Garden Maintenance
Keeping on top of regular chores in the garden will actually reduce your workload. Unfortunately for us, if we don’t do our regular garden maintenance, it will pile up and the job just gets bigger (think of it a bit like the washing up)!
Watering
All new plants need daily watering in dry weather until they are established in the first year. Wherever possible we choose plants that require little water but they will all need that help whilst they are getting settled. Installing a water butt will reduce your reliance on tap water and impact on the environment.
Pruning – trees and bushes need pruning once a year.
Topiary requires trimming to keep the new growth tidy and the plant in good shape.
Deadheading – blooming flowers require daily/regular deadheading in order to continue flowers.
Lawn – Require mowing every fortnight from March – October
Leaves – we recommend leaving leaves, but if you wish to rake them up in the autumn, then you will need to allow time for that
Climbers – Many climbing plants need supports, trellis or tying up to keep the new shoots in place. Climbers such as clematis also have particular pruning requirements depending on variety.
Winter interest – more and more of us garden designers are choosing plants to give you interest all year round. Grasses, tall seedheads and dead vegetation actually look spectacular with a sprinkling of frost or snow.
Weeding – Unfortunately this is a regular task in the growing season and must be done diligently and regularly to keep on top of them. Aggressive, perennial weeds can soon crowd out plants and take over a section of the border in super quick time.
Patios & Driveways – Sweep to keep them clear of debris and wash down regularly with a hose and broom or a quick jetwash if you have one. Weeds pop up in between pavers, these should be removed when they appear and are young so their roots don’t get established.
Fences – Should treated to prevent rot with Sadolin or similar every few years or according to instructions.
Walls should have pointing checked and filled in as required.
Dead or damaged plants – keep a close eye on your investments. They are living pieces of art that will give you years of pleasure if you take care of them. If you notice a dead branch, stem or leaves, promptly cut them off dispose of them in the green waste. Don't put them in the compost you will be spreading the disease through the soil.
Tools – keep your tools clean, sharp and in a dry place between uses. Clean them after use and sterilise if you can. Top tip – if you removing a damaged or diseased stem from a plant, be sure to wash your tools after use to avoid spreading to the next plant you use it on.