A gardening expert has revealed her top tips on achieving ‘class’ in your garden ahead of the summer months and hosting season.
While keen gardeners will have their lawns and flowerbeds in good shape, accessories and statement pieces can also be utilised to give outside spaces a sleek, timeless feel.
Clair Albone, gardening expert at Wickes, revealed to the Daily Mail her top tips for creating elegant and practical gardens that will impress guests.
‘In 2026, our gardens aren’t just an area at the back of our homes – they’re outdoor living rooms,’ she said. ‘A ‘classy’ garden is all about intention: every piece, plant and accessory earns its place.’
Clair’s advice comes after self-proclaimed arbiter of class, Nicky Haslam, revealed a list of gardening items that made outside spaces look ‘common’.
Among the items on 86-year-old Haslam’s hit list were the once-revered fire pit, in which many wealthy people with big gardens once rushed to invest.
He also took aim at flowers such as red roses and rhododendrons, plus flowers of a yellow hue – however in contrast, he revealed he adored white foxgloves and white pansies.
In light of socialite Haslam’s garden rules, Clair has shared the items homeowners should invest in to give their gardens a ‘classy’, timeless feel that will make guests feel welcome this summer.
Clair Albone, gardening expert at Wickes, has revealed her top tips for curating a ‘classy’ garden – including statement pieces worth investing in (pictured: rattan furniture)
Statement furniture
Clair believes the most stylish gardens are centred around timeless statement furniture that acts as a focal point.
‘Think neutral tones, beautifully treated woods, sumptuous rattan, and sleek weather-resistant metals – materials that don’t just survive the seasons but get better with age,’ she said.
Clair advised homeowners to look for ‘versatile’ colour palettes that will keep your garden looking fresh for several summers.
If your outside space is big enough, Clair also recommended upsizing your dining table to provide a great hosting space.
‘Bigger dining sets create a focal point and they naturally bring people together.’
Lighting
When it comes to outdoor lighting, Clair urges homeowners to opt for subtlety – bringing gentle light to a garden in little bursts rather than one big, bright light.
‘Subtle, layered lighting is the hallmark of a high-end outdoor space,’ she said, suggesting delicate LED lighting along pathways.
Additionally, Clair suggested adding backlighting to decking, or beneath seating in your garden.
But, for a ‘decorative touch’, Clair suggested opting for a string of lights that can be draped over a pergola or along fencing.
Focus on the details
According to Clair, a ‘less is more’ approach is the key to keeping things classy in the garden.
As such, she recommends buying a few standout pieces for your outdoor space – rather than lots of smaller, mismatched pieces.
Colour-wise, weathered, neutral tones or classic terracotta are hues to look for, she says.
She also recommends neutral, classic colours for any outdoor hardware such as tiling.
‘Muted grey tones’ are the ‘perfect choice for creating a serene outdoor space,’ she says.
