The Star: September 30, 2021

26 The Star Thursday September 30 2021
YOUR YARD
Your Yard
If you are planning to have people over in
a week or so, there are a few things you can
do quickly to make your garden look good.
First up there’s the lawn, if you have one.
Resist the temptation to put off mowing it
thinking you can have one big cutting day.
A good-looking lawn will ``hide’’ a lot of
garden sins but to look lush and carpetlike
it needs regular, light trimming. It is
therefore worthwhile finding the time to
run over it frequently, no matter how busy
you may be.
Equal in impact value is trimming edges
and hedges. If these look tidy your garden
looks tidy even if it is sporting some
weeds.
On the other hand, if they are ragged, they
will set an unruly tone. As far as the weeds
go, knock them back with weed killer if
that’s your preference. This is important
with weeds growing in driveways or
between patio pavers but you will need to
chip the dead and near dead ones away in
those areas.
If your time is very limited, don’t worry
about weeds in the garden unless they are
large, if it’s impact you are after there are
more fruitful things you can do. Patios,
decks and driveways near the house
should get close attention. Find time to get
rid of any algae and mould and remember
that recoating or repainting can have a big
effect.
If you have bare garden areas, consider
some closely planted annuals to cover the
ground and give some colour through the
hot weather to come.
See if your budget will stretch to potted
annuals already in flower for an instant
effect or at least use these for a back row
with cheaper seedlings in are brilliant,
providing attractive and practical outdoor
kitchen areas.
It’s better still, if your time is limited,
to concentrate on filling some large
containers with flowers or large patio
plants. In the short term, these will have
much more impact for the time invested
and can lift a garden from being merely
okay and orderly. Size and combined mass
count here, so go for big containers or a
number of medium-sized ones grouped
closely together.
Remember too, the closer they are to your
garden visitors, the bigger they will seem.
This means it makes sense to concentrate
on pots close to the house, front door and
outdoor living areas for maximum impact.
Your next area for attention should be the
outdoor living area. If it has a bare wall,
consider adding a piece of art. If your
furniture is looking tired and you want
to make a big impact for very little work,
consider shouting yourself some new
items.
An alternative, if your budget needs
babying, is to recoat or re-stain existing
furniture.
While our focus is still on furniture,
another addition that can have a big
impact is adding some cushions to your
outdoor furniture. Go for plump ones
in strong bright colours or earthy tones
- wishy-washy pinks and blues definitely
won’t do the job here.
Finally, on the day or the day before you
want your garden to look its best, give your
deck or patio and driveway areas a wash
or sweep so they look pristine. Your guests
will notice your flowers, neat hedging, lush
lawns and attractive outdoor living areas.
TRELLIS
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THE FACTORY
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Email: towntrellis@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 03 3494995
Address: 38A Waterloo Road
www.towntrellis.co.nz
Let us help you create an
outdoor area that can be
used all year round with
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Enclose with retractable screens
or keep it open.
We also offer many other options
for your outdoor area. Come in
and see us or give us a call.
99 Shakespeare Road, Waltham, Christchurch
P: 03 366 9583 E: info@kolorfulkanvas.co.nz
www.kolofulkanvas.co.nz
The Pumphouse
Demolition Yard
Come and see us for your
spring project supplies.
T&G flooring, cobblestones
& paving, bricks, corrugated
iron, fencing and more.
Weekdays 7.30am - 4.30pm
Saturdays 9am - 1pm
544 Tuam St, Phillipstown
Phone 389 6638
CRAIGS
TREES
Surface Washing:
Buildings, Driveways, Paths, Patios
Routine Maintenance Cleaning
Environmental Services
Stop Rats, Birds,
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Superior
Metal
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Our services include:
Tree felling
Branch chipping
Trimming and pruning
Crown reduction
Stump grinding
P: 027 2299 454
E: craigstrees@xtra.co.nz
www.craigstrees.co.nz
Fully insured
CANTERBURY
WATERBLAST
we care.
Phone 03 365 7960
24 Hours / 7 Days
info@canterburywaterblast.co.nz
0800 333 101
www.guttersolutionz.co.nz