Glenn Kelly reviews the best garden accessories for summer
After a scintillating May, the Irish weather has returned to its normal changeable best. However, some meteorologists have been looking into their crystal balls and have assured me that summer will return in the next few weeks.
So, don't fret, don't throw out your swimwear, and keep that parasol at full mast, because the sunny weather may be just around the corner.
To get you in the mood for those sizzling Sundays entertaining your friends, or the terrific Tuesdays making pizzas outdoors with the kids, read on to see just what furniture and tech you need to make your garden the best and most envied in your neighbourhood.
Alps compact modular outdoor sofa set
Dobbies.com €1,660 (All prices from time of writing)
With two stores on the island of Ireland, Dobbies is a great option for everything garden-related, including this six-seater Alps corner set. The set comfortably seats six with super comfy cushions and two separate stools.
The full-size table has been excellent at providing ample space for our family of four and a begging Labradoodle. With some simple cushions and a throw, this was garnering plenty of compliments from our friends at a recent party. It is weather-resistant and washable too, for good measure, just in case that sun disappears.
Keter Store it Out Midi 845L
Dobbies.com €148
If you are garage-less like us, a small shed soon fills up with useful items and rubbish alike, so Dobbies also do a neat storage container, meaning you can put away all those dining set cushions during the colder months, but making sure they remain dry and protected.
Ninja Artisan Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven & Air Fryer (stand optional extra)
Brownthomas.com €299.95
What fantastic pizzas you can make with the new Ninja Artisan oven. Our kids had so much fun making and rolling their own dough, adding toppings and then watching their creations cook in as little as three minutes.
The quality of the pizzas was superb, replicating take-away standards. You have a choice of artisan, thin and crispy, or a number of other bases, and a digital timer counts down to eating time. The oven also doubles as an air-fryer, which is so useful for outdoor dining. Our neighbours were also impressed by the ease of use and the taste - the Dads were super jealous.
Ninja have not stopped at pizzas this summer, and while the oven gets too hot for kids to play around, the brand has come up with the perfect sideshow to keep kids entertained and hydrated while they wait for a Margherita or Pepperoni.
Ninja Slushi frozen drink maker
Harveynorman.ie €399
Undoubtedly, the new Slushi machine is the most fun release of the year so far. I've never seen as many eager kids swarm around a piece of tech before, desperate to give it a go. In fact, the parents were also keen to give it a go. The machine is so easy to use. Just add fruit juice, and the machine uses the sugar content in the drink to turn it all icy and yummy - you don't even need to add ice.
It only takes eight minutes to slushify, and it also makes alcoholic* slushies, which I didn't get a chance to try but undoubtedly will be over the coming months.
DeLonghi Rivelia automatic coffee machine
Arnotts.ie €799.95
Everyone needs a good coffee machine nowadays for when visitors call around, and it is no different in the summer. DeLonghi's newest automatic offering, the Rivelia does everything you could ask for. Making up to an incredible 16 varieties of coffee and milky drinks.
The machine is operated via a 3.5" touchscreen, so the best coffees are literally just a tap away. The real party trick of this machine is the fact that you can swap hoppers. This means you can pop between your favourite two blends, or in my case, switch to decaf later in the day (yes, I am getting old).
I find DeLonghi machines to be up there with the very best on the market and worth the premium price.
Sonos Move 2 portable speaker
Sonos.ie €369
Now that we have sorted out our food and drink, we need to get the sounds just right, and there is no better place to start than with this Sonos item.
The speaker is fully rechargeable and portable, as well as being splashproof, in case anyone gets carried away with the paddling pool. The sound quality here is superb with deep bass and crystal-clear vocals. The app also works really well, and I was able to connect my apps to this in a few seconds.
While it is not the lightest speaker, I was really impressed with the five hours I got on this on one charge with some to spare, so you won't be rushing to plug it in every five minutes. I also think the green looks ace.
Now for the parts that no one usually enjoys: the preparation to get your house and garden in ship shape. But I can guarantee you that these two items from Karcher will have you singing while you work.
Karcher battery rechargeable lawnmower 18-36cm
Karcher.com €449.99
Rechargeable lawnmowers are becoming more and more popular as the battery life now allows for larger gardens to be cut on one charge, and Karcher has taken this to the next level with their own version.
This mower glides effortlessly over the grass. I have approximately 120m of lawn, and it completes the task with some to spare. Cleaning and emptying the large basket is a breeze, and it folds up to allow easy storage.
The charge only takes about 90 minutes as well, just make sure you remember to do it after using, so it is full and ready to go for the next time.
Karcher Window Vac 6 Plus N
Karcher.com €139.99
Whilst I take care of the grass, my wife is forever talking about cleaning our windows, due to the many mini prints our kids insist on putting on them, and Karcher's new window vac appears to meet her exceptionally high demands.
It is a breeze to use and comes with a handy digital readout to let you know how long is left on the charge. The results are sparkling, and even I can carry out the task for some brownie points.
DeLonghi Penguino portable air conditioner
Brownthomas.com €696.96
Now, technically, this is not garden equipment, but if, like me, you love the sunshine during the day but dread the hot nights when you or the kids just can't get a good night's sleep, how about a mobile air conditioner?
We may not have the climate of Spain, but it is surprising how many nights are hot and sticky where you would love a cold breeze to cool you down, and DeLonghi has just the answer.
Capable of cooling a room up to 110m2 and also working remotely, and with the function to de-humidify it really has got all you would ever need to keep you from becoming hot under the collar.
The machine also uses the latest technology to be quite energy efficient, too, so you won't spend a fortune with some infrequent use.
So, now you are all set with the best ideas for your summer garden, all you need is some glasses, plates, cutlery, sunglasses, the weather…oh…and some friends to share in the fun. Enjoy!
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