The great garden getaway

Enjoy your best-ever summer in the garden, with an array of outdoor-elevating inspiration for eating, relaxing, celebrating, and making the most of your garden this season. Planning your perfect retreat starts here

- LUCY FELTON

Create an outdoor lounge

From sofas and seating combos to egg chairs and armchairs, here's how to bring sitting-room style to your garden, whatever its size

"In summer our garden becomes an extension of our living space - we barbecue, eat and chill out there. Bringing the lounge outside for us means accessorising, and we always light a candle - Greenhouse is our go-to for a summery day-to-evening scent. Cushions, rugs, and throws soften up an urban garden and we use plant pots to zone the areas for cooking, dining, and lounging."

Paul Firmin, Earl of East co-creator

Family moments start here

A few family-friendly additions is enough to keep tots - and tired parents – smiling this summer

"The playful heads and vivid tones of echinacea are ideal to brighten up family areas. They bloom right through to September, and bees and butterflies love them. Line a path with a few in terracotta pots or create a larger flower-filled planter for a patio."

Lucy Felton, Content Coordinator, GW Magazine

Get your garden party ready

With the Platinum Jubilee upon us, these garden party styling add-ons are just the thing to ensure your festivities run smoothly

"Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee long weekend this month by clinking glasses of homemade rhubarb cordial, infused with lemon balm and ginger. You can also add edible borage flowers-this herb is easy to grow from seed outdoors and pollinators will love you for it too."

Rekha Mistry, GW food and allotment columnist

Up the comfort factor