home movers pack 2017

GARDENING
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Define your boundaries
The type of fence, screen or hedge you
choose for your garden provides more than a
division of space.
Boundaries create the framework that
defines a garden, both externally and as
dividers within the plot. A fence, hedge or
screen is the backdrop against which the
whole garden is viewed.
Privacy and security is the main role of the
garden’s boundary, which needs to keep out
unwanted eyes and visitors while keeping
children or pets in. First of all, choose
between a fence, a hedge, or a combination
of the two. Walls tend to be out of the
reckoning unless your budget is vast or you
have bricklaying skills.
Fences are unbeatable for immediate
effect. Many designs of wooden fence panel
are available as well as metal panels and
mesh screens. Browse catalogues for styles
and prices, then check out different brands.
Keep in mind the style of the garden in
relation to your house and tailor the look to
blend in, or go for a contrast by using rustic
materials in urban surroundings or vice versa.
Location, location, location
Pick a spot that receives plenty of light all
day long and avoid planting by trees and
shrubs that may shade and compete with
your garden for water and nutrients.
If you don’t have much space, or your
soil’s not conducive to growing what you
would like, create a garden on your patio by
clustering different pots together. It is best
to plant annuals if you need to take the pots
inside in the winter. You can empty out the
soil and start again next spring.
A good idea is to put the taller plants at the
back of your garden and plant them on the
north side, so they won’t shade the smaller
ones. If you’re tackling a larger vegetable
garden, don’t forget to plan for space to walk
between the rows.
The big cover-up
Unless your chosen material is decorative
enough to make a feature in its own right,
chances are you’ll want to cover fences
with plants. Go for the big cover-up by
using trellis all over, or with a framework of
galvanised wires run through vine eyes. If
there’s a long run of fence, add an occasional
panel of trellis at right angles to break up the
monotony and add colour.
Screens of bamboo, willow, reed and
heather are versatile but less durable, lasting
four to seven years. These screens also
make great garden wallpaper’ to transform
an unsightly fence or wall - perfect if the
boundary belongs to your neighbour and is
outside your control.
Hedges make superb living screens and
also help to absorb noise and pollution. The
drawbacks are that a hedge takes up more
space than a fence and requires trimming
from one to three times a year. You can
create instant privacy with a short-lived
screen using one of the materials described
above and plant a hedge at the same time.
The shelter helps the hedge establish
more quickly.
Screens and hedges can be used in a huge
variety of ways to enhance your garden’s
overall design. Shelter and seclusion are
desirable around the patio and other seating
areas, and it’s a good idea to conceal
features such as sheds, compost bins and
washing lines.
Timing is everything
The best time to plant your garden is in the
spring and autumn. Wait until late spring
when the soil is no longer too wet from snow
or spring rains and is kept warm by higher
temperatures. Good soil will be loose, level,
fertile, and well-drained - avoid clay and
very sandy soil. You can begin by planting
seeds that can take cooler soil and as the
temperature hots up, introduce more seeds
and plants.
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