Step Into The Night Garden

Escape to playtime! Dens and tents glowing with garden lanterns and flickering, LED candles create the perfect hideaway for those seeking adventure – young or old. A simple garden bench can become the most romantic of reading nooks with a few easy additions: soft swags of fabric draped in an overhead canopy, an abundance of cushions and blankets, and battery powered lanterns dotted around the scene to light the night as the sun goes down. Stake lights make a great focal point – nothing says “whimsy” like little patches of glowing mushrooms, dotted at the foot of trees or in amongst ferns in patio planters.

One of our key colours of the summer, purple tones lift any space: there’s simply no better colour when it comes to adding a touch of magic to your outdoor area and, when paired with classic warm white fairy lights, the effect is nothing short of enchanting. It’s also a gorgeous shade to add to your flowerbeds – look for summer annuals in lilacs and mauves, or plant purple heathers and add solar garden stake lights to show your displays to their best advantage. As a finishing touch, hang fabric lanterns in creams and off-whites to bring beautiful contrast to a purple-centred display.

For a truly mystical outdoor setup, fairy lights are a must-have: the clue’s in the name. Let your imagination run wild: weave strings of twinkling bulbs around tree trunks and branches, bring light to pergolas, or tuck in amongst swags of gauzy fabric to create a twinkling overhead canopy. Connectable string lights are a wonderful option for decorating outdoor spaces of all sizes, as the length can be completely tailored to your needs. For even more impact, add a string or three of vintage-style festoon lights.

With a handful of simple design choices, any outdoor area can become a secret hideaway full of wonder this season. Natural, twinkling and dreamlike, this is a whimsical summer story brimming with midnight magic.