Sustainable wood products
From garden furniture to our barbecue charcoal, we use many wood products in our gardens. With hardwood forests being torn down to provide us with our patio furniture, it makes sense to purchase ethically if possible. Look for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on a product. This tells you that it comes from a sustainable source. Don’t be taken in by statements such as “From a managed source” or similar, without the FSC label. Check for the logo on your barbecue fuel, or buy BioRegional Charcoal. This is produced in the UK by managing woodlands and using local suppliers. It is an excellent way of regenerating neglected woods and forests, and reducing the impact of transport on the environment.

Looking after wooden garden furniture
In winter, it’s best to bring your garden furniture inside if you have space to store it in a cellar, shed or garage. If not, then try to find somewhere to get it off the lawn so that its feet don't stay on soggy ground all winter. Fold it and lean it against a wall (tilting unfoldable items) so that rain runs off. Cover it with tough, well-secured, waterproof covers. Make sure the furniture is completely dry before you cover it.

Treat your wooden garden furniture every year to a good clean and a dose of wood preservative. Hardwood furniture is very durable, but will still benefit from a coating of teak oil or other suitable product. Pine furniture is cheaper and less weather resistant, but it will last a number of years if you treat it regularly. Do this in dry weather, preferably in the autumn before putting the furniture away for storage. Lightly oil any joints and moving parts to keep them flexible.

Garden Gnomes
Love them or hate them - we all have an opinion on them! Here's a site with information, history and stories about these creatures, ghastly or adorable, depending on your point of view.
Garden Gnomes >

Latest Product News
Do you have news about products or services that might
interest ourreaders? We'd love to hear about it ... more