Getting your garden ready for spring. With the strong winds and storms we have had recently spring might seem a long way off but now that we are in February it actually isn’t that far away. So let’s take a look at what we can start to do to get our garden ready for the spring. Have a quick stroll around your garden to get a good overview. Look at your fences and any walls to check that they are in a good state and not in need of repairing or replacing. Now is a good time to carry out any repairs so the garden is ready to fully enjoy in the spring. Treat your wooden structures with a wood preservative during a dry period. Take a look at our blog on maintaining your fencing https://www.eastlondonlandscapes.com/maintaining-a-fence/ for some further tips. Give your garden decking a good brush with a hard broom. Brush away any leaves or debris stuck in the corners. If there is a build-up of mildew on the decking give it a good clean. Take a look at our blog for maintaining your decking https://www.eastlondonlandscapes.com/maintaining-your-garden-decking/ for some further advice. Check your tools to check they are in good working order and not in need of repair. Store them away in an easily accessible place to get full use out of them this year. Nothing worse than hunting around for a tool when you want to get a job done! Rake over your lawn to remove any debris or dead leaves. This helps to aerate the soil. Try to do this when the soil is not too wet to avoid compacting it. Prune your shrubs and trees. Turn over your soil and weed and mulch your beds. Remove any annual plants as they will not return to clear space in the bed for this year’s planting. Cut away the dead stalks of any perennials. This will encourage growth for the coming year. Take a look at your garden beds to plan your planting for the coming year. Have a look at your current plants to see what new ones will compliment them. They have some great choices in the local garden centres to give you inspiration or you could order summer flowering bulbs online. In February you can start to sow seeds which require a longer growing season. They will need to be grown in a heated propagator. Turn over your compost pile. Try to move the good stuff at the bottom to the top and give it a good mix up. Give your greenhouse a thorough clean so it is ready for all the spring seedlings. Brush all the surfaces and give everything a clean and wash all the window panes. Install water butts now to collect rainfall which are good for your beds and saves on your water bill. Make sure it is positioned below a downpipe to catch the maximum amount of rainwater.
Landscaping Trends for 2016
Landscaping trends for 2016. What trends are set to emerge this year in British gardens? Looking at garden designers predictions, several emerging trends can be seen reflecting the way in which we use our gardens. Easy maintenance is set to continue to be a key theme. For most people, the amount of time they can spend caring for their garden is becoming increasingly limited. Commuting times and pressure of work are increasingly cutting into leisure time. People want gardens that are easy to maintain, yet are pleasant, relaxing places where they can entertain friends and family. Linked to this desire to entertain is the need for lighting so as to enable people to use their gardens for much longer in spring and autumn. LED lighting is becoming very popular due to the fact that it is energy and cost efficient. Many people are using their smart phones to control outdoor lighting systems as well as automatic irrigation systems to keep plants in good condition. Colour is set to become more important. There will be greater use of greens and dark blues on fences and garden structures in order to create foils for plants as well as blending into the garden much more. Well-manicured, perfect lawns are becoming less popular. Such lawns are very time consuming resulting in a more naturalistic approach in which lawns are mown far less frequently. Alternatively, home owners are opting to remove front lawns and reduce the amount of lawn space in back gardens. Instead, they are opting to use gravel, rock, brick and paving especially in the front gardens, with decking, gravel and paving more common in the back. A green space is seen as important, but people want more areas in which they can sit and entertain in comfort. Linked to this is a growth in the provision of covered areas, which will provide shade in summer, and shelter during spring and autumn evenings. Pergolas and terraces are forecast to be popular additions to decking and patios in order to match the move towards greater entertaining at home. Interest in the use of locally sourced materials is beginning to appear, reflecting eco-friendly concerns. More innovative and creative ways are being sought to use standard materials such as stone and wood to define the boundaries of flower beds and garden space. Fence panels for example have been used horizontally as screens, dividing one section of the garden from another, thus providing additional privacy. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 413215. We provide landscaping and fencing services in East London . We offer all our customers a one to one service, from the first site visit to the finished garden, we never forget how important our clients are. We have offices in Walthamstow, East London and Harlow, Essex. We cover Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Bow, Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Hackney, Docklands, East Ham, Stratford, Forest Gate, Clapton, Wanstead, Chingford, Loughton, Woodford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and other surrounding towns in London and Essex.
Maintaining A Fence
Here we look at maintaining a fence. With the onset of winter, checking the condition of fences is essential. Any inherent weaknesses in a fence are made worse by winter weather. Strong winds, floodwaters, heavy rain and snow piled against the base of a fence can be the final straw. All too often, it is at this point that homeowners discover that their fence is no more. It then becomes a rush to try and get a new fence. Decisions are made in a hurry, and you may have to wait some time for a fencing contractor to install it, as they will be deluged with similar requests from many other people. In the meantime, the security of your home and garden is compromised, and more damage may ensue from the presence of the damaged fence. With additional costs caused by poor security, damaged plants and potentially damaged garden buildings, the price can quickly start mounting. Avoiding this situation involves just a few minutes of your time. Take a close look at your fence and investigate its overall condition. Are there any loose planks, or fence sections? Are the supporting posts strong and secure? Look carefully at the base of a fence. This is often where weaknesses can appear, yet be hidden from normal view. Give the supporting posts a push and see if they move. If so, then you have a potential problem emerging. Remember too that a fence has two sides. One side might look OK, but the other may have problems. If it is a party fence, arrange with your neighbour to inspect it from their garden. This will enable you to see if there are any weaknesses appearing, or if the wood is deteriorating. Weatherproofing a fence will help protect the wood from much of the vagaries of wind and weather but this can only be done when it is dry and there is no rain or snow forecast. Contact a fencing contractor if you see any problems emerging. They can advise on the best techniques to repair the fence, replacing posts or fence sections quickly and efficiently. Fixing a fence needs more than just one pair of hands – a fencing contractor has the staff and skills to complete the job rapidly, a factor that is extremely important in wintertime. If you notice a problem with your fence or are looking to have new fencing installed please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Maintaining Your Garden Decking
Here we look at maintaining your garden decking. Decking is very popular and look gorgeous in any garden. It provides a very flexible addition to your home. As with most things it requires a little maintenance. Follow these tips below for a long standing beautiful deck: Sweep it regularly with a hard broom and hose down to maintain a good deck. Remove debris between the boards using a putty knife. Use a decking cleaner to remove any moss, algae or dirt from the decking. Aim to do this twice a year. Ideally once in the spring and once in the autumn. Do not use any chlorine based bleach for cleaning as although it will clean the deck it will break down the lignin in the deck timber which holds the wood together. A jet washer can be used to clean the deck but do not use a heavy duty one. It needs to be smaller than 1500psi. Allow the deck to dry for several days before applying any type of finish. Soda crystals can be used to remove some stains. Water the deck, sprinkle the crystals, and allow to dry before washing away. After thoroughly cleaning add a decking oil. Even though your deck has been pressure treated in the manufacturing stage it will need to be maintained. Apply the oil with a brush and add two coats. If your wood starts to look tired and grey it need oiling. Never drag heavy objects on the surface of a deck to avoid damaging the wood. Move planters, chairs and tables occasionally to avoid discolouring the decking. Trim nearby bushes and trees. Don’t let leaves and debris pile up in corners. Keep nearby gutters and downspouts in good repair.
Choosing A New Fence
Here we discuss choosing a new fence. Fences are extremely vulnerable in winter. Storms, high winds, frost and snow can cause major problems. Taking action in advance can pay dividends for canny homeowners as it ensures the safety and security of your property. A further advantage is that a smart, well cared for fence will create a good impression for visitors and add value to your home, making it easier to sell. Fences mark boundaries between houses. They provide security, deterring potential intruders. If you have young children, strong fences ensure they can play safely and securely within your garden without any risk of wandering away. This is the perfect time to check out the condition of your fence. Are all the panels secure? Are they showing signs of wear and tear? Are there any broken pieces? If trellis pieces have been attached to the fence, are they fixed securely? Bear in mind that the weight of climbing plants can often cause trellis to pull away from its supports so you may need to do some pruning. Look carefully at the posts that support the fence panels. Are these securely fixed in? Do they rock when you push them? This can be a sign that wood may have begun to rot. Talk to your neighbours and check the condition of the fencing on their side of the property – after all, it may look OK on one side, but problems may be emerging on the other. Gates need to fit properly and have fastenings that actually work. Make sure that gates have no loose planks or broken pieces. Calling in a fencing contractor will make it easier to deal with any fencing problems. A contractor has the expertise and skills to erect a new fence, or replace sections quickly. Many people try to do it for themselves and often end up having to call in a specialist. By far the biggest problem that most people forget is that it is a task, which requires more than one pair of hands! Trying to hold a fence in place, while fixing it to a support is not easy. Fencing contractors have the people who can do the job efficiently. Before making a decision on fencing, chat to a contractor and find out what can be provided. A contractor can advise on materials, costs and even recommend colours that will blend into your existing fence if necessary. Suggestions can also be made for additional security fencing measures or for decorative fencing styles. If you would like to discuss your fencing requirements please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide fencing and landscaping services in East London .
Getting Your Garden Ready For Winter
The bright autumn colours and arrival of the first frosts emphasise the need to get gardens ready for winter. Temperatures can drop fast, while wind and rain can quickly cause problems. Checking the condition of fences has to be a priority. High winds often blow down fences and this not only affects your garden, but your security as well. Trying to replace those fences in a hurry can be difficult. Taking action in advance reduces the risk of problems. Look closely at all sections of the fence and ensure that it is firmly fixed, that there are no rotten posts and that the overall condition is good. Trellis sections attached to fences should be attached firmly as the weight of climbing plants can make them top heavy. Any damaged sections should be replaced before winter weather can take its toll. Equally important is the need to check the condition of garden buildings to make sure that there are no problems. Damaged glass in greenhouses should be replaced. Make sure that there are no damaged or worn areas on decking and patios. These can become slippery with algae in wintertime. Thoroughly clean all surfaces and undertake replacements as necessary. Sweep up leaves that fall onto paths quickly. Although pretty, they can become a hazard as they rot down. Check the condition of tall trees and shrubs to make sure there are no loose or dying branches. High winds can quickly bring these branches down. If they fall across telephone or electric wires you can find yourself without those essential services for a while. Removing the potential hazards in advance does make life a lot easier. Lawns need extra care as winter approaches. Grass will continue growing until quite late in the year so mowing will continue to be necessary. Remove any grass that is growing into borders and flowerbeds, or overlying paths and driveways. Bare patches of lawn should be replaced with new turf. Aerate the lawn carefully to make sure that winter rain and snow does not result in surface water forming on top of the lawn. In some circumstances, this can lead to flooding and the development of boggy patches. If your lawn is in an overall bad condition, it is worth considering replacing it now as it will give the new turf time to establish itself before the really bad weather arrives. If you would like to discuss any of the above tasks to get your garden ready please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or send us an email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Autumn Decking & Patios
As nights draw in and the brilliant autumn colours begin to emerge, this is the perfect time to take a look at your patio or decking with parties in mind. After all, Halloween and Bonfire Night will soon be here. Patios and decking are ideal venues for autumn parties. With just a little preparation, they can be turned into enchanting locations using twinkling lights twined into railings, in trees or along paths. Chimeneas and built in barbeques add warmth on cold nights as well as allowing you to cook bonfire night food. It makes a wonderful gathering place, where your guests can sit and relax, or stroll around the garden. Decking can be easily extended or added to a garden to make extra space for outdoor parties of this kind. Think about the extras that can make a party extra special while providing facilities that can be used all year round. Covering part of the patio or decking with a pergola will provide additional shade in summer as well as a wonderful support for themed decorations and outdoor lights when holding autumn parties. The soft browns and gleaming golds of timber reflect the natural shades of autumn. The deep reds of brickwork and the neutral colours of stone make a pleasing contrast. Paper pumpkins, witches and bats create eye catching décor when hanging from a pergola, or attached to railings on around decking or patios. Specialist contractors can provide the advice and construction skills to create a new patio or install decking in time for a party. Existing decking may need extending or you can add an extra decking area elsewhere in the garden to emphasise a special feature such as a fountain or pool. This will encourage guests to meander and explore the garden. Contractors can also add in the extras such as railings or pergolas. Think long term as well, and consider adding in some storage areas under or incorporated in the decking, a built in fire pit or barbeque. Curved edgings can add a stylish touch while ramps rather than steps may be safer for guests during evening parties. Talking to a specialist landscaping company will often provide ideas that you might not otherwise have considered. As specialists they know the industry and can advise on quality products that will match your budget. A new patio or decking area ready for autumn parties can be achieved with only a little thought. If you would like to discuss a decking or patio project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Planning a new patio or decking for your home?
Planning a new patio or decking for your home? With a little bit of thought you can transform a simple patio or decking area into an incredibly stylish area that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Adding a little extra value can work wonders for the overall design and concept. If opting for decking, opt for higher quality woods. These will last longer and feel much nicer when you walk on them. The higher the quality of wood, the greater the choice of woods available – which means you could use oak rather than pine, or something unusual like maple. The use of colour stained wood is beginning to reappear again. Instead of the natural look, you could aim for cool blues or verdant greens. Try colour co-ordinating with colours that dominate in your garden, give planters a slightly darker shade of your chosen colour to make them stand out. Fixing a mirror on the wall is a well-established way of making a small area seem much bigger and it can give the garden greater depth. Consider adding balustrading around the patio or decking as this adds a touch of elegance as well as practicality. What about incorporating a water feature such as a trickling fountain or millstone fountain, or building in lots of planters using wood or brick. Waist high planters can be an excellent idea if there is anyone in the household who is disabled or elderly as it avoids back problems when caring for the planters. It can ensure keen gardeners with health problems can continue gardening whatever their circumstances. Make decking across two levels or incorporate some steps around the garden to add greater interest. Contrasting colours of wood or stone help to add interest, while other colours like grey and dark blue can look very distinguished and elegant. Bricks are also useful if you have problems with water retention and flooding, as they will allow rainwater to permeate through to the soil below. As a final touch, consider building in a seating area which is tailor made in matching wood. Storage can be built into the seating areas to create a streamlined look and provide the important storage space needed in a garden. Adding value to your decking and patio will not only make it a more pleasurable place to live, but will increase the price when the time comes to sell your house. If you would like to discuss a decking or patio project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Fun in the Garden this Summer for Children
As we fast approach the summer holidays we can enjoy many weeks of entertainment with our children. As a family we enjoy lots of days out but this can be rather expensive. So when the sun is shining brightly and you have a day at home planned there are lots of fun things your children can enjoy doing in your garden. Here are some ideas for fun in the garden: Go on a bug hunt. Make up a list of bugs to be found in the garden and get the children to check them off as they find them. Have a picnic in the garden. Nothing beats eating outdoors when the weather is great. For younger ones you could have a teddy bears picnic. Get the paddling pool out. Get them to help with the weeding and watering of the plants. Run through the sprinklers. Set up a mini obstacle course. After watching Ninja Warrior this year our boys have been inspired. Get out the play tent and let them enter a magical world of imagination. We mentioned bugs earlier. Create a bug hotel to encourage wildlife. A game of football. Our eldest boy is football crazy now and would happily play all day every day if he could. Pick and press some flowers from the garden. Pick some flowers to make some perfume. I remember doing this myself as a child and the results weren’t great but it was lots of fun. Get out the dress up clothes and put on a play. If you have a sandpit have a sandcastle competition. A good game of hide and seek. We also like to hide a teddy in the garden and search for that too. A water fight. Arts and crafts in the garden. Good as it saves on mess indoors! Grab a chair and a good book and settle down. Make mud pies. Draw on the outside walls with some chalk. Then give the children a sponge and water to clear it off at the end of the day. Move some of the indoor toys outside for the day. A train track can be set up to go through the trees, tunnels can be built. A game of skittles. Bubbles. Mini sports day in the garden. Trampolining to burn off some of their energy. My boys love to watch their cars racing down their slide to see which one travels furthest. Create a fairy garden in a container. A game of Bulldog or IT. These are just a few ideas. I imagine the list could go on and on and you have some ideas of your own too. Have lots of fun this summer!!
Going on holiday. Tips for your garden before you go.
As our thoughts turn to our summer holiday before you leave on your journey some tips for your garden before you go. Mow the lawn as you normally do, ideally the day before you go on holiday, so it has as little time as possible to grow whilst you are away. Don’t be tempted to cut your grass really short as if it is too short and the weather is hot it could cause your grass to turn yellow and the soil to dry out. Weed all your bed and pots and baskets. This will help to prevent you coming back to a big jungle. Deadhead all your flowers to encourage new growth whilst you are away. Move pots into the shade if possible If you can get someone to come round to give your garden a water whilst you are away that would be great. Cover up any garden furniture to prevent sun bleaching or rust in case it rains. Then finish the last of your packing, sit back, and relax and enjoy your holiday.
