OUR GUIDE TO
Putting your Garden Parasol & Parasol Base to bed
How to store your garden furniture over the colder months.
As the days get shorter and nights encroach, it’s time to embrace a new season and put our beloved summer parasols and parasol bases safely to sleep for the autumn and winter. We love all parasols and this guide is intended to help any garden parasol and base owner, you don’t have to own one of ours.
Careful storage of your garden accessories gives you peace of mind and gives them longevity so you will be able to enjoy them for many summers to come.
We use natural materials for our garden parasols and bases, and they are all crafted by hand. They are named after divas and babies known personally and globally, and like their namesakes, they require a little extra care.
TOP 4 RULES FOR PARASOL STORAGE
- Make sure it’s dry before you put it away
- Clean the canopy with a soft brush if needed and spot washing before you store it, and also clean the frame.
- Invest in a storage bag if you don’t have one already
- Pick a good storage place. Choose a dry place where you can either stand the parasol upright or lay it flat.
WOODEN OCTAGONAL GARDEN PARASOL STORAGE FOR WINTER
Our parasols are made from wood and cloth and brass, all of which react to moisture. Mould, mildew and tarnishing of metal will almost certainly occur if you store your parasol when even slightly damp. If any damp is present in the fabric then mildew (little black spots) can form and these are truly difficult to remove.
If you are low on space in your home and want to store your wooden garden parasol in a shed then the very best solution would be to remove the canopy, fold it up and store this inside. This removes the risk of mice finding a cosy winter home in your parasol canopy! Removing the canopy is very easy to do- you simply unscrew the top finial and undo the velcro pockets and it comes off. You can then store the frame in its bag in the shed/ garage/ equivalent ambient place and re-fit the parasol cover come spring. We also sell replacement octagonal parasol canopies, so if you fancy a new look or want to refresh your canopy then we can help.
A wooden umbrella frame will welcome a polish with a soft cloth before storage, and wrapping the rope around the arms will keep it safe within the storage bag.
If you wish to store your garden umbrella assembled with canopy and frame, then we advise you to furl the canopy as if you were furling a traditional umbrella. With the parasol down, pull out the fabric of the canopy and valance between each arm. Then fold each one over the next, as if you were closing a flower. Tie the parasol rope around to hold it if it will reach, then put the furled parasol in the storage bag. We advise storing the parasol standing to avoid creasing, but we realise this is not achievable for everyone. Please make sure that if it's stored on its side, it is not crushed.
Undoubtedly the brass fittings will tarnish at some point and in the spring, you will need to polish the central pole join with a soft cloth and brass polish to easily restore its shine.
ROUND BAMBOO GARDEN PARASOL STORAGE FOR WINTER
Our round bamboo parasols are made from durian wood, bamboo and union drill fabric. Some designs are printed on canvas and some are handpainted union drill twill. All have hand gilded poles and finial, and brass fittings.
Please make sure that these parasols are totally dry before you store them, we can’t emphasise this enough. They are delicate and handmade, and will be very happy somewhere indoors. Please do not store them next to a radiator as the heat will cause the wood to over dry and can cause cracking in the top hub where the arms are wired together.
Storing your parasol in its bag protects the canopy from scuffs and dust, and keeps the arms together and fringe safe. Storing your parasol upright or lying down with nothing on top of it is ideal- in it’s box would be the very best solution.
Metal Garden PARASOL STORAGE FOR WINTER
We don’t make metal parasols but we want to provide a complete guide for all parasol people. Our research says that you should clean all dirt and debris from your metal parasol frame before storing. Make sure it’s well dried off to avoid any rust or damage to the metal. Use the cord to tie the arms securely and store it in a protective bag.
A garage is apparently a good place to store these parasol frames.
STONE AND CONCRETE GARDEN UMBRELLA BASE STORAGE FOR WINTER
Our garden parasol bases are made from hand carved stone or terazzo, and we imagine that the same rules would apply for concrete garden parasol bases. As with the parasols, we recommend that you remove dirt and debris from them before storage.
Sandstone and terrazzo are beautiful, natural materials and not frost proof. We advise you to bring them inside your shed, garage or covered porch during the colder months to protect them.
If you are unable to move your base, or have nowhere to move it then we recommend you buy a waterproof cover for a birdbath or statue, these are available from online retailers. You can place the cover bag over the stone or concrete base in situ and it will protect it from the elements during autumn and winter. Please make sure the base is fully dry before putting the bag over it.
METAL GARDEN PARASOL BASE STORAGE FOR WINTER
We don’t make metal parasol bases, our research says that you should clean all dirt and debris from your metal parasol base before storing and make sure it’s fully dry to avoid any rust or damage to the metal.
Store under cover wher ever possible, somewhere dry.
