Garden 101: elevate your outdoor space with stylish upgrades
Welcome to the gardening world, where nature and creativity merge to create a beautiful outdoor space you can call your own. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting, maintaining a garden has become more than just growing vegetables or planting flowers. It has evolved into an art form with endless possibilities for design and decoration.
With the rise of social media and home improvement shows, gardens have become an extension of one’s personal style and living space. So why settle for a basic yard when you can elevate it with stylish upgrades? In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to transform your garden into a stunning outdoor oasis that will leave your neighbours envious and give you years of joy and satisfaction as you watch it flourish.

The garden obelix: a unique accent for your outdoor space
The Garden Obelix, a vertical, freestanding structure often made from metal or wood, can truly elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Not only is it a stylish upgrade, but it also serves functional purposes. Traditionally used to support climbing plants or vines, this garden feature can transform a plain corner into a captivating focal point. If we take a look at the fascinating history of the obelisk, we can find inspiration from the ancient Egyptian culture and its use as a symbol of power and beauty. Today, the Garden Obelix comes in various shapes and sizes, offering endless possibilities to fit your garden’s style. From sleek metal designs to rustic wooden structures, there’s an option for every type of garden.
Outdoor lighting magic: illuminate your garden with style
Outdoor lighting is more than just a functional element for your garden; it is an enchanting design upgrade that can illuminate your outdoor space with elegance and charm. Strategically placed lighting not only accentuates the features of your garden but also creates a magical atmosphere when the sun goes down. From spotlighting your patio to lining pathways with soft glowing lights, the right lighting can transform your garden into a mystical nighttime oasis.
Solar-powered lights are a sustainable and economical choice, illuminating your garden without adding to your energy bill. Alternatively, string lights draped across your garden add a touch of whimsical festivity, perfect for evening gatherings. Remember, outdoor lighting is not just about visibility; it’s about setting the mood and highlighting the unique features that make your garden truly your own.
Add vibrancy with colourful planters and pots
Adding colour to your garden doesn’t have to rely solely on plants and flowers. You can bring an extra layer of vibrancy and style to your outdoor space with colourful planters and pots. These accessories are a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your garden.
Whether you prefer bold and bright shades or subtle pastels, there’s a planter or pot that will complement your garden’s aesthetic. Consider varying their sizes and arranging them in clusters to create a visually pleasing dynamic. Or, use large, bright pots as stand-alone statement pieces to draw attention to a specific area.
These colourful containers are not just decorative; they also serve a practical purpose. By providing a portable home for your plants, they allow you flexibility in arranging your garden layout. This gives you the freedom to experiment with different designs until you find one that perfectly suits your style. With planters and pots, the possibilities are endless; all it takes is a bit of imagination to transform your garden into a vibrant outdoor haven.

Artistic garden decor: unleash your creativity
Artistic decor can infuse your garden with your unique personality and style. Think of your outdoor space as a blank canvas ready to be adorned with your creative expression. From sculptures and garden stakes to wind chimes and water fountains, artistic decor can bring an element of surprise and intrigue to your garden. Consider adding timeless elegance to your outdoor oasis with masterpieces inspired by the greats like Michaelangelo’s sculptures, bringing classical beauty and sophistication to your garden landscape.
Depending on your aesthetic, you might opt for modern metal sculptures that add a sleek and contemporary touch to your garden. Alternatively, traditional stone statues can provide a sense of tranquillity and age-old charm. Wind chimes bring visual appeal and a delightful auditory experience, enhancing your garden’s ambience with their soothing melodies.
Water features, such as fountains or ponds, can provide a serene focal point while also supporting local wildlife. Don’t forget about smaller accents like decorative stones, mosaic tiles, or even artistically designed birdhouses. These details, although small, can add up to create a truly artistic and personalised garden space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, materials, and layouts to make your garden a true reflection of your artistic spirit. After all, your garden is your outdoor sanctuary, and it should resonate with your sense of style and creativity.
In conclusion, a garden is not just a patch of land with plants and flowers; it’s a canvas waiting to be transformed into an outdoor masterpiece. With these stylish upgrades, you can elevate your garden and create a space that reflects your unique personality and style. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and see how your garden blooms into an enchanting oasis that you’ll love to spend time in for years to come.

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



