GARDEN INSPIRATIONMake the most of your terrace this summer - just follow our clever ideas and expert tipsThe patio is probably the area of your garden that gets used the most, so it's worth putting in a little time and effort to make it as pretty and productive as possible. It's not difficult and, with a bit of thought, you can create a space that's full of flowers, perfect for entertaining and doesn't take hours to maintain. You don't have to spend lots of money to achieve stylish results, and there are many ways to ensure the space looks good for most of the year (which is important if you can see it clearly from indoors). Don't worry if you've got an ugly wall or fence dominating your space, as it's possible to disguise most eyesores, including dustbins and bikes, with plants. The most important thing is to enjoy your patio - it's a space to sit, relax and take stock of the rest of your handiwork in other areas of the garden. 18 www.dobbies.com spring/summer 2012The perfect patio"Create  a  space  that's  full  of  flowers,  perfect  for  entertaining  and  easy  to  maintain""  BRISTOL 6 SEAT WOODEN SETBeautiful FSC teak extending dining set, complete with cushions and parasol.£2,520

spring/summer 2012 www.dobbies.com 19GARDEN INSPIRATIONColour hitCreate impact, and a big splash of colour, by grouping several pots together - this looks far more impressive than a single container dotted here and there. Fill the pots with summer bedding plants in complementary shades for a unified, coordinated look.Barbecue know-howTreat your friends to a traditional, tasty barbecue. Wait for charcoal to turn grey before cooking, and add things little and often for a continuous supply of food. Create an impromptu barbecue by placing charcoal in a large terracotta pot and topping it with a shelf from your oven.