Is winter a good time for a garden makeover? We all want to be able to go out at the beginning of Spring when the sun starts to make a reappearance and enjoy some time relaxing in our garden. We definitely want to be able to relax and enjoy our gardens in the summer! This is why winter is a good time to re-design or get some work carried out in your garden. By getting the work done in the winter you are there fully ready to enjoy your garden when the warmer weather arrives. Plus you won’t be using your garden as much at that time which is another reason why winter is a good time to get landscaping work carried out. You are able to get the work completed with minimal disruption. If you do have the work carried out in spring/summer, there will be a time whilst the project is being carried out that you won’t be able to use your garden quite as much. It will be easier for the landscaping team to work with your garden in winter rather than the summer as the plants and shrubs will be dying back making it easier to move around. The bare bones of your garden are exposed allowing you to see the overall structure and get good sight lines to see what is working in your garden and what isn’t. Plus there isn’t as much wildlife around to disturb which is an important point. This is also a good time if you need to move any trees or shrubs as they will be dormant so you will disturb the roots less. The ground is also softer due to the more frequent rainfall making it easier to excavate if you are having a new patio for example. Another important point to consider is that winter can be a quieter time for landscaping companies. Spring and summer are very busy times when landscaping companies get booked up very quickly, by having your project carried out in the winter you can ensure you can get your project carried out in the timescale desired. You may also find that you may be able to get a better deal on your project. It never hurts to ask to see if there is any wriggle room. Landscaping companies have the machinery and expertise to work in almost any weather so no need to wait until the spring/summer to undertake a project. They are very fortunate enough to be able to see and enjoy all the seasons whilst they carry out their work. Finally, a new garden re-design takes planning, so you can enjoy curling up snugly indoors and looking through magazines or online for inspiration with a nice warm cup of tea. So is winter a good time for a garden re-design? I think it is. Planning a garden makeover of your own? Get in touch via email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com to discuss your project with the experts and get a free quote for the works. Our friendly teams cover East London. We specialise in garden decking, paving and patios, garden fencing, brickwork, lawns, pergolas and raised beds.
Paving Trends For 2023
Patios provide a great space for relaxing and entertaining in your garden. Here we take a look at paving trends for 2023. Always a popular choice, porcelain paving is going to big again in 2023. Porcelain looks great and provides a modern look to a garden. It is a very low maintenance option and a tough paver too, being frost resistant, non-porous and scratch resistant. If you are looking to bring the inside out at your home porcelain is a good choice and if you are keen to try to improve your carbon footprint then consider these pavers as they are made from natural raw ingredients with minimal waste and contain no waterproofing agents, resins or varnish. We will be using a lot of natural stone for our patio projects again this year. Indian Sandstone is very popular as it very versatile and comes in a variety of colours, sizes and finishes to suit all types of garden design. Hand-cut pavers work well in a traditional garden and sawn sandstone suits a more modern look with its clean lines. Sandstone has a long life span as it is a natural stone created over millions or years. When cleaning your sandstone patio avoid using acidic substances and harsh chemicals. Granite is another popular natural stone. Being a natural stone, the composition and colour of the stone will vary and it will have subtle sparkles. It is very hard wearing, heat resistant and there are good slip resistant finish options available. It is another low-maintenance paver. Regarding colour grey paving remains a popular choice as it works well in both modern and older properties. Black is also going to be seen a lot this year, providing a sleek look to your garden. Think porcelain, limestone or granite paving. When planning your new patio area think about your budget, the style and colour you are looking for, the size of the paver and the best location in your garden for the patio. If you are looking to install a new patio and would like a consultation with one of the team to discuss the different products please send an email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com to arrange a free appointment. We cover East and North London.
Looking After Your Garden Paving
Looking after your garden paving. A patio provides a great entertaining space and is a popular choice and a great addition to your home. As with most things it requires a little maintenance and here are some tips and advice for looking after your garden paving. Sweep your patio area regularly with a stiff broom to keep away any fallen leaves or debris. Remove all furniture and give it a good all over sweep. This easy action helps to prevent seed germination. Weed your patio regularly. Try to remove the weed at the roots to prevent them from growing back. If you come across stubborn weeds or have a fair amount of weeds on your patio you can also use a weedkiller product. Be careful when removing weeds as when pulling up the weeds you can remove some of the sand from the joints and you will need to fill in this gap or the weeds will grow again. Most paving slabs just require a bucket of soap and water to keep clean. If you feel that your patio needs a deeper clean then use a specialised patio cleaner to tackle any stubborn stains. Make sure that you check that the product is suitable for the type of pavers that you have installed. This is really important as you don’t want to cause any damage to the surface of the pavers. If you have a natural stone or concrete paver make sure that any patio cleaner that you use is acid free. Test a small area before use. If you choose to use a jetwash to clean your patio make sure that it is on a low power setting and take care around joint areas as the pressure may break or damage the mortar. Work from a good range and at an angle. It is recommended to wash your patio three to four times a year. Applying a sealant will keep your patio looking its best. Again make sure you use the right product for your pavers. Try to seal your patio every few years.
Indian Sandstone Paving
When choosing paving slabs for a garden project Indian Sandstone is very popular and is chosen by many of our clients for their paving projects. It is available in a riven or a smooth sawn surface. Indian Sandstone is a natural, quarried rock that is cut and shaped into paving slabs. As it is a soft rock it is easy to cut and shape to create a curve or a specific design for a patio. It is a good quality paver and comes in a variety of colours and sizes. You can choose to have one size paver for your patio or a combination of the sizes. For maintenance of your paving sweep the patio regularly to remove any debris and wash with soapy water. Try to avoid using any cleaning products that contain acid as this can create rusting on the slabs. If you would like to discuss a paving project please email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 020 3633 6413 to arrange a consultation with one of our friendly team. Our landscaping services cover East London . If you get a moment take a look at our website www.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.
Dining Out In Your Garden
Now that the rain has gone and the sun has reappeared we can look at dining out in your garden. Hot summer days bring out the fragrance of the flowers in your garden, the gentle sweetness of roses and philadelphus, lavender and buddelia. It makes an irresistible backdrop to dining outside, enjoying the fresh air and warmth. A beautiful patio or decking area complements that experience. It provides a place to sit and relax, enjoying the meal in comfort. But before you start planning your outdoor dining, check out the space. Is the patio big enough for all your guests? There is nothing worse than dining outside and finding there is not enough room for everyone you want to invite. A cramped table squashed into a tiny patio or decking creates the wrong impression, and destroys your enjoyment. Is the area clean and tidy? Are there any broken paving stones, or damaged planks of wood in the decking? Are any steps safe? Do the steps need handrails? Does the appearance of your decking look a bit jaded and tired? All these factors are often overlooked in the hurry to dine outside, but can make a tremendous difference to the experience. A quick chat with a hard landscaper can solve the problem. New patios and decking can be installed quite quickly, and often at short notice. You can even arrange to extend existing patios or decking, or add an extra section else where in the garden to take account of special views. A hard landscaper can provide lots of ideas as to how to improve your facilities, the colours that would blend in best or provide a contrast if that is your style preference. They can even add in extra pathways to make your garden more accessible. While planning your dining outdoors activity, think too about the little extras that can give your garden that extra special touch. Perhaps some lights twinkling in the trees, or winding through the shrubs. Try some pretty night light style candles edging pathways. Burning citronella candles will help keep the flies away, and add to the pleasing fragrance around your dining table. If you are having a barbeque remember to have some water and sand at hand, ready to put out flames in an emergency. Follow Food Safety Authority guidelines and don’t leave food out in the sun for too long, otherwise bacteria will start to develop. Ideally, food should be left outside for no longer than two hours. With a little bit of thought, dining outside in the garden can be a fantastic experience taking advantage of the pleasures of your patio or decking. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch via email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call our office on .
Getting Your Patio Ready For Spring
We can feel the days getting slightly warmer and the evenings becoming lighter so our thoughts turn to the garden. One of the jobs to be done so that you are ready to open up your garden is to get your patio area clean and ready for full use in the Spring and Summer. Below are some tips for getting your patio ready for Spring. Remove everything from the area, all chairs, BBQs and plants and pots to create a clear space to work in. You can’t do a thorough job moving around objects. Then give the area a really good sweep. Making sure you get into all the corners and remove any leaves or debris that have accumulated. Remove any weeds that have come up over time whilst the garden hasn’t had as much use in the Winter. Try to get the root out or as near to the root as possible. If you have sand filled joints and the weed takes some sand up with it remember to replace the sand. Do not leave this partially filled. Alternatively use a weed killer to remove. To bring your patio back to life after the Winter one of the quickest ways to do this is with a jetwash. This provides a really deep clean and will bring up the colour of the paving beautifully. However if you don’t have one of these a good old bucket of water with some paving cleaner or washing up liquid and a stiff brush will work wonders too. If using a paving cleaner always check that it is suitable for the paving so that you do not damage the stone. Apply a sealant if needed. Take care to use the correct one for your pavers. There are many options available in the DIY shops and garden centres. You may need to repoint between the paving stones. If this job is needed it will be worthwhile as it will really refresh the look of the paving. Give all your chairs and tables a good clean before returning them to the patio area. Rinse and wash your garden umbrella as it has probably accumulated some dirt and grime and probably bird poo! Firstly rinse with a hose, give it a good wash over with some cleaner then rinse off and lay out to dry thoroughly. Now the fun stuff. Buy some new planters and some new plants to welcome in the Spring. Might be time for some new furniture to freshen up your look. String up some outdoor string lights to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and unwinding. Remember that as with your house your garden needs regular maintenance to keep it in tip top condition. In particular for your patio keep brushing regularly to avoid dirt, moss or weed build up. If your patio is past just a spring clean it might be time to look at repairing or replacing it. If this ends up being the case you could look at a different type of paving for a totally new look to your garden or a complete overhaul and replacing it with decking instead. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch via email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call our office on .
Patios and Paving
Stone patios can look lovely, and are certainly hard wearing. The hardest part is actually laying them correctly. If you look at DIY websites and books, it seems to be a fairly straightforward task. In reality – it can be very difficult for people who don’t possess the skills, equipment and background knowledge to choose the right stone and lay it correctly. Over the past few years, the range of stone on the market has expanded substantially. It is no longer just a few traditional stones local to this country. Paving stone is being imported form all over the world, particularly India and China, and such stone is not always suitable for every location. There is, quite simply, no one size fits all approach to stone paving. Each job now has to be assessed individually, with specific site conditions such as sub-soil and soil type needing to be taken into account. Sub base levels can vary considerably. Then there is the question of the aspect of the garden, and which way it faces. Northern facing gardens experience slightly different climatic conditions to those gardens that face south. What about sealing the stone? Is it a good idea or not? Under what circumstances should natural stone be sealed? Faced with this plethora of questions, more and more people are turning to professional landscape contractors to do the job. Trained landscape contractors have the skills, knowledge and equipment to lay stone paving of any kind correctly and efficiently. They can also advise on the choice of stone, ensuring that it is suitable for your particular garden requirements. Using a landscape contractor reduces the risk of unexpected problems occurring during construction. If any such problems occur for example the discovery of hidden foundations underground, or unexpected pipes and wiring; a landscape contractor will know how to respond immediately. Another advantage is the simple fact that a landscape contractor may be able to take your ideas and make the final result even better than expected. Instead of laying a mono-colour block, the contactor could create patterns, or introduce some additional colour, which you might not otherwise have considered. Using the right product for the location can make a lot of difference to the long term maintenance thus keeping patios and stone pathways looking good for much longer. Talking to a hard landscape contractor can make financial as well as visual sense! If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com, email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 020 3633 6413 or to arrange a free consultation.
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.
Landscaping Trends for 2015
As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. If you would like to discuss a landscaping project please get in touch to discuss and get some advice www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
