Key scenes in Hollywood history have often played out around it, some of the biggest names in acting have worked with it and film wouldn’t be the same without it – but it is rarely ever noticed.

Garden furniture is often in the background of shots or resting in the shade of the actor’s limelight. Understandably, it plays a less important role than the Hollywood stars, but let’s take the time to award famous furniture in film.

Award for best garden furniture set

Alice in Wonderland

The mad hatter’s famous tea party is perhaps the highlight Hollywood performance in the world of garden furniture.

The Hatter was never called mad by Lewis Carroll, however the seventh chapter was called “A Mad Tea-party”. Without an outdoor furniture set, the tea party may never have happened.

Award for best garden bench

Forrest Gump

Just as memorable as Forest’s haircut and his box of chocolate metaphors was the trusty garden bench he used to recount his life to strangers.

The park bench has played it’s resting role in many films; introducing many strangers, providing a waiting place for clandestine meetings and of course creating the ‘bench-mark’ for many romantic encounters.

Award for best garden lounger

Sexy Beast

Basking by the pool in the mediterranean sun or simply on the patio at home, what better way to top up the tan than reclining on a sun lounger?

Unlike Ray Winstone in this film though, be sure not to burn yourself to a crisp. Also, be certain that no unwanted guests are due to arrive before relaxing too much.

Award for best bistro set

Shirley Valentine

Garden furniture is built for summer sun and if you’re lucky a spot of romance. Shirley Valentine ran away with her friend to Greece and with a little help from a bistro set for two she found both.

These little tables for two have been the platform of every outdoor cafe performance on the silver screen, and are perfect for coffee and courtship in any garden, courtyard or balcony in the real world.

Award for best garden furniture

Juno

Juno is a pregnant teen with more to think about than garden furniture. Which might explain why she uses the furniture from the lounge as a place to rest in the garden.

Understandably with a bulging belly you might need more comfort and support than a basic plastic chair, but surely a swing seat would have been more suitable.

Large garden furniture cover
Buy now for only £9.50

Garden furniture covers increase your outdoor furniture’s rot and rust resistance. Covers keep your furniture looking great and lasting longer, giving you years more comfort and saving you money.

Covers will also keep your furniture clean, minimising the need for maintenance.

Not everyone has a garage or garden shed to stow away garden furniture during the winter. Even if you do, slinging a cover over your garden table and chairs in periods unseasonal weather is easier then packing your furniture up.

If you still need convincing, then have a look at some of the offers available. Dobbies Summer Sale includes £4 parasol covers, garden bench covers for just £6 and large Gardman patio set covers for less than £10.

Reduce maintenance, increase comfort and save money in the Dobbies garden furniture covers sale now.

Metal theft on the rise

Yorkshire police have set up specialist investigation teams in response to the sharp rise in metal thefts in the region. What started out as a major issue for railways is now spreading to people’s back gardens.

Inspector Jason Booth of West Yorkshire police said: “I am noticing a big increase in thefts we wouldn’t ordinarily see. Garden furniture, barbecues, fridges, dishwashers and children’s trampolines are being stolen from gardens and these are staying under the radar because they are being classed as ‘other theft’, but they are all metal.”

West Yorkshire Police have totalled the value of this year’s metal thefts to more than £1 million and report that March alone saw 600 reported cases. The year so far has seen a 38% increase in metal theft offences compared to the same figures from last year, according to Chief Superintendent Bill Hotchkiss, of South Yorkshire Police. He also stated that “In January this year our figures were around 254 offences per month and they are now averaging around 450 offences.”

According to Police estimates this is a trend not just occurring in Yorkshire but across the nation due to increasing metal prices. The price of copper has risen from a low of just below £3,000 per tonne in late 2008 to a peak of about £10,000 per tonne in early 2011. As a result, thieves are targeting metal in all shapes and forms, whether that’s from railways or back gardens.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: ““Stealing railway cable is selfish and dangerous.” He added: “It is essential we get to grips with this problem because cable thefts are becoming more and more numerous and audacious – for example, gangs of thieves have even dressed up as official workers to get access to sites so they can steal cable and equipment.”

The targeting of homes and railways by metal thieves has a huge impact on communities and families as well as often making it harder for transport services to run effectively.

If you have had any metal go missing recently in suspicious circumstances, please contact your local police station.

For more information on garden furniture theft and things you can do to help prevent it, read our previous post on garden furniture theft.

Dobbies online summer sale - now on

Here are just a few examples of the amazing savings on offer in the Dobbies online garden furniture sale.

Garden furniture sets sale

4 seater furniture set - Save over £300
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Co-designed with the popular magazine, Homes and Gardens, this set mixes contemporary and traditional features into a stunning glass topped round table, four armchairs with cushions and a crank and tilt parasol.

The half price offer also includes a weather proof cover and a 1 year guarantee.

Gazebo sale

Metal gazebos - Save over £200
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The powder coated steel frame can be easily secured to the ground for extra stability and the canopy is shower proofed with a PVC backing.

Right now you can save over £220 on this gazebo in our summer sale.

Garden benches

Garden benches - now under £100
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This solid bench also includes a seat cushion to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience wherever you choose to place it. Buy it now for less than £100, with free delivery.

Garden furniture covers sale

Furniture covers - up to half price
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All our covers are 100% waterproof and are made from woven polyethylene with brassed eyelets and ties.

Flames of passion can flare or fade, depending on your choice of outdoor furniture.

Trying to get two people on an old deck chair, however charming that may seem, will probably end in tears. And as sweet as pushing a couple of plastic chairs closer together may be, there are more seductive options available.

That’s why we’ve put together this lovers’ guide to outdoor furniture:

The bench

Garden bench lovers
Photo by Andy Jakeman

For lovers both young and old, taking the time to sit side by side might be all you need to light the fires of love. With gorgeous scenery to look at and your partner by your side, you may soon find yourself feeling the warm glow of unfettered affection. With a summer breeze always only a moment away, you can sit back and relax and let the cool air fan the flames of love.

The picnic table

Picnic table lovers
Photo by The Alburgh Cottage

Picnic tables not only encourage al fresco dining but plenty of hand holding and a bit of footsy under the table too – making them great for first dates. However, with so much room in between you both, that’s about all that will be happening. If you’re looking for a smooch, it’s probably best not to finish your date on one of these but perhaps retire to a hammock instead.

The hammock

Hammock lovers
Photo by Heather Thorkelson

The hammock is the perfect place for snuggling up and relaxing in each other’s arms. The gentle swinging motion will ease any tension and once you’re in the hammock it’s impossible to be apart. However, it might also be impossible to get out of. So if you want to swing on the breeze without being trapped in a swaying blanket, a swing seat might be a more suitable choice.

The swing seat

Swing seat lovers
Photo by Ken Bosma

A beautiful view, a glass of wine and the embrace of the one you love. All go together perfectly whilst you drift back and forth on the warm summer breeze from the comfort of a swing seat. Ideal for the two of you and a popular addition to the porch, patio or deck, swing seats are a great choice for laid back lovers who want to unwind.

The gazebo

Gazebo lovers
Photo by Corey Balazowich

Gazebos are built for love and make the perfect place for weddings. If you find yourself with your partner under the shade of a gazebo, with your family and friends watching, chances are this will be your last stand as a single person. When it comes to outdoor furniture that’s built for love, you can’t get much better than a gazebo.

Are companion seats the new garden benches? Is one better than the other? We seek to find answers with our review of these popular pieces of outdoor furniture.

There is plenty of garden furniture to furnish families and socialites, but if you like a peaceful place to share with a significant other the options are narrowed. Hammocks are fun, swing seats are luxurious, but if you want a classic garden seat for two – you need a garden bench or a companion seat.

To help you decide which is best suited to you and your garden, we’ve created a brief profile on each.

Companion seats

Wooden companion seat

Traditional wooden companion sets give a formal but natural look to your garden or patio. With some matching garden cushions and a wooden parasol, you have the perfect furniture for afternoon tea.

Wicker companion seat

Wicker companion sets are perfect for conservatories, as the natural woven rattan is great at adapting to changes in temperature and humidity. Many wicker sets are just as happy in the garden. So for a comfortable, natural and versatile place to sit, wicker companion sets are a great choice.

With the individual chairs you get comfort and space, and the integrated table is really useful for resting your book, cake or cuppa. If you get a parasol as well, then you can enjoy your companion set in a wider range of weather.

Garden benches

Wooden bench

For a traditional garden seat it’s hard to beat the wooden bench. Good looking, low-maintenance and hard wearing, the wooden bench will be a welcome addition to any outdoor space.

Metal bench

The open seating arrangement on a bench allows for space when required, but does not prevent a more intimate rest between two. A garden bench also looks fantastic, making it a great garden feature.

Bench or companion seat?

The individual chairs, table and parasol combination of a companion set provides comfort and convenience. But the added extras provide a barrier when wanting to get closer to your companion.

Benches are a firm favourite for courting couples. The informality of the open seating allows for a multitude of social situations. However, trying to balance a cup of tea on a bench can be perilous, and the lack of shade and shelter leaves you open to the elements.

Both benches and companion seats have their pros and cons. No matter what you decide, the pleasure of a place to soak up the sun and scent of flowers, whilst resting beside a friend – is priceless.

Offering a wide range of garden furniture covers, solar lighting and greenhouse accessories, Gardman is one of the UK’s top garden product suppliers.

From screws and twine to lighting and greenhouses, Gardman have something to help you complete whatever garden job it is that you need to get done.

Garden furniture covers

Garden furniture covers

Solar outdoor lights

Solar lights

Growing plants

Greenhouses

For those with more outdoor space, Gardman also produce a range of garden arches and trellis frames that your flowers and plants will just love to get a hold of. Also for the larger plot, Gardman make greenhouses and accessories perfect for your growing succulents all year round.

Bird care

Bird care

All Gardman products are checked and endorsed by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) and meet all the BSA (Bird Care Standards Association) criteria. Most recently, Gardman received two prizes at the Gardening Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) 2011 awards for their bird care products. They have also won the Best Supplier Award eight years in a row from 2002-09.

Garden furniture sets come in all shapes and sizes, to suit every outdoor dining desire.

With such a wide range of outdoor furniture available, it can often prove difficult to make the right choice.

With this in mind, we’ve sorted out some great garden furniture sets to match a range of lifestyles and scenarios.

We hope this garden furniture set selection will help you find the perfect match for your outdoor living.

Courting couples

Bistro set for two
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Perfect for romantic meals for two or a breakfast coffee and newspaper, a bistro set will have you living the continental lifestyle in no time.


Families with children

The ultimate picnic table
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It can happily seat a family of four and still have room to squeeze a few more friends at mealtime.






Late night lounging

A furniture set with fire pit
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If the evening’s chill takes the edge off the ambience, simply start up a fire in the lounge set’s table. Then sit back and relax in the thick padded chairs until you’re ready to call it a night.

The entertainer

Outdoor furniture for family feasts
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The resin weave chairs are sleek in design and the lavafibre table is tough and easy to clean.

If you want to host your friends and family in contemporary style, this furniture set is an excellent choice.

Feasting with friends and family

Garden furniture for feasts
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This Alexander Rose furniture set comes with a rectangular table, 8 wooden chairs with ecru cushions and an aluminium 3m cantilever parasol with base. If you plan on feasting outdoors in style, this super set is for you.

Garden chairs to eat, entertain and relax outdoors

The garden is an extension of your home, and furniture plays an essential part in almost every activity inside and outside.

Garden chairs are the foundation of every garden furniture design, as they give you somewhere comfortable to sit, eat, entertain and relax outside.

Find the perfect place to sit in your garden with our simple outdoor chair guide:

Reclining chairs

Reclining chairs

To this end you could go for the classic relaxer which has a locking system that enables the user to set their own seating position, from upright to fully reclined.

Stackable garden chairs

Stackable garden chairs

Garden armchairs

Garden armchair

Wicker chairs

Wicker chairs

Whether your design references emanate from the art deco period or 1960s chic, you are sure to be able to find something that is not only sturdy and long lasting – but appealing to the eye too.

Hanging chairs

Hanging egg chair

Traditional garden chairs

Metal garden chair

Folding chairs

Folding chairs

Rocking chair

Wooden rocking chair

Whether you are looking for a truly luxurious garden chair or just a fold up stool, the perfect match awaits at Dobbies online garden centre.

Olympic disappointment for Hoy family
Photo by John The Scone

Following a simple misunderstanding, he will now have to watch the games on TV instead.

Bob Kemp, the father-in-law in question, applied for Olympic tickets in the initial UK offer, hoping to see Chris compete in the Olympic velodrome, which holds 6,000 spectators.

With millions of people all wanting tickets, Mr Kemp’s expectations were low, especially as only 25% of the of 6,000 seats were on offer to UK residents.

Much to Mr Kemp’s surprise and joy, on the day the tickets were released he checked his bank balance and found his account had been debited. The amount was equivalent to four cycling velodrome tickets, made out to Olympian Seats.

“He was absolutely thrilled and couldn’t believe it. He sent out emails to the rest of the family letting everyone know of his good luck. He started planning the London trip,” said Hoy. “We were all pleased.”

However, some time later Mr Kemp received an email from the London 2012 organisers notifying him that he was, unfortunately, one of the 1.2 million people who had been unsuccessful in acquiring any Olympic tickets.

After checking his bank account once more, Mr Kemp realised, much to his own disappointment, that Olympian Seats were in fact the manufacturers of the outdoor furniture he had recently purchased. Any plans for trips to London to see Chris race were swiftly cast aside and Mr Kemp’s joyous bubble was unceremoniously burst.

“He got four seats alright, four garden seats,” laughed Hoy.

As Olympians themselves are only allocated two tickets each, which they have to pay for, Mr Kemp will have to console himself with the notion that he is simply one of many millions of people who will have to watch the games from home next summer.

However, had he bought his garden furniture from Dobbies, at least he could have saved himself the confusion over the name on his bank balance!