Recent research into the outdoor leisure market by Cuprinol confirms what savvy garden retailers have long known - that people don’t intend to stop using their outdoor spaces once summer is over.

A survey showed that around 30% of those questioned want to enjoy their turkey al fresco this Christmas as more people than ever embrace the growing trend of eating outdoors all year round.

Despite reports that the UK is set to have its longest winter for 50 years, more people say they are determined to make use of their garden in the colder months: 37% say they’ll wrap up so that they can spend more time outdoors.

BBQs are becoming a great way to banish those winter blues, with almost 30% intending to fire theirs up, 51% intending to party outside and 82% claiming that spending time outside improves their mood. Around a third claim to spend as much time in their garden in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night as they do in the summer months.

Atmosphere is all impoprtant, it appears, with 29% investing in fairy lights, lamps and candles to brighten their evenings, and 51% opting for outdoor heating and cosy seating areas.

Yet, says Cuprinol’s publicity, despite gardens becoming such a focus for households, fewer than half of home owners invest in any type of wood treatment or paint to ensure their garden fencing and decking withstands the harsh winter weather.

Retailers might like to pass on these autumn and winter tips at the point of sale:

1.         Add a splash of colour. Painting planters and fencing with colourful shades can really help brighten up a space during the cold and drab winter weather once flowers and bedding plants have died off.

2.         Keep it cosy: Focus the seating area around a fire pit or chimenea to help keep everyone warm whilst you’re sat outside.

3.         Make the most of the bare branches: Once the leaves have fallen, it’s easier to add a layer of paint to the fences – and quicker with new Cuprinol Spray & Brush.

4.         Add to the mood: Fairly lights and lanterns will help give a focus to a particular area and floor lights will brighten the whole space.

5.         Focus on the furniture: Protecting it with simple waterproof covers is easier that finding somewhere to store it it all away for the winter.