A gardener who worked for King Charles for 20 years has issued advice to anyone with furniture still outside as winter nears.
Jack Stooks worked at the King’s Highgrove estate for more than 20 years. Using his experience as a royal gardener, he has issued advice this week to gardeners preparing their furniture for the frost, ice, rain and wind that comes ever more frequently at this time of year.
He also picked the exact date gardeners should bring in their furniture.
He said via Heart Bingo: “All garden furniture should be brought inside during October – and definitely by Bonfire Night (November 5).
“This is what we always did at Highgrove. If possible, all garden furniture should be brought inside during a dry week, so the items have a chance to dry off before being put away for the winter, else this could lead to the furniture rotting and being destroyed.
“If you’ve got metal garden furniture, the good news is it’s generally fine to leave it out during winter.
“Many modern outdoor pieces are made from weather-resistant materials, meaning they can handle rain, frost, and even snow without deteriorating.
“In fact, keeping some furniture out can be a bonus, as you might find yourself on a crisp, sunny winter morning, wanting to enjoy a coffee in the garden. Having a chair or bench ready makes that possible.
“Anything with cushions or fabric should definitely be stored indoors or in a dry, sheltered spot. Cushions left outside will quickly become damp, discoloured, and even mouldy, which can ruin them and shorten their lifespan. Similarly, softwoods like pine aren’t built to withstand prolonged exposure to wet or freezing conditions and may rot or warp over time if left out.
“If you’re buying new furniture, it’s worth choosing durable, all-season pieces. While they may cost more upfront, furniture designed to stay outside all year will save you hassle and money down the line. A little foresight now can mean a more enjoyable, low-maintenance garden year-round.”