Looking after metal garden furniture
Over winter, it’s best to bring your garden furniture inside if you have space to store it in a shed or garage. If not, then fold it if it's foldable, lean it against a wall (tilt unfoldable chairs) so that water runs off, and try to get it off the soggy lawn so that its feet stay as dry as possible. If you can’t move it inside, then cover it with tough, well-secured, waterproof covers. Make sure the furniture is completely dry before you cover it.

To keep your metal garden furniture looking good and lasting for years, clean it every year and check it for rusty spots and patches. Gently rub these down to remove loose material and then paint on a rust preventer. Even plastic-coated metal furniture can suffer from rust if cracks appear in the plastic and moisture creeps in. Lastly, lightly oil any joints and moving parts to keep them flexible.

More ideas for furnishing your garden
As well as garden benches, chairs and tables, have you considered the following? Take a look at the random list below and see what takes your fancy. You’ll find places to purchase all of these online in the lists above.

Swing seats made of wood or metal.

Hammocks, both freestanding and for suspension between trees.

Patio and garden heaters: don’t let the chill curtail your evenings under the stars!

Chimeneas: attractive patio heaters which burn wood or charcoal, many of which double as barbecues.

Folding deckchairs: so easy to store, so colourful – and cheap.

Kid-sized garden furniture: give them their own picnic table!

Parasols: essential shade for sunny lunchtimes.

Rose arbours and arches: the ultimate romantic garden features.

Gazebos, permanent in toughened glass, wood or metal, or demountable in canvas.

Garden lighting, including atmospheric solar lighting.

Weathervanes: many designs, including traditional weathercocks.

Statues: add elegance to your garden with strategic placing of stone or stone-substitute pieces. Try attractive stone stepping stones through deep flowerbeds, too.

Ponds, fountains and other water features: imagine the soothing sound of bubbling water. Encourage frogs and toads, and they will help to keep the slugs down, too.

A greenhouse – or, in a little garden, a small glass lean-to.

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