Decking or Paving. Which is best? It can be very hard to choose. Both look great, easy to install and simple to maintain. Both are natural products, and are environmentally friendly. A pretty area of decking, or a smart paved patio or driveway definitely adds value to your home. It makes sitting outside even more fun, and provides a safe play area for kids without having to worry about problems of muddy grass. Decking is very appealing. It can be a pleasure looking at natural wood, with its gently tawny shades or you can paint the wood almost any colour you want. Smooth and slightly warm to the touch, it looks good all year round. Decking is ideal if you have a sloping area, as it can be easily adjusted to cope with uneven surfaces. It is also easy to modify in years to come when your needs change, for example if you need extra space to cope with children or plan more entertaining. Decking is very durable and retains its appearance as long as you do not mistreat it! Paving is very strong and hard wearing albeit a little less forgiving if you fall! Paving stones can be cut to suit a wide range of different shapes and sizes allowing you to create a variety of patterns and designs to give a very individual, bespoke style. You can even co-ordinate that design across your paths and driveway as well as a patio. It can look very visually striking and impressive. Paving makes the perfect choice for driveways as it is extremely strong and hard wearing. Keeping paving or decking clean is important. No matter whether you have chosen paving or decking, algae can build up during the winter time or after heavy rain and make surfaces slippery. A good clean and brush over will quickly deal with the problem. Choosing between decking and paving is not easy. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to making a final choice. It is very much a matter of personal preference. What do you like best? What will suit your home and your circumstances? A chat with a specialist supplier and installer can be of immense help. They can offer suggestions and advice that you might not otherwise have considered. Whichever you choose, installation is quick and easy – just call in the professionals who can install it for you giving you the garden of your dreams. If you are thinking of a decking or paving project for your garden please take a look at our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com and contact us by email at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call us on to arrange a free consultation and quote. We provide hard landscaping services in East London .
Horizontal Slatted Fencing
Garden fencing plays a very important part in the look of your garden and the overall image of your house. It is one of the more noticeable areas in a garden so it is really important to take your time and make the right choice when choosing which type of fencing to go for. There are so many designs and options available and it is good to do some online research to look at all the difference choices available to you so that you are happy and really comfortable with your fencing. It is important to select a garden fence that is in tune with the style of your home. Here at C&J Landscapes Ltd we love all the different options available and are able to install them all. One look that we really do love to install and that is very popular is the horizontal slatted fencing. It really does provide a streamlined look to a garden design and works very well with modern and contemporary gardens. When we install this type of fencing we work with both hardwood and softwood. If your existing fencing is sturdy the horizontal fencing can be applied to it. This is an easy update to create a new look. You can also paint the wood if required a feature colour to tie into a colour scheme in the garden. If you would like to discuss a fencing project then please get in touch for a free consultation. We provide fencing and landscaping services in East London . Please call the office on or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Creating A Country/Rural Garden
Creating a country/rural garden. Even in an urban area, you can give your garden a country/rural feel by carefully choosing your hard landscaping. Think about exactly what you are aiming for when looking at landscaping products. Focus on soft shades and natural earthy looking materials. This is a garden design that calls for beiges, browns, soft dark reds. Use natural materials like wood and stone that will weather and give the impression that they have been around for a long time just like the countryside you admire. If you prefer bricks then make sure that they are muted in shade and not uniform colours. The countryside look is always about informality. When you look at the countryside there is never uniformity, patches of colour vary in shades. It is this that you need to think about with hard landscaping and design. Avoid anything geometric, symmetric or with hard lines. Natural stone walling can create very pretty raised beds, especially if you fill them with informal planting including herbs, vegetables and some draping fruit like strawberries. Stepping stones surrounded by bark creates a leisurely, relaxed pathway. Or use weathered stones and bricks for a winding path. Heavy duty timber may even be suitable for path edging or even some paths – check with your landscaping contractor to see what is available. Timber is a fantastic natural material fitting beautifully into a rural landscape. Small areas of decking can blend well into a rural, country themed garden especially if the colour of the decking is muted and soft. Think gentle autumn golds and browns rather than deep red brown shades as these will blend much better into the environment. Vary the sightlines within the garden. Remember that in the countryside, nothing is flat. Bring in some natural height even if it is just a stone rockery or a pergola tucked among the trees or beside a water feature. By breaking up the sightlines you can make your garden feel bigger than it actually is. Add in some seating areas, even if it is just a wooden garden bench at the end of the garden or on the patio. For the best effect, choose a rustic style incorporating hints of rough hewn logs. Chunky and solid, such benches can be extremely comfortable and fit the country theme perfectly. Remember to complete the rural look with soft drifts of flowers and shrubs avoiding creating any sharp, geometric edges in any way. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com
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 .
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.
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.
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.
Planning a Garden Makeover?
Planning a garden makeover? Brought a new house and want to adjust the garden to suit your needs or simply improve what you already have? Altering gardens requires careful thought so as to make sure that you achieve the results that you want. Begin by taking a close look at your existing garden. Draw up a plan as to what it is like, highlighting all the key items such as big trees, boundaries as well as the things you want to keep like sheds, pergolas or seating areas. Are there any views that need screening or is extra privacy required? Think about the needs of the people who will be using the garden – ramps rather than steps may be better for wheelchair users or small children. Ponds, even small ones, may need safety barriers if you have toddlers in the family. If you plan to use the garden for entertaining, having a direct access from the kitchen may be a good idea, as it will make it easier to bring food outside. Measure up just how much space you have. Using a compass work out which way your garden faces. A north-facing garden will receive far less sunlight than a south facing one and this will affect where you place decking or patios. Likewise if your garden is very open and windswept, you may need to consider creating some shelter. Identify the shadiest and sunniest parts of the garden. Check this at different times of the day. How much sunlight does it get in the evening compared to the morning? Having obtained the basic information, decide what you would like – perhaps a bigger seating area, direct access from the kitchen, ramps rather than steps? Do you need a patio that can be easily maintained and kept clean? Do paths need to be moved? Take your plans to a landscaping company and discuss just how to create the garden of your dreams. They can give you ideas that you might not otherwise have thought about, simply because they are specialists and know the industry. The more relaxed feel of a wooden deck may be more suitable than a concrete paved patio. Curved edges can provide a pleasanter image than lots of straight edges. A company with a good knowledge of hard landscaping can advise on suitable materials within your budget, and undertake the work to your timescale. A new garden can be yours within a very short time.
