Furniture grows smart in the garden

Shoparound: With summer finally in full swing the time is ripe to get the garden shipshape for alfresco dining and sun-worshipping.

Whether it's a secluded oasis of tranquillity or an extra room for serious entertaining, some stylish and functional garden furniture is a must and homeowners have never been so spoiled for choice.

An indoor look outside is big this season, according to Rosemary Jones from Bellissima in Bandon, Co Cork. Deep-seated armchairs with oversized arms are a great look and really bring the comfort of indoors outside, she says.

Selling well at Bellissima is a range of woven garden furniture with clean modern lines, which can be left out all year round. With stainless steel frames and black, grey or chocolate brown woven element, the Nexus and Geneva range from UK company Gloster is decidedly modern looking.

Prices start at €295 for chairs and go up to €670 for large armchairs. A steel frame table with teak top costs €1,175.

For something a little more traditional, check out the Four Seasons range at Powerscourt Garden Centre in Co Wicklow. Its range of natural wicker furniture is, as the name implies, all-weather proof. Chairs are high-backed and formal, and the table is wicker with a glass top. Tables cost €1,550, chairs €450.

For more casual dining, check out In Store's pretty Byron garden set with its bright striped green, mint green, brown and beige striped parasol and director-style chairs.

Price €199 for wooden round table, parasol and four folding director-style chairs. (In Store has outlets in Galway, Waterford, Sligo and Limerick, as well as an online shop at www.instore.ie.)

For something on the wild side, go to the National Garden Exhibition Centre in Kilquade, Co Wicklow to see the Bare Root collection of garden furniture. Imported from Indonesia, the furniture takes the term rustic to the extreme.

Chunky and sculptural, the range features whole sections of tree with a seat carved out and tables with tree root still intact. Prices for a set range from €750 to €2,000.

Bellissima, Bandon, Co Cork: 023 54740

Powerscourt Garden Centre: Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. 01 2046014

National Garden Exhibition Centre. Kilquade, Co Wicklow. 01 2819890.

In Store Nationwide 061 331498