Six ways to give your garden a modern English country vibe

Think of summer in England and you're instantly transported to verdant green spaces with the scent of flowers in the air, but modern garden schemes are taking on a new look, inspired by innovative materials, witty juxtapositions of shape and form and contemporary decorating ideas.

1. Luxe rustic

This ingenious straw bale seat sums up the modern country vibe perfectly.
Straw Bench seat, DesResDesign. Stainless-steel lantern, Indian Ocean at Selfridges. Moss Schnauzer and moss Scottie, both Abigail Ahern. Dune Weave outdoor rug, Armadillo&Co at Northwood Home.

2. Wistful thinking

We all need to escape from time to time - a romantic swinging seat is the perfect place to unwind.
1900 hanging armchair, Fermob for The White Company. Apple sculpture, Lisa Pappon for Bull & Stein at Urban Living Interiors. Faux box cones, Blooming Artificial.

3. A twist of fête

A mismatched group of outdoor chairs creates an impromptu party vibe.
Joa Sekoya stackable chairs, Philippe Starck for TOG at Heal's. Outdoor dining chairs, from a selection at John Lewis and Habitat. Zinc-top table, Petersham Nurseries.

4. Bag of tricks

Witty concrete furniture and accessories instantly set the scene for a contemporary garden.
Gladstone Bag plant pot, Seletti at Rockett St George. Concrete side table, Holly's House.

5. Grower's paradise

For a potting shed with edge, add a designer bench, swap your classic statuary for 2-D art and mix up your simple terracotta pots with modern geometric pieces.
Amaze sofa, Cane-line. Cupid, after Praxiteles artwork and Cabbage print by Ernst Benary, Surface View. Ceramic watering cans, Paola Navone for Lando at The Conran Shop. Chaussures concrete planters, Seletti at Do Shop.

6. Summer loving

Long hot days are for kicking back - meaning more time to cosy up on a cool lounger made for two.
Orbit love seat, Richard Frinier for Dedon; and Helix table, Wolfgang CR Mezger for Fischer Möbel, both at Leisure Plan. Bleached driftwood hanging wreath, Karen Miller for Doris Brixham. Babà outdoor floor lamp, Serralunga at Chaplins. Harvest Weave outdoor rug, Armadillo&Co at Northwood Home.