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SPEND ON A HOLIDAY – OR INVEST IN THE GARDEN?

One look at the economic forecast and another at the expected UK summer weather is combining to put both caution and optimism on the agenda of many households.

“If you’re wondering about whether or not to spend on a big summer holiday or cut back slightly and invest some of the budget in high-quality garden furniture and equipment, then your back garden may be a very good place to put your money this summer,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units, one of the UK’s leading furnishings retailers.

“Our typical customer might spend up to £3,000 on a family summer holiday – but we’ve been looking at what a family could do if they cut back on that holiday, and invested in outdoor furniture as well.

“Once holiday money is spent, it’s spent. But garden furniture can last many, many summers – and there are many households who believe this summer, finally, we’ll actually get a summer.

“Between £350 and £500 buys a very good Discovery barbecue – they’re of a standard that have been known to be still working perfectly after 20 years, and many of the parts have a 25-year warranty.

“A traditional garden suite of chairs, table and parasol starts at £649 - The Virginia, with four chairs and a circular glass topped table, is made from high quality twisted resin weave on both table and chairs, woven over an aluminium frame. The glass is reinforced, and included is a parasol made from colour-fast polyester, with an aluminium base and pole, easy to tilt and crank up and down. It’s resistant to sun and rain, requires no treatment or maintenance and can be left outside all year – remember to take the cushions in though.

“Virginia sunloungers are £249 – but buy two: they’ll be in demand…

“Garden accessories, lighting and games – including giant dominoes, croquet, badminton and quoits sets – can give a garden that little edge and wow-factor.

“But I think the trick is to keep on adding pieces through the summer, making it a little bit different each week – particularly with some carefully thought-through lighting.”