Spring is in the Air

Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!"

— Robin Williams.

Springtime, spring, or the vernal equinox refer to the season and ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth - with the promise of blissful summery days in the not-so-distant future.

It's time to get outdoors again, to banish the winter blues, and to re-inject some magic into your garden, terrace, or baclony and make them summer ready. Whether you are in the city, country, or by the sea, albeit an extensive area or a small space, it’s time to start planning these areas for lounging, chilling, feasting - and with vaccinations doing the rounds, hopefully meeting up with family and friends and celebrating life to its fullest. Let's inject some colour, and interest into our precious outdoor spaces.

SMALL BALCONY, NO PROBLEM.

Your balcony is your sacred corner of greenery in the city, where you can admire your favourite plants as they grow.

Italian designer, Fabio Meliota's, reinvention of the traditional planter on legs, looks great and is extremely practical, and features a built-in drainage system. It's also a perfect choice for screening and delineating areas, such as dining and relaxation spaces. The planter is a sturdy steel wire frame with feet and a handle support, a removable aluminium tray that's both lightweight and hard-wearing, and it's easy to move around, so you can adjust the position of your plants as the sun passes across the sky. There are three models to choose from, the long, the high, and the medium, and it's available in 22 colours.

Add space-saving furniture so that you can have friends over for dinner, and make your balcony the place to be this year. I suggest Marc Berthier's 70's designed 'Aviva' fold-up chair, or if you have enough space for a small bench, Luxembourg in Paris, or Monceau's Backless Bench, will do nicely — they also add a splash of colour. Alternatively, add a bit of whimsy with Fatboy's Attackle Bench alongside a dining table or a Bebop Low Table, or a 'Flip' table by Richard Lampert, and you're all set. The Quiberon Side Bar Trolley can hold a tabletop BBQ and all your bits and pieces to conjure up a feast. All are available from www.plaisirdujardin.co.za

GOING UP!

Take planting vertically with climbers—Creeping Fig is prolific, giving a lush green covering to walls. Climbing Jasmine brings a delicious scent and gorgeous white blooms, and herbs will enhance your culinary exploits as well as adding a wonderful fragrance.

Anji Connell

ACID+

www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com

@anjiconnell_acidplus

Bepop Low Table

LIGHT IT UP

Add light to enjoy your space from breakfast till late in the evening, surrounded by nature. Fermob has great outdoor lighting that is rechargeable, connected, plug-in or wireless, small or large, to illuminate your spaces with style and to help to create an inviting ambience. Clé des Champs' 100% knitted cotton throw is perfect for keeping you cosy as you catch the last rays of sunshine while sipping a sundowner to ward off evening chills. Why not mix it up with cushions in the colours carrot and duck blue, from the same collection - they are not only warming, but they are also super stylish and machine washable at 30°C.

MAKE A STATEMENT

Add a sculptural piece as a focal point, an eye-catcher, or place them throughout the garden as magical discoveries that reveal themselves as you wander down a winding pathway. Look at renowned contemporary South African artist, Frank van Reenen's playful sculptural pieces. Diablo's contemporary outdoor furniture doubles up as functional art, and Cape Town-based NØDE craft's textured, functional and super-sleek shimmering aluminium pieces.

Keep cool with an outside shower from Fermob, the Pasaia easy tripod design can be installed wherever you want — the only restriction is that it needs to be within reach of a water supply and a hosepipe.

To disguise unsightly walls, and as a backdrop to planting, or purely for the vibe, commission a mural. Add decoration to a pool with coloured balls or ala Yayoi Kusama, a mass of floating stainless-steel balls — add a chair or even a full-scale dining table and chairs, or even loungers to a shallow pool.

Go wild, be free, seize the day, and update your space as a playground, an accessory to good living, and have fun with it!

Flip Table by Richard Lampert

TREBOL SELECTA EVOLUTION 7