We can feel the days getting hotter so our thoughts turn to our gardens. One of the jobs to be done is to get your patio area clean and ready for the Summer. Below are some tips for getting your patio ready. 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. 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. One of the quickest ways to bring your patio back to life 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 Summer. 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 020 3633 6413.
How To Plan A Garden Makeover
Carrying out a total garden makeover is a very exciting and important project for your home. Take your time to think and plan what your dream garden will look like. What look would you like to achieve? Think about what you need your garden to be? Somewhere to relax, somewhere for the children to play? Take into account the size and shape of your space when planning. Do you like a traditional garden or a more modern contemporary look? Think about what would work well with your style of home. Carry out some research by visiting garden centres, open gardens, garden magazines and online and even the gardens of your friends and family for inspiration. A garden makeover can take place any time throughout the year. In the Winter the plants are dormant and so it is easier to work around the garden, or the Summer when you get the opportunity to really understand how to make the best use of your space. If you choose to carry out the work in the Winter this enables you to have your garden ready for when the Spring arrives to get the most use out of it throughout the year. In the Winter you may be able to negotiate more with your landscaper than in the Spring or Summer. Which hard landscaping do you want to introduce into your project? Do you want to be relaxing on a patio or decking area? Would you like a large lawn area to spread out on in the Summer and for your pets to have space to run around? Once you decide then carry out research on what materials you want to use for your project. There are so many options available so make sure you look at as many as possible. Carry out research online and also go into the local garden shops to take a look at samples. For decking do you want wooden decking or composite decking. If wooden do you want hardwood or softwood decking. Which do you prefer the look of, also what budget do you have for this part of the project as hardwood decking is slightly more expensive. Carry out your research to find out which type of decking suits your project and budget. There are many choices of wood available for both options. If you choose softwood decking we regularly use a decking board that allows you the choice to have a grooved or smooth finish so a further decision to make. What shape do you want your decking to be, do you want a curved finish or a standard rectangular shape flush to your home. Do you want to make additions to the decking by adding spindles and handrails, lighting, seating or storage. These additions can really make a difference to the overall project. They can always be added at a later stage if your budget doesn’t allow at the time. For paving there are many different designs and products. Which type of paving slab do you like the look of, which would work well with all the other materials you have chosen for your garden makeover project. Is it one patio needed or maybe two, one outside the back door and one at the end of the garden where the sun trap in your garden is with a path connecting the two. Then you need to decide which way you want to lay the paving as that can create a totally different look too. Do you want a square or rectangle patio or a circular one. Maybe one area of the garden as a patio and a decking area as well. Fencing plays a large part in the look of your garden so consideration really does need to be given to this area of the garden. Do you like the traditional fencing or the contemporary look of the horizontal slatted fencing. Which would work best with your overall design. There is also the choice with the traditional fencing of whether to go with concrete or wooden posts. One area that might not be considered is waste costs for the project. If you require a skip will you need to contact your local council to purchase a skip permit and do you also need to include bay charges if there are parking restrictions in your area. Do remember to include waste removal costs into your budget. If you would like to discuss a garden makeover then please get in touch with us to discuss and we can arrange a consultation to talk through your project. Email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 020 3633 6413.
Garden Makeover in East London
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.
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 .
