Expert tips to refresh your garden this Easter bank holiday weekend

As gardens begin to take centre stage again as places to relax, dine and entertain, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your outdoor space for the warmer months ahead. Often, it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference – from introducing comfortable seating to making sure everything is organised and ready to enjoy. Naomi Bentley, Director at Charles Bentley, shares her top tips to get your garden ready for the spring sunshine. 

Create a space you’ll want to linger in 

“Start by thinking about how you want to use your garden. Whether it’s relaxing with a morning coffee, reading in the sunshine or hosting friends, creating a dedicated seating area helps make the space feel far more inviting. Lounge sets are great for socialising, while bistro sets can work really well in compact spaces like patios and balconies. If you’re really looking to slow things down, pieces like sun loungers and hammocks can create a relaxed spot to unwind. 

“Once you’ve thought about layout, it’s worth considering the overall look and feel too. We're seeing a big shift towards Mediterranean-inspired styling at the moment, with warm terracotta tones, olive greens and classic stripes bringing a laidback feel. Designs like the Porto collection capture this perfectly, adding colour and pattern in a way that still feels relaxed and timeless. Adding decorative pieces can bring character and charm to a garden – the Rustic Metal range, for example, introduces elegant detailing and structure that enhances the space without ever feeling overpowering.” 

Make outdoor dining part of everyday life 

“Outdoor cooking has become a much bigger part of how people use their gardens. Creating a simple set up with a dining table and a barbecue nearby makes it much easier to take meals outside, whether that’s a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed gathering at the weekend. 

“Versatility is something many people are looking for as well. Kamado-style barbecues are a great option because they allow you to grill, roast or slow cook, giving you much more flexibility when it comes to outdoor meals. Our new ottimo Searsmith Kamado range is designed with that in mind, helping people experiment with different cooking styles without needing multiple pieces of equipment. 

“If you want to make your space comfortable later into the evening too, adding a fire pit or chiminea can make a big difference. They help create a cosy focal point while also providing warmth, which helps extend time spent outdoors long after the sun goes down.” 

Keep your garden organised and ready to enjoy 

“A well organised garden always feels more relaxing to spend time in, so it’s worth thinking about practical storage alongside furniture and styling. Having a garden shed gives you a dedicated place to keep tools, cushions and outdoor accessories protected from the elements, which helps keep patios and seating areas clear and uncluttered. 

“Simple maintenance tools can also make everyday jobs much easier. Reliable brushware is ideal for quickly sweeping patios, paths and driveways so outdoor spaces always feel tidy and ready to use. 

“It’s always a good idea to protect furniture when it’s not in use. Durable outdoor furniture covers help shield seating areas and tables from rain, dirt and UV exposure, which keeps them looking their best for longer and means they’re always ready to use when the weather improves. 

“One final tip is to always measure your space before buying anything new. Making sure furniture fits comfortably within your layout will help the garden feel balanced and inviting rather than overcrowded.” 

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For more information about Charles Bentley and to browse the full product range visit www.charlesbentley.com.   

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.