Work on the Wild Side

Sitting Pretty

Rather than relying on the trusty old garden chair, you might want something different and slightly special to sit on. A fully upholstered office chair would be rather unpractical, and considering that you'd probably want to store it somewhere when you finish work for the day, you won’t do better than a stool.

Try a gorgeous traditional solid maple stool from Shaker (0845) 331 2055 for £129, or this contemporary design from Dwell (0870) 241 8653, a chromed metal bicycle seat stool (£49) that folds flat and can be hung on a hook in the shed when not in use.

Private Eyes

Most of us have outdoor spaces that are overlooked in one way or another by neighbours. If you find that twitching curtains or prying eyes can put you off your work (or your project is top-secret!) then one option is to erect a screen around your work area. This could be a rose-draped trellis or a tub stuffed with tall plants such as bamboo or palms, or something less permanent such as a folding screen made from willow like this one from Crocus (0870) 787 1414. This gives the advantage that you can always move it around if you want to block out the wind, for example, or stop the kids spraying water onto your notes.

Make a Splash

Nothing is as calming as the tinkling sound of water as it trickles from a fountain – and this is just the thing to help you focus, whatever the workload. Position your office near an existing water feature, or simply install a complete unit such as this gorgeous fish-head cistern fountain on your patio. Although it looks like a classic lead design, it is actually made from lightweight resin and can be attached to any vertical wall. The fountain is priced at £99 at Crocus (0870) 787 1414. And if your water feature has enough space, why not add a few eye-catching plants such as a water lily or two.

Pot Plants

What’s the best kind of planting to make your outdoor office an attractive place to work? You could give your nose a treat using pots stuffed with scented herbs or plants such as rosemary or jasmine. If you want to create a soothing ambiance then how about the soft rustle of leaves in the wind? Try bamboo – which can also act as a windbreak and screen off distractions – grasses or willow.

If you plan to work hard in your office and don’t want to be distracted by the garden, choose low-maintenance plants. You could opt for box hedging in troughs, for example, ferns or maybe even a topiary shape that will only need clipping once or twice a year. A set of four box hedges trimmed into pillars could make the perfect corners for your office space. Or why not trim a bush to create your very own topiary office PA! Check out the range of topiary at The Topiary Shop (0845) 230 6008.