Garden centre highlights new SS24 range for spaces of all sizes

With spring just around the corner and warmer days on the horizon, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has some tips on how people can maximise their outdoor spaces, no matter the size. From sleek chairs and foldable bistro sets, ideal for city balconies, to compact barbecues and pizza ovens for small spaces, Dobbies has something to suit every kind of garden.

Find out what Dobbies’ Head of Buying (Home & Seasonal), Lynsey Abbott suggests for getting the most out of your outdoor space this spring and summer, and her tips on maximising what you have.

Alternative seating

L: Double folding egg chair, £499; Green pastel pot 38cm, £44.99; Thai pot 27cm, £19.99; Pink pastel pot 38cm, £44.99

R: Cashbah armchair, £129; Tweed green KS metal watering can, 4.5L, £24.99

Comfortable seating is a must when it comes to making the most of your small space, and Lynsey says there are plenty of fantastic options to create a cosy reading nook or spot to enjoy your morning coffee. “Hanging egg chairs have risen in popularity over the past few years thanks to their playful design and ability to add instant charm to any outdoor space”, comments Lynsey. “Perfect for curling up with a book on a sunny day, egg chairs allow you to hang out in a cosy cocoon, soaking up the rays, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes. If you’re looking for a focal piece to elevate your patio, our Double Folding Egg Chair is a great choice to make an impact and can be folded away for easy storage during the colder months.

“For smaller spaces, a single statement chair is all you need to create a relaxing spot. Wicker is a huge trend for Spring Summer 2024 thanks to its versatility and timeless style, and it complements most outdoor spaces. Our green wicker Cashbah chair, new for 2024, is a great investment piece that will last for years to come and is wonderful for small gardens and city balconies.”

Compact furniture

L: Off white Picchu round pot, £24.99; Mint green Picchu round pot, £24.99; MKA Side Plate, £3.99; MKA Stackable Mug, £7.99; Shoreline Simplicity tile bistro set, £299

R: Ochre loft urban round pot, £17.99; Ochre oran round pot, £12.99; Ochre oran round pot, £39.99; Betty floral bistro set, £249

If you’ve got limited space to play with, Lynsey suggests looking for a colourful bistro set to brighten up your chosen area. Lynsey says: “Foldable bistro sets are fantastic space savers and work especially well to dress up empty city balconies and create your very own stylish alfresco dining spot. Typically a lot less expensive than larger sofa sets, bistro sets are great value, meaning you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your balcony looking its best for summer. Dobbies’ range for Spring Summer 2024 includes some gorgeous new colourways that will allow you to inject vibrancy and personality into your outdoor space and give it a new lease of life. My personal favourite is the sunshine yellow ‘Betty’ bistro set which instantly uplifts moods with its cheerful colour and floral design.”

Alfresco dining

L: Ochre round oran pot, £12.99; Ochre round oran pot, £39.99; Betty floral bistro set, £249; Green table, £39; Compact kettle 47cm, £147.99

R: DVD olive green rustic wooden serving board, £19.99; Gozney Roccbox olive green pizza oven, £399

When it comes to eating outdoors, Lynsey notes that you don’t need a huge amount of space to cook up a delicious feast. Lynsey says: “This year, Dobbies has introduced some innovative new cooking options to allow everyone to enjoy a spot of alfresco dining in the summer months. Great value kettle BBQs make a great addition to small patios and courtyards and prove you don’t need a huge garden to grill up a storm.

“In response to an increased demand for innovative outdoor cooking options, we’ve introduced an expansive range of portable pizza ovens that demonstrate the potential of small gardens. From great value Ooni models to the super sleek Gozney Roccbox to the award-winning Witt ETNA Rotante rotating pizza oven, there’s something for all budgets.”

Plant for impact

No.2 twotone egg pot, £32.99; No.3 twotone egg pot, £24.99; Victoria pot 28cm, £19.99; No.2 twotone cylinder, £32.99; No.3 twotone cylinder, £24.99; Large round London pot low warm terracotta, £69.99; Round blue Oran pot H19xD20cm £12.99; Round blue Oran pot H25xD28cm £24.99; Mint green Picchu round pot H20xD25cm, £24.99; Pebble coffee table, £249

You don’t need a huge garden to welcome colour and fragrance with seasonal plants, and Lynsey believes that Dobbies’ new outdoor accessories will inspire gardeners to get in touch with nature. Lynsey says: “Plants bring outdoor spaces to life, and there’s no reason small gardens can’t reap the benefits. In our Spring Summer 2024 collection, we’ve got balcony planters, ideal for hooking onto fences and railings to save space, and a gorgeous collection of outdoor pots that will jazz up any plant. For maximum effect, group varying pot sizes together to create a mini jungle effect and colour-coordinate to your outdoor furniture for a cohesive look and feel. Alternatively, if you like a classic vibe, terracotta pots never go out of style and we’ve got a wide selection to choose from.”

It’s all in the detail

L: Portobello casual dining set, £1999; Relax and Unwind pattern cushion 45x45, £14.99; Relax and Unwind pattern cushion 55x35, £14.99; Relax and Unwind tangerine cushion with coronet blue piping 45x45, £12.99; Relax and Unwind coronet blue cushion 45x45, £9.99

M: Birdhouses from Dobbies Garden Centres’ SS24

R: KEW Living Jewels Black Side Plates Pack Of 4 Different Motifs, £21.99; RVH Mystique Set Of 4 Mixer Glasses 29cl, £11.99; Yellow Betty Floral Bistro Set with cushions, £249

Lynsey’s top tip for making the most of your small space is to pay special attention to the accessories. Lynsey says: “Small touches make the biggest difference in compact gardens, and they’re a good cost effective way to transform the overall look of a space. You’ll be surprised at the difference a few decorative throw cushions can make – and even better if they double up as seating when entertaining guests. Decorative accessories like this are also a great way to get creative and let your personality shine through, and Dobbies has a wide selection of colours and designs to choose from.

“To create a country garden feel in your small space, mini hanging bird houses will help you welcome wildlife and add natural charm. Pair these with pollinating plants in pots to create a real buzz and embrace nature without sacrificing lots of space.

“If you’re fortunate enough to have the space for plants, make the most of these and create beautiful seasonal displays with your cut flowers. Ideal for bringing your dining table to life for summer soirees, this is a simple addition that will make a noticeable difference to your outdoor space.”

To explore Dobbies’ full range of garden furniture and outdoor accessories for SS24, visit www.dobbies.com.