In an increasingly urban society there s constant pressure to eke out a small patch of green space we can each call our own, so our gardens become natural extensions of our living space. This summer, if you plan to spend more time outdoors, especially given predictions of a heat wave, then why not make your garden, patio or terrace, as aesthetic as your living room?

Garden Totems are individual works of art designed to enhance any outside space. Ideal as gifts too, a piece from the garden totem collection will help make optimum use of any garden-cum-living area. Exhibiting at this year s Chelsea Flower Show (stand RM/28) and The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (stand B71) these installations are the unique creations of artist Colin Keay-Chaplin, and could help to transform you into a horticultural Charles Saatchi!

Hand-turned from solid, sustainably sourced wood, the totems are designed to weather over time which adds to their charm and character. They re produced from FSC certified Larch or Douglas Fir, and upwards of a metre high, provide a striking focal point when casually placed within a border or more formally positioned as a central feature to your existing garden layout.

A designer and artist for over 20 years, Colin Keay-Chaplin developed the first Garden Totem in 2001, combining originality with the unusual to bring a touch of chic to often lacklustre outdoor urban spaces. He comments:

Improved lighting and heating enables us to spend more time outdoors, so increasingly we re looking for the piece to aesthetically compliment our living space – creating another forum in which to relax and entertain. Garden Totems are individually unique works of art which help us to extend our living areas out into the open, bringing colour and character to our gardens whatever the season.

To complement artist Colin Keay-Chaplin s range of Garden Totems, also on show at Chelsea this year (stand RM/28), and Hampton Court Flower Show (stand B71) he has designed a range of Metots which provide a more accessible entry level into the world of garden art.

A perfect gift, or set of gifts, Metots are swaying totems on a stem of high grade stainless steel which are designed to provide ‘movement’ to an outdoor environment. They react to the most gentle of breezes up to fairly gusty conditions with a sway not unlike that of rushes or grass and if two or more are planted together, they blend and attract in the wind.

With a natural bud hand-turned from ‘green’ Douglas Fir, the Metot works best in groups of three or four and is available in shades of grey, purple, blue, red, yellow or a natural oil finish. In each case the grain is clearly emphasised through the colour and is enhanced with coats of Danish oil.

· Small 1.7m tall and £49

· Medium 2m and £59

· Large 2.3m and £69

· P&P per order is £15

A designer and artist for over 20 years, Colin Keay-Chaplin developed his first pieces of garden art in 2001, combining originality with the unusual to bring a touch of chic to often lacklustre outdoor urban spaces. About the Metots he comments:

Just as one might accessorise one s outfit with matching, belts, bags, jewellery, etc, I have strived to give people a choice of accessories for their gardens. Coming in a range of sizes and prices, Metots make for an eye-catching display in any outdoor environment. Swaying in the breeze, they add movement and colour wherever they re placed.

Dimensions – Garden Totems range from 1m to 2.4m in height and up to 23cm in diameter.

Price List – For a current collection and price list, please visit www.gardentotems.co.uk.

Delivery – Delivery almost anywhere – please allow 28 days from date of order.

Exhibitions – Chelsea Flower Show, London SW3, 24th – 28th May 2005

Tatton Park Flower Show, Knutsford, Cheshire, 20th July – 24th July 2005