Summer is right round the corner and us gardeners are in a state of panic. It can be overwhelming sometimes and the pressure is certainly not helped by social media. Influencers always seem to have everything under control and are right on schedule but here are a few simple ways which will help to maximise results.
Painting:
The condition of your garden fence has most likely deteriorated over the winter months. Treating your fence is vital for preserving its look and health. Treatments such as LifeTime Wood Treatment will give it the extra protection it needs from those hot sunny days and wet British nights.
Clearing out the shed:
You can easily hold onto too many bits and bobs which hog space and look a mess. So, go through your entire shed lifting everything out and sorting it into “keep” or “don’t keep” piles.
Once the shed is empty, face your fears and clean it! Getting rid of the cobwebs and debris will make a world of a difference. Afterwards, neatly put your “keep pile” back into the shed. Take the chance to get things organised. Use hooks, shelves and storage bins to get the place looking spick and span.
Weeding:
We know. It’s awful. They do come back quickly but putting a membrane down can slow the process of the dreaded weeds returning. If you buy any plants, always check them over before you introduce them to your garden, especially woody plants that could introduce ground elder, bindweed or balsam.
Maintain tools:
Speaking from personal experience, as someone who was given an already old lawnmower for free by a neighbour (around 20 years ago) – servicing and looking after your tools is key. If you want to get the most out of them, show them some love. A micro-fibre cloth is your best friend for when it comes to wiping dirt off your tools. WD40 is essential, too. Machine oil and grease will keep the moving parts rust free!
Mowing and feeding lawn:
Not everyone loves this job, let’s face it, but you must be careful how you approach that manicured lawn. Going too short can lead to you ending up with a sparse and yellow-looking lawn when the sun turns on the heat.
Forget that whimsical Beatrix Potter sort of look you had in mind – a healthy lawn is thick, lush and moist at the roots. Feeding the lawn helps massively, although be mindful which feed you put down, as some products may be harmful to pets and children. We recommend Neem Organic Fertiliser and Supreme Green Lawn Seed for getting your lawn in tiptop condition.
Eating outside:
Barbecues are a nightmare to clean but a barbeque grill mat will help to minimise mess and make the clean-up process as easy as possible.
Garden furniture is an expensive garden item and is something that must be kept clean. Nobody wants to sit on crusty green cushions or furniture stained with bird poo! Taking your cushions off at night, when it rains and during the winter is a must too. Buying a cover is also a good idea for keeping your furniture clean. Each spring, give your garden furniture a good clean with soap and water – use an eco-detergent to be kind to your surroundings. Don’t forget to wash those cushions – always check the label but most can be washed in the washing machine.
Planting:
Saving the best till last. Plants allow you to express yourself in your outdoor space – how they are chosen and arranged is entirely up to you. Let your creative spirit run free. Plants can be layered with depth, built up to height, contrasted based on colour or even arranged by how they smell. There are lots of plants to choose from. Lobelias, Dahlias and Wisteria are personal favourites. We love to see symbiotic planting schemes that see flowers, vegetables, salad leaves and herbs all planted together – you get the look, the feel, the taste and the smell.
A top tip for a useful plant is lemon balm – we started with one small plant now we have several plants. Easy to grow and look after but the best bit, it makes a healthy, nutritious herbal tea – perfect for recovering after a busy day in the garden.
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