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More than ever, we are recognising the value of our gardens as outdoor rooms. The nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping, but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon the garden until next summer. Alongside modern inventions like the mighty patio heater, antique lanterns are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere
Let there be light
The role of lanterns throughout history is well-illustrated in books, folklore, and illustrations. They are one of the oldest forms of lighting in the world, with the first recorded lanterns dating to the Han Dynasty in ancient China.
From the lanterns sailors used in the 18th Century, lit by whale oil, to the electric ones used by police officers from the late 19th Century to fight crime in the dark, these versatile objects have long been indispensable to humans. Throughout their long history, lanterns have used animal fat, candles, oil, gas, and finally electricity.
Some antique lanterns originated in a street environment. Scotsman William Murdoch invented the coal-fuelled gaslight in 1802 to try and make street lighting more efficient. Five years later, London had its first gas-lit road – Pall Mall. These lanterns are often of good scale with a charming sense of history. Whether hung as a pendant or freestanding, street lanterns will bring authentic and unique character to a space.
Antique lanterns for every occasion
Despite immense technological advancement, antique lanterns remain very popular for both indoor and outdoor use. We may no longer rely on these primitive sources for light, as our ancestors did, but they are undeniably very stylish. Lanterns, as décor and as light sources, are perfect for creating an old-fashioned atmosphere.
No outdoor gathering works without some light to see each other by. Lanterns are ideal for creating light at all levels, without it feeling glaring. They come in all forms to suit your setting; they can hang on a chain, sit on the floor nestled by a table, or attach to a wall.
Rain or shine
One thing that hasn’t changed since the 1700s is unpredictable weather conditions, so antique lanterns are often designed to resist the elements. Good materials include toleware, steel, aluminium, copper, and brass.
Meanwhile, antique storm lanterns have a wonderful industrial look and were literally designed to withstand the most extreme weather. Years of exposure to the elements can bring out a fabulous patina in these time-worn objects. Vivid verdigris, burnishing, and tarnishing only adds to their whimsical appeal.
Featured here is just a sample of our lanterns, so make sure you browse our whole collection online.
Read more on lighting...
Forecasted climate projections predict that average temperatures in the UK could rise by 2-6°C over the next century. This stark fact might dramatically change what we currently consider a typical English country garden. We need not sacrifice the beauty of our outdoor spaces, however. Francesca Lawes of Nicholsons explains how to design a more futuristic and sustainable garden.
This article was originally featured on the Nicholsons website.
The rolling lawns and billowing herbaceous borders that are so integral to English garden design today are unlikely to persevere in a warmer climate. Mediterranean plants, such as palms and eucalyptus, might spring up in their place. Adapting to a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate may sound like an ideal scenario for many, but we can also expect far rainier winters. As a result, the future English garden must be tolerant and resilient in the face of both warmer summers and wetter winters.
How can we make our gardens more resilient?
There are some simple steps that we can all take to create a futuristic and sustainable garden design. Firstly, create a good supply of harvested water. You need to also ensure that any irrigation system using this water supply is both conservative and targeted. Growing plants ‘lean’ ultimately leads to them being more resilient. Watering infrequently and heavily will encourage the plant to establish a deeper root system.
You can also prepare your garden for the future by reducing carbon emissions. The simplest way to do this is to cut your reliance on petrol and diesel-powered equipment. Use alternatives such as peat-free growing media for your sustainable garden.
Sustainable garden types
If you are looking to make a more total change to your garden, there are several genius options.
Dry meadows:
Converting traditional lawns to dry meadows is a great approach to sustainable gardening. The naturalised bulbs will extend the flowering period and ensure that water is not wasted keeping a lawn alive in the hotter summer months. A beautiful example of this can be seen at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which exhibits species especially suited to the Cambridge climate. This sustainable garden combines drought-tolerant and temperate species that can withstand long periods without rain in the summer. The final effect showcases soft, naturalistic flowers from spring through to autumn - the majority of which were grown from seed.
Rain gardens:
Rain gardens are likely to become a common feature in the future - especially in dense, urban spaces. Expanding urbanisation combined with increased rainfall during the winter results in increased surface runoff. During periods of peak rainfall, this runoff can cause urban flooding. The design of rain gardens allows them to capture surface runoff from nearby roads, pavements and rooftops. These sustainable gardens reduce the flow rate and clean the water of pollutants. Rain gardens also increase infiltration and percolation back into the soil beneath the planting, returning it to the natural system.
As well as their SuDs (Sustainable Drainage Systems) capability, rain gardens also increase urban biodiversity and create wildlife corridors in otherwise ‘grey’ landscapes. By planting resilient trees in rain gardens, we can also achieve urban cooling to combat rising summer temperatures. Nigel Dunnett’s ‘Grey to Green Scheme’ in Sheffield is a prime example of how impactful such measures can be within an inner city.
In praise of the gravel garden:
Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, pictured above, proves that you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden in even the most barren landscape. Beth Chatto’s gravel garden experiment in a car park is now famous for never needing to be watered.
And yet, we often overlook gravel gardens in the gardening world in favour of other styles. This is a shame because gravel gardens can work at all scales and with any mix of plants. Herbs are suited to the conditions typical of a gravel garden. Herbs provide ingredients for cooking and fill the garden with their scent.
Texture also adds to the impact of a gravel garden, with silver-leafed plants automatically creating a more Mediterranean feel. Leaf colour, texture and form are important in creating the desired look for the overall garden and help create a rich plant tapestry. People often perceive gravel gardens as being barren, dull landscapes with sparse planting that does not provide much colour. On the contrary, you can create the same beauty as a traditional garden full of perennials, with the added benefit of considerably less maintenance.
Beth Chatto's tribute garden at the 2019 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival showcased an abundance of colour, texture and form. Many of the plants were drought-tolerant species, whilst others are able to adapt to prolonged dry spells. These qualities proved invaluable when the garden stood unwatered and glorious for two months during a heatwave. At its heart was Beth Chatto's vision for a sustainable garden: 'right plant, right place.'
As the climate changes, we will have no choice but to change with it. This doesn't mean totally abandoning the English garden style, but rather adapting and evolving it.
About Nicholsons
Nicholsons provides a range of professional services, including garden design, garden construction, garden maintenance, forestry and agriculture. They are based on a 23-acre site in North Aston, and also offer retail services including Rosara Outdoor Style and their Plant Centre.
A skilled garden designer can help sculpt your preferred ingredients into a cohesive garden design. This will deliver more useable space and give your garden a sense of purpose.
Read all of our gardening articles here.
Pergolas, obelisks, and arches make for wonderful focal points in the garden. What could be better than having a rose or clematis scrambling all over them? Regardless of trends, classic garden climbers look as good today as they did 100 years ago. Nicholsons' garden designer Will Beaumont shares his advice on choosing vintage climbers.
This article was previously featured on nicholsonsgb.com.
What can climbers bring to your garden?
Nothing speaks of a quintessentially English garden more than a beautiful wisteria or a climbing rose. Climbers are a huge asset to any garden, yet they are often under-represented in garden design. They provide cover, they flower, they are scented, and they attract wildlife. These plants will add height and texture to an outdoor space and will easily cover a bare wall, a fence, or a building. Climbers have a wonderful ability to soften harsh surfaces and bring colour to otherwise dull spaces. They are particularly useful if you have limited border space, but do have some vertical surfaces that are in need of inspiration. Many climbers are well-suited to growing in containers for brightening up a terrace or other areas where planting directly into the ground is not possible.
Nine iconic vintage climbers to consider using in your garden:
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Climbing Roses
Roses have always been a classic choice for the garden. There are a vast number of rose varieties, all with a sizeable array of properties and catering to a spectrum of tastes. Roses are always a fantastic choice for pergolas and can often spruce up a timber structure. These plants will always lift a space's visual impact from lacklustre to spectacular. Some popular choices include ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ for a vibrant injection of pink and ‘Iceburg’ for a cool white haze. Their aesthetic is particularly effective in a more formal setting, especially against a backdrop of evergreen hedging or topiary.
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Clematis
There are many varieties of clematis. Some grow rigorously, whilst others are better suited for pots and containers. Due to the nature of the larger varieties of clematis, their structure can be fairly dense. This is an advantage for growing this climber against screening or fencing, to soften less subtle features. These plants are another versatile species that cater to a range of needs and tastes. They are particularly effective on ornamental arches, providing a spot of colour and vegetation without totally engulfing the structure. If you are planning on growing clematis over an arch, make sure you choose a variety that is suitable for this purpose.
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Hydrangea
Climbing hydrangeas can tolerate more shaded conditions and will thrive in sheltered and exposed locations alike. Being in shade works to the plant’s advantage, as the plumes of white flowers will make a beautiful contrast with darker surroundings. This is the perfect climber for bringing gloomier areas to life! A note of caution: climbing hydrangeas tend to grow densely and spread far, so be prepared for total coverage of whatever you grow this against!
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Wisteria
Wisteria is a classic feature in British postcard-perfect villages and is often spotted adorning the front of older cottages. The aciniform flowers contrast beautifully against the common backdrop of sandstone found in many rural areas. The robust often contorted structure of the stem adds charm and character to any property. This plant thrives in direct sunlight which means that when spring comes around and their racemes come into bloom, the forms radiate rich colours of lilac, purple and pink.
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Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine)
Contrary to the title, one could argue against the ‘vintage’ classification of star jasmine. It is sometimes considered a more contemporary plant due to its rising popularity in recent times. However, jasmine has an extremely versatile aesthetic and works well in both modern and classic settings. This plant's main attraction, beauty aside, is its intoxicating scent and it is ideal near a terrace or seating area. If you are a wildlife lover, it has the added bonus of being extremely popular with bees and butterflies. Furthermore, jasmine is a highly manageable plant and perfect for smaller gardens.
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Vitis vinifera (grape)
Grapes can be traced in Britain all the way back to the Roman occupation. There are often a great number of misconceptions about the process of growing grapevines and it is not as complicated as one may think. In reality, provided certain conditions are met, it can be relatively straightforward- especially if you live in the south of the country. Well-drained soil, direct sunlight and occasional maintenance are all that is required to grow a healthy vine. Moreover, the outcome completely outweighs the effort if you consider the potential visual impact. Picture creeping vines draped over a veranda or a dining area. Grapevines evoke romantic imagery and will create a wonderfully authentic atmosphere in a garden.
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Pyracantha
All of the climbers on this list grow pretty flowers, which attract insects, but what about other wildlife? Pyracantha’s foliage bears deep red or fiery orange berries (depending on the chosen variety). These berries provide much-desired sustenance for birds and other animals looking to survive the winter months. This species can be trained up walls and will show an effective display of colour across all seasons. You can expect summer blooms, autumn berries and green foliage across the colder months.
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Lonicera periclymenum (honeysuckle)
Honeysuckles (Lonicera periclymenum) are native to Britain and are another fantastic option for attracting wildlife. Their trumpet-like flowers emit a sweet floral scent which is irresistible to many insects. Again, this species also grows berries which means that it’s a perfect plant for anyone looking to increase the ecological value of their garden.
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Lathyrus odoratus (sweet peas)
Sweet peas are a charming addition to any border during the summer months. Mix and match their pastel colours to create a rich palette of elegant tones. We recommend a regimen of pruning and harvesting the flowers. This will lengthen the blooming period and ensure you get the most out of this plant. These flowers are often abundant in the summer and make a stunning, fragrant feature in vases indoors. They also look striking in a potager, winding around a stylish obelisk frame, or in a rustic hazel tripod.
About Nicholsons
Nicholsons' provide a range of professional services, including garden design, garden construction, garden maintenance, forestry and agriculture. They are based on a 23-acre site in North Aston, and also offer retail services including Rosara Outdoor Style and their Plant Centre.
Read all of our gardening articles here.