Sometimes choosing turf will not be quite as simple as it seems. In fact, it might be more a case of finding out which options will best suit you, rather than just going with what you already have. The fact of the matter is, though, that you will be able to get a greener garden, or a greener commercial space, or even a healthier golf course, with the right type of turf. Therefore, it is always something that is worth investigating because it could be the case that another type will be more beneficial, and it won’t always be any more expensive, difficult to get hold of, or difficult to grow healthily.

For example, if you are not aware of all the options, you might be tempted to opt for the most standard type of turf because this is all you are aware of. You might choose to order it online without knowing much about the supplier and in these cases, cheaper is very much not always better – there are many factors at play here. This is because it’s always good to be able to meet a turf supplier, see their turf in person in the your area, get a good understanding of the options available to you and have it all explained to you by an expert in their subject matter. Before you even know which type of turf you want, it’s essential to know that it’s come from a good nursery and that it is fresh so you can buy with confidence.

Once you start getting into the finer detail of which types of turf will be the best, you can explore all of your options with greater confidence knowing that you have already found a good supplier for your turf. Here are some of the most common considerations and types of turf that you might be able to choose from:

• Trident turf. This is a very good standard option for general gardens and places which get average footfall. It is easy to look after with the right lawn care and will be a good all rounder in the world of turf, covering many bases.
• Wilf flower turf. This type of turf will grow like a real wild flower meadow, so you can enjoy wild flowers in your own garden. It is very pretty and unique – it might be used in certain parts of the garden, for example, so that it can be a feature rather than turf that is used everywhere.
• Shade tolerant turf. For gardens and outdoor area that do not get very much sun a shade tolerant turf is a good option. These will usually have grass cultivars and will be medium texture, and it will suit shaded environments perfectly without needing a whole lot of maintenance.

There is also the option of artificial turf if you come to the conclusion that looking after real turf is not for you. This will be very low maintenance and will also look green and beautiful all year round in your garden, which can be hard to achieve with real turf.

While DIY tree trimming may seem straightforward, attempting care without proper training can permanently damage trees and create hazards. Professional tree arborists know how to correctly diagnose issues and apply the right treatments. Watch for these 5 signs it’s time to contact a certified arborist to care for your trees:

1. Visible Cavities or Rotting

Holes, hollows and pockets of rotting tissue indicate internal decay within a tree. Left untreated, decay can compromise structural integrity, eventually causing limb or whole tree failure. Only an arborist has the specialized tools like resistographs and tomography equipment to accurately inspect and assess the spread of interior rot. Based on the findings, they’ll recommend appropriate repairs, supports or removals to prevent damage.

2. Leaning or Tilting

If you notice your tree developing a lean or tilting to one side, it likely indicates root instability underground. Shallow or compromised roots are unable to adequately support the tree’s weight. An arborist can evaluate below ground using air excavation and root mapping technology. They may recommend underground bracing or guided straightening to rebalance the tree before the lean worsens or the trunk snaps.

3. Damaged Bark and Wounds

Bark damage from vehicles, equipment, animals or weather exposure leaves trees vulnerable to insects and diseases. Arborists treat wounds properly to prevent infection and stimulate callus growth. They remove loose bark, shape the wound site, apply fungicides if necessary and protect with dressings. Home applications like sealants often do more harm than good.

4. Poor Structure and Growth Habit

Without corrective pruning and training early on, many trees develop problematic structure, such as tight crotches prone to splitting or lopsided branching. Arborists diagnose structure issues and perform regular pruning to establish proper architecture that minimizes future hazards as the tree ages. Attempting to correct poor structure yourself risks severing stabilizing limbs.

5. Pest Problems

From beetles to bag worms, a professional arborist can identify any weird bugs or growths on your trees and diagnose potential pest problems. Trying to treat pests without an accurate ID can waste time and make issues worse. Arborists have extensive knowledge of treatment options for common tree pests that conserve tree health with minimal chemical use when possible. They target treatments to remedy the specific problem at hand. 

Don’t risk creating bigger issues for your trees by tackling issues you don’t fully understand. An arborist has the skills and equipment to inspect, diagnose and treat tree ailments using industry best practices. Contact a certified professional promptly when you spot any concerning tree symptoms. Preventative care maximizes the lifespan and benefits of your trees.

Daffodils, a type of plant that is known for being one of the bulbs that is the easiest to care for. With their colour variety filling gardens across the United Kingdom each year with their bloom, it’s no wonder others are looking to grow these as well. But what are some of the simple care tips for ensuring your garden is ready for daffodils bulbs and how you can effectively care for them and allow them to bloom beautifully each year? Follow this comprehensive guide to find out more.

1- Planting Time and Location

Daffodil bulbs are typically planted during the autumn before the ground begins to freeze. This allows the bulbs to establish strong roots in preparation for the winter months. You should choose a location with well-draining soil, and where the bulbs will receive ample sunlight. Whilst daffodils can tolerate partial shade, they will perform best in areas with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

2- Soil Preparation

Preparing the soil before planting is also key. You should loosen it to a depth of approximately 8 to 10 inches. You may also wish to mix in organic matter such as compost which can improve soil structure and drainage. Good drainage is also crucial for preventing bulb rot. If your soil is typically heavy and retains water, consider raised beds which can help to improve drainage and prevent any rotting bulbs.

3- Planting Depth and Spacing

Another key aspect of daffodils bulbs is the depths they are planted at. A typical rule of thumb is for them to be planted 6 to 8 inches deep, and space 4 to 6 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow and prevent overcrowding.

4- Watering

Like any other plant, daffodils need watering. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root growth. Throughout their growing time, you need to keep the water moist consistently but not waterlogged. Keep an eye on rainfall to know if you need to water them each day.

5- Fertilisation

Daffodil bulbs benefit from a balanced fertiliser. Using this fertiliser in the fall when planting and again in early spring as growth emerges. This will help to provide the bulbs and flowers with the necessary nutrients for strong bulb development, and vibrant colour blooms.

6- Deadheading and Pruning

Once the bloom of the daffodils has faded, you will need to deadhead the flowers by removing the blossoms with pruners. This prevents the plant from expending energy on producing seeds and encourages the bulb to store energy and grow again the following year. Allow any foliage to yellow and wither naturally before cutting it back as these leaves are essential for photosynthesis and nutrient storage.

Caring for daffodils bulbs is a rewarding task that brings stunning spring displays year after year. As long as you follow our comprehensive guide, you can be assured that your daffodils will thrive and bring a burst of colour each year. Remember, soil preparation, planting time, location, depth, and spacing, as well as watering, fertilisation and more. Each plays a part in maintaining the health of your daffodils, allowing them to bring joy to your landscape each year.

Begonias come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours. Are known for their lush foliage and bright blooms that come in shades of pink, white, yellow, orange and red. Begonias require well-draining soil, regular fertilization and ample sunlight to thrive. Many varieties can also tolerate partial shade. When planting begonia bulbs, make sure to space them at least 4 cm apart and water them thoroughly after planting. With proper care, begonias can provide vibrant colour throughout the growing season.

They are easy to propagate and can make beautiful house plants. Begonias also produce large amounts of nectar, making them excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Furthermore, many species of begonias are drought tolerant, making them ideal for drier climates or areas with water restrictions.

Are available at most garden centres in spring and fall and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours. When selecting your begonia bulbs, the larger the bulb is the more blooms it will produce. For those looking to add colour to their landscape all season long, planting a mixture of begonia bulbs varieties is a great choice! With proper care and maintenance, will thrive in most climates.

For best results, begonias should be planted in well-draining soil with some organic matter added to help retain moisture and nutrients. Begonias prefer partial shade but will also do well in full sun, as long as it does not get too hot during the summer months. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Fertilizing every two weeks will help promote healthy growth and blooms throughout the growing season.

When should I plant begonia bulbs?

For best results, plant begonias in the spring when the soil has warmed and there is no threat of frost. Plant bulbs 10-12 cm deep and space them 6-10 cm apart. It’s important to water immediately after planting to help settle them into the soil. After that, keep a regular watering schedule as needed throughout the growing season.

Can you leave begonia bulbs in the ground over winter?

It is not recommended to leave begonia bulbs in the ground over winter, as they may become damaged from cold temperatures. If your area experiences freezing temperatures, it’s best to dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. This will ensure that they are still viable when spring arrives and ready for replanting in your garden bed. Once temperatures remain above freezing consistently, you can safely replant the bulbs. When doing so, make sure to add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and help ensure healthy growth of your begonias throughout the season. With proper care, your begonia bulbs should thrive in the summer and bloom with vibrant blooms. Additionally, you can use mulch such as straw or pine needles to protect your begonias during cold winter months. This will help insulate the soil and keep it warmer than if left exposed to harsh winter conditions. Remember not to overwater though; too much water can cause root rot and harm the health of your begonias.

As summer approaches, it is time to think about what you are going to grow and getting quality bulbs, plants and flowers to support your growing plan during these sunny, warmer months. For many people, summer simply would not be summer without dahlias so now is the time to locate dahlias bulbs for sale so you are ready to get planting when the time comes around – because it will come around sooner than you think.

When you are buying dahlia bulbs, check them over thoroughly before planting. Inspect them visually for any blemishes and check that they feel firm to the touch – they should not be soft or going mushy as this indicates that they are mouldy and will not grow. Follow all instructions on the dahlia bulbs carefully to ensure you have the best chance of success with your growing.

Your guide to growing dahlias from bulb: how to get the highest quality bulbs and get the most out of your summer planting

Dahlias are not too difficult to grow but they will need some care and attention if you want to get the most out of them. Dahlia bulbs will need to be planted out before the summer, around May or June time when the ground begins to warm up. They are late summer flowerers, so they will begin to flower from July through to October.

In order to grow dahlias successfully, you will need to provide the right growing conditions for them and will need to care for them in the right way. The bulbs will need to be planted around 60cm apart to allow them to grow, and their full height will be around one metre once they are fully grown.

Dahlias will grow best in conditions where they have plenty of sun but also shelter at the same time. They will need a specific type of soil – fertile, rich and moist, but also free draining. If you already have dahlia bulbs planted, dig up the tubers in autumn so they will not get damaged by the frost during winter. In early April, you can begin to grow them again and you should plan to plant them out from May when the weather is warm enough.

Getting the widest variety of dahlia bulb options

Dahlia bulbs can be bought in garden centres but in general, there will be a wider variety online, giving you more choice of varieties and colours. The beauty of dahlias is in their rich, varied colours, so you can experiment all you like and make your garden a colourful place to buy. Buy all bulbs from a reputable seller who is known for the high quality of their bulbs.

There are various shapes of dahlia you can buy as well, from tight balls to large blooms that are more like lilies in appearance. This makes them great for all planting schemes and they will never look out of place in borders, whether you have a cottage garden aesthetic or you are trying something more unusual and adventurous.

Amaryllis bulbs are a favourite in the gardening world. A bulb that is super easy to grow, as well as one that will continue to re-bloom following years. But what do you need to do to care for your amaryllis bulbs during planting, growing and deadheading?

Planting Amaryllis Bulbs

More often than not, amaryllis bulbs will be planted into a pot. This is the best option for your bulb as it allows you to choose if you want it indoors or outdoors, as well as allowing you to give your bulbs the best growing condition.

When you are planting your bulbs, you want to ensure you are planting them into a good potting soil mix. This soil will give your amaryllis bulbs the right nutrients to promote their growth. When planting, ensure you are planting the bulb pointed end facing upright, this is where your plant will sprout from but remember you need approximately 1/3 of the bulb above the soil. Tightly pack your bulb with soil and you are ready to go.

Caring For Amaryllis Bulbs

Once your bulbs have been planted correctly, it is time to care for them. You will need to be patient, on average it will take amaryllis bulbs 6-8 weeks to bloom, some can take up to 10weeks! But, the care you give them needs to be maintained.

Amaryllis bulbs are no different to any other plant. They require water and sunlight. That being said, caring for your bulbs will be easy. Place them in an area with direct sunlight and water them regularly. This should be maintained until your plant begins to wilt.

You may wish to install wooden stakes to act as a support for your growing bulbs.

Bloom Life of Amaryllis Bulbs

The time we have all been waiting for, 6-8 weeks after planting your amaryllis bulbs they have started blooming.

The life of blooming amaryllis can vary from person to person. Most commonly people leave their amaryllis in the pot they were planted in until they wilt away.

But, as an alternative, amaryllis is an amazing plant to be used as cut flowers. Sometimes you can find that using these bulbs as a cut plant will allow them to last up to 2 weeks longer! So, why not cut some of your bulbs and have a beautiful amaryllis centrepiece.

The End of Amaryllis Bulbs

Like every plant, there will, unfortunately, be an end of your amaryllis bulbs. There will become a time where your amaryllis bulbs wilt away.

When their heads being to drop, it is time to cut them back. Ideally, you want to cut the flower stalk back to within 1 inch of the top of your bulb. You will then need to continue watering your bulbs and feeding them with plant fertiliser. Doing this successfully means you should see your amaryllis bulbs bloom again the following year. Whilst their first life may have ended, you can look forward to them blooming again the next year.

The autumnal time of year is the time of year when your garden may well become home for the hedgehogs and other wildlife, so we must help to provide them with sufficient warmth, safety, and food to see out the cold winter ahead.

You may feel like ripping up all those tired plants and raking the grass of all the fallen leaves, but these areas can provide warmth and shelter to insects and small animals as well as providing an area for hibernation during the winter months.

Butterflies this time of year enter the dormant stage and butterflies such as the peacock butterfly may be found still on the walls of your house. Heating can confuse and wake butterflies, therefore it is a good idea if you find them in your home, to carefully move them to an outbuilding. If they wake too early they will die.

If you wish to sweep your lawn of the fallen leaves, gather them into a pile and leave them in an area of your garden for the hedgehogs and other wildlife to shelter.

Keeping your bird feeder topped up at this time of year is also beneficial to the birds. During the coming months as the temperature drops, the natural berries in hedges die off, so birds will start to emerge to your bird feeder to gain energy and fat for the winter months ahead.

Clearing out any nesting boxes you have and cleaning them with boiling water will help kill parasites. Ensure they are firmly attached and repair any parts they may need repairing.

Toads like to shelter under piles of bricks whereas frogs are more likely found in piles of leaves during colder months.

Ladybirds gather in large numbers on dead plants in sheltered parts of gardens. So what may appears to be a scruffy garden will in fact be the perfect haven for wildlife over the coming winter months.

Autumn is an important time in the gardening calendar. It is a time when there should be a great deal of planning going on, ready for the spring season and the abundance of growth that comes with this season. Planting the correct autumn bulbs can help to brighten things up later on in the year, making the spring a beautiful time. They can be planted in borders or containers depending on the type of bulb, and will make a visual spectacle of a garden, courtyard or balcony. Getting the balance right and making sure there will be colour and interest throughout the year is very important.

Some bulbs are typically associated with the autumn while others may seem a little more unusual. These are some of the autumn bulbs that can be planted to add colour, interest and variety throughout the seasons:

• Tulips. There is so much that can be done with tulips – despite their iconic shape, there are many, many varieties. They can bring a range of colours and heights to the garden in the springtime, so there is plenty of choice.
• Hyacinths. These are one of the most recognisable of spring flowers that will grow after autumn planting. They come in different shades of pink, purple and cream and they can be planted in borders or containers.
• Daffodils. These bulbs should be planted in the autumn so that they are ready for the spring time. Daffodils are synonymous with the change of seasons and are often one of the earliest types of bulb to flower. Their brightness and charming yellow shades rings in a new season with beauty and style.
• Alliums. The tall and distinctive allium is a very different shape and size to many of the other bulbs that will grow from autumn planting. They can be used to add interest and character in a garden and they come in many different shades.
• Anemones. If longevity is important, the anemone is one of the best options around. This is a longer flowering bulb that can be planted in the autumn to grow flowers of many different colours.
• Crocus. This is an iconic flower with a goblet shape, and they come in a variety of radiant colours. They are best planted in a border and they can be naturalised if larger areas of flowers are preferred.
• Fritillaria. It is very important to grow bulbs that will suit the specific conditions that can be provided in any one space. Fritillaria are happy growing in lightly shaded conditions amongst other plants and flowers. They can be grown in pots as well as naturalised.
• Muscari. These might also be known as grape hyacinth and are usually a dark blue colour. They can be grown successfully in borders and are a delicate, attractive type of flower that adds interest.
• Amaryllis. These bulbs will usually be sent out during the later autumn months and they can be cultivated in the home to flower during the winter and over Christmas instead of the spring if preferred.

Cats, an animal that make a great family pet, but can cause issues in not only your garden but everybody’s gardens! With them seeing lovely designed flowerbeds as huge litter trays! So, what are some of the ways we can prevent cats from ruining our flowerbeds?

Firstly consider planting lavender in your flower beds. This is known to deter cats away from gardens due to the smell. And with it being quite bushy, there will not be much room left for them.

Another smell that cats don’t like is coffee. Mix in ground coffee into your soil will help to prevent cats from seeing your flowerbeds as a litter tray. They will no longer be able to distinguish their own smell in your area so should retreat to their own garden.

Finally, orange peels. Again, these have a strong scent that will deter cats away from your garden. Place these under the soil to deter them away. Just be aware that these will need replacing often as the scent does not last.

Bird feeders are super simple to create, and they offer an excellent food source for all our birds this winter. A lovely craft experience for you and any children within your family. Remember to take time after to look out and see what birds visit your feeder.

One bird feeder which you can make easily from your home is a recycled one. This involves using an old drink bottle which has been washed out. You will need to cut a few holes in this bottle which will be used by the birds to access the food. The two smaller holes at the top for some string so you can hang it. The all you will need to do is fill your bottle with plenty of birdseed or food and watch them come to have a fest.

You can also purchase sets which help you to create a wooden bird feeder. Following all the steps and then filling with birdseed or food.