Read through our newsletter archive:
- Spring/Summer 2010
- Autumn/Winter 2009
- Spring/Summer 2009
- Autumn/Winter 2008
- Spring/Summer 2008
- Autumn/Winter 2007
- Spring/Summer 2007
- Autumn/Winter 2006
- Spring/Summer 2006
- Winter/Spring 2005/6
Spring/Summer 2009 Newsletter
Blooming spring
Spring is well and truly underway - its official! Daisies and Buttercups transform once uninteresting grass verges into beautiful star studded mini meadows... until the lawn mower gets them! Blossoms cover the trees and buds are bursting out all over the place, those that survive the curious fingers of my little boy anyway!
The good news is that the people in the know have predicted a cracker of a summer too. We don't want to get our hopes up too high but surely it's good to have something to look forward to. And since so many of us are opting to stay at home this summer, why not get out there and enjoy it? Why not holiday in our own back gardens?
"Launch News"
Spring 2009 also sees the launch of a new service here at Tom Moore Landscaping. We have decided to offer a "gardens for children" service - we will design and build bespoke, outdoor, learning and playing areas for young children, aged from 0-5 and up to junior age.
The "gardens" or "play areas" or "outdoor classrooms" will be tailored to the specific requirements of the client, be it a private pre school nursery, children's centre or special school. Contact us now for a free quotation or more information. Stay tuned too for our new webpage coming soon!
Sweeping statement
Many thought that it would turn out to be a fad, yet it looks as if decking is here to stay, and we're glad to embrace it! One recent job relied on a varied use of decking to create a warm and relaxing yet rather glamorous garden. Two separate "entertainment" areas were established using curved edge decking, which provided a softer yet majestic feel. Decking boards were also used to create a wall at the side of the primary decking area adding a new dimension to the "eating area" and ensuring privacy, shelter and extra warmth from the sun. Clever planting in pots and carefully placed ornaments add sophistication and give that extra "holiday feel".
Childs play
Although the summer holidays are still a little way off, parents are always looking for ways to entertain the children/ to stop them fighting/ get them interested in the garden etc. The vine tepees (see Spring-summer newsletter 2008) proved to be popular and we have another idea for you to try out this year - grow your own stools any one? Ok, we don't grow them - just cut out a circle of turf to fit any spare terracotta pots, pack the bottom with a few bricks to give stability; fill with compost to about 2inches from the top, lay the turf circle on top of the soil and press firmly! Voila - grassy stools for the kids to call their own! Each pot can be painted and decorated as you or your children wish.
Jobs to be done
The garden is really starting to flourish now and you guessed it, this means you need to get out there and start spending a bit more time! Here are a few things to be getting on with over the next couple of months and a couple of tips:
- Water new plants: water newly planted fruit trees, roses and shrubs regularly to help their roots begin to establish.
- Weeding: Hoe borders once a week to prevent weed seedlings from taking root
- Frost protection: Don't be lulled by these seemingly warmer days. We still need to take precautions at night where the temperature can still drop. Keep a sheet of fleece handy to throw over fruit trees and bushes in flower
- Slugs and snails: Control slugs and snails by trapping them under tiles or grapefruit. Collect the slugs and dispose of them. Try and use pellets sparingly.
- Lawns: Mow the lawn at least once a week, twice if possible, and finish by cutting the edges neatly. Feed the lawn, if not already done, and treat any weeds and moss.
And above all, enjoy your garden this summer!