Artificial ‘turf’ has become popular because it is regarded as low maintenance, an easy family space that when installed can make the garden into another room. Another space that can be ignored in today’s busy lifestyles.  Originally invented decades ago for greengrocers to display their best quality Carrots and cauliflowers, it has now been re-purposed and sold as the easy garden option. What is it like to live with….?

The Pros & Cons Of Artificial Grass

The low maintenance label is just that, low, not no maintenance. Whilst you don’t need to cut the grass you will need to keep it clean, sometimes brushing litter, leaves, moss etc It’s not unheard of for people to get the vacuum out much as you would with any other carpet. Which is what it really is, a carpet. Pets also need clearing up behind them and hygienically as well. The artificial environment does allow for rapid natural decomposition of what you don’t manage to thoroughly clean away.

The real advantages come with those difficult parts of the garden where living grass struggles. Deep shade or north-facing spots which are either too dry or too wet can be muddy messes or dreary dust bowls, although different grass species can be suited to those conditions if given a chance. With very young children in small gardens or even in selected areas of the garden, artificial turf can be a help but do remember that in hot weather this will become too hot to walk on barefoot. In fact Artificial turf in close proximity to reflective glass on patio doors has been known to melt.  Maybe the kids should be allowed to feel the cool grass under their feet.

Installation costs can be high as well, depending on intended use it will need to be installed with a firm surface underneath, and usually a thoroughly prepared hardcore sub-base, in much the same way as a patio.

Unlike real grass which absorbs CO2, artificial grass creates carbon in its manufacture and needs specialist recycling when it needs replacing. It lessens bio-diversity within the garden and we don’t really need any more plastic in our lives, do we?

Why You Should Choose Real Grass

Actual grass has many benefits which are often overlooked. It is tactile and cool to the bare skin, you can walk barefoot in summer over it and it will improve well-being and reduce stress.

Yes, it needs cutting regularly through the growing months, especially in spring when you can practically watch it grow. But pushing a lawn mower around is healthy, how else where you going to get your 10,000 steps in? Don’t forget the robot mower option, there are models for all sizes of gardens these days. Happily trundling around all day whilst you are at work it will park itself in its own recharging station at night without you even realising.

Let areas grow longer in some parts to improve bug life and bio-diversity and feature spring bulbs then mow shorter paths through it for a more interesting look. 

The absorption of water and air into the soil is greater with natural grass creating a better soil beneath whilst the grass absorbs CO2.  Even in severe droughts, it is amazing how quickly grass recovers with the first rain.

There is a garden I pass often with a garden sloping down to the road. It is mostly artificial grass and only looks okay for maybe two months in spring. The rest of the year frankly it just looks, well artificial, especially in December. It’s the wrong sort of green.

Natural grass subtly changes with the seasons as does the rest of a garden so it never looks wrong. It’s a natural, living, breathing, changing thing, which is what a garden should be.

The post Artificial Turf VS Real Grass: The Benefits & Pitfalls appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

The long spell of freezing temperatures was the main problem, hitting evergreens and new plants hard. Even traditionally sturdy types struggled to survive in the cold.

A main factor in the plants’ chances of survival is the type of native soil in the area:

Clay soil tends to hold onto warmth better, often retaining heat through the winter period. It is slow to warm up when spring arrives.

Sandy soil warms through quickly in the spring, encouraging rapid growth. However it loses heat rapidly through the winter, making survival more challenging.

New plants that are planted in clay soil through November often have a better chance of making it through to the spring. The additional warmth within the clay soil encourages root growth before winter really sets in.

When there is an unusually cold winter, such as the one that we experienced last year, these new plants have worse survival odds, as even the best clay soils struggle to retain any heat through such a cold snap. Those planted in the autumn of last year have all but been decimated.

Things got really bad in places where the freezing weather stuck around for weeks, especially in shady spots or those facing north, where very little sunlight could warm up the ground. These areas turned into a sort of ‘no-go zone’ for plants, showing just how harsh this winter was.

The cold weather made it tricky for gardeners too. They usually protect their plants from the cold by covering the soil with mulch after planting in autumn. But if the soil is light, like the iron stone soil found in Northamptonshire, it’s often best to wait until spring to plant. But this spring wasn’t much warmer, which caught many gardeners off guard.

The effects of this severe winter didn’t stop at our gardens, though. Plant shops have had a tough time restocking because so much was lost. Some nurseries even lost more than £50,000 worth of stock. And this wasn’t just a problem in the UK – plant sellers all over Europe faced the same challenge.

As a result, plant suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand. As soon as new plants arrive, they’re snapped up, leaving the shelves empty. There are signs that things are slowly getting better, but the plants themselves aren’t looking as good as we’d like. Usually, you’d see plenty of roots coming out the bottom of the pots, indicating the plant has had enough time to establish its root growth, but at the moment the plants that are out on sale have very few established roots.

This past winter has shown us just how much the weather can affect our plants. As we move forward, we need to think about how we can protect our plants from such harsh conditions in the future. Following a harsh winter, it’s best to wait until spring is in full swing before planting any new plants in your garden.

The post How Last Winter’s Big Chill Affected Our Plants This Spring and Summer appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

Weeding

As soon as soil temperatures rise in the spring or early summer, the weeds will start to emerge too. Weeds usually thrive in the summer months and get killed off when the frost hits again. However, summer is when you want your garden looking its best so you can spend time out there with guests. These are some tips to help you get rid of them:

• Apply mulch to your soil to prevent the growth of weeds
• If you want to remove weeds, it is best to do so after it rains so the soil is moist

Watering

A lot of plants will be blooming in the spring and summer months because of the heat. However, that heat also means it is crucial you keep watering them regularly. Keeping a schedule can make this easier or even adding a watering timer so it happens automatically. Did you know that the best time to water your plants is morning or late evening? This way the water will run down the soil and into the roots without too much of that water being lost due to evaporation.

Our top tips:

• Create a watering schedule
• Have automatic watering timers
• Water in the morning or late evening

Fertiliser

To ensure your plants grow to their full potential, fertilisers are used to ensure they get the nutrients they need. However, the timings of when you apply the fertiliser can be very specific to see optimum results. It is recommended that you apply fertiliser once in early spring, twice in summer and one more in late autumn. This will help your plants to boost their colour and condition, especially during those hot summer months.

• Apply fertiliser 1 time between March and April depending on the weather
• Apply fertiliser 2 times between May and July
• Apply fertiliser 1 time between September and November

Pruning Shrubs

In early summer, it is time to prune any shrubs that flowered in spring. You want to be pruning any growth that has finished flowering along with any crossed or damaged branches. This will encourage the plant to put its energy into other areas of the plant so it can produce better and bigger crops. You may wonder which plants you should be cropping so here are some examples:

• Spring flowering shrubs (lilac, philadelphus, deutzia)
• Tender shrubs (abutilon, outdoor fuchsias, hibiscus sinosyriacus)
• Fruit trees (apples, cherries, pears, plums)

Contact Us

If you are looking to upgrade your garden this summer, our team at Eden Landscapes are professionals. Having designed and constructed gardens in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas for serval years, we look forward to helping build your dream garden.

You can get in touch with us on 01933 652 786 or fill out our online contact form for more information.

The post Top 4 Gardening Tips For This Summer appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/153710989

Lily of The Valley

With its gentle, elegant appearance, the lily of the valley is actually quite deceiving. They are much more durable than they look, allowing them to withstand some rough cold conditions. They can survive even when planted in areas that have a restricted amount of sunlight, in addition to this, they have a poisonous nature that makes them resistant to attacks from deer and other animals.

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Winterberries

Winterberries are one of the plants that are most commonly associated with the winter, not just because of their name. They are in fact regularly used for winter decor, a soothing red in colour, winterberries add an amazing touch of colour to your garden.

They can be planted in the autumn in order to prosper over the winter months. Please keep in mind that they must be kept in a patch of the garden that has a lot of sun, they also like to be kept in moist soil.

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Primrose

The shallow roots of the primrose allow them to retain their moisture throughout the winter. Ideally, the primrose should be kept in light shade and is perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden.

One of the main threats to primrose plants are snails and slugs, however, they can easily be kept at bay through the use of non-toxic slug bait.

https://pixabay.com/photos/pansies-flowers-pansy-spring-5280239/

Pansies

The vibrant flowers, pansies, can survive at low temperatures, although we do advise covering them in mulch or pine straw in order to protect them from a build-up of frost. If you are looking for your pansies to flower at the start of spring, there is no harm in planting them towards the end of winter.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops actually thrive off the winter period and are typically the first bulbs of the year to flower. This delicate-looking flower comes in a variety of ranges including single and double-flowered versions.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Do keep in mind that the coneflower will naturally lose its vibrant purple colour as the temperatures drop over the winter. However, they will come back stronger than ever in the spring when cared for properly over the winter. This sunlight-loving plant will thrive when planted in areas that have full access to sunlight, so do ensure to trim any dead stems/leaves too.

Additional Winter-Flowering Plants

• Catmint
• Coral Bells (Heuchera)
• Winter jasmine
• Blue Spruce
• Quince

Contact Our Landscaping Specialists

If you would like to learn more about the best plants to grow during the winter or interesting in any of our garden planting services, feel free to contact our friendly team today on 01933 652 786.

The post Which Plants Grow In Winter? appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

Designing a garden is different from a room in the house and can be quite daunting if you don’t know where to start. Here is a guide to six things you should consider when designing your garden.

Purpose

Before you can do anything, you need to establish what the purpose of this garden will be. Whether it is going to be a space for the kids, somewhere to relax, a place to plant your fruit and veg or maybe you want a bit of everything. 

Once you have decided your purpose you can then figure out how you want to allocate your space, coming up with a clear plan from the start makes everything easier.

Budget

Generally, the rule of thumb is to spend no more than 15% of the house value on the garden, this way it will then add value onto your property while still making you profit. Another way people look at it is, you should spend no more than £100 per square metre. Some people choose to spend more than this and others less, just make sure that you decide on a budget before you start, so you don’t run out of money halfway through.

Professional Landscape Designer

There is always that fear that if you do it alone you will get it wrong and ruin the whole thing but then you might also be worried about spending more money than you have to. However, in the long run, hiring a designer could save you money, as their professional expertise can help you avoid disaster. 

Maintenance

Regardless of the size of your garden, it will require a lot of care and maintenance. If you are looking for a garden filled with plants, vegetables, and plenty of life then that garden requires a lot more attention. If you are looking for something more simple then you could have an artificial lawn or paving to avoid having to mow the grass or having pergolas or canopies to shield your furniture from the rain so you don’t have to put a cover over it.

Regulations and Neighbours

Although planting some flowers or building furniture won’t really concern anyone, any larger constructions such as garden buildings, fences or walls might. You may need to alert your local council to check that your plan is approved, although it might be frustrating it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

You may need to consider is neighbours, it’s always good to keep them in the loop with something that could affect them in any way from, early morning starts with loud noises to building a wall, which could then affect sunlight in their garden.

Contact Our Garden Designers

Although these are just a few things to get you started there are many other considerations when designing your dream garden. If you have any further questions about our garden design services in Northampton then please get in contact with our friendly team today on  01933 652 786 or by filling out our online contact form.

The post What to Consider When Designing Your Garden appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

Alfresco dining is one of life’s simple pleasures. Even though the UK weather isn’t always on our side, we find ways to make it work. After all, is there something better than sharing a delicious meal with friends and family in a beautiful setting? Of course not. The only thing that can make it better is enjoying those moments from the comfort and privacy of your home.

If you are looking for both creative and practical tips on how to create the perfect outdoor dining area you came to the right place. At Eden Landscapes, we believe that the outdoors of your home should be an inspirational space that you and your family can enjoy all year round. To help you achieve this we’ve put together a list of things you should consider on the planning stage.

Bring The Outdoors In With A Patio or Decking

Regardless of the size of your space, patios and decking are the perfect outdoor floorings to place your dining set. Furthermore, it allows you to create a trendy indoor-outdoor blend look if you choose to mimic the indoor flooring. Whether you opt for a patio or a decking area its entirely up to you. However, if you have wooden flooring indoors, decking is the most aesthetical option to blend the two together. Whilst if you have tiles we would recommend stone, cobble or other patio materials.

Go For Weather Resistant Furniture

Your garden furniture should be suitable to be left outdoors all year round. Luckily there are many materials that can withstand the UK’s weather conditions whilst creating a stunning and comfortable dining area.

Synthetic Rattan

Plastic

Wood

Steel

Sun & Rain Protection

A pergola not only makes for a visually interesting piece it also provides an airy and inviting space to relax and dine whilst offering shade and shelter from the rain, the sun, or the wind. Furthermore, climbers can be a beautiful addition to your pergola. Roses, clematis and honeysuckles are excellent climbers choices as they will train up and over the structure more easily.  

Take The Cooking Outside

Cooking al fresco can transform your dining gatherings. Outdoor kitchens are a trend that has slowly made his way to the UK and to other countries with cooler climates who also thoroughly enjoy this activity. We are not only talking about barbecues, but also pizza ovens, cocktail bars, sinks, storage and other kitchen styles that can give you the wow factor you are looking for.

Create The Perfect Ambient Lighting

You should be able to enjoy your garden all day long even after dark. Having a well-lit garden means not only that you’re social events don’t have to stop when the sun goes down but it also creates an instant ambience. You can also use it strategically to highlight particular design features in your outdoor dining area, creating all sorts of decorative effects.

Lastly, you should, of course, surround yourself of beautiful flowers and trees that marry the space style you have decided to go for. This final touch will breathe life into your project and make your garden look welcoming all year round.

To get your ideal outdoor dining area constructed & ready to enjoy the summer months and all year round get in touch with our specialist landscapers in Northampton and the surrounding areas. We will work with you from design to completion to make sure every aspect is as you envisioned.

The post Top Tips To Create The Perfect Outdoor Dining Area appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

While the benefits of playing outside for children may seem obvious, according to several surveys, many children in the UK don’t have regular access to outdoor playtime.

Experts have long been stressing the importance of active outdoor time to both the mental and physical health of children growing up. If you are an adult you may agree with me that the lure of digital technologies is just one of the many reasons why outdoor time is shrinking. Of course, there are benefits to both outdoor and indoor activities, in the same way, modern technologies have many advantages. The challenge is to achieve a balance.

Yet, according to the National Trust report, a vast majority of children in the UK have told researchers that “their happiness is dependent on having time with a stable family and plenty of things to do, especially outdoors, rather than on owning technology or branded clothes”.

A family garden allows children to go through the rite of playing without the feeling that you are watching over them every second to ensure their safety. It allows them to develop problem-solving skills and creativity which leads to them becoming more confident and better socially adjusted.

But how do you go about making the outdoors fun again?

Plan The Design Of Your Family Garden

A study developed by National Geographic revealed most parents feel powerless when it comes to limit screen time despite 62% wishing their children would play outside more often. Something that would most certainly help would be creating an appealing space that would encourage them to limit screen time themselves.

The design and planning stages are vitally important. A few key elements you need to consider before you go on buying that swing are:

• Is there room for permanent playing equipment such as a slide? If not, you might consider the equipment that can be stored.
• Besides making sure the site conditions are ideal for the plants you have in mind, you may also need to consider their resilience towards your child’s favourite sports and games.
• A vibrant colour scheme is more likely to attract children’s attention and improve their experience.  
• Any wildlife features such as ponds and birdfeeders will be a big success among curious kids that enjoy exploring a wide range of insects and animals. Although, you must give consideration to safety around any water features where young children are present.

If you are a pet lover you may also consider designing an area just for your furry friends.

Another factor that has a strong influence on making the outdoors appealing to children is gardening activities.

Gardening Activities  

Gardening can be enjoyed by people of all ages but children, in particular, are set to gain special benefits from this activity while having fun. Some of the activities they are likely to be able to assist with are watering, digging, learning how to plant vegetables, fruits and flowers in the correct season, and weeding among others.

Ornamental gardens and children don’t have to be incompatible. As I previously mentioned, the trick is to find plants that both can survive being hit by a football and that make your garden look beautiful. Children enjoy large, brightly coloured flowers and vegetables that grow quickly and you will be glad to know that there are plenty of low maintenance plants that fulfil these requirements.

Our tip is to start with quick-sprouting seeds, such as sunflower to prevent impatience from the little ones who will be able to quickly see the results of their hard work.

We also recommend radishes as a starter vegetable for kids because they grow problem-free, and their roots are ready for eating within a month of sowing.

On the other hand, Lavender is a viable plant option due to its surprisingly tough branches.

But don’t concern yourself too much with learning all the secrets of gardening and landscaping as our expert garden designers have a vast knowledge of a wide range of materials, plants and site conditions. Book a free consultation with Eden Landscapes and we will be able to offer you any suggestions or alternative ideas after visiting your property and hearing all about your vision of your ideal family garden.

The post Create Your Ideal Family Garden appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

Preparation

A few days before you go away, it’s beneficial to weed your beds and planters, as the weeds will compete with your plants for water. If you have vegetables growing in your garden then you should water them deeply and spread the soil with either clippings, compost or mulch. To ensure that the soil remains damp for as long as possible, you could even place large stones or planks of wood between the rows of vegetables.

Self-Watering

If you’re only away for a few days, you can probably get away with giving your plants a good watering before you leave, and waiting until you return to water them again. However, if you’re going away for a week or more then you should think about investing in some self-watering equipment. Whether this is a sprinkler on a timer, a soaker hose or a drip line, there are many self-watering options that suit all budgets and requirements.

Alternatively, you can look into creating your own self-watering system by using plastic bottles. All you have to do is take several plastic bottles (if you wish to water an entire garden) and poke tiny holes in the bottom of the bottle. Place the bottle a couple of inches below the soil surface next to your plant and fill with water. The tiny holes will allow for the water to slowly drip to the roots of your plants. Depending on the bottle sizes, you can use one bottle between four plants.

Potted Plants

Potted plants are much more susceptible to drying out than bedded plants. If possible, you should group your pots close together as it creates a damper micro-climate and reduces evaporation from the soil. The potted plants should also be moved to be in a position that’s shaded for a lot of the day but where they’ll still receive rain.

The plastic bottle system mentioned above will also work for potted plants. However, it’s recommended that you try this system out about a week before you go away so that you can see how long the water lasts, and if you need to put more, or larger bottles in the pot.

Ask a Friend

An alternative solution to all of the above is to ask a friend if they could pop round a few times a week to water your plants for you. To make the request work if their favour, if you have fruit and/or vegetable plants in your garden you could always allow them to take any that have ripened whilst you have been away, as they’ll most likely be inedible by the time you return!

For further advice on any type of garden design service, please contact our friendly team on 01933 652 786 or get in touch through our online contact form.

The post Keep Your Garden Alive Whilst On Holiday appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

Planting flowers, vegetables and shrubbery at the correct time of year is crucial for their growth. Planting your summer bulbs in spring allows for them to rest in warmer soil. However, many summer bulbs are susceptible to rotting so it’s important to place them in an area of your garden that has free-draining soil.

Shrubbery & Flowers

Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted until the end of the month. Those that are newly planted should be topped with compost or manure.

Summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias and gladioli can be planted in spring. Lilies can also be planted now and it is important to do so before the bulbs dry out. Bulbs that are more tender such as dahlias and cannas should be started off in pots indoors. These plants are unable to survive the frost and they shouldn’t put them outside until all chances of frost have passed.

Pot Plants

If you’re looking to brighten up your pot plants and hanging baskets then you can do so once all frost has passed. Primulas, foxgloves and peonies are beautiful flowers that can add colour to your garden. Ensure to keep them well watered ready for summer.

Vegetables

If you’re looking to add a vegetable patch to your garden then March to May is the ideal time to plant many salad vegetables. Carrots, lettuce and spring onions can all be planted now, and if you sow seeds regularly over the next two to six weeks, you’ll have enough salad to keep you going throughout the summer!

If you’re in need of any planting advice, please contact Eden Landscapes. We provide a quality planting service throughout Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas and our team are more than happy to assist with any queries that you may have. You can contact us on or get in touch via our online contact form.

Happy planting!

The post What Should I Be Planting in March? appeared first on Eden Landscapes.

That’s why we’ve put together this post to provide you with information on cleaning and maintaining your patio. Allowing you to enjoy those summer evenings and appreciate your garden in all its glory.

Sweep Your Patio Regularly

Sweeping away all of the leaves and other debris that builds up throughout autumn and winter can prevent decaying leaves from staining your patio for good. It can also help to prevent any seeds from germinating as they have nothing to root into. Along with this, damp leaves can be a slip hazard, so removing them from your patio offers safety to you and your family.

Spring Clean & Patio Maintenance

Although the best way to keep your patio clean is through regular maintenance, spring is the optimal time to give your patio a really good clean. Due to the damp winter months, there can be a build-up of organic growth along with general dirt. Once most of the bad weather is out of the way this provides an ideal time to get your patio ready for summer.

Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is the quickest and most efficient way to clean most types of paving. However, it’s important to know the material that your patio is made from, as some materials can’t withstand the pressure from this type of cleaning and can damage the paving stones.

Even if your patio is built from a material that can withstand this pressure, it is recommended not to use the method regularly due to the possibility of damage still being caused.

By Hand

If you don’t own a pressure washer, or need a cleaning alternative in between pressure washer usage, there are methods that you can do by hand.

The most used and cheapest option is a bucket of warm soapy water and a stiff brush. Just pour the mixture onto the patio and scrub with a stiff brush in a circular motion. Rinse the soap away using a watering can or hose and repeat as required.

Another method is using a diluted bleach solution and the above directions. However when using this option, take care not to let the bleach mix to go onto your grass or plants, or near any pets.

We would recommend cleaning your patio 3-4 times a year, switching between using a pressure washer and doing the job by hand. Although this may sound a lot, cleaning it regularly will make the job easier as there won’t be a large build-up of dirt.

Patio Sealants

Sealants can help to keep your patio looking new for longer and are best used soon after the patio has been laid. Sealants can either form a film on top of the paving or actually penetrate the stone depending on which type you purchase. They can help to preserve the colour of your patio and prevent weathering. Sealants also make it much easier to clean stains and dirt, however, this doesn’t mean that your patio won’t need cleaning – it just means it will be easier to do so.

If you need advice on the best cleaning method for your patio or are interested in having a new patio laid for summer, please contact Eden Landscapes today. Our team of garden landscapers serve the Northamptonshire area and work with our customers to create bespoke garden designs.

The post Cleaning Your Patio appeared first on Eden Landscapes.