1st Class Gardens

Home and Garden News and Information

Author: George (page 1 of 18)

Winter tasks in the garden

Many people avoid working in the garden during the winter months as the ground is usually too hard to dig and the weather is unpredictable but there are some tasks that can be done so that when spring arrives the garden is ready for planting again. Winter jobs tend to be about cutting back and tidying shrubs and plants. Although hard pruning is not advisable in the winter a trim is fine. Be careful that you do not cut off branches that already have the buds for next year’s flowers though as shrubs such as hydrangea will not flower if pruned now. Removing dead plants from pots and planters is a job that could be done and will make sure that the pots on the patio are ready for replanting... Continue reading

Installing your sun awning in time for spring

Although winter is well on its way, it doesn’t mean now isn’t a good time to purchase a patio awning for your home. An awning can offer great protection from the sun but can also offer protection from the wind and rain. There are a number of different types of sun awnings to choose from such as fixed or retractable, and if retractable, manual or electric. Buying a garden patio awning now will ensure that it is is ready for the spring next year. There tends to be a rush around March and April time and you may find that if you leave it until then you won’t get one installed until mid way through summer. There may still be opportunities when you can use your awning throughout the colder... Continue reading

Tips for gardeners on a budget

With the majority of people struggling to manage their home finances at the moment buying items for the garden has gone down the list of priorities, but there are ways that you can spruce up the garden without breaking the bank and create a peaceful haven for you and your family to enjoy. A cheap tin of fence paint bought from a discount shop can be used on sheds, fences and wooden furniture and can make a real difference to the garden. Look for end of line paints or damaged tins as these will probably be cheaper. Many people have found that wooden pallets can be used for all sorts of things in the garden and can usually be sourced for free. They can be used to create seating areas... Continue reading

It’s time to sort out those planters

Thankfully, the risk of frost is now over and so pots and planters that are on patios and gardens can be safely planted up with bedding plants and annuals. Unless you have already grown your plants from seed you will need to pay a visit to the local garden centre or supermarket and choose which plants you want to use. Here are some ideas for colourful plants that are popular with gardeners. Geraniums come in all colours and varieties and are easy to grow in flower beds or planters. If kept well-watered and fed throughout the summer months, and dead headed when the blooms have died, they will continue to flower throughout the summer and autumn. Another popular bedding plant is the begonia which has a beautiful, dark glossy leaf... Continue reading

Spruce up your garden with new fencing

If the fencing around your garden is looking a bit tired and dilapidated it may be time to renew it. New fencing can completely change the look of a garden and will provide the security we all want both to stop intruders and to prevent our canine companions from escaping. The choices of fencing that are available now are wide-ranging and come in a variety of materials and styles to suit all tastes and applications. The most popular garden fencing is still wooden fence panels with concrete posts and gravel boards as these are the cheapest and long lasting options. The most commonly used fence panels were made with horizontal boards but recently more people are choosing fence panels with vertical boards instead. These look more contemporary and are more... Continue reading
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