CONTEMPORARY

The clean lines of a modern garden should be reflected in the furniture. The slatted Samoa table, with bench seats, fits the bill. It is made of steel and Forest Stewardship Council-approved teak; the benches fit under the table, saving space. £595, from John Lewis; 0845 604 9049, www.johnlewis.com

Add bright splashes of colour and create mood lighting with these remote-controlled LED-lit planters. From £230, from Outer Eden; 0116 270 8100, www.outer-eden.co.uk

A quirky option for outdoor seating, the Huge bean bag is made from water- and rot-resistant canvas. £169, from Odd; 01993 830674, www.oddlimited.com

FORMAL

The classic lines of Haddonstone’s cast-stone scrolled bench would suit a manicured, formal garden. It comes in straight (pictured) or curved sections, which can be arranged in various combinations. The company also stocks a comprehensive collection of landscape ornaments, and if you don’t find exactly what you want, Haddonstone will make it for you. £250 (plus £30 delivery), from Haddonstone; 01604 770711, www.haddonstone.com

These imposing square metal planters have a stately feel. They look heavy, but are actually quite the opposite – they are made from a lightweight alternative to lead. Place a potted plant inside or drill holes in the bottom to provide drainage. £56 for the pair (also available individually), from Oka; 0870 160 6002, www.okadirect.com

JUNGLE

The warm tones of this teak-root side table will suit a lush garden. Made from 100% reclaimed teak and crafted using traditional methods, each table has a unique shape. £395, from Raft; 020 8450 5078, www.raftltd.co.uk

The French company Fermob has updated its Dune collection, designed in 1996 by Pascal Mourgue, with this striped version of the Dune chair. The frame is made of powder-coated steel and the high-tech, tear-proof seating fabric is resistant to UV light, rain and mildew. There is also a matching lounger. £106, from Fermob; 01454 416208, www.fermob.com

If the temperature gets too hot, the vintage-style copper shower from Little Book of Furniture is a great way to keep cool. It is easy to set up – simply connect it to a standard hose – and the large shower head releases ample water. You can also use it with a water butt, making it ecofriendly. Being copper, it will naturally oxidise over time. £75, from Little Book of Furniture; 020 7247 4445, www.littlebookoffurniture.com

COTTAGE

This handmade willow bower seat brings to mind images of lazy afternoon picnics with lashings of ginger beer. The chair can seat two and is built to stand the test of time. Scatter pretty cushions inside for best effect. It is made using traditional basket-weaving methods by a Somerset-based company, English Hurdle, which claims that each piece shows the character of the person who weaves it. £550, from English Hurdle; 01823 698418, www.hurdle.co.uk

A traditional English country garden calls for feminine, romantic furnishings. Kate Forman’s Edwardian deckchair brings a touch of old-fashioned elegance to garden lounging. The Roses covering is from Forman’s range of nostalgic floral-print fabrics. A matching garden umbrella is also available. Deckchair £250, umbrella £430 (plus £15 p&p), from Kate Forman; 01962 732244, www.kateforman.co.uk

Explore Gardens

• Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

• Chelsea Flower Show

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