Stable Barrow

Author: katie

  • Easy ways to declutter your garden shed

    Many of us cleared up our gardens before winter and probably the majority of garden items were put into the garden shed but if you cannot now get into the shed because it is so cluttered it may be time to think about giving it a declutter.

    It is better to wait until a dry day to tackle this task as the first thing to do is to completely empty the shed. It is possible then to see the items and be able to decide whether there is anything that is no longer needed. A good idea is to make three piles, things to keep, things that are broken and need mending or throwing away and things that are no longer needed and can be donated to a charity shop or sold.

    Once you have completed this initial step it is time to sort out the storage spaces. Optimising the space is essential so shelving and storage boxes is a good way to start. Hooks on the walls and ceiling should be used so that garden tools can be hung up and are more easily accessible when needed.

    After a good sweep out the shed is ready to have the keeping items stored away neatly making sure you can access all the areas.

  • How easy is it to build a rockery?

    A rockery is the perfect solution to convert and unused area into something beautiful. Lots of people like the idea of having a rockery but really don’t know where to start.

    A rockery can look great in the corner of a big garden, or as a centrepiece for a small garden or courtyard in fact most gardens can include a rockery if desired. If you don’t want the hassle of having to weed a huge open flower bed then having a rockery can make the job simpler.

    You first need to gather together some rocks. These ideally need to be quite large and if you do not already have some in your garden then you may need to go and buy some. It is always worth asking around in your local neighbourhood or on social media pages to see if anyone has any they may give to you as it can be quite expensive having to buy them.

    The largest rocks will sit in the middle of the rockery so choose ones that are suitable in terms of size and shape. Secure them by filling in around them with soil and smaller rocks, layering them to give a natural look.

    You can now get creative with plants such as shamrocks and heathers to fill up some of the gaps between the rocks.

  • Do you still need to maintain your garden during the winter months?

    With the colder, wet weather now upon us many people are wondering what level of gardening they need to maintain during the winter months. If you are not an avid gardener, you may well think that you can now leave everything as it is until next spring but if you really want to look after your lawn and flower beds then there are a few things that you should continue to do.

    This colder period of weather is the perfect opportunity to make good progress with building the garden you’ve always dreamt of. During the winter months, things grow a lot slower, lawns don’t need cutting as often and weeds are not coming back with vengeance like they do in the summer. This allows you more time to concentrate on the other elements of your garden hat you want to finish. Maybe you started a rockery a while back and never got to finish it, or you wanted to add edging to the lawn but could never find the time. Now may be the perfect opportunity to complete all these little projects that you have in mind and help you accomplish the garden of your dreams in time for you to enjoy next summer.

  • Creating a winter wonderland in your garden

    Although some people are still dubious to use the word Christmas, there is no hiding from the fact that it is now only a couple of months away and will soon come round.

    If you like to put up decorations at Christmas, you don’t just have to put them up inside. Why not let the rest of your community enjoy them but putting some decs up outside or that can be seen from outside. Lights around roof pitches or windows often look lovely at that time of year. You can opt or have multi coloured lights or you may decide to stick to a theme such as blue and white or red and green.

    You can often pick up some fantastic deals on Christmas outdoor decorations, if you are willing to buy early. Reindeer or Santa sleighs often pop up on roofs or in front gardens and can really look quite magical. You may need to think about the security of them if you are going to be leaving them on a front lawn. Some people even have to bolt them down to avoid them getting taken.

    It may be worth asking the neighbours if they are ok with you putting up lights if it is going to be seen from inside their property.

  • Doing a gardening course

    Do you struggle with your garden? Are you one of those people that just hack back everything come the autumn as you are. It sure what should be left and what should be removed? If the answer is yes then it may be worth you investing in a gardening course. You don’t have to be an avid gardening to go on such a course as there are a number of different ones out there. Try and find a course that is aimed at beginners who are looking with help to maintain their gardens not ones that want to create a garden to enter in to the Chelsea flower show!

    If you cannot find any courses local to you then why not ask around on social media or in your local area to see if there are any gardeners that may be able to give you a bit of training. They may come and show you what is what whilst also doing some of the upkeep for you. Gardeners do not normally charge a huge amount so a few hours a month is unlikely to break the bank but might just give you that little bit of confidence that you need.