Make the most of your outside space

Enhance the garden of your city centre home this summer and create an outside space to enjoy.

Even if you have a small garden or outdoor area, a few little touches here and there can make all the difference.

Firstly, consider investing in one or two pieces of furniture to start creating a space it is a pleasure to spill out into whenever the weather is warm enough.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find something suitable for your courtyard garden, patio or balcony that will make all the difference.

Also consider adding a few free-standing pots and containers. Items such as jugs, teapots and buckets can also make interesting planters.

Plant them up with blooms and interesting plants that bring something different through the seasons; then enjoy watching them add colour to your space.

Consider planting some of these with herbs to add different shapes and scents to your outside space, as well as allowing you to grow something useful for the kitchen.

Finally, you could even think about growing some fruit or vegetables in pots in your city centre home.

Alpine strawberries can be bought cheaply in small pots throughout the year in garden centres, as well as grown from seed in spring.

They are ideal for growing in hanging baskets, which keeps them out of reach of slugs and snails.

They tolerate cooler conditions and more shade than other strawberries so are a good choice if you are not blessed with a sunny patio or balcony.

Like any hanging basket they will need regular watering to prevent them from drying out but once you are able to pick the ripe fruit, it will be worth the work!