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Month: April 2021

Elite Artificial GrassBlog2021April
13 Apr 2021
Design A New Garden
0 Comments By Andrew Garden Design, Gardening

Designing A New Garden?

After months of lockdowns and orders to ‘stay at home’, many of us are looking at how we can update our garden. It is has become a significant part of our lives, often being the only outdoor space we are able to spend time with our family and friends. With that renewed importance, a newly designed garden seems fitting, are you thinking of designing a new garden?

Here, we look at some tips to help you design a superb new landscape.

Look at the lawn

The lawn is usually the biggest element of our garden, so it is important to get it right. Look at what shape it is – it does not have to be a square or rectangle. In fact, circular and oval lawns can be really effective and add a new layer of interest. Consider whether you want artificial grass – which looks great, involves very little maintenance, and can be used whatever the weather, without the fear of turning it into a mudbath. If you opt for a natural lawn, think about how you will keep it looking neat and tidy. If you hate mowing and strimming, perhaps look at having a smaller lawn and increase the patio or paved areas.

Designing A New Garden

Ponder the paving

The paving or patio area can really change the way your garden looks. Instead of laying down a regular pattern of regular paving stones, look at alternatives. For example, cobblestones laid in a random pattern can give a wild country look, while a combination of black and silver square or rectangles can give a sleek and chic vibe. Consider the other colours in your garden as well. What are the main colours of the plants and trees? Dark paving looks great with strong colours – reds, deep purples, and oranges, while softer colours look better combined with softer, pastel tones. 

Try to ensure that your paving or patio is the same level as the flooring on the interior of your home to make it flow. You want your garden to be a natural extension of your house, not just a space at the end of it. 

Sort out the seating

If you want your garden to be a functional area, you need somewhere to sit. Ideally, your seating area will be on hard ground – no one wants their seats to sink into the grass and mud! 

If you have limited space, look at furniture that can be folded up and put away when not in use, or multi-functional furniture – box seating with storage underneath them, for example. For larger spaces, look at outdoor sofa sets. Sofas in an L shape look great and are sociable and luxurious. The new trend for swinging ‘egg’ chairs is also practical as well as stylish – they can be moved about easily too to get the best of the sunshine.

Don’t forget tables too. If you are planning lots of chatty coffees in the garden or a G&T at night on the sofa, a coffee table or a small bistro set is ideal. For family meals and barbecues, a dining table and chairs may be the better option.

13 Apr 2021
Money Saving Gardening Tips
0 Comments By Andrew Gardening

Money Saving Gardening Tips

When it comes to your garden, it can be very easy to think that you need to spend a small fortune to make it look good. The truth is, it does not have to be all that expensive. In fact, with a bit of careful planning and preparation and being a little bit creative, you can have a garden that you can’t wait to spend time in. 

Here, we have put together some simple money-saving gardening tips.

Think about what you want before you hit the garden centre

It happens to all of us. We off for a wander around the local garden centre without having a good idea of what it is that we want, much like going to the supermarket without a shopping list. We see all sorts of beautiful flowers and plants, and without thinking it through properly, buy them up. 

It isn’t long before we realise our mistakes. Bedding plants are also known as annuals – they literally come up for a few weeks once a year. We then have to do the same process all over again, digging up and replacing them, spending even more money.

Wouldn’t it be more sensible, therefore, to have a clear idea of what you want before you head off and spend your money? If you are hoping to add colour to your borders, find something that it is going to last more than a few weeks. Think about the shapes and colours in your garden, and create a balance of annual bedding plants with year-round perennials and shrubs.

Buy seeds and grow them yourself

A packet of seeds costs just a couple of pounds, if that, and from that, you can get plenty of plants. Instead of buying grown plants, test out your patience and try growing from seed yourself. 

It is not as hard as it seems. Sure, growing a huge selection of different plants is much easier if you have a complete greenhouse setup or potting shed. However, even if you do not have access to these, it is more than possible to grow a few plants on a windowsill in a sunny place.

Some are able to self-seed, in that you scatter the seeds in the soil in the garden and let them do their thing. If you are successful – and be aware that self-seeding is not always successful – you will only have to pay out for one packet of seeds once, and they will come back over and over again. Combine that with artificial grass that needs very little maintenance after the initial laydown and you’ve got a low-cost but great garden.

Money Saving Gardening Tips

Keep an eye out for freebies

Facebook sales groups and Marketplace, Gumtree, Freecycle, and NextDoor are great places to source a freebie or low-cost tools and equipment. People give away or sell their old gardening tools and wheelbarrows, as well as sometimes offering cuttings from plants that they have grown themselves. Keep a close eye out to see what people are getting rid of. Sure, they might not be perfect, but as long as they do the job properly, it doesn’t really matter, does it?

Zero maintenance lawns

Of course, we must mention the use of artificial grass as a real long term cost saver. No mowing, no feeding or weeding. Affordable to install and (in our case) is good for 20 years. With the added benefit of being 100% recyclable you are not only helping your pocket but helping the environment too.

13 Apr 2021
Garden Trends
0 Comments By Andrew Garden Design, Gardening

Garden Trends For Summer 2021

2020 and the start of 2021 was a year like no other. It was a year that we spent more time than ever before in the confines of our own homes and gardens, and not through choice. As a result, people have used their gardens in a different way than they did before. For many, gardens were somewhere where they might let the kids play out in the summer, hang the washing out to dry and perhaps enjoy the odd barbecue when the weather is nice, but the series of lockdowns has influenced garden trends for summer 2021.

Now, they can be a haven. A space where we can safely spend time outside, and now the rules permit, spend time with our families and friends. We have all seen pictures of people wrapped up in coats, hands around a mug while they enjoy a socially distanced cup of tea with their loved ones. It’s changed the way we view and use our gardens, and this will impact on the trends that we forecast for the summer of 2021.

Let’s look at what we think the garden trends for summer 2021 are:

Raising the beds

When you have a small space or awkward nooks and crannies – and most of us do – a raised garden bed is an ideal solution. They are an easy and reasonably cheap way of growing plants and flowers. Buy commercially produced beds or add a bit of rustic charm and character and build your own with old railway sleepers.

Small spaces getting a look in

During the height of the pandemic, people were understandably desperate to maximise outdoor space as much as possible, so where previously small yards and balconies were ignored, they are now becoming just as important as a big space. Functional furniture, windowboxes, artificial grass, and mini greenhouses can make even the most compact of spaces useful. 

Colour it up

While grey is making an huge splash outdoors thanks to the influence of Mrs Hinch, keen amateur designers are combining the classic neutral with a splash of colour in the form of scatter cushions for outdoor furniture, planters, bunting, outdoor rugs and of course, in the form of flowers and plants. Adding pops of colour is a great and inexpensive way of adding interest to even the plainest of gardens.

Artificial Grass

Possibly the biggest growth area for garden landscaping in the UK. Artificial grass looks fantastic, is hard wearing, pet friendly, child friendly and is practically maintenance free. Good quality astro turf will maintain its look all year round and you can say goodbye to boggy lawns during the winter.

Garden Trends For Summer 2021

Egg chairs

We can thank cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch for this trend as well! Swinging chairs, or ‘egg’ chairs as they are often called are set to be incredibly popular this year. In fact, people are queuing for hours to get their hands on one. There’s a good reason for it as well – they are super comfortable for relaxing in the garden with a book or a glass of something cold, while remaining super stylish too. Most of them are lightweight enough for you mov/e it around the garden to maximise every moment of the sunshine!

Bringing the inside out

From mirrors to comfortable seating options, rugs to cushions, bringing elements of the inside to the garden is big news these days to make the space feel like another room in the home.

13 Apr 2021
Making the Best of a Small Garden
0 Comments By Andrew Garden Design, Gardening, Uncategorized

Making the Best of a Small Garden

Having a small garden or courtyard doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful outdoor area. It also allows you to grow organic produce from the comfort of your home, using eco-friendly materials. Plus it provides a place of relaxation for you and your family.  What’s more, you don’t require too much space to start, as small gardens have become popular among many owners. To make your garden work, it will be best for you to apply certain tricks, as they’ll help you maximise your space efficiently. 

How do you make the best of your small garden?

Not knowing how to arrange your garden or courtyard might cause cluttering, especially if you have a small garden space. Aesthetics and functionality come to play, so you need to plan various things to combine them in your garden effectively. These tips will get the best out of your outdoor space. 

Embrace vertical gardening

Small gardens have vertical space to spare, and you can take advantage of it. Besides, it’s a great alternative when your garden bed cannot house all your plants. Additionally, it gives you more room to be creative and sustainable simultaneously; you can incorporate used plastic bottles, wooden platforms, old wellington boots, and any other thing that can hang on walls. You can also use a step-ladder or a plant stand if you don’t want to use your wall or fence. There’s no restriction on your creativity, so don’t clutter your garden in the process.

Making the Best of a Small Garden

Cultivate different plants

You might not designate separate areas for specific plants due to limited space, but you can cultivate them simultaneously. It will be best to try growing edible and ornamental plants on the same bed, as it brings a new aesthetic feel to your outdoor space and keeps pests from damaging specific crops. You can choose combinations such as sage or rosemary with Santolina, salvias and lavender. You can also mix strawberries with lettuce and tomatoes.

Invest in sitting areas

Your garden can also function as an area for you to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty, and sitting areas will help you achieve this. It will be best for you to put furniture away when not in use quickly. Better still, you can make use of stone slabs or wooden chairs to give your garden a more rustic feel. It wouldn’t hurt to incorporate hammocks and swing seats to add more fun to your outdoor relaxation time. 

Create a focal point

A focal point gives your garden more aesthetic appeal and creates a lasting impression in people’s minds. It’s therefore essential to select quality and beautiful materials that will provide it with the desired effect. You can use anything with a solid outline such as pots, mini gazebos, benches, ornate, painted walls, gates, windows, etc. It will be best to choose the materials that appeal to you and explore colours to give your garden a brighter look.

Conclusion

Your small garden or courtyard space shouldn’t limit your creative ideas on getting your ideal outdoor space. Although these tips are not exhaustive, they can help you make the most of your space while giving your home a beautiful outdoor ‘room’.

13 Apr 2021
Hay Fever and Artificial Grass
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Gardening

Hay Fever And Artificial Grass

Spring and summer aren’t exactly what the 10 million people in the UK dealing with hay fever look forward to. From the puffy-eyed symptoms and the undesirable runny nose, different individuals are sensitive to varying allergies. However, studies have proposed that approximately 95% of people dealing with hay fever have grass pollen-triggered symptoms. 

Suffering seasonal allergies can be pretty frustrating since you get stuck indoors and miss out on fun outdoor activities such as gardening and outdoor parties. Fortunately, you no longer have to dread this season, yearning for winter’s cold and dark days. Although medication has improved in recent years to reduce these symptoms, there’s no hay fever cure yet. This means avoiding contact with grass pollen remains the most effective approach. 

How to effectively manage your hay fever symptoms

Ragweed pollen remains one of the most typical causes of seasonal allergies since one ragweed plant can create millions of pollen. Many individuals have struggled with pollen surge levels in cities like London and Tokyo, attributed to this species’ dominance in such areas. In 2016, an estimated 8,500 people were admitted to hospitals in a single day after a storm caused a pollen burst in Melbourne. 

Keep away from pesky pollen

Pollens transferred by insects usually are heavier, which presents less trouble for those with allergies, when deciding on your garden’s plants and trees, select species that depend on insect pollination, such as double varieties, large bright flowers and trumpet-shaped blooms. But what about Hay Fever and Artificial Grass? Astroturf is not a cure of course, but might help to reduce the level of pollen in your immediate area,

Get your timing right

Your timing is essential for dealing with hay fever symptoms. Pollen levels are noted to be at peak levels early morning, evening and during the night. However, it’s advisable to stay indoors within such periods. Warm, dry and windy weather conditions cause more pollen increase in the air, so always ensure to take necessary precautions like antihistamines and appropriate eyewear.  

Recommendations

  • It’s advisable to avoid hanging clothes out to dry in your garden since they can easily pick pollen from the atmosphere. 
  • While it’s okay to spend some time outdoors, limit the time spent outside, especially when pollen levels are high. 
  • Always shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to get rid of any pollen on your body. 
  • Try artificial grass for your outdoor setting instead of natural grass, as it minimises your exposure to pollens.
  • Keep your vehicle windows closed when travelling. 
  • Your windows and entryways should always remain shut. Also, regularly vacuum your indoors to remove any present allergens. 
  • Before going out, ensure to check the weather forecast and pollen level and take necessary medication for any surprises. 

Hay Fever and Artificial Grass

Hay Fever and Artificial Grass

A practical solution recommended by experts for helping your allergy symptoms is the use of artificial grass. With the various alternatives available, artificial grass can be as pleasing as natural grass and offers a realistic approach to dealing with pollen contact. Chances are, you’ll still have pollen to deal with if your neighbour has a natural lawn. An AstroTurf is not a cure for your hay fever troubles, yet it enhances your home’s exterior and allows you to enjoy your garden during the season.

12 Apr 2021
Artificial Grass For Pets
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass

Best Artificial Grass For Cats

If you’re planning to give your outdoor space a touch of artificial green carpet, you may be wondering if it is safe for your feline friend (if you have one) and what option could be the Best Artificial Grass For Cats. So, let’s consider which artificial grass is best for your cat. Today the use of synthetic grass has gone beyond sports stations and fields. Modern artificial grass comes with the design to add to the external beauty of homes and other properties. 

Benefits Of Artificial Grass

Before we go into the best grass for cats list, it is essential to take a look at some of the benefits of using artificial grass for your cat. 

Scratch-Resistant And Durable 

Cat claws are pretty sharp, and it doesn’t help that they love to scratch on just about any surface. That means if you choose to have natural turf, you can expect these little guys to cause some damage. On the other hand, synthetic turf is durable enough to withstand sharp claws and excessive scratching.

Low Maintenance

Artificial turf, in general, requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan. Aside from that, your cat will not be able to do any damage to the turf surf from urinating. Artificial grass is resistant to pet urine in general. Its artificial nature makes it able to withstand ammonia, meaning you wouldn’t have to worry about dried patches appearing on your lawn.

Easy To Clean

Artificial grass is also surprisingly very easy to clean. And should your feline friend decide to do its business on synthetic turf, you will find that cleaning it is a lot easier than even a cat litter box. You need to pick up any droppings and clean the area with a mixture of water and vinegar to help get rid of or eliminate any lingering odour. 

Best Artificial Grass For Cats

Generally Safe For Cats

If you have a cat that likes to chew on stuff, then the chances are that it will end up chewing on the grass. If you’re using artificial grass, you can rest assured that your feline friend will be exposed to less toxic when compared to natural grass. Although natural grass is ‘natural’, its maintenance usually requires fertilisers, pesticides, weedicides, etc. And all these products contain a lot of chemicals, which are toxic when ingested. 

No Issues With Mess

There are few things more frustrating than your cat’s muddy paws tracking across your freshly watered natural grass. If you opt for artificial grass, you can rest assured that you will no longer have to deal with this kind of a mess. Additionally, because artificial turf does not hold mud, you will also not need to worry about your feline friend entering your home with mud-stained paws. 

Best Artificial Grass For Cats

When it comes to picking artificial grass, your only headache is that there are so many options available, ranging in material quality. You want to select the type of grass that will not only be beneficial to your cat but will also last you years while withstanding the rigour of daily use.

12 Apr 2021
Artificial Grass Installation
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass

Is Artificial Grass Eco Friendly?

As the world becomes more and more environmentally conscious, people pay close attention to how their choices impact their environments. If you’re considering using artificial grass to add some lustre to your exterior, you may be wondering if it is an environmentally friendly option. Some people have spoken against this option because it is not naturally grown. But is artificial grass deserving of the flack? Is artificial grass eco-friendly? 

Is Artificial Grass Eco Friendly?

So, can you find eco-friendly artificial grass? The answer is simply yes. Our artificial grass now come with improved production and manufacturing processes that makes it environmentally friendly. Moreover, most manufacturers are beginning to put policies in place that ensure that they make environmentally safe installations available. Besides, high-quality artificial grass products are made from recycled matter. Plus, they offer an excellent option for dry areas where water conservation is essential. And, from the Spring of 2021, we are able to offer 100% recyclable grass.

What Is Recyclable Grass?

Simple. Until now, traditional backing of artificial grass could not be recycled and much of the first generation of artificial grass is now in landfill. We are proud to supply a product thats every aspect is 100% recyclable, including the backing. So you can be rest assured that in twenty years time, or whenever your new grass is to be replaced, it can be fully recycled without any damage to the environment.

Is Artificial Grass Eco Friendly?

What Makes Artificial Grass An Environmentally Friendly Option?

Let’s consider some of the reasons why choosing artificial grass is a great eco-friendly option.

  • Reducing Harmful Emissions

Some people have claimed that artificial grass cannot play the role of natural grass, especially when it comes to reducing harmful emissions. However, it is essential to remember that maintaining natural grass requires excessive electricity, water, fertiliser, and fuel (when using a lawnmower). All these create additional pollution and contribute significantly to global warming. 

  • Protecting Your Health And The Environment

Natural grass, as mentioned earlier, requires the use of fertilisers. But beyond that, people also make use of weedicides, pesticides, etc., to support the general maintenance of the grass and ensure growth. Unfortunately, these products are made of chemicals that can contribute about 8% to global warming. Using artificial grass comes with low maintenance and does ot require the use of such substances. 

  • Water Preservation

Natural grass requires lots of water to keep them growing lush and healthy around the year. The fact is that a square foot of natural grass requires gallons of water to keep it looking green and fresh throughout the year. Imagine how much water you’ll consume for a yard. 

Even if water isn’t a problem to you, the world is rapidly moving towards water scarcity, and people concerned about the environment are looking for ways to conserve water.

  • Life Expectancy 

If you take proper care of your artificial grass, you can expect it to last for about 20 years. On the contrary, as already mentioned, the natural grass will require a lot of mowing, watering, trimming, fertilising, etc., during that period. That means you’ll end up saving a lot on expenses and potential effects on the environment. 

The only disadvantage in this regard is the fact that, when your artificial grass has outlived its purpose after 20 years, you’ll need to find a healthy way of disposing of it.

  • Low-Maintenance 

Natural grass requires a lot of effort in terms of maintenance to keep it looking fresh and green all year round. From watering to mowing and trimming, it takes a lot of time and effort. All these add to the already polluted environment we live in.

12 Apr 2021
vegetable patch
0 Comments By Andrew Gardening

How To Start Your Own Vegetable Patch

A vegetable patch at home can be really rewarding, especially if you have some space and are looking to save some money on groceries. You must be willing to put in the work, but it’s definitely worth it. For those looking to go organic and get their hands a bit dirty, this article will help start your vegetable patch.

Location

When starting your vegetable patch, the most important thing is picking the right location as it helps yield the best crop and yield. Most vegetables need a lot of sunlight to grow well, at least six to eight hours a day, although there are a few which grow better in the shade. The second thing to look out for is the richness of the soil. So you need to add a lot of organic material to the ground and mix it well to improve the soil’s nutrient richness.

It is advisable to start with a small vegetable patch that you can manage efficiently as a beginner. It is always better to be rewarded by a small patch than to be frustrated by a big patch. Start small and plant just enough. With experience and knowledge, you can then increase the plot size.

Garden Design

It is vital to have a garden design from the onset to guide you. This will give you an idea of what your garden will look like and make it easier for you when planting. You should make sure there are paths in the garden to make it easy to access all the veggies.

How To Start Your Own Vegetable Patch

Prepare The Ground

Before you can plant, you will need to prepare the ground. This involves clearing the grass, getting rid of weeds, and making beds. When you are done with these, let the soil rest for a couple of weeks, and then if any annual seeds germinate, you can hoe them off before you plant.

Deal With Weeds

There are perennial weeds and annual weeds. Do well to deal with both, but if you have already prepared the ground properly, you should only have annual weeds, such as groundsel to deal with. Weeds will stunt your vegetables’ growth as they compete with the plants for available soil nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Watering

To aid the growth of your vegetables, you will need to water them adequately. Frequent watering during the early stages of germination or transplantation is a huge boost. The prevailing weather conditions and the composition of the soil will be significant factors to consider when watering. It is advisable to heavily water your garden every few days rather than sprinkle it every day. Heavy watering allows the water to go deeper into the soil, which encourages the roots to grow deeper. Shop around and try different plant foods too.

Choosing What To Plant

You’d be wise to choose the vegetables to plant based on your family’s preferences and how quickly they grow. You can also find out which vegetables grow well in your area. Some plants grow well in a lot of sunlight and rich soil, and others grow well in shade and good soil. So you have to put all these into consideration when choosing which vegetables to plant.

12 Apr 2021
0 Comments By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design, Gardening

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost?

For any home or property, your outdoor space creates the first impression to the public. Any outdoor space that offers a lush green finish is always the perfect first impression you can give your home or property. But growing natural grass around your home takes time and a lot of effort, especially if you live in a weed-prone or wet area. Plus, trying to nurse dried out natural grass back to life can be challenging. These (and more) are reasons why artificial grass offers the perfect solution for any outdoor space, no matter the ground’s condition. It is easy to lay and maintain and offers all the aesthetic appeal you want in your perfect grass layout. But how much does artificial grass cost? 

Artificial Grass Cost

First of all, it is essential to note that there are different types of artificial grass, all available at different costs, from installation to maintenance. The most important thing is to ensure that you make an informed decision on the type you want. To have a professional installation of luxury artificial grass you should expect to pay approx £50/£60 per square metre. When you shop around you will find that it can be done cheaper, but in an industry where you definitely get what you pay for you will realise that a cheap installation will impact on quality – either quality of the grass, or the installation, usually both. 

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost?

Other Costs To Consider

As we have already indicated, there is hardly any fixed cost for installing artificial grass, as so many factors combine to determine your expenses and final price. Some of them include the type of artificial grass, the kind of surface you want to work on, etc. If you’re working on a paved or concrete surface, for example, you can expect the process to be comparatively simple. That is because you may only need to clear or clean that space to ensure you have no drainage issues. 

If you’re working on an already existing lawn, the process can become a bit more complicated, as you’ll have first to get rid of the existing lawn. Doing this will increase the installation cost. Additionally, if you’re working on an uneven surface, you will need to level the ground before installing the grass to give it a more even and crisp appearance. And this will also increase the installation cost.

Furthermore, the quality of artificial grass will affect the price. Latest ranges of premium grass usually cost more, as they have better quality, richer colour and texture, and look identical natural grass. Cheap, DIY grass from your local bargain store may cost less but most look less authentic plus you will still need somebody to lay it for you.