What sort of parasol is right for your garden?

Why do you need a cantilever parasol rather than a regular brolly? I have the answers so keep reading

Regular brollys are so useful, you can chuck them in the boot for a picnic, stick them in the sand on the beach and generally grab them at a moments notice. All useful but for the annoying fact that when your brolly is over your garden table you end up peering around the pole to talk to your friend on the other side, food can't be placed in the middle of the table, and you end up passing items around it again and again.

So what to do? It's time to take a look at a cantilever (also known as banana) parasol. These parasols are off set meaning that the pole is to the side and the huge canopy can hang over a table causing absolutely no obstructions. Handy eh?

Cantilever Parasol

Cantilever parasols can look precarious, well I guess they are if you don't secure them! Securing them is straight forward and actually if you are in a sheltered area not much effort is required on your part. Heavy slabs can be used to hold the base down, or the whole base can be fitted into the actual patio slabs. Alternatively you can screw the base to the ground or bury a pole to drop the parasol pole into. 

The design of a cantilever parasol means that the canopy can be very large and easily moved around to follow the sun, just swing the arm into position, they even tilt. This means that you have a very large shade on hand and in place at anytime of the day and a quick gust of wind is not going to send it sailing over the fence into the neighbours garden.

I think for me though the best reason to get a cantilever parasol is that they just look fantastic. As soon as I put mine up my garden is transformed into a swish terrace that reminds me of past holidays in far away lands.

Don't forget to get a parasol cover for it. The winter months and even harsh summer sun could take its toll so slide a cover over the parasol to keep it in tip top condition all year round.

Happy summer, Laura

What to Consider When Choosing Parasol Covers

Spring is well under way and with it comes longer days and brighter weather, and our thoughts turn to summer. This is the time when many of us start to think more positively and actively about summer, and may start planning summer trips and barbecues. Most people choose to have parasols in their gardens to protect their skin from harmful rays, especially if children are playing in the garden, but it’s also important to have parasol cover too.

Parasol covers protect the parasol from those harmful UV rays and from the harsh weather when the parasol is not in use, ensuring that the parasol lasts as long as possible. When choosing parasol covers, there are a number of things you should consider to ensure that you get the best value for the money and the best protection for your parasol. Read on to find out more

Water-resistant

First of all, one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing parasol covers is whether they are water-resistant rather than waterproof. A waterproof cover will cause condensation to build up on your parasol as temperatures fluctuate. With a completely waterproof material the condensation will remain on your cover and have no way to evaporate, making your cover wet and warm will encourage mould to grow. A water-resistant fabric will resist the worst of the rain whilst still being breathable enough for any condensation to evaporate keeping your parasol dry and in great condition all year

Make sure you protect your parasol with a parasol cover

UV Protected

Another aspect to consider when choosing parasol covers is whether they are UV protected. Harmful UV rays cause both the parasol and parasol covers to fade, shortening their lifespan and causing them to need to be replaced quicker. UV protected parasol covers extend the life of both your parasol and its cover, so you get the best value for your purchase.

Tear Resistant

When choosing parasol covers, you also need to ensure that they are tear resistant. Since the cover is used outside, it’s easy to accidentally snag it on branches or even on the parasol itself. This can lead to water and bugs getting into your cover, causing irreparable damage and leading to you needing a new parasol as well as new parasol covers.

Drawstring Tie

A drawstring tie is another feature of parasol covers that can be easily neglected but are nevertheless an important factor to consider. In windy weather, parasol covers can easily blow away if they are not properly attached. A simple drawstring tie will ensure your parasol cover is securely fixed in place.

If you would like to buy good quality parasol covers, then head over to SpeedwellStar today where you can browse their range or contact a member of the friendly staff.

Protect Your Parasol with Parasol Covers

Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the cleaning of benches and the opening of parasols for relaxing days out in the sun and barbecues. Parasols are a great way of keeping the sun off you to avoid sunburn and sunstroke. This is especially important if you have children, or if you have any conditions potentially worsened by the hot weather. The sun can be dangerous, but parasols help keep you safe.

Unfortunately, however, lots of people neglect to buy parasol covers and come summer find that their parasol is damaged from the elements. Throughout the winter months, rain and wind can damage your parasol, and mould can even grow on it which could completely ruin it. You may also find that bugs and spiders have settled in over the months it has not been used, and might have a nasty surprise when you come to use your parasol! Although it is especially important during the winter months for it to be protected against the elements and the ‘wildlife’, Britain is no stranger to wet summers so it’s just as important to have a parasol cover for the rest of the year too.

On top of this, UV rays can also damage and fade your parasol, leaving it looking old and drab. The last thing you want when having family or friends over for a barbecue is to realise your parasol looks past its lifespan at the last minute! Investing in good quality parasol covers stops this problem in its tracks, as they resist the UV rays and stop it from getting to the material of the parasol itself. Dense, good quality parasol covers extend the lifespan of your parasol, and keep it looking as good as new all year round.

If you have a parasol and would like a parasol cover to keep yours in the best condition possible then visit SpeedwellStar today. Our parasol covers are made from high quality material that is also used on car, caravan and boat covers, so you know it’s going to provide the ideal amount of protection for your parasol. Best of all, there’s free delivery, so there’s no extra charges to surprise you.

Is it time for Britain to Embrace Parasol Covers?

They are all over the place in sunnier climes, and banana parasols are a feature of holiday destinations around the world. In Europe, Asia and beyond, there’s an outdoor dining and cafe culture which we have only recently begun to embrace here. Now we are all becoming acclimatised to the idea of outdoor living and are introducing patio and dining furniture along with greenhouses and conservatories. However, with the introduction of outdoor furniture we need to consider how to protect it and that’s where parasol covers can keep your parasol on tip top condition

We have always enjoyed long days during the summer but as temperatures rise we are all starting to realise the full potential of our gardens. Combine that with some beautiful sunny weather and it’s only natural that the next logical step has been to create useful outdoor rooms

Tables, chairs and even coffee tables and settees have become de rigueur in gardens and back yards the length and breadth of the UK. We’ve learned to embrace good weather and move outdoors whenever we can. Parasols, awnings and gazebos provide shade from the sun and protection from rain showers.

So committed are we as a nation to this new form of outdoor living and entertaining that we have adopted the barbecue with huge enthusiasm. Slowly but surely, the British are becoming more continental

And then, like the bad fairy at a princess’s christening, the Great British Weather does its worst!

This is when parasol covers and dedicated storage areas for soft furnishings really come into their own. Prolonged periods of bad weather could quickly spell disaster for expensive garden furniture. Parasol covers are such a simple and cheap solution to a perennial problem that it seems astonishing that so many people simply don’t bother.

Banana parasols are an expensive purchase but can be maintained in peak condition for years if cared for appropriately. A full length cover taking in all of your parasol and going right down to the floor to cover all the frame work really will keep your cantilever parasol like new. Then you can savor that first time you remove your cover in spring on a lovely warm day looking forward to the long summer days ahead (and knowing you wont need to contend with the creepy crawlies that normally hide in the parasol)

Lola & Benson cool off after a dip in a very muddy stream near the office

Why not have a look at our huge range of useful and practical covers, including many parasol covers? From boats to mobility scooters, we stock a huge range of practical and inexpensive methods of protecting your possessions from the vagaries of the British weather

Why 6x8 greenhouses are the secret to a perfectly tidy garden!

If there is one thing that can stress out keen gardeners, it’s a cluttered garden. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your garden just looks messy and untidy, and it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to tidying things up. You need to invest in a few things if you want to stay on top of the state of your garden

One of the most useful items for your garden has to be a 6x8 greenhouse in order to make sure that all the gardening equipment stays where it should be. This is the perfect place to grow seedlings and tend small plants as it provides a warm sheltered environment for them to grow. It is also an ideal place to store small pieces of gardening equipment such as flower pots, plant labels, plant food and seedling trays. Having a handy place to keep all these bits and pieces means that they won’t end up scattered all over the garden, and you will also be able to use your 6x8 greenhouse as a base from which to work.

6x8 Greenhouses help keep a tidy garden

It’s a good idea to have shelves in the greenhouse so that you can keep things ordered and tidy. You'll also save your back if you're not bending down every five minuets. Make sure that every corner of the greenhouse can be accessed at all times and avoid the temptation to throw things in without properly storing them.

There are plenty of other garden accessories that will help you keep your garden tidy. For example, parasol covers will help to protect your parasol when it’s not in use and they will make sure that it doesn't flap about in the wind. It will also help to keep the parasol clean and free of mold and mildew. Outdoor storage boxes are also a very helpful addition, and of course no garden should be without a dedicated place in which to keep barbecue tools and accessories.

If you are interested in investing in 6x8 greenhouses then you need to speak to the experts at SpeedwellStar. They are the market leaders when it comes to greenhouses

Protect your parasol & barbeque with quality covers from speedwellstar

Don’t let your garden furniture go to waste this winter. Protect your parasol & barbecue with Speedwellstar’s parasol & barbecue covers and kick start summer next year

Winter is approaching which means, for many of us, months of neglecting the garden. What many of us fail to recognise is that abandoning our garden all through winter will only effect the enjoyment of it come the warmer seasons. A neglected garden will need far more TLC once summer approaches and this will cost money, time and effort. Make a sensible and practical choice this winter and take care of your garden all year round with garden products from Speedwellstar. With our range of parasol & barbecue covers, you can take care of your parasol & barbecue and take off where you left off next summer!

Summer time brings us so much enjoyment in our garden. If you enjoyed a summer of BBQ’s and garden parties sat around your garden table and chairs, you will be looking forward doing this again next year. Summer days and nights spent with family and friends in the garden are hard to beat. Appreciate what your garden gives you and take care of it through winter so you can start creating these memories again as soon as spring & summer approaches. Your barbecue important part of your garden furniture and a get together wouldn't be the same without one. Don’t forget about it through winter. Purchase a quality waterproof & breathable BBQ cover from Speedwellstar and be worry free throughout winter.

With a parasol cover from Speedwellstar, you are looking after your garden furniture without making any effort or wasting time. Simply place the parasol cover over the parasol, then leave it all winter long. When summer comes along, simply take it off, and be amazed by the fantastic job our parasol covers have done at protecting your parasol. What you will have is a dry, clean, ready to use parasol. Our banana parasol covers are made from high performance polypropylene material which provides UV protection, is waterproof and breathable for even better protection.

Parasol covers from Speedwellstar really are the smart choice this winter. Without one, the alternative is more time, more cost and more effort. Picture trying to put your parasol up after a harsh British winter if it hasn't been protected throughout the winter months. What you will have is an unpleasantly damp, dirty, mildew stained, weather beaten parasol covered in unwanted bugs! Or your barbecue, damp, rusty, dirty, not an inspiring sight for a bit of culinary magic! The time and effort it will take to clean and get them back to their original state is ridiculous compared to how much easier it is to use one of our parasol covers or barbecue covers. Don’t waste money on brand new garden furniture when it can look as good as new as soon as summer comes.

I don't have any wintry parasol or BBQ cover type photos so I hope you enjoy my photo of Benson. Half of the doggy team at Speedwellstar!

To find out more about our garden products, click here

Protect your plants this winter with 6 x 4 greenhouse

Don’t let the winter frost ruin your gardening efforts from the summer. Protect your plants with 6x4 greenhouses

Those that are not keen gardeners will not understand nor appreciate the hard and time consuming task of creating beautiful gardens and healthy plants. Home owners through-out the UK will have spent hours and hours this summer cultivating, pruning and watering their plants and gardens. As is often the case, you get out what you initially put in and gardening is no exception.

The wonderful weather here in the UK this summer has allowed plants to thrive and gardens to really blossom. However, summer is always short lived. It won’t be long until we are reaching for our winter coats and donning hats, scarves and gloves. Don’t let the winter frost damage your hard work from this summer; invest in 6x4 greenhouses to protect your plants this winter.

Once the frost arrives, your beautiful plants will become limp and blackened. Surprisingly, even hardy plants and tough evergreens can be damaged by prolonged spells of severe frost. The cold weather causes the soil to freeze and so the plant roots are unable to take up the water which results in the plants dying due to lack of moisture. It is therefore highly advisable to protect your plants to attempt to minimise the damaging effects of the cold.

Whilst 6x4 greenhouses create fantastic growing environments during spring and summer, they are also ideal for nurturing plants during the winter season. All pot plants should be moved into the greenhouse, however, it is not always possible for all plants to be grown in pots. Take cuttings of plants that cannot be transferred into pots so that these can be grown in the greenhouse over winter, ready for planting in spring.

Keep your plants warm through autumn & winter

For more information on our 6x4 greenhouses or 6x6 greenhouses, just pop to our website. It is also worth noting that it isn't solely plants that are damaged by the frost during the winter months. Ensure that your patio furniture is also protected. Browse our website for covers, including parasol covers, & barbecue covers to protect your garden furniture ready for next year’s summer months