If you haven't logged onto Re -Found Objects yet, then you're in for a real New Year treat. In November 2003 they set up a small work shop in a filling station in Corbridge, this grew into a mail order business in May 2004. Today, they're a unique site offering lots of Re-stored, Re-cycled and Re-vitalised products for your home and garden. This decorative shelving is 100cm long and costs £19.50. But what I really want are their vibrant paper balls and bells from £3.50, their size and cheerfullness would make you smile even on this very chillly day.

Posted by Carole

I just love the whole life that the Graham and Green catalogue presents. As that is a mere dream, I'll buy a part of it with these lovely hand made bamboo lamps from £13.50 to £36.50. While you're there, look lovingly at their dusty grey French garden furniture. It all screams wine and sun to me.

Posted by Carole

Now this is a stylish child's cow print tent. Its technically called a Gelert Quickdraw and for £31.49 it .. 'Pitches in a couple of seconds, has pre-attached guy lines, is made out of shell polyester / PU coating...has 1 door, 2 air vents, is 110 cms (H), (W)105, (D)225 and weighs 2 KG'. Phewwww, you can get all of this and more from Argos and it comes in a leopard print too.

Posted by Carole

If you know the kids are going to be on a chocolate high over Easter, then maybe making this Urchin bird treat will be a necessary calmer. This 'award-winning' bird house is well designed in that the pieces do fit and everything you need is there. It may cost £14.99 but will bring everyone hours of tweeting pleasure.

Posted by Carole

I just love these birdballs and am delighted that they now have a wall mounted version of this elegant dwelling. It's handmade in clay and its spherical shape offers protection from nature's intruders, and will encourage small garden birds like Coal tits, Marsh tits, Blue tits and Great tits to nest in your garden. Pay your £34 to the Urban Garden and then watch the birdies.

Posted by Carole

If you want lust after some stunning interior and garden products then log onto Atomic Interiors based in Nottingham. These picnic deck chairs are designed by Jose. A. Gandia and don't have a fixed price. You need to email them to enquire - how exclusive (pricey) is that. If you want to know why flick through their list of who's who in the design world and you'll know why they only stock and champion the best.

Posted by Carole

As our house is still a mess of boxes and paper, I'd like to own this bobbin string just so I could pretend that there was order in some part of my life. £16.50 would buy me this antique bobbin with brass fittings and fllled with a large ball of twine in either red, green or natural. There are quite a few desirables at Willow and Stone which would give any girl a sense of calm and order in the midst of caous.

Posted by Carole

This brazier would have me collecting branches on the way home from the school run, just so I could set it alight in the evening and watch it burn. This modern fire bowl from Hunter Pole is made from hardened black steel , has a safety cover and measures 62 H Cms x 75 Dia Cms. It costs £69.99 and demands that you ditch the tv for an exciting evening of toasting marshmallows and fire watching.

Posted by Carole

So far my shabby straw bird box has attracted zero interest from our feathered friends. But how could they resist this contemporary and stylish terracotta birdball for £29.95 at the Worm who turned website. If that doesn't appeal to them, then how about an outdoor wreath made from apples or a metal feeder which you skewer fruit to - lovely site and lots of inspirational Christmas ideas.

Posted by Carole

Hanging out your washing seems to be going out of fashion in Leamington Spa. So maybe these bird clothes pegs may be stylish enough to tempt you away from the tumble dryer? Plus you can say you purchased 25 of them for £6.50 from the very stylish French sisters, Bodie and Fou. At that price you'll feel forced to reconnect with your washing line.

Posted by Carole

As water butts go, this must be the most attractive looking one around. It holds 36 litres, costs £60 and is also available in a subtle cream. The Garden Trading company also have an extensive range of enamelled products, a great herb dryer fo £20 and a charming seed box, which would make a great gift. All Lisa Stickley fans will also be pleased to hear that they've opened a shop with the textile designer in Clapham.

Posted by Carole

These cheerful flexi trugs are almost too good for the garden. Then again it is Autumn and any colour in the garden is appreciated. In fact Crocus have lots of ideas for this time of year including a leaf vacuum cleaner and shredders. But splash out a mere £8.99 and gathering the leaves will be much more colourful and fun.

Posted by Carole

Well this pocket garden would make a great small gift or thoughtful alternative to a card in the post. You can get hot chililes, lavender, organic garlic chives or coriander for £3.95 from John Lewis. Do let me know if they actually grow as all miniature plants have previously died on me.

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

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

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

Bored of looking at lots of garden sites, which all have taken on a familiar feel? Then log onto Beth Stevens for some classy and hot coloured furniture and some quirky watering cans. This fuscia pink Louisiane bench comes in 2 lengths and just about every colour you can imagine. Costs from £260 and will guarantee a splash of colour whatever the weather.

Posted by Carole

I could spend hours staring at this mesmerising double helix sculpture from Iota Garden. It's no dainty effort standing at more than 10 foot high and costing a reasonable £550. So if you've had a bonus or been left some money, then this will provide a lifetime of pleasure watching the flourescent orange paddles catch the sun. Saying that a drop of rain wouldn't go amiss right now, especially as we've just thrown down some lawn seed - I'll start praying now.

Posted by Carole

Having only completed one speed-dash around Ilva, I feel I may need to return soon. So will drop by and look at this seductive little black number. The Mambo sun chair begs come and recline and relax. Costs £140 for some heavenly summer moments.

Posted by Carole

These Indigo wind lights would add a romantic and soft touch to sitting outdoors in the evening. They are in fact North African bottles with hammered metal lids and are available from Plumo for £49 for a set of 3. If you are into very individual and highly decorative jewellery then this is the site for you. Then tucked away in the middle you'll find some great picnic baskets and a French enamel thermometer with a birds nest keyholder. Quite an eclectic romp with some great chintzy bits and bobs.

Posted by Carole

Labour and Wait is a surprising success story. A shop specialising in ordinary old fashioned products that exists as a thriving East End shop and a bustling online presence. This £18 oak twine stand is typical of their well selected products, practical and durable and guaranteed to outlive me. They have an enviable collection of enamel pots and pans along with dustpan and brush sets which are timeless classics. Never have everyday objects looked so good.

Posted by Carole

Or the 'Nodding onion' -yes- that's the name of this little allium Summer beauty. I'd like to buy lots of plants from the red hens nursery. They have a really earthy and local site, there's nothing frilly or fancy about it, just clusters of bulbs (7/8) for around £2.50 plus postage. Where else could you buy environmentally friendly plants that have never seen a pesticide, fungicide or herbicide in their seedling life. Not sure they'll survive in our garden without drugs and chemicals - but worth a try.

Posted by Carole

What an inspired, postable and ecological idea for Mothers Day on March 18th. Log onto trees2mydoor and select which tree you think your dear mom would like to receive from £24.50. They'll pop it in a reusable joute bag with a care guide and card. This will be posted in a biodegradable cardboard tube along with messages of love, spring and wisdom. Whatever the occassion they have a tree to inspire and create a lasting memory. I can think of quite a few few people who'd like to receive a crab tree, it's long been associated with finding future lovers.

Posted by Carole

Urban Garden has to be my current top garden choice. It has a great range of stylish outdoor products, all well presented with clarity and easy navigation. Their furniture sets start at £135, this is their top end Tomas oval shaped table with 4 curved benches for £1199.00. It's made from terrazzo, a mix of reconstituted marbel & granite, cement, sand and water, then hand polished to give it a smooth and silky surface. It's too good to be left sulking outdoors.

Posted by Carole

I'd really like/desire these grown-up secateurs in their smart leather case. I've managed to lose, rust or break quite a few to date, so I'd treasure this pair. They cost £20.95 from Earthworks a site which like it's products is practical and efficient with a well-made feeling.

Posted by Carole

I used to be very snobbish about artificial flowers, but given the fact that they now can look pretty real and the big fairtrade question - I may have to to rethink my position. This Phalaenopsis Orchids Bowl
looks and sounds credible for £15 from Marks and Spencers - sounds fair to me.

Posted by Carole

You're going to see a lot of bird houses on this site as I just can't resist them. For £13.50 you can provide a stylish and colourful home for your feathered friends courtesy of the Garden Trading company who also have a huge selection of vintage style enamel goods and utensils for in and outdoors.

Or forget your twitching and switch to drinking given this glorious weather. This glass carrier comes with 6 vintage glasses for £30, and means no spillage and a handy display piece to boot.

Posted by Carole

If this summer is the shape of things to come, then maybe it is worth investing in some really stylish outdoor furniture. So ditch your tin of linseed oil and order this vibrant ploof two seater, designed by Phillippe Stark. The sofa could be yours for £417 or the armchair for 244, all from that lovely Nottingham shop Atomic Interiors . Plus it comes in lots of gorgeous colours, is made of polyethylene and has anodised aluminium legs.

Or how about these beautiful Soft Eggs chairs, also designed by Philippe Starke. Stackable and suitable for in or outdoor use, cost £76 and are available in ivory, yellow, orange or dark grey. Out with the wood and in with the longer lasting plastic fantastic.

Posted by Carole

The Modern Garden Company really are just that. Their products ooze design, sculpture and clean lines. It's the frst time they've launched an online Summer catologue, so take a peek at these vibrant lacquered aluminium chairs, from £109 - £229.

Or treat yourself to this stunning bench designed by Robin Day. It's made of polypropylene and steel, is available in green or white and costs £577. This bench is way too beautiful to leave outdoors.

Posted by Carole

Russell Pinch has a great eye for detail, beauty and the creation of pieces which will be collectors items in the future. This twig bench and cube made from copiced hazel can be found at the elegant and simple Pinch design website. It was originally designed for Neals Yard remedies head office in Dorset. Now you and I can have this organic bench for £1050 or cube for £550. Never have twigs looked so good.

Posted by Carole

If this rain continues I will be forced to buy myself a pair of these stylish wellies from £24.99 from Wellie Art. They are determined to make this prolonged damp spell a bit more bearable with their wild and imaginative rain accessories. Your wellies and brollies can also be moving art with a selection of art impressions from Warhol to Degas embossed on your wet gear.

Or you could order an emergency pack of ten ponchos for £5.30 (in bold single colours) or this fetching George Cross poncho for £7 for a pack of ten (man thankfully not included). Not sure that Tescos will approve of them, but it could prove handy if you're watching the matches on an outdoor screen.

Posted by Carole

Iota is visually a refreshing and contemporary site, with some unusual and stunning water features, planters and outdoor art. This Stainless Steel sculpture is inset with transparent coloured acrylic panels and for £500 (per column) would add some instant colour and magic to your garden. Iota also have really vibrant orange planters and should your garden be a tad on the small side, fantastic sheets of polished stainless steel which will immmediately double it's size - for £95 that's a great size solution.

Posted by Carole

Who needs to get away if you have an outdoor lounging area like this? La Redoute's AM.PM has lots of exotic stuff like this Paco divan base (£239) made of hand woven water hyacinth (how exotic is that?) which would work just as well indoors.

Posted by Ros

Jardinique is a specialist outlet for Garden & Architectural Antiques and Garden reclamation together with garden ornaments. This wrought iron garden seat is not only practical but also quite a beautiful feature to have - that's presuming you have a tree which you can wrap it round. It measures 180 cm in diameter and costs £950 - not cheap but might be worth skipping a holiday so you can have a permanent seat to view your garden from.

If your view is spoilt by your big green composting bin then for another £130 you could also purchase their composting bin disguised as a beehive and while you're at it they have a great selection of wooden trogs and leather tool rolls to keep you busy filling it up.

I want to order so much from Primrose London it hurts. Should I go for the flower screen, a bargain in my mind at £49.95 or maybe it should be the tranquilty corner arbour? Don't make the mistake I did and think Primrose London meant Primrose Hill and therefore very chic and very very expensive.

This family run company are based in Reading and have a well sourced and priced collection of beautiful and well crafted furniture, gazeboes, fencing, lighting, woven willow.... I defy you not to find something to bring some Spring cheer to your garden or balcony. If in doubt you can always call them and arrange a visit to their warehouse - just to check the goods are for real.