Add a garden pond and attract wildlife
Posted by Susan on Aug 26, 2009
There is more to gardening than just plants. Having a pond in your garden is a great addition that will not only add aesthetic pleasure but will also bring wildlife into your garden. Installing a pond is not however an easy task. Once you have decided on the pond size and whether you want to have fish you will need to consider what type of liner you will use and also choose the pond pump and filter.
Epalyn is now the most common liner choice. It is durable and resistant to tears and punctures and also quite cheap compared to the previously favoured butyl. Make sure you plan your installation fully and don’t scrimp on materials. Your pond is a place when you can relax and enjoy some free time. So make a wise decision and get the best pond you can.
The Kent garden show kicks off on the 12th of September
Posted by Jamie on Aug 19, 2009
If you live or are on holiday in Kent around the middle of September then why not visit the Kent Garden Show which takes place on the 12th and 13th of September at the Kent showground in Detling near Maidstone.
Many exhibitors will be at the show and with floral displays, demonstrations and many nurseries selling fantastic products, the show is a must see event. As well as the many horticultural delights on offer there will also be exhibitors displaying garden furniture, water features and ponds and in fact just about anything to do with gardening.
The gates open at 9.30am and the last admission is 4pm with the show closing at 5pm. Admission charges are £6 for adults and £5 for senior citizens. Children and parking are free.
From simple garden storage to multipurpose workshops
Posted by Stefan on Aug 11, 2009
Every gardener needs somewhere to store their tools and associated garden paraphernalia. In fact you can tell what type of gardener somebody is by just taking a look inside their shed. If it is tidy and neat with everything in its place it can be expected that the garden will be the same, with a neatly mown lawn, tilled borders and not a dead plant in sight. If the tools are haphazard then expect the garden to be the same.
Tools are important for every gardener and good quality tools are a must. If you are just starting out on a new garden or have just been given the keys to your allotment there is a myriad of tools that you can choose from. From spades and forks to hoes and trowels, a visit to your local garden centre will reveal the many options on offer.
If you have a new garden or even allotment, one thing that is needed to store all your things is a shed or some other form of storage container. This will be somewhere you can keep your things dry, under lock and key and keep everything else you may need for your garden, from seed trays to potting compost. If you can afford the space instead of just getting a 6 by 4 shed, a good option is to go for a larger storage option. If you get a shed big enough you can even use it as a workshop or convert part of it to provide desk space where you can keep details about your garden plans or design next years garden layout. You might think that workshops in your garden is a little over the top, but if you have the space you should use it to its fullest potential.
40 years wait for an allotment
Posted by Susan on Aug 10, 2009
We knew that the waiting list for allotments was high but new research has suggested that in some areas of the country the wait may be up to 40 years. Demand for allotments has increased as we have become more aware of the food we eat and what goes into it. The pastime that only used to be undertaken by retirees has now in fact become very trendy and more young couples are using allotments to grow there own veg and stay healthy at the same time.
Currently more than 80,000 people are on the waiting list for an allotment with a typical wait of around three years. However, in Camden, London the wait has reached an astounding 40 years! This shows that allotments are not just for people who live in rural or semi rural locations. To meet the demand the government must look at new ways to free up spare land and encourage this healthy and enjoyable pastime.
How to hold a wedding reception in your own garden
Posted by Stefan on Aug 4, 2009
When we get married many of us choose the traditional white wedding in a church, followed by a reception at a Hotel or some other type of formal venue. This can however be quite costly. A friend of mine recently got married at church but decided to hold the reception at home – in the garden.
You may not have lots of room in your garden so this must be an important consideration before you decide to go for this option. However there are lots of things you can do to spruce things up and make the occasion spectacular, even if your garden is not up to show class standard.
The first consideration is the British summer, whilst we look forward to a little sun there is a chance it may rain on your special day. To solve this problem you should first hire a marquee, some companies may even put it up for you. Next a wedding planner can sort all your decoration and flower arrangement ideas. They will dress your garden, can supply all the tables and chairs and decorate all the place settings so it looks brilliant when you get back from the church. Catering companies can provide you with many food and drink options for your day. And as well as providing your menu they also have catering equipment you can hire. The last thing you want to do is to organise the food yourself and rush around before the wedding organising a menu and trying to decorate your home. Lastly, make sure you have enough room for a good party. Hire a DJ and designate somewhere you can dance.
If you organise everything beforehand, you will be surprised how much money you will save and how much fun you can have. Just don’t destroy your garden in the process.