The style credentials of Selina Lake’s latest book are clear before you turn the first page. A cut away book jacket, carefully colour-matched title and an Instagram-worthy cover image give Garden Style masses of shelf appeal.
It’s hardly surprising given that Selina is a successful stylist, co-ordinating lifestyle photo shoots that appear in a range of publications.
This, her eighth book, shows how to bring that photo shoot style out into the garden with ideas for everything from displaying plants in eye-catching containers to creating a cushion-filled retreat outside.
She touches on eating outdoors with suggestions for dressing tables with flowers and lights; transforming potting sheds into things of beauty; and making the most of every inch with rooftop and vertical planting.
And transforming your outdoor space need not be expensive, if you choose salvaged items. It will also give your garden individuality: “You are like to end up with something totally unique that’s a real talking point,” she tells us.
Some items can be used untouched – a galvanised metal pan as a water butt is one idea – others need a little DIY, such as turning an old wooden crate into a planter. Concrete blocks and reclaimed planks can become a simple bench while an old shelving unit can be transformed into a display case for potted plants.
Most of the ideas can be adapted to any size of garden space, from window sill displays to outdoor seating, while the suggestions for showing off cut flowers would work just as well indoors as out.
As befits an image conscious book, Garden Style is picture heavy with the words kept to the minimum. Woven through, however, are easy-to-follow ideas from making plant labels from slate and wood to constructing a quirky bug hotel. I had never thought of using bolted rhubarb as a cut flower and recycling gardening magazines into paper plant pots was another simple idea.
With advice on where to go for more ideas or to buy everything from vintage furniture to beautiful plants, this book would be a great start for someone who wants to put their own style on their garden.
• Garden Style: Inspirational Styling for your Outside Space by Selina Lake is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced at £19.99 RRP. Buy now (If you buy through this Amazon link, I get a small fee. The price you pay is not affected.)
• Book supplied by Ryland Peters & Small.
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