We have always been of the belief that winter is for the work, summer for the results. Whether it be our life with horses, when a young horse would be nurtured through those long, cold months, or my children taking their school exams, with a fair wind, the winter work pays off in summer. Gardeners have always known this. Bulbs go in during autumn, seeds are ordered in January and roses are pruned before spring arrives.
The same is true of the way we live in our gardens: the best time to plan your dream summer garden is the depths of winter. The garden is bare, the light fades before teatime and the lawn is more puddle than picnic spot. Yet this is exactly when the best summers begin: on a quiet afternoon by the fire, with a cup of tea, a notebook and a little daydreaming.
If you'd like next summer to be the one where you finally have long lunches in the shade of a beautiful garden parasol, Easter in the garden, and the outdoor supper parties you've always longed for, here is why now is the moment to start.
Why plan your summer garden in winter?
In winter you see your garden as it really is. Without the froth of summer planting, its shape is laid bare: the paths, the boundaries, the corners that never quite get used. It is the perfect time to stand at the window and ask yourself where you would most like to sit next May, on a hot August afternoon, or in the golden light of September.
Think about the spot that catches the afternoon sun and becomes too hot by three o'clock. The terrace where the table always ends up, but where nobody lingers because there is no shade. The far end of the lawn with the loveliest view, which you somehow never reach. These are just a few of the places a garden parasol, gazebo or garden tent can transform.
Where would you like your shade: a garden parasol, gazebo or tent?
Before you choose anything, take a little walk round the garden and picture how you would like to use it.
- For lunch on the terrace, a Horkesley Luxury Garden Parasol brings graceful shade over a table, and its scalloped edge looks beautiful from the house.
- For a gathering, a Comberton Pop-up Gazebo creates a reliable outdoor room with maximum versatility. The 3x3m size suits family suppers, while the 3x6m comfortably seats 18 to 20 guests.
- For something truly special, an Astell Indian Garden Tent turns a corner of the garden into a place to escape to, read, nap or watch the evening light, or host a memorable dinner, week after week.
A tape measure is your friend here. Note the size of the space for your parasol or gazebo, where the ground is level and how far it is from the kitchen. The best-loved spots are usually the ones that are easy to carry a tray to. Think too of where you will put your drinks trolley or table (we love a drinks trolley, as it simply moves with us!). A source of electricity would be a handy bonus. Will you want festoon lights strung around the area? Is there a lovely tree nearby that you could light up? 
Which hand block-printed design will you fall in love with?
This is the most enjoyable part. Every one of our luxury garden parasols, pop-up gazebos and Indian garden tents is hand block-printed in Jaipur by a family workshop whose work is the finest we have ever come across. Each design has its own character. From the outside, they are crisp and elegant. Step underneath, and you are met with a glorious sweep of colour and pattern overhead. And the reaction of anyone seeing one for the first time? Almost always a delighted “Wow!”
You might be drawn to the soft calm of Punya, inspired by ancient Rajasthani patterns, whose name in Hindi means the manifestation of good karma. Perhaps the fresh blues of Blue Skies, the warmth of Anaar Bliss or the classic charm of Hartpury. Winter gives you time to look properly, so do browse Our Designs and imagine each one against the colours of your own garden.
Why pre-order your garden parasol or gazebo now rather than in spring?
Because each one is printed by hand, our block printed garden parasols, gazebos and tents are made in small numbers. Ordering during the winter means you have the full choice of designs and sizes, rather than finding your favourite has gone by the time the sun comes out.
Everything ordered now will be delivered at the end of March 2027, with the cost of delivery across the UK included in the price. That means your block printed garden parasol, pop-up gazebo or Indian garden tent arrives just as the first warm days appear, ready for long spring lunches in the garden rather than halfway through the summer. And if your plans change, you can cancel at any time before dispatch for a full refund (see our delivery and returns page).
Already have one of our parasols or gazebos? Winter is the perfect time to give it a new spot in the garden, add a second canopy for larger gatherings, or choose a block-printed tablecloth and napkins to match.
What else should be on your summer garden list?
While you are dreaming, it is worth thinking about the details that make a garden a joy to spend time in.
- The table. A block-printed tablecloth and napkins make the simplest supper feel like an occasion.
- The evenings. A little lighting, a few lanterns and some warm throws keep everyone outside long after the sun has gone down.
- The planting. Scented plants near where you sit, such as lavender, roses, jasmine or sweet peas, make a shady spot even more delicious.
- The dates. Birthdays, garden parties, weddings and christenings all come round quickly. Pencil them in now, and picture where everyone will gather.
A summer worth waiting for
Winter has its own pleasures, of course, and we would never wish it away. But there is great comfort in knowing that summer is quietly on its way, and that this year you will be ready for it. So put the kettle on, find your notebook and start dreaming of long, golden afternoons beneath a beautiful patterned garden parasol.
Thinking about a luxury garden parasol, pop-up gazebo or Indian garden tent for next summer?
Explore our block printed garden parasols, pop-up gazebos and Indian garden tents. Order this winter and we will deliver at the end of March 2027, in good time for the first sunny days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning my garden for summer?
Winter is ideal. The bare garden shows its shape clearly, you have time to think and compare, and ordering early means a full choice of hand block-printed designs before the spring rush. For more ideas, read Next Summer Starts Now: Why Autumn Is the Time to Plan Your Garden.
When will a luxury garden parasol, pop-up gazebo or Indian garden tent ordered now be delivered?
Orders placed now will be delivered at the end of March 2027, with UK delivery included in the price.
Can I cancel a pre-order if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel at any time before your order is dispatched, and you will receive a full refund.
Should I choose a garden parasol, pop-up gazebo or Indian garden tent?
A patterned garden parasol is perfect for shading a table, and far prettier than an ordinary garden umbrella. A pop-up gazebo creates a covered outdoor room for larger gatherings, and an Indian garden tent makes a special retreat. Our guide to choosing between them will help you decide.
Do you deliver garden parasols, gazebos and tents across the UK?
Yes. UK delivery is included in the price of every luxury garden parasol, pop-up gazebo and Indian garden tent, and we also ship to Europe and worldwide.
How long does a pop-up gazebo take to put up?
Our Comberton pop-up gazebos take about six minutes to put up in the 3x3m size and about twelve minutes in the 3x6m size, so you can have shade in moments whenever friends arrive.
What makes a block printed garden parasol special?
Each design is printed by hand in Jaipur, one carved wooden block at a time, by four generations of one family. From outside, the canopy is crisp and pale; underneath, you sit beneath a glorious sweep of colour and pattern that no machine print can match. It is a designer garden parasol in the truest sense, made to be admired as much as to give shade.
Next week's blog
How to look after your canopy: caring for your garden parasol and gazebo over winter, so they look just as lovely next summer.