From colourful beach tents to cheerful striped canopies and full blown marquees, here's what is on our garden wish list.
After what feels like the longest, most miserable winter on record, we've finally seen a glimpse of sun. As a result, our thoughts have turned to sprucing up our outdoor spaces and getting ready for the summer to come. But what does that involve? The must have accessory du jour, of course!
Garden tents, in all the their forms, have been around since the late 1600s. However, never in their canvas history have they been quite so glamorous. Sure, the old plastic marquee might do the same job, but it doesn't have quite the same effect as a decorative fabric one. They're brilliant at adding a pop of colour to gardens that may not have been as successful as one had hoped, or adding a spot of shade to a sun trap.
Think of them as having a similar purpose to a garden bench, but it's a purpose that has the added practicality of a roof…and walls. You'll want to position yours to make the most of your garden's view, be that looking out to some glorious vista, or where you can best admire your planting skills and blooming borders. We're imagining long summer lunches under the awning, impromptu outdoor breakfasts and leisurely afternoons reading in the garden tent.
Top of our wish list? A garden tent from Raj Tent Club's collaboration with the V&A Museum: a chinoiserie adorned feast for the eyes. The tent is part of a collection of pergolas, deckchairs, sunshades and cushions, and makes up Raj Tent Club's largest tent offering to date, all handcrafted according to traditional techniques in Rajasthan.
Those who are after the same effect, but don't have the space or budget to splash out on a tent, should consider Business & Pleasure's beach tents. Available in several charming colours and patterns, the good old fashioned stripe is our preference.
Alternatively, look out for beach cabanas, which do much of the same job as a garden tent, just without the walls. They are perfectly portable, and can be erected in various locations without too hassle. Again, look to Business & Pleasure for jolly tasseled versions, or to Sunnylife for a more contemporary take.
This story originally appeared on House & Garden UK.
