Selina Lake has exquisitely styled Alitex’s black-framed Ickworth Greenhouse for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The space is themed around the transition from summer to autumn, whilst celebrating the history and heritage of flower shows with a modern spin.
Scroll down for lots of styling inspiration by taking a look through my photos. Plus you’ll also find Selina’s top styling tips for late summer to autumn gardens!
Selina’s top styling tips for late summer into autumn gardens
Create a Cosy Corner
Your garden doesn’t need to be out of bounds just because the weather begins to chill. As temperatures drop, the addition of a chimenea, firepit, or installation of a wood-burning stove, will add some gorgeous warmth to a seasonal outdoor space. A garden room with mains power can benefit from an electric stove. I’ve used the Sunningdale stove by Dimplex for this project. The perfect spot to gather around with friends or loved ones.
Be Inspired by Nature
From burnt oranges, terracottas, peachy pinks, deep browns and evergreen shades, the rich palette of the season will leave you spoilt for choice. I use autumn anemone, heather and dahlia plants in pots to soften and bring colour to outside seating and dining areas. Small trees such as crab apples work well to add height and interest. Cushions and throws in similar complementary shades tie the overall outdoor living look together. And they’ll make garden furniture comfier so you can linger longer in your own patch of nature. All my plants for this project were sourced via Dobbies Garden Centres.
Floral Displays
Make the most of the late summer blooms by creating floral displays and arrangements, just as you would inside your home. Fill green metal buckets and vases with an eclectic mix, with pops of pink, perfect peaches and marigold yellows. British Dahlias, Echinacea, Zinnias, Rosehips together with pink and rust tone Sunflowers are all available from florists now if you don’t grow your own to pick. Arrange your collection of vases of blooms in a group in the centre of a round or oval table. Or along the middle of a rectangle-shaped table. As it’s harvest season, I like to use baskets and bowls filled with apples and small pumpkins and squashes to dot in between my floral arrangements.
Work with What You Have
Garden benches can be used to make inviting daybeds with a clever use of seat mattress cushions and scatter cushions. Simply layer roll out seat mattresses and arrange a selection of cushions. Utilise old ceramic and stoneware jugs to display seasonal flowers. If you fancy a new accessory for the autumn, choose something that works with the on trend cottagecore style. For example, a cushion with a ruffle frill edge or a linen gingham tablecloth. Another big trend for the season is wide stripes, which can be achieved with textiles. My go-to companies for cushions and tablecloths are Projektityyny and Studio Blackwell.
Lights On
Outdoor lighting is a quick and easy addition to cosy up your space. Festoon lights will add a lovely illuminating twinkle. I always use sets from Lights 4Fun. Tea lights and candles scattered on outdoor dining tables add a romantic feel for early evening outdoor dining. Light up garden buildings with pendant lights. I love sourcing vintage glass shades from Lamb & Newt with filament bulbs or classic Anglepoise lamps for an evening glow.
Head over to Selina’s website if you’d like to seek yet more beautiful inspiration. And visit the Alitex website to discover their full range of greenhouse designs.
(Images: Rona Wheeldon | Flowerona)
So so beautiful!! I love it!