Blog Archives
Decking boards
Posted on February 23, 2023 at 2:41 pm
When it comes to decking boards, there are a few materials worth considering. Wood decking boards offer durability and strength while also providing a beautiful natural aesthetic. Pressure-treated wood decking is an especially good choice if you’re looking for long-term deck performance, as it can stand up to the elements better than other types of wood decking. Composite decking boards are another great option for those who want a low-maintenance deck that won’t require refinishing or staining every season. They come in a variety of colors and styles and are resistant to rot, decay, fading, and insects. Finally, PVC decking boards provide excellent slip resistance and longevity with minimal maintenance required—just some occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep your deck looking great. No matter which board material you choose, it’s important to make sure the deck is properly sealed and waterproofed for optimal performance and longevity. With these materials in mind, you can find the perfect decking boards for your outdoor space.
What wood is best for deck boards?
When it comes to deck boards, there are a range of different types of wood available. The best option for deck boards will depend on the climate and environment that you live in as well as your budget and aesthetic preferences. Common woods include cedar, redwood, ipe, ipê, mahogany, teak, pressure-treated pine and composite plastic decking.
Cedar is an excellent choice for decks due to its resistance to rot and insects. It is lightweight and easy to work with but can be expensive depending on where you purchase it from. Redwood is also resistant to rot and insects but tends to be more expensive than cedar. Ipe and ipê decking are some of the most durable woods available and can last up to 50 years with proper care. Mahogany deck boards are also durable but may need to be treated occasionally to protect them against weathering and splintering. Teak deck boards are stylish and luxurious but can be expensive. Pressure-treated pine deck boards are very affordable and resistant to rot, making them a popular choice for projects. Lastly, composite plastic decking is made from recycled materials and is low-maintenance but usually more expensive than other deck board options.
Posted in Gardening
A Pergola for an Urban Garden
Posted on March 1, 2020 at 12:00 am
Any garden or courtyard can be made to feel more like a rural space, with the right landscaping and decorative features. This provides the ultimate escapism in a city, creating greenery and a place of calm. One common feature used in city spaces is a pergola, which can be placed anywhere to give shelter, a seating area or simply to create a decorative feature.
Pergolas are wooden structures that can be put together from kit form. The kit will come with all the parts needed to build the structure, including fixtures, fittings, and screws and bolts. You won’t have to get any of the wood cut down to size and you won’t have to be concerned that you’re using the right timber for outdoor use, or that it will be able to take the weight of the structure. You’ll be ready to get building as soon as the pergola kit arrives with you. There are size options to suit all spaces, from miniature pergolas to much larger options.
Posted in Gardening
How to Choose Turf
Posted on October 31, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Choosing turf to plant is not always an easy and foolproof decision. You might think it’s a simple case of buying new turf to lay in your garden, or buying turf to make a new area into a garden. However, there are various types of turf that you can choose that will all have their own benefits depending on your situation.
For example, you might think that if you have a garden in a domestic home, you need to get a certain kind of turf and there are no particular options. However, there are many different kinds of turf and they might all suit your purposes better depending on the location and situation of your garden. You can choose from shade resistant types of turf, tough types of turf, turf that has wildflowers in it… the choice is yours. Find a turf supplier and find out what is possible for you.
Posted in Gardening
Planting and Growing Nerine Bulbs
Posted on January 17, 2019 at 8:41 am
The Nerine is one of the most exotic-looking flowers you could imagine, especially at the time of year that they flower – the autumn. Many gardens will be looking dull at this time of year, and there is nothing quite like an elegant bed or pot of Nerines to brighten things up. With their delicate white flowers and umbels, the Nerine will always look graceful and beautiful. You can grow Nerine bulbs easily in your garden, as long as you plant them at the right time of year.
Why do people choose to grow Nerines?
Of all the flowers you could choose to grow, why is the Nerine a good option for you? Here are some of the key reasons you might want to consider:
- Delicate and pretty. Your Nerines will look beautiful in any type of garden, with their colouring blending in subtly with anything else that you have planted previously.
- Excellent as cut flowers. Many people use Nerines in bouquets, so if you grow your own in your back garden, you have the additional bonus of having beautiful flowers indoors, too. You can cut them on the stem and add them into autumn or wildflower bouquets.
- Can be largely left alone. Nerines are not high maintenance flowers and once they are in the ground, they can largely be left to it. You will just need to make sure they are planted in the right environment and have some protection.
Buying your Nerine bulbs – choosing carefully
Nerine bulbs are quite long in shape, so make sure they haven’t been damaged at all, as it would be easy for one of the ends to obtain some kind of damage. When you buy the bulbs, check them over visually before you plant them, to check that they look to be in good condition. You will usually be able to tell a bulb’s general health from its appearance, so if it looks to be in good condition, it will probably grow well for you. It is important to buy your bulbs from a well-known source, a garden centre or online supplier who has links with good nurseries where they source all of their bulbs. This helps to ensure you receive bulbs that are healthy, and it helps to support the industry as a whole.
Some growing tips to help your Nerine bulbs flourish
Here are some tips to follow if you want your Nerines to do as well as possible:
- Make sure the Nerines are planted in a spot where they will get plenty of sunlight. They might struggle to grow well if it isn’t warm enough.
- Plant your Nerines against a wall. If at all possible, choose a south facing wall that will give them both heat and support.
- Make sure the soil is well draining. Your Nerines will thank you for it.
- You can plant your bulbs with some of the bulb still exposed, or you can plant them deeper, around 6cm. Planting them deeper will help to protect them from cold and frost, so you might want to do this if you plant your Nerine bulbs later on in the autumn, more towards the winter months.
Posted in Gardening
Hiring a Garden Landscaper
Posted on December 20, 2018 at 10:58 pm
A landscaper is very different to a gardener. They are someone who will style and shape your garden, making it into a beautiful, usable space as opposed to just a garden. If you need some inspiration for your garden, then you should definitely consider the benefits of hiring a landscape gardener. They will be able to give you guidance and ideas, as well as actually carrying out the work for you.
When you are looking for a landscape gardener, make sure you choose someone with the right credentials. You don’t want to pick someone who only landscapes very large spaces like parks, or they won’t be specialists in commercial properties. Look at their portfolio to see what they have done before and to see if you like their ideas. This is the most important thing, as everything else can be customised. If you can rely on your landscaper to be an ideas person, you will work well together.
Posted in Gardening