As a homeowner, you probably keep your house clean and tidy and looking great. But can you honestly say the same about your garden? So many people ignore what’s going on in their garden, and that’s often because they don’t know how to tackle those kinds of outdoors challenges. Well, it all starts with getting the right equipment and learning how to use it. Here’s more information on all the garden tools and equipment every homeowner should have.

Well-Designed Garden Pruners

Pruning is something that all gardeners must to do keep their plants as healthy as they can be. Make sure you have some well-designed pruners that you can use and rely on in your garden. It can be tiring for your hands, so it’s best to use pruners that have been designed with this in mind.

Small Weeding and Digging Tools That Are Easy to Grip

Weeding and digging is something you’ll probably be doing a lot of in the garden, and that’s why you should get yourself some tools that are easy for you to grip. It’s not always easy to use cheap tools because they are not designed in a very ergonomic way. That’s why you should try to use higher quality weeding and digging tools if you can. It’s one of those things that’s worth spending a little extra money on.

A Chainsaw for Tackling Unwanted Branches

When you have branches hanging down and getting in your way all the time, it can be very frustrating. Don’t just ignore them, though. It’s easy to get rid of them when you have the right tools. A chainsaw will help you with this and any other tree problems that might need to be remedied in your garden. It’s definitely worth considering. You can buy a chainsaw from this website. It’s an investment that will serve your garden well.

Compression Gloves

You’re going to need a good pair of gloves to rely on if you want your gardening to be comfortable and easy. You will cut your hands and experience all kinds of problems if you try to garden without using gloves. It’s not even worth considering. So, be sure to find yourself a pair of compression gloves that offer that little bit extra padding and keep you properly protected. It might not sound like much, but good gloves can make a world of difference.

[Photo courtesy of maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com]

A Good Lawnmower

Of course, you’re going to need to mow the lawn on a regular basis if you want your garden to look great. The lawn is the focal point of pretty much every garden out there. And when you don’t cut it correctly, it either gets brown and barren or it gets overgrown. Neither of those outcomes are particularly desirable, so you should upgrade your lawnmower for better results. There are so many high-tech options out there today.

If you own a home with a garden, you want that garden to look great. But it will only look great when you have the right tools and equipment for the task of keeping that garden in check.

If there is one universal truth it is this: nothing beats a good old backyard bash. Nothing. That’s a fact (like an actual fact; not one of those facts El President Trump loves to spew on Twitter). There is just something extra special about being in your little slice of the great outdoors, enjoying the winning combination of good food, great drink and perfect company; the weather holding up as laughter warms the air even more than the setting sun.

But no matter how good your food is or how amazing your cocktails are, they can only go so far in marking this occasion as amazing. That’s because creating the ultimate backyard oasis requires you to create the ultimate backyard oasis.

If you don’t know what we mean by that, then read on for our top tips on what you need to play hostess with the mostess at your next garden bash.

Win In All Weathers

It doesn’t matter whether you in live in a small locale that enjoys fantastic weather all year round or somewhere that is susceptible to more rain than the poor Vampires in Twilight; being able to pull off a garden bash in all weathers is important. We’re talking shelter and shade. It could be that you get an open structure built at the bottom of your garden, something with a solid roof and drop down walls, or it could be that you decide to do something extra unique and get a yurt. Either way, these will allow you to party on no matter what and remain chic the entire time.

Next Level Chef

If you really want to be the hostess with the mostess then being able to spin plates is a talent you need to master. That means being able to cook and entertain simultaneously, and the easiest and coolest way to achieve this is by looking at some outdoor kitchens and picking the one that will suit you best. We’re talking about bringing all the comfort, ease and luxury of the indoors out. It could be something as simple as adding a barbecue, a table, and some seats, or it could be as intricate as installing a completely furnished kitchen finished with modern appliances and seating. Whatever is going to snazz up your backyard most and make your meals stand out that much more, that’s what you should look at investing in.

Must-Have Heat And Light

It doesn’t matter that your big little bash has landed on the hottest day of the year, the evenings always tend to drop off a few degrees, which is noticeable even when you’re six cocktails down. That is why you need ramp up the luxury you offer to create a splash of extra comfort and get some heaters dotted around your eating area. The other thing you can do to add to the ambience of a warm evening is get your lighting on point. That is an absolute essential when it comes to summer parties. Lanterns, tea lights, string lights and just about anything else that will lead the charge in creating an Arabian Night’s vibe.

What could be better (and warmer) than eating a nice Moroccan Tagine you’ve cooked outside, fine wine slipping down a treat, and the fire pit keeping you toasty as little lights flicker about around your outdoor space.

We all want to make our homes look their best. We put our design minds on and make each room the way we want it. But, there’s one part of our homes too many of us forget. Most of us put all our efforts into making what’s between our walls work. But, what about your outside space? Decor doesn’t stop at the door. Turn your designing hand to your garden to ensure you can be proud of your house as a whole!

[Photo courtesy of 김 대정/pexels.com]

Get Creative with Flowers

No garden is complete without flowers. If you have a flair for creating, you can have a lot of fun designing your flower beds. If you’re not familiar with gardening, you may be tempted to stick to safe designs. Don’t do it! You just need to put some thought into the way you’re planting things. Flowers look beautiful no matter what, so you can’t go far wrong. Think about where you would like your flower beds to be. You don’t have to stick to the traditional options! Think, too, about how you’re planting. Do you want to work on a color scheme, or would you prefer the colors mixed?

To Patio or Not to Patio

Flowers aside, consider what you’re going to do with the rest of your space. If you’re not keen on the idea of plain grass garden, a patio might be for you. Bear in mind that a patio could make a small garden seem smaller. Plus, it would take over your greenery altogether! If you have ample space to play with, though, a patio could be an amazing design feature. If you’re unsure what a patio can do for you, take a look at some examples to help you decide. If you’re worried about covering your grass, remember you can enhance your patio with potted plants!

[Photo courtesy of Terje Sollie/pexels.com]

Don’t Forget the Furniture

Now we’re on familiar footing. Like the rooms in your house, your garden needs furniture! What you buy depends on what you’re going to be using the space for. If you plan to eat outside, invest in a table and chair set to suit your needs. If not, you might just want to buy a sofa or lawn chairs. And, the furniture choices don’t end there, either. You could add to the atmosphere by purchasing a log burner. Or, you could go all out and treat yourself to a hot tub. Again, this is best for a larger garden. If you want to put your design skills to good use, design your own hot tub.This option also has the benefit of ensuring your choice fits in with your garden. Don’t forget, too, to stock up on some lighting for your outside space! That way, you can enjoy your garden well into the evening!

These are just a few of the ways you can turn your designing hand to your garden. The trick is to not feel overwhelmed. There’s nothing to it. Think of it as a house without a roof!

One of the worst things about the winter months is the little time we get to spend outside in our garden. After all, gardening is one of our favorite hobbies to do in the backyard. But with the weather beyond freezing, it can stop us from spending time in the garden. And it feels like it’s forever until spring and summer arrive! However, you don’t have to give up your garden entirely during the winter. Therefore, here are some surprising tips you need to ensure you don’t miss your garden this winter.

[Photo courtesy of songsy/pixabay.com]

Bring the BBQ inside of your home

It’s always lovely in the summer months when you can have your family around. And you all enjoy a BBQ in the garden. As well as the amazing company, the food can be fantastic as well. After all, food can have a delicious taste once it’s been cooked on the barbecue. Therefore, it’s common to miss this grilled food during the winter months. But you don’t have to miss out on the delicious food during the cold months. There are many portable grills you can buy for your kitchen which you can use to recreate that BBQ taste. And food tends to be a lot healthier if it’s grilled!

Start growing plants inside your home

There’s something so therapeutic about looking after your plants. In fact, so many people use gardening as a stress-reliever. Also, it’s a massive achievement when you manage to successfully grow a plant. Therefore, in the winter months, you can miss taking care of your beloved plants. However, you don’t have to wait until spring before you start growing plants again. You could grow them inside to ensure you can carry on with your gardening all year round. Find them a spot in your home which has plenty of sunlight throughout the day. You can also consider getting some LED grow lights from companies like Lumi Growth which will ensure your plants grow properly while they are inside. And then you can tend to them every day to still enjoy gardening during winter. Once the sun comes out, you can always move them outside to ensure they enjoy some natural sunlight.

[Photo courtesy of andbjo/pixabay.com]

Invest in a beautiful indoor water feature

A lot of people love having a water feature in their garden. Not only can it be a relaxing feature, but it can also help your garden to stand out. And it’s a natural way to boost wildlife to your garden. During the winter months, a lot of people miss the calming sound of running water which they get when they are in their yard. But you can have the sound inside your home if you go for a beautiful indoor water feature. They can be a lovely addition to your home and will help to create a calming atmosphere. Put it in the hall or the lounge so that you can hear the feature around the home.

And you could even get a fish tank for your property if you are missing your pond! After all, you can watch the fish and enjoy the sound of the tank in your home!

You may think now that winter season is here, you can sit back and leave you garden alone. Unfortunately – that’s not the case. There are still a few things you have to do if you want your garden to survive this winter.

Lawn

Although it may be cold and icy, and you have perhaps even seen mini icicles on the lawn, this isn’t an excuse not to cut the grass. True – it’s not growing as it would in the spring and summer time. But there is still slight movement, and if you want to keep your garden looking fabulous, you need to keep looking after it.

[Photo courtesy of walkersalmanac/pixabay.com]

There are many ways you day decide on cutting your grass. But as it is the winter, a machine is best because it is the quickest and most efficient way. There can in all sorts of brands, sizes, and power, so get your own model that works right for you.

Watering

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean we no longer have to water our plants. There may not be any bright, colourful flowers, but that is not to say that there is no life. Things are still growing, and they are going to get thirsty. So give some water! Do in during the day when the sun is up so they have no risk of freezing over.

[Photo courtesy of Antranias/pixabay.com]

Plant A Hedge

Hedges are a great alternative to fences as they effectively filter strong, damaging winds. A mixed variety of native plants provide the perfect habitat for birds, insects and small mammals such as hedgehogs, as well as giving year round interest from flowers, seeds, berries and colourful tones of foliage.

Eradicate Weeds

Weeds have been having a wonderful time during this mild winter, quickly germinating and getting ready to cause all the havoc again in spring. Hoe through the roots of annual weeds and dig out the roots of the more stubborn ones to stop them in their tracks. This will save a whole lot of time and effort in spring time.

Early Potatoe Chitting

Begin the process of chitting early potatoes at the end of the month. The best way to do this is to stand the tubers in a recycled egg box with the end that has the most buds uppermost, and place in a bright, cool, frost-free area.

After a couple of weeks, shoots will begin to sprout, get these to about three or four per tuber to get the most productive crop.

Prune Wisteria

As beautiful as this plant may be, wisteria can be a bit of a nightmare and needs pruning in summer and winter to keep it manageable.

If you don’t bother to do this, wisteria naturally produces a very messy mass of foliage and barely any flowers. So prune the whippy growths back to five or six buds in late August, and prune further in January or February to two or three buds. Don’t worry if you missed the summer prune, it’s simple enough to spot the elongated stems.

Spending time in the garden and relaxing is what summer is all about. But it can be annoying when your garden is overlooked and you don’t have privacy, when all you want to do is prance about in your bikini and sunbathe. Luckily there are a few things you can do to stop your garden being so easy to peer into!

Add Higher Fencing

If you currently only have low fences and hedges in your garden, adding taller fencing will immediately make it more private. Go with a fence that’s at least six feet tall, you can then add trellis along the top to heighten it further. Alternatively you could go with custom screen fencing from reputable fencing contractors for a more decorative and aesthetically pleasing look. If you only have one area which you need to block for privacy, you could opt for some lattice panels. They’re inexpensive, and climbing plants like ivy will soon cover them over if you carefully place some nearby.

Screens covered in climbing plants can be useful for privacy

Grow Trees and Plants

Trees, plants and hedges can be a good way to make your garden more private while still maintaining a very natural look in the garden. If privacy is an issue that you want sorting as soon as possible you’ll want to choose fast growing plants- bamboo, cypress and thuja are good options. They can grow a matter of several feet in the space of a year so can quickly grow into a great privacy screen. You could opt to buy fast growing plants that are already established, so that way you have less time to wait for them to grow as tall as you need.

Utilize ‘Blind Spots’

If only part of your garden is overlooked, consider moving the main seating area or garden furniture to a more private spot. That way when you’re sitting out there you have peace of mind that people can’t see in. You could even create a second patio or seating area if you have a ‘blind spot’ in the garden, and choose to sit there when you want more privacy.

Make Use of Furniture

Having a big parasol put up over your seating area will block the view from anyone looking down from the first floor windows. Alternatively you could opt to put up a gazebo or pergola and encourage climbing plants to grow around it, which will obscure the view for people looking into your garden. You could even go a step further and use bamboo screens or cleverly place tall pots of flowers or potted trees to give you even more privacy.

Try a gazebo for privacy

Next time you’re having a family barbeque, sunbathing or just relaxing outside there will be no need to worry about nosy neighbours using these tricks! Having a garden that’s secluded and not overlooked can even add value to your property too, so have a think about what you’re able to do in the space you have.

Do you have any tips for making your back garden more private?

Whether you want to add value to your home or want to grow your own produce, gardening is a fantastic hobby to have. It helps to make your backyard look amazing, and it can be an excellent stress reliever. Gardening has also been found to help strengthen and tone our bodies because of the physical activity it involves. But if you suffer from a bad back that causes you pain, you may find it difficult to complete a number of gardening tasks. Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce your back pain while still helping your garden to flourish. Read through these tips to get started.

Buy specialist tools

There are a number of specialist tools you can buy to make gardening work easier on your back. Trowels with long handles allow you to remain standing while still tending to your plants and flowers. The tools you currently use may have extension pieces you can buy that prevent you from bending or stretching too. Gardening stools that are portable and provide cushioning are another item you should buy.

As well as stretching you also need to be careful of lifting heavy loads, which can cause further back complaints. Trade in your watering can for a hosepipe to water your plants and invest in a lightweight wheelbarrow. Just remember not to put too many items inside the wheelbarrow at once and make multiple lighter trips instead.

[Photo courtesy of Ofer El-Hashahar/flickr.com]

Install raised flower beds

To prevent you from bending awkwardly or overstretching, install raised flower beds into your garden. These can enhance the look of your garden by making your plants and flowers more prominent. But more importantly, they allow you easy access to plant and weed from a seated position. This can give your back a much-needed rest, as well as being more gentle on your joints. There are many ways in which you can raise your flower beds and ensure they still compliment your yard. Head to your local gardening center and ask them for advice on how to get started. They may be able to build and install your new raised beds for you too.

Ask for help

If you find that certain gardening tasks such as mowing the lawn or weeding cause you significant pain, you should always ask for help. Even though you will want your yard to look its best, it’s not worth making your condition worse. Ask friends and family to assist you with these jobs while you continue you something less strenuous. Your neighbors might also be willing to do some gardening for you. Another option is to hire gardening or lawn services to help you with these difficult tasks. You can tell them which jobs you enjoy doing and which ones you would like them to complete for you. That way you can still enjoy spending time outside practicing your hobby.

So don’t let your bad back stop you from creating the garden of your dreams. You just need to be safe and smart about the tasks you can and cannot do. For more guidance and advice, talk to your doctor about how to control your condition more effectively.

Most of us enjoy DIY projects as part of our leisure time. They provide us with interesting things to do that can be very fulfilling. A few of us enjoy creating DIY projects to enhance the comfort or decor in our homes. But did you know that your DIY skills could be put to use to actively increase the value of your home? One area that could become a hugely desirable part of your home is the backyard. So what can you do to your home exterior that would see your property snapped up if you put it up for sale?

Family homes often have gardens or yards that can be utilised for many different things. You might cook and eat there. Perhaps you enjoy sitting in the garden to relax or read a book. You may have pets that make use of the outside areas, or kids that love to play. It could be a good idea to put your DIY skills to use. You could make a play area, a doggy yard, or even a private reading nook.

[Photo courtesy of Barry Peters/flickr.com]

Your local garden centre could be a good place to start when you’re looking for inspiration. There is likely to be plenty of planting options that could help you make the important landscaping decisions. It’s always best to sketch out your ideas to help you visualise the areas you wish to create. Good DIY stores will provide the materials you need to build decking, patios, play surfaces or gazebos.

A pool is a great addition to the home. It can add a lot of value, particularly in hotter climates. There are many advantages of concrete pools over fibreglass pools that could offer you opportunities to make the space your own. Once it is dug out, you can create any shape or size you like. Concrete is used to ensure the longevity of your pool. Then tiling, like a mosaic, can be used to decorate the whole area. It’s certainly a big project, but one that could be worth doing.

[Photo courtesy of anthony kelly/flickr.com]

Building a pergola, gazebo or arbour will require a heavy duty saw. A motorised one is best if you’re concerned about the physical stress. Alternatively, carefully measure what you need from your design, and get the DIY store to cut each piece. A power drill and screwdriver can connect the pieces. You will also need to stain the wood to protect it once the project is complete. Ideally, the floor posts will be concreted in. However, it’s possible to bolt the structure to the walls of your house or garden.

If you like the idea of a rugged-style backyard, why not build your own brick barbeque or fire pit? These can look amazing, and they’re very practical too. If you prefer, you could use the style to disguise a gas grill. Create an outdoor cooking and dining area with some inspired paving ideas. You’ll need to fence or wall in the area. You can also secure a light roof. These can be big projects to take on, but they can add to the function, comfort and value of your home.

Gardening isn’t for everyone. Not all of us are naturally green fingered. I think it is one of those hobbies that you either love or hate. But having said that, many of us still like to be outside and enjoy our gardens for different reasons. Which is why I thought it would be a great idea to share with you some tips and tricks to create a space that works with you. You will be please to know they all require minimal effort on your part, so will suit the most laziest of gardeners amongst us. I hope these tips inspire you to make more use of your outside space.

[Photo courtesy of public-domain-image.com]

Clear the space

The first thing you should do is try and clear the space you have. Perhaps you have let your garden become overgrown over some time. It happens to the best of us. This will probably take up some effort from yourself so you could decide to get in a gardener to do the hard work for you. Once everything is cleared up, you will know what garden space you have to work with. This will also help you determine if you need to have certain trees, shrubs or garden areas removed. This is where you will need to call the professionals in. Especially for things like trees. You could consider calling Thornleys Tree Service, who could help you out. Clearing your garden space will give you a clearer idea of what you have to work with, and potentially what you can do with your garden.

Opt for plants that are low maintenance

If you want to look into adding plants and color to your garden then why not add some low maintenance plants. These tend to be plants that require little watering or attention from yourself. If you are unsure about which plants these may be you could look at many websites online or speak to an expert at a local garden centre. This is where you could add an element design without needing to be an expert in all things gardening.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

Consider how you want to use the garden

The one thing you need to determine, when it comes to your garden, is how you want to use it. Do you have children who want to play in it? Do you like to sit there in a morning drinking coffee and reading a book? Perhaps you like to unwind in your garden after a hard day’s work? Think about how you want to use it then tailor your garden to match. So create a space that you can use. A tip for keeping things low maintenance is to consider installing a decked area.

Look into storage options to keep it neat

Finally, the best thing you can do is make it easy to keep your garden clear and tidy. So a great solution to this would be to look at your storage options. If you have space, you could opt for a shed, or think about storage boxes to keep things safe and tidy. A clear garden will always entice you to make the most of it. So make it easy on yourself and put the solution in place before it becomes a problem.

I hope these tips help you to create a low maintenance garden that you use time and time again.

A lot of effort goes into gardening. We cut back, mow, weed, and prune. We water and fertilize plants, and then we repeat and do it all again. We nurture tiny seedlings until they bloom into sturdy flowers and vegetables. We put down bark to keep weeds at bay. And we put up netting and pellets to detract birds and pests.

[Photo courtesy of stux/pixabay.com]

When it all dies away in the winter, the garden can look bare and dull. But there are several steps you can take to make the most of your garden throughout the year.

1. Plan

The trick for planting an all-year-round garden is to plan. You need to carry out a little research. Look for plants that bloom at different times of the year. Perennial plants work well because they don’t die after one season. The flowers die away, but the roots remain active under the soil. They regrow year after year.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

2. Cultivate All Weather Plants

Not all plants and flowers bloom only in the spring and summer months. Some do well in all weather, such as foxgloves, verbenas, and geraniums.

3. Winter Blooming Plants

When choosing your plants, include some that bloom in the winter months. Examples are snowdrops, winter flowering pansies, and crocuses. In that lull after Christmas, it’s always cheery to see the first snowdrops and crocuses poking through the frozen earth.

[Photo courtesy of sunflair/pixabay.com]

4. Prepare Your Garden For The Next Season

Gardening is a year-long commitment. It’s not something that is confined to the spring and summer months. There is work to be done throughout the year, even in winter. Make sure you keep on top of maintenance tasks. Prune trees and dig over beds. Keep on top of weeds. Get your garden in good shape for the coming season.

[Photo courtesy of icon0.com//pexels.com]

5. Look For Inspiration

Visit public gardens and greenhouses for inspiration. Learn from the professionals by reading descriptions of the varieties of flowers that are growing. Ask for suggestions for your own garden. Most gardeners are only too willing to share their knowledge and advice.

Garden centers will also be able to offer advice. Their trade slows down during the winter months. They are always seeking ways to attract buyers during autumn and winter.

[Photo courtesy of markusspiske/pixabay.com]

6. Create Shelter

Make the most of your garden throughout the year by building a shelter. This could be a simple canopy attached to your home. Or, it could be a more complex structure such as a gazebo. This will allow you to enjoy the garden throughout the year, despite the weather. You may need to wrap up and take a blanket. But there’s nothing nicer than sitting in the garden on a brisk autumn morning with a warm mug of tea. Canopies and gazebos are also useful during the summer months, as they provide some shade.

Gardens are not just for summer. With a little thought and planning, you can create a cheery space for all year. Don’t be ruled by the weather. Stagger your planting and opt for varieties that bloom at different times. Look for hardy perennials and enjoy the explosion of color during the long winter months.