Here we look at a garden makeover in East London. Our client was looking for a total garden makeover of her outdoor space. She chose January to carry out the work to get her garden ready for the Spring. The first step was a consultation at her home to look at the garden space and discuss ideas and plans. The property was in East London and was an older property and the owner was keen to combine the older character of the property with some modern additions and was looking for some ideas. To keep in character Charcoal Cobbles were laid as paving stones coming straight out from the back door and side recess to create a great entertaining space. This included steps up to the lawn area with red brick edgings. The original walls were kept and horizontal slatted fencing was installed throughout above the walls to provide privacy but also an aesthetic addition to the space. The mix of the wood and the brick provides a lovely look. The horizontal fencing was also used to create a storage area which flowed seamlessly with the fencing. A new lawn was laid and raised flower beds built from railway sleepers were installed all ready for planting up. If you would like to discuss a project we provide landscaping services in East London . Get in touch for a free initial consultation to discuss your project. Email us office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 020 3633 6413.
Getting Your Garden Ready For Winter
Getting your garden ready for Winter. If you would like your garden to look great in the Spring then carrying out some work in the Winter to prepare your garden for the cold spell will really help it. Here are some tasks to consider undertaking: 1. Give your paving and paths a good clean. Take off all the furniture and planters, clear out all the leaves, give it a good brush down and a clean with some soapy water and a stiff broom. If you have a pressure washer this will make the job a lot quicker and easier for you. 2. Give your decking a good brush down, firstly take off any chairs or tables or planters, then getting into the corners to remove any dead leaves or debris. Finally give it a wash down with some soapy water and a stiff broom or a pressure washer if you have one available. 3. Take a walk around your garden and take a good look around the boundary of your fences to check that the posts are still in good order and the fence panels do not need repair or for any to be replaced. 4. Lighting will really brighten up your garden in the Winter so is something to consider adding if not already there. The nights draw in fairly early now. 5. For your lawn go over the entire area with a rake to remove thatch and moss allowing it to breath and grow. Aerate and give it an Autumn feed. 6. Trim your hedges before the frost hits. 7. For your trees remove any dead or damaged branches. 8. Tidy up your borders by removing any weeds or dead foliage and leaves. Remove any annual plants and cut back herbaceous perennials. 9. If you have a compost bin now would be a good time to clear it out and spread it across your beds ready for the Spring. This also helps to make the beds look a little more presentable over the Winter. 10. Now is the time to plant out your Spring bulbs before the Winter kicks in. Once Spring arrives your garden will be alive with colour. 11. Take a look at your shed or greenhouse to see if the wood needs a coat of paint or any repairs need to be carried out. Now is a good time to give it a tidy up and clean inside and get all your tools in order. Consider adding shelving to make things easier to find. 12. For any delicate plants wrap them up in fleece ready for the Winter or move them to the greenhouse or conservatory. 13. If you have a pond try to keep it clear of leaves and place a ball in there to float on the surface to stop it freezing over completely. 14. If snow does arrive, and it seems to be more likely each year, then knock the snow that is resting on the leaves of your plants to try to prevent severe damage. If you are thinking of a new project for your garden like adding in a decking area in a sunny corner or a patio area to create a great entertaining space then now is a good time to get the work carried out whilst the garden isn’t getting as much use. If you would like to discuss please email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 020 3633 6413 to arrange a free consultation and a quote for the works.
Autumn Is A Good Time To Install A Fence
Autumn is a good time to install a fence. There is no need to wait until the Spring to get your fence installed. Autumn is a great time to carry out this work and there are a number of reasons why: Speed of Service Spring is a popular time for getting your garden ready for the Summer so there may be a bit of a wait to get your fencing project booked in with a fencing contractor. If you look to have this work carried out in the Autumn you beat the rush and also have your fencing installed and your garden ready for when the Spring arrives allowing you to get full use out of it straight away when the sun arrives. Saving Money Fencing contractors are very busy during the Spring and Summer so you are more likely to get a better deal by approaching them in the Autumn or Winter to carry out your project. You can then use any savings made in your budget to either get the project completed at a cheaper rate or use the saving to spend more on the materials on your project creating an even more beautiful fence. Having Your Garden Ready For the Spring By having the work carried out in the Autumn that is one project you have completed before the Spring arrives allowing you to enjoy your garden and the sunshine as soon as it appears and have fun in the garden with your family straight away. Friendly on Your Landscaping Carrying out your fencing project in the Autumn is a good idea as much of the landscape will be dormant so it will be less damaging to your plants. If you have bushes or roses that are near where the fence will be installed, they can be trimmed back or even relocated during their dormancy without causing long-term damage. If you do need to replace some plants or re-landscape areas where the fence was installed, getting the fence project done during the Winter will give you a head start in getting new plants in the ground come Spring. By getting them in early, you’ll ensure they are well established before the Summer heat causes stress that can harm immature plants. Your Fencing Will be Ready for Winter If your fence is looking worse for wear now would be a good time to replace it before the Winter takes hold. We have had some cold Winters recently and a strong new fence will hold up well against the cold, snow, and sleet. If you would like to discuss a fencing project please get in contact by email at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or by calling the office on to arrange a free consultation.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Fence
Things to consider when choosing a fence. If you are thinking of changing your fencing take your time before going ahead with the new installation. There are various things to consider so you shouldn’t rush into this decision. Below we look at some of the things to take into consideration: Have a think about the purpose of the fence? Is it to improve the look of your garden? Does it need to provide privacy? Is it needed to keep your pets from straying? What budget do you have for the project? Do you need any planning permission? This is only needed for fencing over 2m high (6ft = 1.83m, 5ft = 1.52m, 4ft = 1.22m, 3ft = 0.91m). How much maintenance can you honestly carry out each year? What materials do you want to use? Do you go with wooden or concrete fence posts? Do you want vertical or horizontal fencing? How much light do you get in your garden? Maybe consider fencing with gaps between the slats to increase the lighting. Do you want to add fence post caps to finish the look? Remember to talk to your neighbours before the project starts so they are aware of the planned work. Are you going to carry out the work yourself of hire a professional for their knowledge and experience? If you would like to discuss a fencing project please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com to arrange a free consultation and quote.
Fencing – Wooden or Concrete Posts?
Wooden or concrete posts? Choosing your fencing is a big decision to make. You need to decide on what you are looking for from your fencing. Is it for security or for design purposes? Your fencing can totally change the look of your garden and home so it needs to be thought through properly. One decision that you might need to make is whether to install concrete or wooden posts with your fencing. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of both: Wooden Posts Wooden posts are not as heavy as concrete posts so they are not as difficult to install which makes them more cost effective than concrete. Timber fence posts create a far more natural warmer look than their concrete counterpart. Wooden posts will match the wooden fencing or fence panels and can be easily matched to your fencing, creating a seamless boundary around your garden. They also blend in with trees and hedges creating a natural look throughout. If you have wooden decking installed in your garden then wooden posts and fencing really look great together. Looks great with pergolas too! Wooden fence posts allow the fencing to be fixed to the fence posts. Sometimes fence panels can rattle in the wind and by having them tightly fixed to the post alleviates that potential problem. Fixing fence panels to the posts can also make the fence more secure. One of the most common ways items or pets are stolen from a garden is by lifting the fence panel out of its slot. You can add fence post caps to wooden posts which adds an elegant finishing touch to your garden. They also add another step for a thief who would have to remove the post caps if they want to remove a fence panel out. You can personalise the fence posts with paint or varnish. Concrete Posts The posts are heavier which makes them more difficult to install making them slightly more expensive than wooden posts. There is little upkeep required with concrete fence posts. To keep them looking fresh just a quick wash with warm soapy water. Concrete fence posts provide a sturdy support for your fencing giving you peace of mind that your fence is robustly supported. Concrete Fence Posts are slotted, which means that if your fence panels need to be replaced you can simply slide out your existing panels and replace them with new fence panels. The decision is yours entirely to make and everyone has a different opinion. If you would like to discuss a fencing project and get some advice then please call us on or email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com
Time For a Garden Makeover
Now could be the time for a garden makeover. It’s been a hard Winter. The ‘Beast from the East’ hit gardens just as the first signs of Spring had begun to appear. Bitter arctic winds played havoc with fences, while blankets of heavy snow followed by the impact of rain and thawing snow compounded any existing problems with patios, paths and decking. As the ground surfaces dry, the results are now becoming apparent. Fences may have become unstable, decking wood might have been damaged, paving stones dislodged. Worse still, the sheer amount of water in the ground and encountered over the past few weeks could well be the last straw for fence posts that had begun to rot in previous years. A slight push or a strong March wind can easily bring down such fences. It is not just the existing hard landscape that will be looking a bit sorry for itself. Trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and lawns will also be suffering. Walk on a lawn and often you sink into the ground or find yourself slipping on muddy surfaces. All this makes it an ideal time to consider a garden makeover. Replacing problem areas that have arisen as a result of the hard Winter is essential for the security of your property, as well as the pleasure of having a nice garden. But while doing so, it is worth considering whether paths ought to be re-routed to make access easier, fences totally replaced, or whether a new patio or decking is required in a different spot which would make cleaning, maintenance and relaxation much easier? Perhaps you are thinking of doing some entertaining this summer? Extending an existing patio area could make it much convenient by providing additional seating space that can be used all year round. After all, gardens are flexible areas and often need adjusting as your personal requirements change. The arrival of young children can lead to a need for safe play areas, while less able householders may need safer paths to decrease the risk of falls. Calling in a specialist contractor such as C&J Landscapes Ltd can make this task much easier. Not only will they be able to undertake the work quickly and efficiently, they can call on years of experience to provide the advice and information you need. They can make recommendations on just how to transform your garden to suit all your requirements. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch by calling the office on or emailing office@eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide a free initial consultation.
Garden Fence Security
Here we look at garden fence security. With the arrival of the dark nights of winter, there are fewer people around in gardens and streets. All too frequently, people are tucked up warm inside their homes with curtains closed. But what is happening outside? As darkness falls, it becomes easier for potential intruders to take advantage of the lack of light, especially if houses appear to be empty in the early evening. It is not unknown for thieves to break into sheds even if you are at home. Problems with theft and burglary within the home and garden sheds often increase in winter. This can be costly due to possessions having to be replaced and the feeling of having your home invaded. Insurance does not always cover all the damage, and it does leave you feeling insecure. It is not just a matter of potential theft. Secure fencing can also make a difference if you have pets or young children. Gaps in fences and open gates can lead to children and pets straying into the road, which can lead to accidents. Making sure that your fences are totally secure has to be a priority, especially at this time of the year. It only takes a few minutes to check out fencing and identify any problems. All you have to do is walk along your boundary fences regularly and check to see that there are no gaps, no damaged areas and that the posts holding up fence panels are firmly in the ground. Fences should also be checked automatically whenever there has been any high winds or major storms. Any damage to fencing should be dealt with immediately – the longer you leave it, the greater the chance of further damage occurring and obviously it poses a risk to your own household security. Contacting a hard landscaping specialist ensures that the work is completed quickly and efficiently as they have all the tools and instant access to appropriate fencing materials that will match into your existing fence. Equally worth considering is talking to your contractor as to how you can improve the security of your fencing. It may be that your fencing could be increased in height by adding trellis on top. Your contractor can advise on this, making sure that height considerations do not damage your neighbour’s access to light. Taking action to minimize the risk of problems occurring makes sense. It can save you money and make you feel more secure. If you would like to discuss a fencing project or fence repair please get in touch by either an email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call our office on . We cover East London .
Your Garden in Autumn
Your garden in Autumn. What to do now. Here we look at how to plan ahead. Now that the kids are back to school and days are getting shorter, gardens are being used less. It is a perfect time to stand back and think about work that needs to be undertaken in the garden. There may be fences that need a little maintaining – it can be less expensive to replace part of a fence than face replacing the whole fence, and possible deal with security breaches as well. There may be broken sections of decking or damaged flagstones in paths. Taking quick action in dealing with loose boards in sheds, or replacing shed roofs will prevent further decay over the coming winter. If you are unsure about the extent of the damage, it is worth talking to a landscape contractor like C&J Landscapes who can advise on the best course of action. Yet it is not just time for maintenance checks – this is the ideal time for dealing with those issues that have arisen over the summer. How often did you think – perhaps having a slightly wider patio would be useful when entertaining? Or that path really needs replacing with a better, long lasting material? Or that decking project you have always dreamed of with the build in bar? Or how a gazebo in a sunny corner of the garden would have improved your enjoyment throughout the summer? Taking action now means that you still have time to enjoy those new features before the onset of winter. It also means that you can choose the best landscape contractors to undertake the work since most people leave this type of project until the last minute, and then find that good landscape contractors are often fully booked. The project then has to wait until the contractor is available. Timescales are always important. With the British weather, no one can ever rely on having a long period of sunshine, or simply a period of dryness during which work can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Sudden heavy rain can cause unexpected delays. Calling in the landscape contractors now means that you can take advantage of the drier autumn days, when the ground is still firm and work can be carried out with the far less mess and risk of winter delays. A good landscape contractor can ensure that your project is completed quickly and efficiently so that you can enjoy a Halloween or Bonfire Night party in your garden without worrying about space or safety. If you would like to discuss a project please do not hesitate to get in touch to talk through your ideas www.eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide landscaping in East London .
Child Friendly Garden
Here we look at maintaining a child friendly garden. With the arrival of the summer holidays, children are spending more time in the garden – which is why it is a good idea to do a quick safety check as soon as possible. Gardens are beautiful and provide lots of play opportunities. But they can also be dangerous. Hidden, unexpected hazards can cause problems. Fences and gates need to be securely fixed so that they will not break when hit by footballs or energetic children. There should be no gaps or holes in the panels through which curious children can creep and get lost in the surrounding streets. Check too for broken slats and rough nails which might cut or wound children. Protruding rusty nails can be extremely dangerous. Infection can quickly set into wounds caused by the rusty nails, resulting in a visit to hospital. Reduce the risk of accidental trips by making sure that there no loose paving stones or decking boards. Check too for any slippery areas that may have developed given the sheer amount of rain that has occurred over the past few months. Brush and wash down the surfaces to remove any build up of algae especially in shady areas. Make sure that steps are clearly visible and not obscured by vegetation or pots. Bear in mind that children running around and playing can fall down steps and hurt themselves. Ponds are one of the biggest hazards for garden owners with children visiting for the first time. If possible, cover the pond with a sturdy netting to reduce the risk of children falling in. Make sure that children can identify the edges of the pond, and that there are no loose stones or rocks which might cause them to fall in. Very young children can drown in just a couple of inches of water and it is wise not to leave children unobserved in a garden if there are any water features. Within a large garden, it is worth considering providing a safe play area for young children on a patio or decking. This can be easily achieved by installing a low fence around it. This encourages children to stay within a set area within which you can keep an eye on them. If you have any worries about the safety of the hard landscaping within your garden, it is best to seek the advice of a landscape contractor who can undertake rapid repairs. Avoiding accidents is far better than dealing with the consequences of an accident happening.
Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring
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.
