Time for a staycation

It has been a busy couple of weeks. We've completed projects such as fencing, a path (in Bettws, Newport), landscaping and a bit of fencing (in Llanyravon, Cwmbran) and hedge cutting in Pontypool (where we saved a swift) as well as keeping our regular customers gardens neat and tidy. It has been hard going at times in the heat, especially when we're working in a 'sun trap'. But we’ve managed it!

We've had a healthy increase in calls for quotes, so this should help towards keeping us busy for the rest of the summer. But if you're interested in having some work done give us a ring, long hours are part and parcel of this line of work.

For those of you staying in Britain for the summer holidays, good on you! We have beautiful countryside and beaches to enjoy. We had a day out at the Wales National Air Show in Swansea recently, it was amazing to watch the red arrows, the RAF are a crazy bunch! This year we expect an increase in the number of people enjoying their own back gardens so make the most of your outdoor space. We are available to chat to you about ideas and solutions for you. This could include arranging a suitable area for the kid’s paddling pool, seating areas, play areas or just generally making better use of the space you have no matter how big or small.

We've also been in contact with City Wildlife again recently. We found a swift being tortured by a cat, so thanks to them the swift is now in safe hands.

This week’s tip is simply a reminder for watering. Please wait until it is shady to avoid scorching. There is no threat of a hose pipe ban as our water levels are good due to the wet year we had last year. Water everything daily to keep your plants healthy, this will help to limit the effects of pests and diseases as your plants will be under less stress - remember the grass too!

My favourites this week are the 'Agapanthus', 'Osteospermum' and 'Sweet peas' what's yours?

Thanks for reading, you can like us on facebook or follow us on Twitter to see what else we've been up to.

It’s a heat wave!

Wow, summer heat wave! I love a long day outside, when your skin gets a chance to soak up all that sunshine; I hope you are all enjoying it as much as we are. Get a good dose of vitamin D whilst you have the chance I say!

As far as business is concerned, it seems we can add plant sitting to our list of services. It is for the parents, but it still counts right? We must have about twenty pots to look after, including a range of herbs, strawberries, acers and a load of roses. They’ve all moved in for a few weeks. We’ve had to shuffle things around a bit as it’s a bit crowded! But all the watering and feeding is paying off, with plenty of strawberries to pick each morning. I’m lucky if I get one though as Summer seems to find all the nice red ones and has a constant strawberry moustache on her face! In a couple of week’s time, we’ll transport everything to the new house and sort out planting some of it in the ground.

This week has been a good week for garden maintenance and Richard has done a fair bit of hedge cutting, which I think he really loves. And it gives the arms and upper body a good workout too! His tips are; practice and keep your blades sharp. I’m sure there must be more to it than that, but he’s keeping his secrets to himself, charming!

We’ve dug up a good batch of potatoes today. Our three year old was very excited, digging around in the earth as if she was looking for hidden treasure. Growing potatoes is easy, why not give it a go. You don’t need a lot of space as you can always use pots or a grow bag. You still have time to grow some potatoes this year, get stuck in and they’ll be ready by the end of September for you. Just earth them up and give them plenty of water and sunlight.

The tip for this week is to remember to water your lawn during dry weather. Once the sun has gone, whilst watering any plants you may have, bear a thought for the grass. It will appreciate a drink and will remain green for you. At this time of year it’s good to throw down some seed to thicken things up. Especially if you have a fair bit of traffic, or pets on your lawn. We use a patch repair kit with a neutraliser as we have a bunch of dogs, so our lawn needs all the help it can get!

Finally, my favourite that has come into flower this week in my garden is the mock orange, a sweet scented double bloom, I love it. Thanks for reading, have a great week and don’t forget you can also follow us on Facebook and twitter.

June Sunshine and BBQ's

Well June is here already and we are finally enjoying a bit of sunshine. It's amazing how the sun can alter your mood and make you feel great, it must be that vitamin D that we are all slightly deprived of in this beautiful country, Wales!

If you're in the landscaping or building industry you'll know how those sun rays get the phone a ringing and everything can go a bit crazy in a short space of time. But us gardeners thrive on a bit of crazy time! There's nothing better than having a hard days work out in the sun, weeding, trimming, mowing, blowing, strimming, digging, lugging and hauling... knowing you've done a top job, customers are happy and when you get home? Get the BBQ going!

Oh yeah... Sausages from the local butcher a bit of salad and potatoes (home grown) and there you have it the perfect end to a great day. So here i have to plug! Where do you keep your BBQ? Yup, you need a patio or decking, that's where we come in :) As shown in this picture we have a simple decking base level leading from the french doors.

We can make it as simple or as complicated as you like with different levels and balustrade etc and it makes great use of space that may have been ignored or inaccessible in the past.

Decking is also great for making safe play areas for small children, quite a lot of local child minders opt for this with gates strategically placed!

So there you have it, my first blog and one of my not so secret secrets to keeping young and enjoying life! So, make some time, get the family round and start up the coals, flame grilled is always best with added vitamin D.