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13 Apr 2021
Design A New Garden
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
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
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
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
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
vegetable patch
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
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.

05 Feb 2021
Artificial Grass Suppliers
By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design, Gardening, Landscaping

How to Lay Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has several advantages over natural grass, and the main are:

  • Simple maintenance
  • Easier to control
  •  Can withstand even the harsh weathers
  •  Possibility of being upgraded and replaced easily

These benefits have resulted in more people preferring artificial glass over the natural option in different places such as stadiums and lawns, where well-groomed glass is needed. To enjoy the benefits of this kind of grass, you have to start by knowing how to lay artificial grass.

1.     Remove the Old Lawn

The first step in understanding how to lay artificial grass is ensuring that the surface is flat, and you can do this by removing the lawn that was already there. This step is fundamental because you cannot place the new grass on top of the old one. The fresh grass also needs a surface where it can hold firmly.

As a further step of preparing the surface, you should also install the edging and weed membrane. The edgings provide barriers on the edge of your lawn, which is mandatory, especially if you do not have other types of obstacles on the lawn’s perimeter. Installing the weed membrane is also important because it ensures no weeds can grow beneath the newly installed artificial grass.

2.     Make the Surface Further Ready for the New Grass

The ideal way of making the surface ready is laying the sub-base where you should choose the materials to use and the depth depending on the lawn’s drainage ability.  You should then install the laying course, which is the granite dust that makes the surface smoother and more stable. It would help if you used a vibrating plate compactor to ensure that everything is compacted correctly and then install another layer of weed membrane to ensure no form of weed can penetrate the surface.

3.     Position the New Artificial Grass

In this step, you might need assistance from one or more people because it involves unrolling the artificial grass.  The primary determinant of this is size; if your lawn is relatively big, it will require more work. While unrolling the artificial lawn, you need to ensure you have positioned it to be easier to unroll.

How to Lay Artificial Grass

4.     Do the Final Touches

After you have unrolled the grass, you should cut it into size to ensure it fits perfectly into your lawn. Use a sharp knife to cut it into the required shape, and then use galvanized nails to secure the perimeter as you cut. If you have done everything correctly, there will be no visible joints. But in case you can see some joints, you should ensure they are correctly secured. It would help if you used a joining tape to secure the joints since such tapes’ shiny side is usually on the lower invisible side.

The last thing you should do is to groom the newly installed artificial grass. Grooming includes removing any debris that might have been left on the surface while laying down the grass. Take good care of the artificial grass for it to remain in good condition for a long time. We can supply you with a various range of artificial grass to suit most budgets, plus we offer a full installation service if you would prefer. You can contact us here.

05 Feb 2021
Prepare your garden for the Spring!
By Andrew Gardening

Prepare your garden for the Spring!

If you are a keen gardener you will know that spring is an exciting season for us all. Not only does the weather become warmer and brighter but it’s when our gardens become filled with vibrant colours and exquisite wildlife. But before the new season is here there are a few things you will need to do first to prepare your garden for the Spring. We have whipped up a few ways below to get you started.

Source Your Seeds

Before you go out and purchase a range of seeds to start planting, you should do some research first. Not all plants, vegetables and fruits thrive in spring, so choosing your seeds wisely is a must. When sourcing your seeds it’s a good idea to source them from a local supplier, this way they will more likely fit in with your region’s environment and climate. Ensure you choose seeds that will grow well in sunlight.

Our top seed recommendations for flowers include:

  • Snapdragons
  • Cynoglossums
  • Bells of Ireland
  • Dianthus
  • Cerinthe
  • Nigella

Our top recommendations for crops include:

  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Beans
  • Parsley
  • Kale

Prepare Your Tools

You should take this time to give your tools a once over and replenish any supplies you may need. Clean sharp tools are a must, so ensure you clean all your tools thoroughly with strong detergent, this will stop the spread of any bacteria or fungi. Once your tools are clean you should sharpen your blades and oil your tools hinges. If your tools are beyond saving then think about investing in some upgraded tools, having sharp tools will help with the quality your seeds are planted in. Whilst you are sorting your tools you should also look to see what else in your garden shed needs replenishing, plant pots, tomato cages, fertilizer and soil all come to mind.

Set-up Composting Area

If you don’t have a compost area, you should consider making one. Creating your own compost is a great way to save on fertilizer and your plants will love you for it. A mixture of grass cuttings, paper and vegetable peelings will make up a rich compost, turn your compost once a month with a garden fork to keep it healthy. 

Work On Your Planting Beds

Prepare your garden beds by removing weeds, debri, fallen branches and leaves. Before you dive straight in it’s also wise to note that the soil should be dry before removing any weeds, if the soil is wet it can damage the soil structure. If you have a small garden or are new to gardening then we recommend building or investing in a raised garden bed. Just fill your bed with some healthy organic soil and place it in the sun ready for your seeds to grow.

We think these tips are a great place to start whether you have artificial grass in your garden or not, and we hope we have helped you prepare your garden for the spring. We can’t wait to start seeing all our flowers and crops come to life, so get preparing today so you’re not cut short.

05 Feb 2021
Artificial Grass Installation
By Andrew Artificial Grass, Garden Design, Gardening, Landscaping

How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass

In this day and age, it would seem that artificial grass is becoming a fantastic alternative for homeowners. It looks just like the real thing, but you don’t have to worry about maintaining it half as much. If you want a nice garden and you don’t want the pressure of staying on top of it, then you can find out everything you need to know, here. In particular, how to prepare your garden for artificial grass laying.

Removing the Turf you Have Now

If you have turf in your garden then the first thing that you have to do is remove it all. You need to do this prior to laying down your artificial turf. If you are ready to proceed then you can use a huge range of tools to help you out. You can use a turf cutter, a spade or even a rotavator. You have to make sure that you dig the soil to around a depth of 2.5 inches if possible. Your artificial turf will need to sit around half an inch above your edging.

Protecting your Artificial Turf

Before you lay down any artificial turf, you have to make sure that it is protected from any weeds or plants that may grow through it. If you do not put down a protective layer then this can lead to weeds growing through the turf and this can cause buckling or general disfigurement. You can use a simple sheet of weed surpassing membrane if you want. This is placed on top of the lawn you have and it sits just beneath the artificial turf. You can usually buy this from any good hardware store, but you can also get it from the same place where you get your turf from if you want.

How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass

Allowing for Adequate Drainage

When you are laying artificial turf, you need to make sure that it is maintained properly. Before you lay down your turf, you need to lay down an aggregate layer of sand or grit. Crushed stone is another option you can use to go over the weed membrane. You can then compact this to give you a nice and solid base. You can create a sturdy drainage surface, and you can also smooth it out to create an even surface. Finally, you can lay down some shock-absorbent material as this will give your grass far more cushioning overall.

When you have done all of this, you will then be glad to know that your area is fully prepared for your new turf. When you start laying your turf, you need to align it to the corner or even a straight edge if possible. You also need to cut it to the appropriate size, before you nail it into place. You do this with each corner first, and then go through and add more nails accordingly. This is the best way for you to ensure that your grass looks the part when you have finished. 

If you need some help with your grass then make sure that you get in touch with us here at Elite. We can show you How To Prepare Your Garden For Artificial Grass and supply with you with your new astroturf or we can do the whole job from start to finish.

04 Feb 2021
Tips For Gardening In The Winter
By Andrew Gardening

Tips For Gardening In The Winter

If you want to get your garden in tip-top shape this winter, then you have come to the right place. Our Tips For Gardening In The Winter guide will help you to find out everything you need to know about maintaining your garden when the colder weather hits, so you can have it looking beautiful all-year-round.

Protect your Plants

Road salt tends to wreak havoc on your soil and your plants. If you have areas that are exposed to heavy salt, then your salinity will rise and this can affect the overall life of your soil. On top of this, your plant roots and your foliage won’t be able to handle being exposed to salt too often. If you want to stop this from being an issue, then make sure that you protect any roadside plants with some fabric. Choosing some salt-resistant plants is a good idea, along with opting for salt-free ice melting products.

Make a Composting Pile

Visit a gardening centre near to you and ask to see if they can give you some wooden pallets so that you can make your own composting bin. A lot of garden stores would be happy to get rid of the extra pallets, not to mention that you can tie them together by using plastic zip-ties. If you put your bin in a sunny side of the garden, then you will have plenty of fertiliser before you know it.

Get rid of Dead Trees

Winter is a brilliant time for you to get any dangerous trees removed from your home. You won’t have any foliage to cloud your garden and it also means that you can get your space ready for when the warmer weather comes around. Arborists are usually more than happy to cut down any trees that need to go at this point as well, so make sure that you keep this in mind if you can.

Keep an Eye on any Winter Crops

Year-round gardeners have to make sure that they keep an eye on winter crops. If you have yours protected by a plastic greenhouse or a cold frame then you still need to make sure that you maintain them. You need to clear any snow away from the cover and you also need to stop the sunlight from being blocked as well. A sturdy broom is usually more than enough to get this done.

Prepare for your New Garden

Do you have plans to grow some new crops in the summer? If so, then now is the time for you to prepare your plant beds. You need to dig up any grass or weeds that might be present and you also need to make sure that you put some newspaper or even cardboard down too. If you place alternate layers of material such as pine needles, compost, leaves and even grass clippings over the grass then this will kill it off and leave you with a nice clean bed for the future. This is a fantastic way for you to ensure that you are going to get the best result out of your gardening experience. Your lawns can become very boggy during periods of heavy rain, should you consider using artificial grass?

11 Oct 2020
Artificial Grass Installation
By Andrew Artificial Grass, Gardening

Artificial Grass vs Real Grass

Having artificial grass is hassle and stress free, with little to no maintenance need your lawn will look fantastic ALL YEAR ROUND. Wet weather and regular use (pets/kids/visitors) can soon turn a grass lawn into a mud pit. Artificial grass is durable and specifically designed to handle high traffic…