Garden Inspiration During Lockdown..
We have recently experienced what was known as a lockdown and there has been much uncertainty. But what was certain was the extra time which had become available and enabling more time to devote to one’s own garden and to encourage inspiration for a garden makeover or similar. It maybe starting to notice particular areas of the garden, at certain times of the day, are more desirable to sit and relax in, areas which went previously unnoticed before, prior to the lockdown. A corner of the lawn, for example, subjected to immense spring sunshine, could be transformed into a landscaped seating area for all to enjoy. There has been more time to ponder how a section of the garden could be better utilised and the potential of a transformation. It may be an area is suitable for growing produce, ranging from small fruits and berries, a selection of vegetables or even the planting of fruit trees, which could be trained in an espalier fashion against a south facing wall. Or, a sensory garden to enhance the time of relaxation... For sound, the installation of a water feature and the sound of running water is extremely therapeutic and would also entice wildlife into the garden. For scent, a variety of different plants are available and with a specifically designed planting plan, pleasant aromas can be enjoyed throughout the year. For sight, from decorative hard landscaping creating vistas to formal and informal designs it is limitless to what can be achieved. The choice and range of plants from architectural to wild flowers will have a dramatic affect on the appearance of the garden. All of the above will entice wildlife, particularly birdlife, which are enjoyable to watch and the diverse range of bird song being soothing to listen to. Inspiration may come from perpetually looking at a rather bland boundary fence or wall which would benefit from climbing plants attractively trained across them. These could be planted in a raised planting bed constructed in front of the existing boundary either from brickwork, coloured walling or timber sleepers to improve the entire aesthetics of the existing fence or walling. Does the garden slope considerably and could it be levelled or even terraced into two or more separate levels, each level having a different theme, from a lawn section to a hand landscaped section to a wild-flower area, imagination is the key. Or is the desire to have the immediate area at the rear of the house transformed as an exterior room, an extension of the house for alfresco dining, to enjoy those warm summer evenings when the weather is most genial. An area of dapple shade is a great attribute to the garden. The construction of a timber pergola is the preferred option with a climbing plant or two growing over the cross beams at the top to provide partial protection against the sun’s rays. Whatever the change made to the garden, the extra time at home has provided much inspiration for all. For more inspiration visit The National Trust website who have uploaded virtual tours of their properties. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/virtual-tours-of-our-places
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During the peak months of summer and particularly July, the garden more often than not is in
need of water and it is important to monitor all perennials, shrubs and lawn to ensure they are receiving a sufficient amount. Hanging baskets, container plants and newly planted summer bedding plants are the most prone to drought due to being shallow rooted. Shrubs and trees will be deeper rooted and will be able to source their water supply from further down beneath ground level, that is providing the water table level has not dropped too low from a prolonged period of dry weather. There are two sources of water supply available for use in the garden and they are tap-water and rainwater, the latter being natural and more beneficial as it contains no chlorides and has zero hardness. However, when there is a limited supply of rainwater, then tap-water will be the only option. Ponds and water-features this time of year can drop to a low level and will require the use of a hose for a regular top up to maintain a sufficient level, this will also benefit any fish, particularly with the addition of a spray attachment which will aid in aeration. To maintain a lush green lawn during dry periods can be challenging and it is advisable to water only once a week to minimise wastage. An excellent suggestion by the RHS is to place an empty jam-jar on the lawn and with the sprinkler running for a sufficient time, that is until 13mm (0.5inch) has collected at the bottom of the jar. This is the optimum amount before excess water is wasted as the lawn has now received its required amount. With regards to watering plants, it is more economical and efficient to use a watering can compared to indiscriminate watering by a hose. Water management is extremely important during periods of drought and the essence of this is the method of water storage and harvesting. The most popular method by far is the use of water butts positioned below downpipes which then take the run-off of rain water from various roofs such as garden sheds, greenhouses or even the house. With the water butt raised up on blocks, the tap at the base can be utilised to fill watering cans with the valuable stored rain water. The question then is when is the best time to water the plants and lawn of the garden? The blades of grass will hold moisture in the early hours of the morning, the moisture retreating to the roots around midday. It is a general consensus that to avoid evaporation the best time to apply water is in the morning or evening whilst avoiding the heat of the midday sun. The morning application is the most favoured, this is because the ground will be drier as the day progresses compared to the evening time, equating to a reduced chance of mildew diseases and the arrival of slugs and snails. The final question being: Is it best to water from the top, watering the leaves too, or from the bottom and the roots only? The jury is still out! |
Welcome!Here at Penwarne Landscaping we are all passionate about gardens, and believe that outdoor spaces are just as important as indoor ones! In this blog, we regularly share our expertise along with tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of your garden and home. Archives
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