1
hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ Pritt Stick
✽ Scissors and craft knife
✽ Coloured card
✽ Taper candles
What to do
1 Rinse and dry out the bottles.
2 Cut the tissue into strips mixing
up colours and thickness.
3 Apply a generous layer of Pritt
Stick and carefully stick the strips of
tissue paper around the bottle. You
can smooth out any creases with
your fingers.
4 When you are happy with your
bottles, set aside to dry.
5 Cut out three discs of card, large
enough to sit over the top of the
bottles while leaving a small lip.
6 Position the candles in the middle
of the cardboard discs and mark out
with a pencil.
7 Using a craft knife, make small slits
in the discs and then place on top of
the bottles.
8 Add your candles.
✽ This feature first appeared in the September 2018 issue of Modern Gardens.
18 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living

outdoor
living
GROW AND EAT
Grow your own
chocolate mints
A sophisticated sweet treat to follow your barbecue, these
refreshing mint thins take minutes to make!
Grow this...
So
easy!
...make this
AFTER-DINNER
treat
WHAT YOU NEED
✽ Baking sheet
✽ Baking parchment
✽ 50g dark chocolate
✽ 12-15 fresh mint leaves (choose
small ones, which are more tender)
WHAT TO DO
1 Line a baking sheet with the parchment.
2 Break the chocolate into pieces and
place in a heatproof bowl, over a pan
of boiling water (but not touching the
water) until the chocolate has melted.
3 Take a mint leaf by its stalk. Dip into
the chocolate and coat both sides. Put
it on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Coat each leaf, placing on the tray when
it is done.
4 Freeze for 20 minutes. Serve
immediately. They’re delicious with
chocolate-dipped strawberries.
feature: Fiona Cumberpatch Photos: Alamy, Fiona Cumberpatch
POTS OF PLEASURE
Keep mint by your back
door, ready to pick.
Mint is an easy plant to grow – in fact, it’s almost too enthusiastic and can take
over beds and borders with its quickly spreading roots, so it’s best grown in a
pot. Buy a young plant and put it into a large pot at least 30cm in diameter,
to contain its growth. It needs to be placed in a spot that gets some sun
every day. Mint is a perennial plant, so it comes back every year. Once it’s established,
it will keep you supplied with edible leaves for years to come. Keep the compost moist
with regular watering every day in the summer. Pick the young leaves regularly, and
cut back any woody stems to encourage new ones to grow. This herb comes in many
different varieties, including ginger mint, apple mint and spearmint.
✽ This feature first appeared in the June 2016 issue of Modern Gardens.
delicious!
Enjoy with coffee
after dinner or use to
garnish ice cream or
other cold desserts.
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 19

ig Project
turn your shed
GARDENING CABIN
sewing room
a little
bit of
heaven
into a room
Transform your shed into a relaxing retreat away
from everyday life. It’s easier – and cheaper – than you think!
shed light
Add glamour and style
to your garden room
with a chandelier.
retreat
craft studio
be flexible
A moveable table and
plenty of storage make
your shed a versatile space.
blur boundaries
Pots of pretty plants
grouped around your
shed door soften the line
between inside and out.
Modern shed transformations are the
new must-have in the garden. Gone
are the days when they were a dead
space gathering cobwebs and not
used for much else other than storing old bikes
and deckchairs. Now everyone wants a shed
where peace and quiet reigns and birdsong is
the only distraction. It’s the answer to lack of
space in our homes, providing a place to work
on craft projects in peace or read the latest
page turner (glass of wine optional). “There’s a
steady rise in people using sheds to follow their
creative pursuits,” says Sally Coulthard, author
of Shed Decor (Jacqui Small, £25). There are,
of course, plenty of companies willing to set
up an all-singing shed for you, complete with
insulation, lighting and the latest mod cons but
you really don’t have to spend a fortune going
down this route. Instead, transform your existing
shed into a fully-functioning room – even the
most basic model can be souped-up in style.
Make things watertight
First things first – your shed needs to be sturdy,
watertight and leak-free. After you’ve stripped
it out, check thoroughly for any damp patches,
flimsy panels and loose floorboards so you
can fix any defects. In most sheds, just a single
layer of slats is all that protects you from the
weather outside. To give an existing shed a
warm overcoat, the simplest and cheapest
DIY method is bubble wrap, fixed in place using
a staple gun, overlapping the strips of wrap as
you go. The foil-backed type of bubble wrap
is an even better option and widely available
from DIY stores such as Wickes. Glass wool
or mineral wool insulation is a bit more fiddly,
as a breathable membrane must be fixed in
place first, followed by the glass or mineral wool
insulation then a layer of plywood, which makes
a nice surface to paint. And although this is a
more time-consuming route, it will make your
shed warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The floor can also be lined with a membrane
plus a layer of insulation (such as the widely
➣
20 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 21

Love
your
outside
space
put out the flags
Dress up your shed with
pretty bunting for an
inviting summer look.
Washable vintage style
pennants, £12.95/15
dotcomgiftshop.com
make an
entrance
A proper front door
makes this shed
feel like a homely
outdoor room
big Project
The 4 essentials
every shed needs
cooling fan
This retro-style desk
fan (25cm) in pale
mint green is stylish
as well as practical.
Fantasia Retro Fan, £45
thehomelightingcentre.co.uk
paint it pretty
A coat of pastel paint helps
turn a shed into an outdoor
room. Mercia shed, from
£250 homebase.co.uk
INSIDE OUTSIDE
Cladding the inside of
your shed with plywood
quickly gives it a cosy feel.
storage
solution
A stylish peg board
will keep all your shed
essentials tidy. Moreton
Peg Board, £35
gardentrading.co.uk
WORDS: sarah wilson, CAROLINE RODRIGUES. PHOTOS: she sheds -
a room of your own by erika kotite, shed decor by sally coulthard
available Kingspan) topped with exterior grade
ply, which again you can varnish or paint using
a specially formulated product such as Ronseal
Diamond Hard. Fill any gaps in windows and
doors with foam filler or draught-proofing strips
from a DIY store. Adding a layer of secondary
glazing film will make a huge difference too,
and is widely available from companies such as
Wickes and Arc Window Films (arcwindowfilms.
com). Bear in mind that some ventilation is
necessary to prevent condensation. A small
solar-powered vent is a maintenance-free way
to keep temperatures and humidity down in
a small shed, and they are quiet to run too.
Another plus is that they require no wiring
during installation – have a look at solarshop.
co.uk. Finally, as you will now be using your shed
more frequently, you need to check the path
leading to it is up to scratch.
power up with electricity
You may already have some basic electrics
in your shed but crafting, writing and DIY all
require a good level of light. If you want to have
electrical sockets installed, you’ll need to speak
to a registered electrician. But there is another
option. Solar hubs are complete lighting and
power kits in a box that are easy to fit anywhere
there is no existing electricity connection.
They are quick to set up (10 minutes!) and no
tools are required. The SolarHub 16 kit from
solartechnology.co.uk is enough to illuminate a
4m x 4m space and costs £120. You can also add
expansion packs later if you find you need more
power. The best part? No big electricity bills.
22 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
Do you need permission?
A shed for incidental use, such as hobbies, won’t
usually need planning permission. But you may
decide a sink would be useful if you are using
the space for painting, DIY projects or would
simply like to be able to make a cup of tea without
trekking to the house. Adding plumbing will trigger
the need for planning permission. Building regs
don’t normally come into play as long as the shed
has no sleeping accommodation. If you’re unsure,
get advice from a builder and local planners. Find
useful info on extrarooms.co.uk.
pick a paint theme
Take time to consider how the shed sits in its
location. Do you want it to be a focal point of the
garden or to be as inconspicuous as possible?
Do you want it to reflect the decorating scheme
in your home or opt for something completely ➣
different? Bright colours are ideal for creating
a wow moment, whereas forest tones will help
your shed blend in with planting. But really
stacking stool
This space-saving
stainless-steel seat is
available in a range of
colours. £49 mobelaris.com
beach vibes
This small (5ft x 5ft) shed has
a beach hut design, to evoke
memories of seaside holidays.
theposhshedcompany.co.uk
from £1,727.
side table on wheels
A workstation, coffee table
or trolley – this is a versatile
addition to any space.
£20 argos.co.uk
extra space
The shallow porch allows
room for a welcoming
plant pot on the doorstep.
STURDY LIGHT
Great for projects,
planting and potting
up. Cohen lamp, £39
made.com
botanical doormat
With its bold leaf design, this coir
tuft mat will be a joy to wipe your
wellies on. Jangala Doormat,
£15 made.com
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 23
➣

ig Project
clever colour
For vintage charm, opt
for muted paint shades
such as pastel greens.
summer style
Lightweight, pretty
fabric adds to the
charming, summery
feel of this shed.
potting shed style
Combine form and function by turning your
shed into a space to garden on rainy days.
Adding a wooden floor and old furniture adds
to the interior feel.
get the book
✽ Images taken
from Shed Decor:
How to Decorate
and Furnish Your
Favourite Garden
Room. Published by
Jacqui Small, £25.
photo: dobbies.com
when it comes to decorating, anything goes.
“Every trend that you see in the interiors world
is reflected in sheds,” says Sally Coulthard. If
you’re doing up a shed you’ve had for a while,
use a fungicidal wash to remove any algae, lichen
or moss, and if the wood has previously been
stained, painted or varnished it should ideally be
stripped back to a bare state. Paint the shed with
a couple of coats of a dedicated product such
as Cuprinol Garden Shades, £21.99 for 2.5 litres,
from Homebase, which comes in bright colours
such as Dazzling Yellow and Sunny Lime as well
as on-trend neutral tones such as Urban Slate.
It can be sprayed on to save time and make the
job easier. Alternatively, Homebase’s own exterior
paint range costs £18 for 2.5 litres. Add some
scented climbers such as jasmine, supported by
tensioned wires, to soften the look, particularly if
you want your shed to blend in. When it comes
to painting the interior of the shed, it’s a good
idea to stick with a neutral paint scheme – if you
go for something bold then change your mind
once you’re in, that means a lot of upheaval if you
want to redecorate.
protect your assets
Check if your shed needs to be added to your
buildings insurance policy. Most policies cover
outbuildings against fire, vandalism or damage
to the structure, but you may need to add to
the cover. Avoid keeping valuables such as your
laptop out there. Tot up the cost of replacing
items such as furniture or gym equipment and you
may find you need extra home contents cover,
too. For lower premiums, it helps if house-quality
windows and doors with key-operated locks are
installed, with an alarm and security lights.
✽ This feature first appeared in the
June 2017 issue of Modern Gardens.
Be creative
with paint
The purple doors add
a pop of colour to
this garden
get the book
✽ Images taken from
She Sheds: A Room
of Your Own by Erika
Kotite. Published by
Cool Springs Press, an
imprint of The Quarto
Group, £16.99.
have some fuN
Wall art inside and out
turns this shed into a
truly personal space.
clean and bright
White painted walls
help the interior look
spacious and light.
24 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living

simple make
have a heart
This easy-to-make wall hanging filled with
seaside finds brings summer chic to a shed wall
Show your garden some love this
summer and brighten up a dull shed
wall or fence with this hanging heart.
The modern shabby chic design will
look great in any outdoor space, and it’s so
versatile that you could fill the heart with
anything you like – fairy lights, fresh, dried
or artificial flowers. We’ve gone for a coastal
theme, using shells and pebbles, to remind us
of lazy summer days at the beach.
We’ve hung up the heart using a simple
hook, but you could use a sturdy chain,
piece of thick ribbon or a fishing line for a
fabulous floating effect. You could also bring
it to life at night by wrapping a set of
battery-powered fairy lights around the edge
of the heart. It looks particularly effective
against this blue backdrop, so if your shed is
in need of a refresh, complete the look with a
coat of Colours Garden Waterfall Matt Paint
(£13/2.5L, diy.com).
60
minutes and
it’s done!
you will need
✽ Coat hanger
✽ Chicken wire
✽ Wire cutters
✽ Spray paint, try Rust-Oleum Painter’s
Touch, £8.50/400ml wilko.com
✽ White florist wire, £1.50
thevanillavalley.co.uk
✽ Shells or pebbles, to fill, try
bakerross.co.uk £4.99/bag
what to do
1 Bend the coat hanger into a heart shape.
2 Lay the heart on top of a double layer of
chicken wire. Cut round the heart using the
wire cutters, leaving a 2cm overlap.
3 Spray paint the coat hanger and chicken
wire. Leave to dry.
4 Bend the wire hearts around the coat
hanger, securing it in place using the florist
wire. Leave a gap so you can add the filling.
5 Fill the heart with shells or pebbles.
6 Close the gap in the chicken wire, tying
the remaining edges to the heart using the
florist wire.
7 Screw a hook into your shed wall or fence
panel and hang up the heart using the hook
on the coat hanger.
Get wrapping
Cover the heart shape with chicken
wire, leaving a gap at one edge.
fill it up
Add your chosen filling. For a seaside
theme, pebbles and/or shells work well.
✽ This feature first appeared in the August 2019 issue of Modern Gardens.
feature: angela kenny. Photos: living4media
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 25

Welcome
Our mission is to help you create your perfect
outside space without it costing the earth or
requiring green fingers! Every issue, we bring
you ideas and must-have buys to make your
garden more stylish. We’re packed with reader
gardens, easy ideas, simple upcycling projects
and shopping trends.
If you want to make the most of your
garden this summer and enjoy it right
through the season, subscribe today.
Emma
Emma Kendell Editor
Subscribe today and
enjoy these benefits:
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IN EVERY ISSUE
you’ll find…
Outdoor living
fun ways to enjoy
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Creative makes
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Better
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Followed by a 6-monthly direct debit of £10 (digital) and £17.50 (print)
26 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
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lots of easy makes and
upcycling projects
Stylish trends
simple on-trend
ideas to pinch
Easy ideas
the best easy-grow
plants to buy now
Photos: thejoyofplants.co.uk, dobbies, Alamy

Give it a go
PALlET
bench
Turn some wooden pallets into stylish seating
that’s perfect for outdoor relaxing
Done in an
afternoon
Perfect for stretching out with a book or
glass of wine, or even better to share, you
could be chillaxing on your own pallet
bench in just a couple of hours, it’s that
easy to make. Best of all, it won’t break the bank.
Pallets can be found for free or very cheaply on
websites such as gumtree.com and ebay.co.uk,
or you may already have some lurking behind
your shed! Paint with a couple of coats of
durable, water-resistant and scrubbable paint,
which means you can leave the bench outside
and it will only need a wipe clean every now
and then. Add scatter cushions, pot plants and
fairy lights to create a space-saving spot to relax.
1 2
simple make
You will need
✽ Wooden pallets
✽ Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Garden
Furniture Paint, £5.50/125ml homebase.co.uk
✽ Small roller and tray
✽ Paint brush
✽ Metal brackets & screws
✽ Electric drill
✽ Garden bench cushion, £34.99
petnhome.co.uk
prepare your tools & pallets
Ensure the wooden pallets are smooth, dry and
free from contaminants. Lay out all your tools
and equipment so you have everything to hand.
Choose a shade of Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish
Garden Furniture Paint. We used Powder Blue,
a colour that will suit any garden style.
3
paint the wood
This paint doesn’t need a primer. Use a mini
roller for an even finish. Apply one to two
coats, and leave the paint to dry for one hour
before flipping the pallet over and painting
the underside. You might need to use a brush
for the harder-to-reach areas.
4
feature & photos: rust-oleium
TIP Add quirky modern touches around your bench
with faux foliage balls and a cheeky gnome!
create the base
Stack one or more pallets to the right height.
When you’re happy, secure them using the
brackets, screws and an electric drill.
attach the back
Add another pallet propped in a vertical
position to create the back of your chair. Again,
secure it in place using brackets and screws.
✽ This feature first appeared in the September 2018 issue of Modern Gardens.
28 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 29

grow to drink
Grow your own
outdoor
living
thyme prosecco
Add extra sparkle to your glass of bubbly with a
splash of elderflower cordial and a sprig of aromatic thyme
Grow this...
So
easy!
...make this
prosecco with
elderflower
and thyme
Enjoy life in your garden with a delicate glass of
elderflower-flavoured fizz. Fragrant thyme adds
a fresh herbaceous twist.
YOU will NEED
Serves 2
✽ Sprigs of thyme
✽ 1 bottle of Prosecco
✽ 2 tsp elderflower cordial
what to do
Break a sprig of thyme in half and press to the
bottom of each glass with the handle of a
wooden spoon to release its oils. Add a
teaspoon of elderflower cordial to each glass
and top with Prosecco. Gently stir, then add
another sprig of thyme to each glass to garnish.
words: angela Kenny. Photos: stock food, shutterstock
We love to grow thyme on a kitchen windowsill or just outside the
back door for easy picking to garnish dishes such as roasted
veggies. Thyme grows up to 30cm and should be trimmed lightly
after flowering to keep it nice and bushy, with plenty of new
growth for the freshest, tastiest leaves. And just as in cooking, thyme can make
your drink tastier too, adding lemony, minty tones. Just make sure you ‘muddle’
(crush) it well first in the bottom of your glass to release the flavours.
Fresh herbs are always best as they’re more flavourful and aromatic, and
thyme is one of the easiest to grow. Planted outside, it will add lush foliage and
a mass of delicate mauve, white or pale blue star-shaped flowers to a corner of
your garden or a group of patio pots.
✽ This feature first appeared in the January 2018 issue of Modern Gardens.
cheers!
Toast warm summer
evenings with a
refreshing glass of
thyme-infused Prosecco.
30 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living

simple makes
£5.96
That’s
clever
feature: Clare Howcutt-Kelly. Photos: spraypaintideas.co.uk, Loupe Images,
rebeccasbirdgardens.com, living4media
fun ways to
perk up
your pots
Turn drab planters into pretty features
with fab upcycling ideas
No matter how small your outside
space is, you’ve always got plenty
of pots. And it’s easy to give them a
whole new look with these inventive
projects and create something unique for your
outdoor living space. If you’ve got a few lying
empty, then there are quick ideas to transform
them into attractive garden accessories such as
a patio table and a chandelier. All these projects
can easily be customised to suit the size and
style of the pots you have, and the look of your
garden – we’ve given the size of pots we’ve
used to create each project, but you can use any
size you have. So, go and have a hunt outside
for a drab pot, and choose how you’re going to
make it fab!
Planter
storage table
This table will come in handy when you’re
enjoying a tipple at the end of the day in
the garden. As the top lifts off, you can
use it to store your tableware too.
You will need
✽ Masking tape
✽ 1 x 41cm terracotta-coloured plastic
plant pot
✽ PlastiKote Twist & Spray Gloss in
Mediterranean Blue, £5.96 ebay.co.uk
✽ 1 x 38cm terracotta-coloured plastic
plant pot saucer
TIME TAKEN: 3 hours
What to do
1 Use the masking tape to mask off the
top rim of the pot.
2 Apply a coat of the spray paint to the
rest of the pot. Reapply until you have the
colour intensity you require.
3 Paint the saucer lid in the same colour
as the pot. Reapply as necessary and
leave to dry.
4 Once fully dry, pop the lid on top of
the pot and your table is complete.
➣
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 31

simple makes
MacramÉ hangers
This traditional craft has been given a funky
twist with these hanging planters.
You will need
✽ 2 x 10m roll Rico Magenta
Macramé Cord, £3 each
hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ Scissors
✽ Selection of different
sized pots
TIME TAKEN: 30 minutes
What to do
1 Measure out eight strands of
cord around 2m each.
2 Section off to make four
£6
sections of two strands each.
3 Mark two thirds of the way
down each pair of strands and
knot so you have four knots at
equal lengths.
4 Knot one pair of strands with the
one on its right a little further down
from the first set of knots. Repeat
for the other three strands.
5 Repeat this process as you
work down the string then knot
at the bottom. Trim off evenly
then pop your pot in. Suspend
from a tree or hook.
Add a
touch of
loveliness
House number
planter
Make sure the postman doesn’t walk
on by with this shabby chic planter.
You will need
✽ 1 x 30cm terracotta plant pot
✽ Number stencil, £4.50 hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ Masking tape
✽ White acrylic paint, £2 hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ Stencil brush
✽ Compost
✽ Selection of plants
TIME TAKEN: 30 minutes
What to do
1 Position the stencil where you want it to
appear and affix to the pot with masking tape.
2 Gently apply the paint in a dabbing motion
until all the area is covered. Leave to dry then
peel away carefully from the pot.
3 Once fully dry, add compost and plants.
£6.50
£5.49
Vertical
display
These pots appear to be floating and
create a lovely feature that’s easy to make
and perfect for a small corner spot.
Flowerpot bird feeder
This quirky feeder will bring the birds flocking to your garden all year
round and it’s super easy to make.
You will need
✽ Drill
✽ Glass and tile drill bits
(12.7mm for seed openings,
3.2mm for hanging)
✽ 2 x 19cm terracotta saucers
(for a lid and roof)
✽ 1 x 11cm terracotta flowerpot
✽ Length of vinyl coated wire
rope or similar
✽ 2mm ferrule end stop,
25p s3i.co.uk
TIME TAKEN: 1 hour
25p
What to do
1 Drill a 3.2mm hole in the centre
of each saucer.
2 Add three drainage holes to
the base saucer with the same
drill bit.
3 Use the 12.7mm bit to drill
three seed holes about 2.5cm
from the bottom of the pot.
4 Thread the wire rope through
the top saucer, flowerpot and
base saucer.
5 Use pliers to clamp the ferrule
and stop onto the wire at the
base and top.
6 Suspend from a tree and fill
with seed.
Pelargoniums
TIP Practice makes perfect –
experiment with some garden
twine before you begin
So
EASY!
German primroses
You will need
✽ 4 x 37cm terracotta pots
✽ Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Spa
Blue, £5.49 sprayster.com
✽ Dibber
✽ 129m broom handle
✽ Compost
✽ Selection of plants
TIME TAKEN: 2 hours
What to do
1 Clean each pot and then spray with
the blue paint. Leave to dry then add
another coat.
2 Using a dibber, make a large hole in
the ground and push in approximately
one quarter of the broom handle. Make
sure it’s sturdy, stacking some small rocks
around the base if necessary.
3 Once your pots are dry, slide them
onto the broom handle and arrange at
different angles.
4 Fill with compost and add plants of
your choice. Here, purple violas (top) and
white and purple German primroses have
been used to contrast with the blue of
the pots. You could also use trailing plants
such as lobelia and aubrieta, which will
cascade over the edges of the pots.
➣
32 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 33

Enjoy
outdoor
living
£12.25
Mosaic ice bucket
This optical illusion is easier to create than the
real thing but looks really striking.
You will need
✽ 1 x 30cm terracotta plant pot (without
a hole in the base)
✽ Pencil
✽ Small paintbrush
✽ 3 different shades of blue acrylic paint,
£2 each hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ White acrylic paint, £2 hobbycraft.co.uk
✽ Large paintbrush
✽ Clear exterior varnish, £8.25 homebase.co.uk
TIME TAKEN: 1 hour
What to do
1 Draw a mosaic-style pattern onto the pot with
the pencil.
2 Using a small paintbrush, fill out the shapes
with the different coloured blue paints, leaving
grout-effect lines around each shape.
3 Fill in the grout lines with the white paint.
4 Finish with a coat of clear exterior varnish
then leave to dry.
Simply
stylish
simple makes
Mini Tiered
Garden
Create a vertical garden in a matter of minutes.
You will need
✽ Three terracotta pots in small, medium
and large
✽ Sandtex Smooth Masonry Paint in
Cornish Cream, £3.29/150ml homebase.co.uk
✽ Paintbrush
✽ Compost
✽ Succulents, we used houseleeks
TIME TAKEN: 30 minutes
What to do
1 Paint the pots and leave to dry. Repeat with
another coat if desired.
2 Half fill the large pot with compost and then
place the medium size pot within it.
3 Once stable, fill the medium size pot with
compost, leaving space for the small pot.
4 Add the smallest pot to the top of the stack
and fill three quarters with compost.
5 Working up from the bottom add your plants
and top up with compost.
6 Position in a sunny spot and lightly water with
half a small can.
Flower pot
chandelier
The perfect way to decorate the table if
you’re hosting a garden party.
£2.50
£3.29
You will need
✽ Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 20ml in
Antique White, £2.50 homebase.co.uk
✽ Paintbrush
✽ Old nightlight chandelier with ten
‘holders’ (expect to pay around £10 from
a car boot or salvage yard)
✽ Sandpaper
✽ Glue
✽ 10 x 5cm mini terracotta pots
✽ 10 small plants
TIME TAKEN: 3 hours
What to do
1 Lay down some newspaper and paint your
chandelier, including the chain. Suspend and
let dry. Repeat several times to fully coat.
2 Once dry, lightly sand in areas that would
naturally wear with age to give a distressedlook
finish.
3 Add glue to the bases of each pot and
stick firmly into the holders.
4 When dry, add your plants.
5 Hang the chandelier from a parasol above
a garden table.
TIP Add a little grit to the bottom
of the pots for extra drainage
✽ This feature first appeared in the
May 2018 issue of Modern Gardens.
34 MODERN GARDENS lockdown living
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 35

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