CUSHION THE BLOW Be aware that outdoor rooms are temporary in this country.

Nights get very damp and that plays havoc with cushion fillers.

It's best to keep an eye on them and keep them indoors as much as possible. There's nothing more off-putting than a dried-out-cushion smell, worse when the fabric has got mould too.

THE HEAT IS ON When night falls so does the temperature. It's advisable to start the heat just before sunset and allow it to be a gradual change from night to day. If there are no pets or kids around then an outdoor fire is really the way to go.

Rather than burning the top of your head or your face with a gas brazier, this real fire gives ambient heat where you need it, from your feet upwards. It also acts like a focal point much like a fireplace does inside the house.

GET WALL SMART Find a blank wall and hang something up outside! This instantly gives the impression of a room outdoors. Don't worry what it is as it does not necessarily have to be either flower or garden related.

Bright sarongs bought on holiday and threaded onto bamboo canes are great when you have a wall to display them.

LIGHTEN UP Don't underestimate the effects of outdoor fairy lights draped over trees and shrubs or through trellis panels. Very effective but take care when pruning afterwards.

FLOOR SHOW Nothing beats decking for a barefoot experience. It soaks up the suns rays and is the most comfortable underfoot feeling on a warm summer morning. It's also good in the evenings as it is not prone to retaining the dampness as much as stone.

Keep whatever ground surface, wood or stone, as clean as you would if it was inside.

AROMATHERAPY Citronella candles and garden incense are a must to enhance the tropical feel on balmy evenings.

Buy a packet of night-scented stock and sprinkle around doorways, seating areas and windows and get ready for a heady summer-evening scent.