Protecting your garden against snow and ice

With forecasts predicting the worst winter probably since winters began, and dire warnings about the cold weather, our gardens might be in dire need of a little advance care. Follow these steps and you should be able to keep your garden in tip top condition ready for the first blooms of spring 2014…

Most of the tasks that need to be carried out involve getting rid of dead plants and leaves, and making sure that any plants not killed outright by the first cold snap are free from pests and disease. Protect your soil with a new layer of mulch – much of what was laid over the summer will now have decomposed, and a thick layer of mulch will help to keep the soil temperature relatively even.

Collect up any fallen leaves and use them to cover as much of the garden as possible. You could also think about buying a snow cover for trees if it looks like we might be in for a really cold snap. This is also excellent for insulating against the cold and keeping temperatures even.

After the first frost, you can also start cutting back the dry stems of perennials to soil level, although you might like to leave any stems with attractive or unusual looking seed heads as they are to add a bit of interest to the garden.

Trim your evergreen shrubs and trees back, making sure that you take off any diseased or damaged foliage, and that you rake up any old leaves or mulch to get rid of insect eggs, pests and rotting greenery. If you have rose bushes, they need careful attention in the winter – at least you know it will be worth it come springtime. Hybrid tea roses are most likely to need tending. Try not to prune them at all for a couple of months before the first winter frost is likely, because this can stimulate growth that you don’t really need, and if you’ve been feeding them, stop that around the same time, as the rose bushes enter a dormant period around this time.

As with the rest of the garden, get rid of any old mulch, and spread some new wood chips or shredded bark around the base and as far out as the branch tips. Once the ground freezes, you can add a bit more mulch. Add enough to insulate the soil, in a small mound. Add more as the winter gets colder to help maintain the temperature; in fact you could even cover the whole bush with mulch!

Keeping soil covered plants as tidy as possible and watering to a minimum is all you need to do once the vital garden winter preparations have been carried out. Then you simply have to sit back and wait for spring.

Visit our website for more...

Repairing your lawn (turfing)

Repairing your lawn (turfing)

Like every other thing your lawns also require repair as they are exposed to many harms and damages that are capable bringing negative affects to the appearance and shape of your beautifully designed gardens. A lot of money and effort is put in the establishment of lawns for this reason no one ever likes it when their grasslands are damaged. So, it is strongly recommended that you should pay proper consideration to the repairing of lawns as this not only repels damages, but also provide enhanced appeal to the grasslands. There are many factors that can damage your lawns like insects, unwanted plant growths, lack of water and proper nutrition, etc. but don’t worry you can always control situation by taking timely actions. Below mentioned are some tips that can be used for repairing lawns.

• Water is the most potent supporter of your life and it can also help you in your lawn repairing campaign. Spray a decent amount of water regularly as it plays a prominent role in bringing the grasses back to life. Your preference should always be to deliver the required quantity of water to the lawn.

• If the case is that dead spots are appearing in your garden, then it is important to take notice of the situation immediately. First try to get rid of them by providing extra care, but if things are not improving then there is only one option left dig up all the dead spots completely.

• Never avoid dead grass and remove it immediately because it can damage the healthier parts of your lawn as well.

• The approaches related with turfing can also work because it generally allots the benefit of changing the appearance of your lawn in a limited period of time.

• It will be better if you will consider availing aid from professional lawn repairing services because they know about the requirements of this task.

Preparing for summer (grab a brolly!) - Garden maintenance, watering and lawn care

Preparing for summer (grab a brolly!) - Garden maintenance, watering and lawn care

Summer gardening can be a lot of fun if you do all the things associated with this task properly. The requirements of your plants change to a great degree during summers and to keep them alive and healthy it is important to take extra care of them during the hot climatic conditions. It has been noticed that a great majority of people always seeks advises for getting the perfect summer gardens that can enhance the overall appeal and look of their property. Generally during hot weather plants of your garden demands special attention and if you are ignoring these fact then things can take wrong turns for you in future.

No worries you will not have to put in a lot of effort because after all none of us wants to spend the entire day managing gardens under the hot son. All that you need to do is to take care of few things and some of them are being mentioned below.

The beddings and young plants should be watered regularly because growing plants require energy in order to grow properly. Clean your garden and take out all the unwanted plant growths and dead flowers. They not only take space, but also don’t allow new and fresh flowers to appear and above all they damage the look of your garden. It is important that all your plants are watered properly especially during summers so take efficient steps to ensure that plants are being supplied with decent amount of water.

It is also important to take proper care of water features because during extreme hot weather the level of water declines owing to evaporation. Also, regular cleaning is important to avoid the growth of algae. You will also have to take proper care of the grass of lawns because its demands also increase during summers so stay alert towards this aspect as well. It will be a great to avail the services of expert gardeners because they provide valuable services to you.

Fence repairs and installation

Fence repairs and installation

There are many purposes for which fencing is installed by the owners of a property. The primary reason present behind the use of fence is to provide enhanced security and safety to a garden region. Also, it can be used for demarcation of boundaries and this doesn’t allow disputes to arise. But you will agree that the most attractive use of a fence is related with the decoration of any region where they are installed. Fence is made from different materials generally wood or other materials like metal are used for this purpose. While installing fencing you will need to keep one factor in mind and that is related with the fact that no matter how much improved is the quality of your used material it will get damaged due to natural factors after some time. When such a situation arises you will have to decide that either you will repair or consider installing a new fence.

It has been noticed many owners pass through a tough situation when they have to decide between fence repair and installment of a new fence. If you are passing through a similar scenario, then in this section we will mention some tips that will help you in making a decent choice. You should start by checking the condition of your fence means that you will have to estimate the extent of damage. Small scale abnormalities like breaks in paints etc can be handled by adopting simple repairing approaches. While in case of decays and broken parts you will have to consider the installment of new fence.

Coming towards the material it is important to mention that wood is normally a preferred choice for making fence. Installing it is not only easy, but also comes as a cost effective option. So if you are considering replacing old fence, then wood can be a good option for you.

Designing a patio for your needs

Designing a patio for your needs

Magnificently designed patios can be regarded as attractive outdoor gardens. These outdoor gardens are always a great addition to the exterior of a building that provides a great positive support to the overall look of a property. But for getting good results it is important that you should have decent knowledge about different kinds of patio designs. This is important because the design of your patio will act as a reflection of your thoughts and aesthetic sense. Below mentioned are some tips that can help you in designing a decent and attractive patio.

Use your creativity and explore your imagination to the fullest instead of following the usual tends try to look for something different and unique. Your aim should be to design such a patio that should be different as well as highly attractive.

Your preference should always be to select right kind of accessories for your outdoor gardens and try to include those elements that are required. Your focus should not only be upon the form and over all structure, but also it is important to pay due consideration to the functions that it has to perform so stay alert towards this aspect as well. Consult the matters with experts and avoid making all the decisions on your own.

Decking for leisure and disabled access

Decking for leisure and disabled access

Garden decking is fully capable of providing a boost to the overall look and appeal of a garden. It no doubt allots a positive and unique charm to your gardens and brings an artistic touch to the landscape also it beautifies the overall looks and other factors that are included in your garden. While explaining a garden deck it can be said that this is actually a platform that is generally made up of wood that is normally constructed on the level of the ground and is connected with a residence. It is one of the free standing units that can be attached in sides of your properties. It is also important to mention here that decks also act as substitutes for patios and in most cases house owners have to make a selection between a patio and deck.

If you will install a deck in your residences, then there are high chances that you will be provided with an ideal and peaceful environment for enjoying leisure time and also they can act as attractive and handsome regions for entertaining friends and celebrating events. There are many options, when it comes to the designing and decoration of decks as they can be designed in different shapes, colors, sizes and forms. In addition, you can always alter the look of a deck by changing their decoration and lighting.

You can also increase the privacy of outdoor living region and can avoid the interrupting eyes of neighbors. Good thing is that maintaining decks is also a piece of cake as the only thing that you will need to do is to oil them on yearly basis and clean a deck regularly. However, it is important that you should design your deck keeping in consideration your requirements as well as limitations. A good idea is to consult a professional in this regard.

Creating a lovely water feature

Creating a lovely water feature

There can be no two opinions on the fact that the installation of water feature to a landscape is capable of bringing a great positive change to your garden. This is an ideal option because you can enjoy the satisfaction and pleasant feeling that is provided by the presence of water in your garden without going through all the maintenance needs that are present in case of a pond. So if you are thinking about installing a water feature in your garden, then this act of yours deserves appreciation. There are many benefits associated with water features like they are more children friendly and above all require little management than ponds. Another great quality associated with water features is that like ponds the water will not get stagnant because water keeps on circulating.

It will not at all be wrong to mention that the popularity of water features is increasing rapidly because of the fact that they bring a new life and charm to even a dull and boring looking garden. They significantly improve the charm and attraction associated with a property. These days on internet you find many new and unique ideas that are related with the creation of water features. But it is advised that instead of experimenting you should try to involve professionals because after all it is about the look of your garden. Especially installation of water feature is a complex task and if you want to get the best results, then you must contact experts for accomplishing this task.

Proper planning is very important in this regard the part of your garden where you wish to install a water feature needs to have a proper supply of water, safe supply of power and above all it should be able to compliment the whole garden. The making of water feature is a task that has many technical aspects included because it is important to maintain the level of water and proper supply of materials is also important so it is best to let the experts deal with all this.

Commercial Landscaping

Commercial Landscaping

If the case is that you are bored of the old and updated commercial landscape design that you have, then good news is that you will really enjoy reading this article because here we will discuss some that can be employed for improving, updating and capitalizing your commercial landscapes. This fact can never be neglected that for local businesses appearance of the landscapes incorporated in their properties matter a lot because it plays a vital role in strengthening their relation with customers and clients. Local businesses can face losses if they will reflect an unprofessional look for this reason below mentioned are some tips that can help you in improving the appearance of Commercial Landscapes.

Try to install a beautiful and clean walkway because a nicely managed walkway is capable of providing a welcoming impression to your clients. In case stones are cracked or the whole path is blocked, then this is strongly going affect your presentation and client base. Properly maintaining and arranging the lawn and gardens is equally important and it is advised that you should use your creativity as well. You can use all the modern types of plants and trees for decorating your lawns. A beautifully decorated and maintained garden always manages to attract the attention of on lookers and this can provide a great value to your business. It is important that you should take out time and carefully design the landscape keeping in consideration the requirements of your business. It is important that you should continuously update your commercial landscape because every other day new trends and designs are being introduced so it is important that you should stay alert towards the latest trends. If the case is that you are facing troubles in designing commercial landscapes, then contact professionals they will provide you all the relevant aid and information.

Care home and nursing home gardens

Care home and nursing home gardens

Gardens are very important when it comes to care homes or nursing homes and their requirements as well as jobs also change in such cases. Actually, here they are designed to accommodate various kinds of psychological, spiritual and social needs of people who are admitted in such organizations. These kinds of gardens are commonly referred to as therapeutic gardens and you can find them in many settings because it is not important that they will always be present at nursing homes. But yes it can be said that these gardens are considered an important part of nursing and care homes.

In such gardens the main focus is laid upon the incorporation of refreshing plants and friendly animals that can give a delightful expression to the patients. Also, these systems are designed in a manner so that they can provide space for various healthy activities like horticulture therapy. While designing such gardens it is important to pay due consideration to the requirements of patients and there are certain elements that must be included these are generally classified as natural and constructed garden elements.

The popular natural elements are plants, ornamental trees, vegetables, soil, sunlight, wind, precipitation, ornamental grasses and shrubs etc. the popular constructed elements garden elements include courtyard, pathways for walking, seating, landscape lighting, shades like umbrellas, fountains, water features, patio, electricity supply, hose bib etc.

The thing is that these gardens are designed to leave positive impacts upon the minds of the residents of care or nursing homes because generally they are passing through a tough phase of their lives. A good garden is capable of providing relief to patients by balancing their cardiac functions, relieving HTN, reducing strains and also they enhance the absorption of vitamin D. For this reason, it is important that the garden of nursing or care home should always be designed and maintained by experts because they are well aware of the requirements and complexities that are normally associated with this task.