A beautiful patio is just what you need when you come home after a busy day at the office. Step outside into the garden and catch the last of the sunshine before dinner. Curl up with a good book on a day off. Your own sanctuary right outside!

If your garden is quite small and outdoor space is precious you may feel you don’t have space for a patio area but it is worth carving out a little oasis for yourself in even the smallest garden.

1. Patio Furniture to Suit Your Needs

If you are just looking for a place to relax when you are alone, a single reclining chair is all you need. Make sure there is a soft cushion to fit the length of the chair and get a small side table for your drink and book. If you are looking to buy a whole patio set, make sure that one of the chairs reclines because it’s more difficult to relax in an upright chair.

2. Easy Access

If you can only snatch a few minutes to yourself you don’t want to spend time dragging your recliner out from wherever you store it. Set it up in the garden so that you only need to grab your cool drink and get out there on a nice day whenever you have a few moments to yourself!

3. Some Shade

A tree is great for casting a little dappled shade over your patio and reclining chair for those hot summer days when you really don’t want to lie out frazzling in the sun for too long. If you don’t have the benefit of trees treat yourself to a garden parasol to provide that much needed shade.

4. Flowers and Plants

Make sure that there is always something around you in bloom by planning your planting in your patio area or cheat with potted flowers or plants for a cheerful view every time you visit your spot in the garden

5. Use sound

Although peace and quiet is the effect you want, you can enhance relaxation with the gentle sound of wind chimes or a water feature. Wind chimes can be hung on a shrub or tree. If there is nothing suitable nearby use a shepherd’s hook planted in the ground.