One of this year’s projects at home is going to be to finish the garden we started last year. Our half built pergola was always intended to be a chill out zone with comfy sofa’s and lanterns and I’m looking forward to getting it finished. We live in a town house so the garden is going to be quite contemporary, but if I had to design a garden that fulfilled my fantasies it would be something else indeed.

I’ve always dreamt of a romantic garden. One that brings to mind an Edwardian country garden with red brick walls, rambling roses, and full herbaceous borders. It would come complete with greenhouse and potting shed – fragrant with the smell of damp earth and sun warmed blossoms. The dining table and chairs would be positioned on the manicured lawn and afternoon tea would be served at four on the dot every day. The drone of the bees would be the only sound, with the occasional dink of the croquet bat hitting the ball.

One can dream.

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But one can also recreate some of this English country house idyll in the back yard too. With a little help from Harley and Lola.

All you have to do is choose furniture and accessories wisely and you can emulate the romance and tradition in a more contemporary way. Select dining sets that are made of natural wicker or rattan and have a more traditional shape; the addition of cushions ensures they are as comfy as any country gentlewoman would prefer.

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I’d add a parasol of course to provide that extra level of comfort, more cushions (you can never have enough in my mind but choose ones with a more robust fabric), throws for when the night gets chilly, and a rug underfoot to keep feet away from the damp. You can buy outdoor rugs but any rug will do if you are going to bring it in at night and out of the rain.

You may have already guessed that there is no place in this garden for garish colours or, dare I even mention the word, plastic. Natural materials only if you please. The afore mentioned wicker, linens, metal and glass. Lanterns and tealight holders will provide extra ambiance at dusk and because I don’t have any servants yet, simple food will be served in bowls and on platters.

So you see, romance isn’t dead in the garden.

For more lovely products for my ideal outdoor room visit my Pinterest Board.

This post was written in partnership with Harley and Lola who’s aim is to help all their customers create a warm and welcoming space whether for their own enjoyment or to share with their loved ones. They offer carefully selected, stunning furniture and beautiful home accessories as well as great gift ideas.