spring/summer 2012 www.dobbies.com 21GARDEN INSPIRATIONISTOCK.COMBox Ball and Pyramid (10L)2 for £40Normally £30 eachDobbies Essentials Hanging Basket and LinerFROM £4Patio Plants (9cm)6 for £8Normally £1.99 eachUnmissable offers to save £££s Check out these great savings available in-storeSpecial offersSitting comfortablySomething to sit on is the most important part of a patio, so you need to get it just right. Decide whether you want a table and chairs for dining, or comfy sofas or loungers for relaxing, then consider the style. Wood is good for a traditional garden, glass and metalwork in a contemporary setting and weather-proof rattan is perfect for creating a premium look. Loungers from £85Keep coolA sun-drenched patio is lovely, although can get uncomfortably hot at the height of summer. Have a parasol at hand to create instant shade and that you can move as the sun shifts. Or try a shade 'sail' attached to your house for a more contemporary look. If you want a permanent solution introduce a plant-covered wooden pergola.Parasols from £49Yorkshire Harrogate Planter (42cm)BUY ONE GET ONE FREENormally £19.99Aim to position your patio so it faces west - that way you'll get sun for the afternoon along with the last of the evening raysTop tip

your ownThe garden's a fun place to spend the school holidays, with no end of activities to keep little minds occupied and entertainedMake the most of the outdoors this spring and summer by encouraging your children or grandchildren to help in the garden. There's plenty they can join in with, from growing crops and planting containers to pond dipping and collecting seed to sow next year. And why not suggest they keep a journal of their gardening antics as something to take to school to show in term-time? Cutting flowers to give as a present is also fun, with most border blooms being suitable for a homespun bouquet. Pick a mixture of evergreen foliage and pretty flowers (this makes a bunch seem larger), and plunge the stems into water the minute they're cut (carry a bucket with a little water in the bottom with you when cutting). Remove excess foliage, cut all the stems to the same length and tie the flowers with ribbon or raffia for a rustic but professional finish. Keep the stems in water until you're ready to present them as a gift, and ensure blooms stay fresh by adding a sachet of cut-flower food to the vase. Pick  bouquet!LITTLE SEEDLINGS22 www.dobbies.comm spring/summer 2012ISTOCK