Grower’s digest - May 2019

Hanging around in the garden

Among the on-trend outdoor stylings for summer 2019 are hanging chairs – ideal for a post-lunch poolside snooze or early evening garden relaxation.

French outdoor furniture specialist Hespéride sells this grey Gibraltar ‘egg’-shaped chair for €299.99.

It is 205cm high and guaranteed for two years. www.hesperide.com

Garden shed tax increases

The ‘shed tax’ in France has gone up for 2019, depending on where you live: €854 per m² in Île-de-France (compared to €823 in 2018), and €753 elsewhere (compared to €726 in 2018).

It applies to all development, construction, reconstruction and extension operations of buildings or installations requiring an urban planning permit. This includes garden sheds with a surface area of more than 5m² and a minimum ceiling height of 1.80m, but also verandas and garages.

Fish go loco for coco shells

If you have an aquarium smaller than 10 litres in size, you can now create a plastic and pump-free filtration ecosystem thanks to the CocoGarden, made from recycled coconut shells.

It looks natural and adds a certain zen to your aquarium.

The aquaponic system works best with Chlorophytum, Spathiphyllum and Pothos plants. €24.90 from Truffaut.

Insta-jardins

Social media app Instagram is a brilliant way to enjoy other people’s gardens in France, with everyone from chateau visitors to chambre d’hôtes owners posting seasonal snaps of their gardens (users can search using the hashtag #jardins).

This month’s selection features stunning tulips in full bloom in northern France, courtesy of coeurdeflandretourisme