1st Class Gardens

This month we have had an extraordinary amount of rain, windy weather and unseasonably cold temperatures following a previously dry month and this is causing havoc with our gardens. Tulips are being blown about so much that their petals are falling, and bedding plants are refusing to grow because it is too cold. Is there anything that can be done to save our young plants and shrubs until the weather improves? If at all possible bedding plants and seedlings need to be kept either in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill until the weather warms up as it is possible to have frosts right up until the end of the month. If this is not a possibility then covering them with some polythene sheeting is another alternative. A simple... Continue reading

If you are someone who likes spending time in your garden and looking after it, then you may struggle to know what you can do during the winter months to allow you to still get the use out of your garden. Why not invest in a bird table, bird feeder or bird bath? The feeders are essential to birds especially during the winter months when the ground is harder and berry have all disappeared. It can give you a great feeling watching the numerous beautiful birds flock to your feeders during the winter not only allowing you to observe whilst they feed but also knowing that you may be helping them stay alive. If you have children, then you may feel that it is too cold for them to be... Continue reading

One of the most common arguments between neighbours is about boundaries and responsibility. If you live in a house which is attached to another or that shares a garden fence or wall etc., then it is important to establish who is responsible for the upkeep and any changes that are made. Often people say that you are responsible for the fence on the right-hand side of your property but this is not always the case so the only way you can be sure of this is to check the deeds. If one of the boundary walls or fences needs replacing or if you wish to change it for something else then be sure you know where you stand first. Check the deeds and with the local council to see what... Continue reading

Whilst it’s been wonderful basking in glorious, almost uninterrupted sunshine for what feels like forever, the heatwave presents a number of challenges for the green-fingered among us. Whilst warm weather in summer is not unusual, it’s rare for it to be so dry for so long. Believe it or not, actual rainfall isn’t that far off normal averages for this time of year, but what is different is how it falls. Rather than falling steadily and lightly over a number of days, some areas have had their month’s rainfall in just one day. Hitting the parched ground, much of this will run off without soaking into the land, meaning it does little good for vegetation. All around I see parched grass, nearly brown from lack of water – if this is... Continue reading