One look out my back window and it’s clear that winter has taken its toll on my dear garden. Leaves and branches strewn everywhere, wind-battered herbs growing almost sideways, it doesn’t make for pleasant viewing.

At some point I will need to start prepping for the arrival of summer, that glorious time of year when my friends and I can lounge around outside and drink bubbly at 10AM without feeling guilty. We’ve got a few pointers for you then, the kind of tips I wish I had known about before I took on the task of planting things in the ground.

First up is the Set of Two Four Pocket Wall Planters, going from R239 (40% off, free delivery). Vertical gardens are perfect for making use of an otherwise bland wall space, with the added bonus that you won’t have to dig around in the muck trying to get them rooted. They come in a choice of either black or grey and each can hold four of your favourite flowers or herbs (even that one, you know the one).

Now we know that once the sun starts sizzling we’re well advised to take cover, although a decent umbrella will normally set you back a fair chunk of change. The Cantilever Umbrella is going from R1 099 (61% off, free delivery) and will ensure you don’t wake up from a nap looking like an English visitor to our shores in December.

You can choose between white, red or beige and the set comes with the solid base included.

What you need to know:

3m Banana Free Pole Umbrella
Aluminium umbrella
Aluminium main pole: 48/42mm
Eight aluminium ribs
Rib size: 12mm-18mm
180g polyester
Frame in brush silver colour
Fabric: White, Red or Beige canopy
Super-quick fold-away function
Steady solid base bottom
Dimensions: 50cm x 70cm with crank, without flap, air vent and solid base

Now, and this one comes from the boys in the office, we leave you with a little something just for gees. That Rugby World Cup happens to be just around the corner and to start getting in the mood grab yourself an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt, starting from R229 (23% off). Why not kit your entire office out with shirts and let’s start showing that we back our boytjies to bring home the big one.

Choose between these options:

R229 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Small (R299 value)
R229 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Medium (R299 value)
R229 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Large (R299 value)
R249 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Extra Large (R399 value)
R249 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Double Extra Large (R399 value)
R269 for an Official SA Rugby Bok Day T-Shirt – Triple Extra Large (R399 value)

That’s the spirit, now for that centre pairing of ours to show the world who’s boss.