Stylish garden products

Now that it's actually light by the time I leave my house for work in the mornings, I'm getting serrrriously excited about summer. Okay, so it's still teeth-chatteringly cold outside, but at least I get to see my roof terrace in daylight on days other than Saturday and Sunday.


In anticipation of the two balmy weekends we may or may not be granted in August, I've begun delving into the gardening-related emails already flooding my inbox. Here are three things I'll definitely be snapping up:


Vertigro from Claude Lester

The Vertigro allows people with limited space or paved urban gardens to join the increasing number of Brits growing their own fruit and veg. Just plant your plug plants into the sandwiched grow bags, place in the sun and you're good to go! The Vertigro costs £300 and is launching on March 18 at the Edible Garden Show at Stoneleigh Park.
Vertigro.co.uk
 

Wall art from Gardman

Sometimes flowers just aren't enough – or so says Gardman, which has just released a gorgeous collection of 'wall art' including classic dragonfly ornaments, quirky star sculptures, leaf-print paintings and elegant clocks.
Gardman.co.uk
 

Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood

This is a fantastic product for anyone who's eager to join the 'grow your own' planting revolution but is nervous due to a lack of gardening experience. Choose exactly which vegetables, salad leaves and herbs you want to plant and you'll be sent a package (starting from £39) containing just what you need to get started – plus you'll receive weekly emails from TV and radio guru Pippa Greenwood telling you what you need to do that week. There's even an online advisory service in case you have questions.
PippaGreenwood.com

Weirdest piece of Royal Wedding merchandise ever?

Long before Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their plans to marry, designers in every sphere, from fashion to homeware, were feverishly working away to produce Royal Wedding-related paraphernalia.

The moment the engagement was announced, the onslaught of themed products began – and when the date was set for April 29, levels of MR (Merchandisis Ridiculosis) hit fever pitch.

My inbox has not escaped unharmed. I've been bombarded with everything from the ubiquitous Royal Wedding tea towel and crockery offerings to more obscure items like shower caps and cushions (which will surely lose their novelty by, oh, April 30?)

Anyway, while some may say I'm too cynical – and ok, let's face it, who doesn’t love a jaunty shower cap? – an item at which even the most ardent royalist would widen their eyes in horror has just entered my radar.

Find out what it is here: bizarre Royal wedding merchandise

New Homes Bonus to boost affordable housing

Grant Shapps has announced a new scheme to encourage councils to build new houses.

The latest property and interiors news

I have been a bit lax at updating this week so here's a quick lowdown on what we've covered so far:

Opinion poll on UK house prices

Guy Ritchie's squatters are evicted

UK house prices increased 3% in February 2011

Homeowners are unprepared for interest rate rises

Results of our celebrity neighbours poll

Halifax offers £500m compensation to mortgage customers

Algarve property prices drop dramatically

Keep checking AboutProperty.co.uk for all the latest housing and home scoops!

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Thanks and have a lovely weekend.

Competition launches to find the UK's best amateur interior designer

The competition has been launched by Linda Barker for the Ideal Home Show - what a great opportunity for budding designers. Find out more about the Ideal Interior amateur interior design competition.

Come Dine With Us!

Well, okay, you don't have to, but if you were thinking of having friends over for dinner this weekend, let us warn you now: hosting a dinner party is a veritable minefield. But fear not: AboutProperty has just published a guide on how to prepare your home so it's guest-critic-ready. Bon appetit!