This isn't in the big Heals summer sale. But then you could afford to splash out £20 on this galvanised herb set. Given the fact that the slugs have feasted on my herb attempts outdoors, then maybe keeping them under my watchful eye will aid their survival.

Posted by Carole

I love these vibrant polyester planters from Cadix. This is a great site for inspirational and trend setting contemporary garden furniture, containers, sculptures and lifestyle in terrazzo, metal, polyester, ceramic and other modern materials. There is every price to suit your pocket, some may depend on a small lottery win.

Posted by Carole

Ok, so this current downpour doesn't exactly inspire you think of the great outdoors. But take a look at this Amalfi furniture from those ever so elegant people at Indian Ocean. It cost £470 and is manufactured in a synthetic, natural looking weave with an aluminium frame and is available in various modular shapes . The Amalfi is available in two colours, sand with sand cushions and anthracite with ecru cushions. Let's just pray now for a little bit of sunshine as I'm off on my first family caravanning adventure.

Posted by Carole

La Redoute is not your obvious outdoor gardening shop -but with their Summer sale currently in full swing, maybe I can tempt you to take a peek. This stylish Asmara coffee table could be used in or outdoors. It's made from solid acacia and finished with a grey alkyde resin - cost £105. Now it's just a case of getting all the bits to go with the table.

Posted by Carole

As we are about to embark on our first outdoor experience we need to get Erin a sleeping bag. This polka-dot pink one for £25.99 from Urchin might just do the trick. Either that or we just zip it up and hope for the best. Alternatively we could check out their family festival listings and attempt another location - we'll let you know.

Posted by Carole

Well if you want a good one-stop outdoor shop, then Crocus is a pretty good all-rounder. Lots of planting advice, gadgets, gizmos and furniture like this Warwick garden set. For some reason this is not to everyone's taste as it's reduced by a whopping £400 to £399.99, plus you get a parasol and base worth over £80 thrown in. I don't know about you but I rather like it -maybe I'm just a bit square.

Posted by Carole

If you're looking for some in and outdoor inspiration then take yourself off to the Grand Designs show this Friday until Sunday at ExCel in London. It's got lots of exciting floral ideas, contemporary garden products, a green garden sponsored by Christian Aid and tons of advice from gardening and architectural experts. Kids under 16 are free, you'll have to pay £14 in advance or £18 on the day -a perfect way to spend a Sunday.

Posted by Carole

I'm definately a decking person rather than a patio one. I'm also into the smooth non-hardwoods rather than the ridged variety. So this pack of 60 smooth or grooved green treated deck boards measuring 480 by 14cm from B & Q, fulfills the brief perfectly. Plus they cost £595.95, as they currently have a 15% reduction on a lot of their products. Be prepared to do the odd power wash - but otherwise enjoy a new outdoor space.

Posted by Carole

Now the sun has finally come out I feel it's safe to discuss tents again. This botanical Eurohike tent is perfect for the weekends away or festivals - not a hardcore mountain effort. It provides plenty of room for two and can sleep up to four, with a porch for gear storage. For £69.99 you can boast about it's waterproof polyester flysheet with a hydrostatic head of 1500mm with taped seams to keep the weather at bay! If this is double dutch to you , then log onto Millets and check out where their next camping show is. I love the hard core outdoor feel of this site -well it feels that way no a non-camper.

Posted by Carole