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Summer’s Last Hurrah - A weekend with Pip Probert at BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair
As summer comes to a close, we welcome the use of a garden all year round. Last weekend we spent some time with garden designer, Pip Probert where she showcased a feature garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair. Within this blog, we will highlight the use of your garden during autumn and the colder months, along with how to create the perfect garden for you featuring Charles and Ivy. Charles and Ivy composite fencing in the spotlight When Pip asked us to feature in this garden, we knew that the end result would be an amazing way to showcase our product whilst creating a practical garden that you could recreate at home. Our Composite Aspen Fencing was used as a border as well as a backdrop. The slatted fencing allows light to flow whilst still providing privacy within your garden. Over the weekend, we caught up with Pip to ask her some garden tips and tricks along with some insights into ‘Summer’s Last Hurrah’ feature garden. ‘So Pip, why did you choose to work with Charles & Ivy Fencing again?’ “I love using products because there is such a range of patterns and colours that it doesn't matter what the scheme is, I can always find something that fits.” ‘Could you explain the concept of the garden?’ “The idea is that there's lots of bright colours. To make those colours really stand out we went for a really dark coloured backdrop so the fence meant that there was quite a large amount of material. It's not too heavy so you have got some gaps that come through, but it's heavy enough to make everything else just really pop and stand out.” ‘We’re so pleased to be at BBC Gardener’s World Autumn Fair, why do you think it’s important to design a garden for the whole year and not just for summer?’ “This garden really brings out the colours of autumn with the oranges and the yellows, but we also generally think about the garden in terms of the summer. And as we go into the autumn and the colour starts to change, the black backdrop is just going to make those oranges, reds and yellows all stand out really really well. Also, with Charles and Ivy Fencing, they’re the perfect product going into the winter season. You don't have to oil them and stain them - they look good all year round!” ‘Pip, why is fencing such an important element to the gardens?’ “Fencing is so important for any garden but to have it as your boundary, as your backdrop, it's not only a functional practical backdrop it's actually a sculptural one so therefore you’re bringing in something at a really good cost to make sure the garden is really different and unique and quite special.” ‘And why is it important to you that our composite fencing requires no maintenance and ultimately will still look amazing in 20 years?’ “All of my clients are after low maintenance gardens and the best part about these products is that they've got a 20-year guarantee and you don't need to paint them, stain them, maybe a little bit of cleaning with the jet wash and that's all you have to do!” ‘Whilst we’ve been here looking at this lovely garden, we’ve noticed that there’s a blend of modern yet traditional styles all happening at once. Can you explain why you’ve designed the garden in this way?’ “As a designer, I like to work with quite contemporary designs. I like the hard landscaping to be quite minimal and the materials in the main structures to stand out in their own right but not take over the planting. It is a slightly different feature that's a little bit more traditional but, against this backdrop of slatted fencing, it just blends everything in and overall we've got quite a contemporary look." ‘We have noticed that you’ve chosen two different heights of fencing, why is that?’ “In this garden, we've got a fence set of two different heights and that's so that the main seating area is a little bit higher. I feel a little bit more enclosed and a bit more private but as we walk out into the main bit of the garden the height drops and that's so that we can see out. We can use the borrowed view and the backdrop beyond. It's also not too overpowering and I don't feel like I'm hemmed in.” ‘Finally, we wanted to ask, what made our slatted fencing stand out to you? We have such a wide range of styles and colours, what was it that drew you into our Aspen Fence?’ “Slatted fencing is really popular at the moment and that's because, although you've got the privacy, it's not too dense, it's not too overpowering - it works really well as an internal boundary so you can get glimpses of the garden beyond and be enticed to go into the next area. You do have that privacy and that kind of arms wrapped around you to make this a quiet secluded area within the exterior of your home.” It was so much fun to catch up with one of our favourite garden designers at the Autumn Fair! Highlighting the best tips and tricks for you to design your perfect garden this season, if you’re unsure where to start, make sure you take a look at our samples to make that all-important decision. Exclusive to Charles & Ivy, shop composite fence panels today.
Prep your garden for the Bank Holiday With Charles & Ivy
As the Bank Holiday is right around the corner and the weather is finally feeling and looking brighter; here’s everything you need to know about Charles & Ivy’s Composite garden solutions to prepare for the Bank Holiday! Whether you have a small quaint, already picturesque patio or a complete, blank canvas you’re looking to take to the next level, Charles & Ivy have you covered this Bank Holiday. Fencing Are you tired of looking at your old, weathered fencing which could do with some TLC? Look no further! We have a quick and easy upgrade for you to elevate your garden for the season ahead. Select 1 of 11 colours to completely transform your garden. Exclusive to Charles and Ivy, our Composite Fencing is completely weatherproof, UV-protected and won’t fade in the summer sun. Have your garden looking brand new within an instant. In 7 heights and an array of styles, create a beautifully bespoke feel to the exterior of your home. Moreover, add the feel of privacy and security with long lasting, luxurious Fencing. Decorative Screens Find an instant garden makeover hack with our Composite Decorative Screens! Made to immediately uplift your garden and add a new sense of style to your outdoor space. Our Trellis Decorative Screens are the ultimate upgrade if you’re looking to incorporate some extra greenery to your exterior! Adding screens vertically can create the illusion of a taller, bigger space within your home as it adds another layer to your garden. Another option for a super quick transformation are our Mirrored Decorative Screens. Add further dimension into your garden and create gorgeous patterns from the reflections, helping the sun stay around your garden for longer throughout the summer nights. Composite Slat Wall A Summertime project to help keep you busy throughout the bank holidays and warmer, longer evenings can be a fun and rewarding activity.Charles & Ivy’s Composite Slat Wall. is the perfect solution to adding finishing touches to your home and garden. Why not use this as cladding, the ultimate statement piece on the outside of your home. Alternatively, our Slat Wall completely transforms and creates the perfect outdoor living feature for outdoor gardens, seating areas and so much more! Create endless vibes and settings with a selection of 8 colours to seamlessly integrate a contemporary yet timeless product into your garden. Planters One of our most versatile and stylish products are our Composite Planters. A great way to wow guests and give your garden a whole new feel. Our planters range in sizes, styles, colours and are a great way to personalise your garden. Opt for an additional Wheelbase and you have endless ways to restyle your garden all season long! Create a serene atmosphere with additional Decorative Screens on your planters for a completely private and secluded area in the comfort of your own home! The ultimate reading corner or perfect for entertaining guests, never have to worry about your nosy neighbours again! Along with a season filled with sun, longer evenings and a busy weekend prepping your garden for the season ahead, create the ultimate personal space within your own home with Charles & Ivy. Whether you’re into a modern feel or a more traditional vibe, our products are here to help you give your garden some well needed TLC with products to last a lifetime. From quick DIY projects to summer time jobs in the garden, we’re here to assist you with creating your dream garden space. Exclusive to Charles & Ivy, shop our Composite Products today to have a garden for life tomorrow.
The RHS Urban Show hits Manchester this Spring
Last week, the RHS opened their first urban show in our local City of Manchester. The show celebrated small spaces and city living for plant lovers and green thumbs in the North. The people of Manchester got together to express their love for gardening, planting and transforming spaces from gardens to balconies to create the perfect outdoor oasis. Only a short 10 minute walk from our Manchester Offices - our Marketing team were lucky enough to visit the show. Take a look and discover all there is to offer so you can plan your visit for next year! Gardens There were six Show gardens dedicated to different aspects of Urban Gardening including ‘Beginner Buddies’, helping first time green fingers to find their own, what’s beginner friendly and with how-to start up tips. ‘Garage Gardening’, by Jack’s Patch, found the perfect place for shelving microgreens and mushroom cabinets to pin-point a great way to grow your own. ‘How To Grow Your Own’ by the University of Manchester used a wide range of edibles, ornamentals and propagation side-by-side packed with possibilities, thus using every corner available in your small space. RHS City spaces Jason Williams, AKA the cloud gardener via instagram showcasing his 18th floor balcony space produced 4 balconies to demonstrate the best layout for North, South, East and West facing spaces. Co-designed by Manchester University students, the teams had a budget of £500 to create a mini oasis in the big city. Each garden will relocate back to campus to document the wildlife and crop yield. Jason Williams shares with the RHS: ‘The concept as a whole is ambitious but it is a blueprint of how we can bring a city together. These are not show gardens, they are learning exhibits designed to teach residents, local authorities, retail and developers how we can all improve to make our towns and cities greener.” Taking care of your Houseplants RHS Urban Show was full of houseplants along with the best plants dependent on your space and location! If you love houseplants but are unsure how to look after them, the show perfectly displayed 3 groups of houseplants which needed more shade, more sunlight and humidity. Altogether there were 38 plants ranging from popular to exotic, to suit each and every home. The three categories help us recognise plants should be well looked after and not bought to die months later. This highlights the sustainability of house plants. Shop the show Throughout the show there were stalls, plants, tools and more to shop as fan favourites were showcased all over Depot Mayfield. Whether you’re a truly experienced plant lover or a newbie to the gardening space, everything you need to improve or begin your outdoor oasis was available to shop at the show. This includes caring, growing, planting and so much more! If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at our Composite Planters. Ranging in an array of sizes, styles and optional additions such as Wheel Bases and Decorative Screens to section off parts of your garden or simply create a gorgeous centrepiece. Our Decorative Screens and Mirrored Screens are also great ways to upgrade your garden space. Using space vertically is perfect use of space which will create a visually taller balcony, garden or patio. For experienced garden lovers and green fingers, our Trellis Decorative Screens are an amazing way to showcase your plants and add an extra feature into your exterior space! RHS Urban Show was a wonderful experience and we were extremely excited to hear the news that it was held in our local town of Manchester. We’re super excited for the future of the Urban show and look forward to RHS returning for Tatton Flower Show this Summer for show gardens, talks, tips & tricks and much much more!
Prep your space for National Gardening Day with Charles & Ivy
As National Gardening Day approaches, green thumbs everywhere are gearing up to celebrate their love for all things botanical. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the season ahead. In this guide, we'll walk you through some essential steps to get your garden in tip-top shape for the big day, with a focus on quality products from Charles and Ivy, your go-to source for composite fencing, planters, and more. Assessing your garden space The first step in prepping your garden is to take a good look at your outdoor space. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and any existing landscaping features. This assessment will help you determine the best layout for your garden and identify any areas that may need special attention. Plan your plantings Once you've assessed your space, it's time to plan your plantings. Think about what types of plants you want to grow, taking into account factors like climate, soil conditions, and the amount of maintenance required. Whether you're planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs, Charles and Ivy offers a range of high-quality planters to suit your needs. Their durable composite materials are built to withstand the elements, ensuring that your plants will thrive year after year.Stay tuned for our in-depth planting schedule coming soon! Time to plant! Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden, so it's essential to take the time to prepare it properly. Charles and Ivy's raised planters are perfect for gardeners looking to create their own custom soil blends, providing ample space for root development and easy access for planting and maintenance. Why not try adding Wheel Base Planters? This means your plants are easily accessible and can be moved throughout the day to reach maximum sunlight! You can also add a screen for privacy purposes to create secluded areas within your garden. Finishing touches With the groundwork laid, it's time to add the finishing touches to your garden. Consider incorporating decorative elements like our exclusively designed Decorative Screens for an aesthetic touch, outdoor lighting to enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space or even Fencing to create a cohesive and stylish garden design that reflects your personal taste with Charles & Ivy. As National Gardening Day approaches, there's no better time to get your garden in shape for the season ahead. By following these simple steps and incorporating quality products from Charles and Ivy, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to celebrate the joys of gardening on National Gardening Day!Check out our instagram for even more garden and planting inspiration here.
Give your garden maximum effect with minimal effort this Spring!
Are you searching for modern gardening solutions designed to streamline your gardening experience while maximising your garden's potential this Spring season? Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or just dipping your toes into the world of gardening, Charles & Ivy products are engineered to simplify the process, allowing you to achieve impressive results with minimal effort. Here are some innovative ways you can leverage Charles & Ivy products to transform your garden into a flourishing oasis… Composite Fencing for Effortless Elegance: Enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden while minimising maintenance with Charles & Ivy's composite fencing solutions. Crafted from a blend of recycled materials and engineered for durability, these stylish fences provide the perfect backdrop for your outdoor oasis. Whether you're looking to define garden boundaries, create privacy, or add visual interest, composite fencing offers a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood or metal options. With minimal upkeep required—no staining, painting, or sealing—you can enjoy the timeless charm of a beautifully fenced garden without the hassle. Decorative Screens for Instant Ambiance: Transform your garden into a tranquil retreat with Charles & Ivy's decorative screens, offering a quick and easy way to add ambiance and privacy to your outdoor space. Crafted from durable materials and available in a variety of stylish designs, these decorative screens serve as both functional barriers and artistic focal points. Whether used to conceal unsightly elements, create cosy nooks, or enhance the visual appeal of your garden, these versatile screens require minimal installation effort for maximum impact. Simply position, secure, and enjoy the instant transformation of your outdoor sanctuary. Efficient Planters for Versatile Gardening: Maximise your garden's potential with Charles & Ivy's range of Composite planters, designed to elevate your greenery with minimal effort. Whether you're cultivating a container garden on a balcony, patio, or deck, these versatile planters offer the perfect solution for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables in any space. With additions of Wheel bases and Decorative Screens, maintaining plants has never been easier with the innovative designs of Charles & Ivy Composite Planters. Elevate your garden's design aesthetic with Charles & Ivy's composite fencing, planters, and decorative screens, strategically placed to create captivating focal points with minimal effort. Utilise composite fencing to define borders and frame garden vistas, while incorporating planters to add vertical interest and an essence of privacy in overlooked spaces. Enhance the ambiance further by strategically positioning decorative screens to capture sunlight, cast intriguing shadows, and create inviting alcoves for a relaxing atmosphere. Achieving maximum effect with minimal effort in your garden has never been easier or more rewarding with Charles & Ivy.
Celebrating Mother's Day with your loved ones and Charles and Ivy
As Mother's Day approaches, it's the perfect time to honour the special women in our lives who have nurtured, inspired, and loved us unconditionally. This year, why not celebrate Mum with the help from Charles and Ivy, your go-to destination for composite fencing and garden solutions? Let's make this Mother's Day an occasion to remember by transforming her outdoor space into a haven of beauty and tranquillity. Ways to treat your loved one this Mother’s Day Now Spring is just around the corner, upgrade Mum's garden with durable and stylish composite Planters from Charles and Ivy. Not only does it offer privacy and sustainability, but it also adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor setting. Choose from a variety of designs and colours to complement their unique style. In addition, Take some time out of your day to Plant up bulbs for their garden to bloom in weeks to come! Set up a charming outdoor dining area where Mum can enjoy al fresco meals with family and friends. Use our Wheelbase Planters as dividers for a more secluded feel whilst still enjoying the comfort of your own home. Screens are an amazing way to upgrade the exterior of your home, creating a bright, airy space with a touch of personal style! With 4 colours and an array of designs, you’re sure to find an aesthetic to suit your loved ones' garden. Add to Fencing, Walls and even your shed to spruce up your Mum’s space this Spring. Coming in sets of 3&4, continue the gorgeous patterns and styles throughout her garden! Can't decide on the perfect gift? Mum’s a little too picky? Let your loved one explore all options. From Fencing, Planters, Screens (indoors or out), gates and so much more! With styles and colours galore, Mum can select her own gift to match and suit her own space and style and get in touch with one of our Product Specialists… This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the remarkable women in our lives by showering them with love, appreciation, and thoughtful gifts from Charles and Ivy. Whether it's enhancing her garden with our composite garden solutions or providing her with the tools to cultivate a thriving oasis, we're here to help make her dreams a reality. Cheers to Mum and all that she does!
Elevate Your Garden Game: Spring Prep Tips with Charles and Ivy
As Spring is right around the corner, it's time to revitalise your outdoor space for the flourishing season ahead. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into the soil, preparing your garden with care and attention is essential for a picturesque outdoor space. We’ll guide you through ways to upgrade your garden with C&I products whilst blending sustainability with style. Small Garden Even the smallest spaces take time to look so good! Here at Charles and Ivy we’re here to help you with that… Our composite products have great longevity and minimal maintenance. Why not try our Decorative Screens to add style and a personal touch to your space? In 4 colours and an array of patterns - Charles & Ivy make it super easy for you to make the smallest of spaces feel bespoke to you! Adding Privacy Adding privacy to your garden creates a more comfortable yet modern space - who says you can’t put a personal touch on your garden! Our Composite products offer multiple simple and easy ways to create more of a secluded area for the outside of your home…Using our Decorative Screen Fencing provides style and style while allowing you to create more intimate areas for those Spring time evenings with your friends and family! It’s not always that we crave privacy which is why we created our Large Planters including Screens and a wheel base to provide aesthetic touches or less visible areas in your space! Fencing Are you also bored of Wooden Fencing which just seems to rot and look tired after a few years? Us too! A favourite product of ours is our Composite Fencing. Our Fencing has amazing qualities whilst looking contemporary and sleek on the exterior of your home! Charles and Ivy have Composite and Aluminium Fencing which requires minimal maintenance, including zero painting, completely weather-proof and a 20 year warranty meaning you have a fence for life! With styles from 1-7ft, 8 colours and a wide range of fencing styles and toppers, create a space personal to you. As you embark on your spring gardening journey, let Charles and Ivy create a luxurious outdoor haven. With their innovative composite outdoor products and timeless design aesthetic, you can cultivate a garden oasis that not only flourishes in beauty but also reflects your commitment to sustainability and style. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the earth, and let the magic of spring unfold in your Charles and Ivy-inspired sanctuary. Happy gardening!
New Year New Home with InsuSlat™
Welcome to Your New Year, New Home: Elevate Your Space with Composite Fencing and Interior Slat Walls As the new year is in full swing, there’s no better way to start your new year to spruce up your space. Whether you’re ready to transform your outdoor oasis or it’s time to take that plain living room wall and make a statement, Charles and Ivy have the perfect solutions for you in 2024. Read ahead to see how we can elevate your space and style this year… Giving the exterior of your home some TLC Gone are the days of settling for uninspired fencing options that lack durability and aesthetic appeal. Our composite fencing solutions blend cutting-edge technology with timeless design, providing the perfect balance of form and function for your outdoor space. Crafted from a blend of recycled materials, our composite fences offer unparalleled strength and longevity, ensuring that your investment withstands the test of time with a 20 year warranty with every purchase. Say goodbye to the hassle of regular maintenance – our low-maintenance composite fencing requires minimal upkeep, freeing you to enjoy your outdoor oasis without the headache of constant repairs. Along with durability, our Fencing is the perfect way to keep up with the latest styles and upgrade your home to the max. Let your vision come to life with our Composite options is 7 heights and 8 colours to blend right in with your current aesthetic or new style. Transforming your interior with Slat Wall Panelling Step inside and experience the transformative power of interior slat walls. More than just a design element, slat walls add texture, depth, and visual interest to any interior space, turning ordinary walls into works of art. Our interior slat walls are crafted from high-quality materials, meticulously engineered to deliver both style and substance. Available in a variety of finishes and configurations, our slat walls offer endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to create a truly unique expression of your personal style. On top of style, our InsuSlat™ Wood Panelling was designed with you in mind. Keeping your home warm was at the forefront of our latest interior innovation. Watch your home heat itself, saving the heat escaping from your walls! Dampen out unwanted sounds with Insuslat™, preventing reverberations and echoes throughout your home. Choose Charles & Ivy At Charles & Ivy, we're committed to helping you turn your house into the home of your dreams. With our innovative composite fencing and InsuSlat™, the possibilities for enhancing your living space are limitless. Say goodbye to the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary – Choose Charles & Ivy to discover your new style and turn your vision into your new home.
Heat your home this festive season with InsuSlat™
As winter's chill sets in, transforming your home into a cosy abode becomes a top priority. While traditional heating methods are effective, why not elevate both warmth and style simultaneously? At Charles & Ivy, we believe that heating your home should be an experience, not just a necessity. In this blog, we'll guide you through innovative ways to heat your living spaces using our versatile and visually appealing slat wall, InsuSlat™ Wood Panelling. Say goodbye to bland heating methods and hello to a Christmas filled with comfort and sophistication. Let's explore how InsuSlat can revolutionise the way you keep warm this festive season. Now the nights have taken a cold turn, the one place you want to stay is your sofa… Your living space is the perfect place to install InsuSlat ™. With its great heights and contemporary style, it’s the most ideal way to keep your living space cosy throughout the festivities. With felt backing, InsuSlat ™ will reduce the heat escaping from your home to keep you snug all season long! Our latest favourite style is bedroom living. Having InsuSlat ™ act as a headboard with our half wall style looks simple yet effective. An ideal space to keep the heat in whilst adding a modern look. With our 12 colour options, choose a style to suit your home to add a personal touch and sense of bespoke to your space. Go one step further and bring ambience lighting into the equation. LumiSlat ™ is the ultimate addition to your home, bringing warmth and comfort into your space with our LED battens to add to your InsuSlat ™. Let Charles & Ivy create a cosy yet modern style to your home with LumiSlat ™. Why not upgrade your dining room this season, in time for the festivities? Our staggered Slat design adds a contemporary, luxury feel to your space. Completing the look and impressing your guests with a brand new feel to your dining / entertaining space! Another option for also keeping yourself warm along with your company for the festive occasions. This concludes the styles and rooms where we love to use InsuSlat ™. Creating sleek, contemporary looks for your home with our latest invention has never been easier. Other ways to add new styles to your space include, media walls, cosy corners, stairways and hallways. Each add a unique spin with a hint of a timeless feel to your home. In 5 sizes and endless possibilities, shop our samples and full slat sizes via Charles & Ivy before the 10th of December and transform your home in time for Christmas!
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