Now that Spring has arrived it's not long until BBQ season, lighter nights, and summer soirees in the garden. So, what’s the easiest way to clean up your garden?
1. Remove Garden Debris
Start with the basics, rake up any fallen leaves and stalks. They can carry bacteria that can damage your lawn and prevent growth. Waste not want not...pile the old leaves and stalks into your compost and repurpose as mulch on your flower beds. Beds and borders can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your garden, keep them looking tidy with fresh bark chippings not only does it look good but it provides protection for plant roots and reduces the spread of fungal diseases. Not just a pretty face!
Don’t forget your guttering, after the winter winds and downpours, it is vital to check your gutters and downpipes for debris, and early spring is the best time for this. Fitting a hedgehog gutter brush will reduce maintenance for the coming seasons. The gutter brush is suitable for use with any type of guttering even the more traditional iron types and prevents debris from entering and blocking the gutters.
2. Fresh Decking and Patio
The winter weather can be harsh on timber decking. Apart from the odd shower, spring can bring with it a spot of dryer weather which is perfect for restoring your decking. Clean the old, weathered decking and restore with a fresh coating of decking stain or paint. It can make the world of difference to your garden space and appearance.
If your decking has seen its last summer, then why not replace the weather boards with fresh timber decking or alternatively update it with a low-maintenance composite decking? A highly durable alternative that has been known to last up to 30 years.
Your patio paving may have taken a bashing from the cold weather too. A pressure washer will make light work of any weathered winter slabs and a heavy-duty patio cleaner will remove any stubborn ground in dirt and grime from patio and pathway paving. If worse comes to worst and your patio has been subject to a rust and grime then try Pavestone Rust Stain Remover or the Pavestone Patio Cleaner. Your patio colour may have changed significantly during a period of rain, this could be due to the sealant wearing thin. Reseal with Pavestone Patio Sealer. If your tarmac drive or path has been subject to some heavy traffic and is in need of a little TLC but not a full overhaul try Everbuild Quick Mac or Everbuild Tarmac Restorer.
3. Mow The Lawn
There's nothing better than a glowing lawn with a fresh trim. As soon as the grass begins to grow fire up the mower to keep things looking smart. If you've got the convenience of an artificial lawn brush it over with a broom to remove worm casts.
Don't forget to strim those fence lines! And if your boundaries are looking a little shaky from the winter winds your fencing might need strengthening with a couple of fresh posts or panels.
4. A Spot of Pruning
Make space for the spring bloom. Prune plants and remove dead, or damaged stems. A pair of snips can make pruning easier. Weeds give you a bit of time… late Spring is the best time to tackle them. Catch them at pre-growth and you’ll be able to stop them from sprouting. Weed Control Fabric is useful to prevent growth. On a larger scale trees and shrubs also need to be maintained a Bowsaw can tackle those tougher branches!
5. Repaint Outdoor Furniture
Freshen up outdoor furniture ready for your al fresco dining. A warm solution of soap and a scrubbing brush can go a long way but if needs must a sand down and a coating of furniture paint could be the answer. Metal furniture can begin to rust, Hammerite Metal Paint provides a solution.
Shop our range of garden and landscaping products online. Or pop into your local branch to speak to one of our experts. If in doubt, please contact a trade professional.