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If you have a coffee machine at home, you already know how many coffee grounds you need to go through weekly. Coffee grounds are the leftovers of the coffee once it’s been through a machine, but you don’t need to throw them away - you can use them in the garden instead. Grounds are organic matter that breaks down into compost, so instead of sending the coffee grounds to the rubbish bin, you can reuse them in your garden.

How Do Coffee Grounds Help The Garden?

There are many ways leftover coffee beans can be reused in the garden, and we will go over the details. Still, to put things more simply, they make great mulch, helping you fertilise your compost heap, creating nitrogen, scaring off cats and slugs and may even help make the soil more acidic.

If you don’t own a coffee maker, then in most supermarket cafes or similar places, they will have bags of leftover coffee grounds. When they’re not bagging them up, you should ask if they can give you some; in most cases, they’ll be happy to get rid of them.

Improve Your Soil

Coffee is a natural material breaking down into organic matter, improving soil and water retention, drainage and aeration. Soil full of organic matter attracts earthworms, further improving and aerating them. Crumbling soil means your plant roots can spread into a more stable and wider base, sucking up more nutrients and growing stronger. This leads to bigger and healthier plants.

How Your Soil Improves by Using Coffee Grounds

You can sprinkle coffee grounds across your border and dig them in. They will break down and improve your soil, attracting earthworms, as mentioned above. Earthworms will reach up to pull the coffee grounds into the soil, as they do with bits of fallen leaves.

Boosting The Compost Heap

Coffee grounds and used coffee filters may be composted and offer a great addition to your compost pile. As the coffee grounds rot away, they release their nutrients and create a rich compost you can use all around your garden.

How to Compost Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds look brown, but you need to treat them like any green waste. Green waste is nitrogen-rich, fleshy, leafy leftovers, unlike brown waste that is dry - cardboard, straw, and old leaves. You should go for at least 25-50% green waste in your compost heap to keep the reaction going. Remember to turn it regularly to let air in. You must add more brown waste if it smells or starts looking slimy.

Create Mulch

Mulch is an excellent addition to your garden. If you have a sun-baked garden, a weedy one or a chalky one, it doesn’t matter as long as you have shrubs, flowers, trees or vegetables, then mulch will help them grow. Mulch benefits you in quite a few ways - it blocks out light, so weeds will die off without having a chance to take root, but it also traps moisture around the roots, protecting your soil by preventing winds and rain from stripping the topsoil. Mulch can be made from compost, straw, manure, rubber shreds or even stones. Some of these may be more expensive and require replacement yearly, but you can add coffee grounds to the list, as they will give you plenty of free mulch.

How To Use Coffee Grounds As Mulch

Coffee grounds will form a blanket over the soil that keeps moisture in and suppresses weeds. You can spread them around the base of your plants for optimal effect, but you should keep in mind that some gardeners consider them too fine and capable of compacting and forming a solid barrier. Solid mulch is bad for your plants, as it locks out rain and air.

©Fast Landscape Gardening

Designing or even redesigning your garden can be an exciting and fun activity, but it also comes with unique challenges. You will need to make things easier for yourself by exploring your possibilities beforehand. Let’s cover what you can do to achieve your dream garden:

Plant at Varying Levels

You need to keep things looking interesting, no matter what your garden space looks like. You can do quite a bit by experimenting with planting heights. In-ground flower beds can be cut into grass or tiled areas, you can also use climbers on walls using trellises or taller trees, or you can pepper your lawn with pots filled with plants. This varying use of options is excellent at zoning out space, so you can break the monotony and create different areas. 

Mixing Materials

DIY garden path ideas may be much more charming than you initially believe. Even the simplest of elements in your garden landscape can be used to attract attention. Use a single path material, such as wood, to organically transition to another, like gravel or stone.

Working on Different Levels

While you can use garden landscaping to keep your place level, you can make some interesting choices by doing the opposite. If your house is elevated compared to your garden, you have an excellent place for decking and outdoor dining. You can soften the gap between landscaping and lawn by creating full beds with various plants all year round.

Add in Raised Beds

Raised beds will benefit your outdoors space. From a purely aesthetic and practical point of view, you will make things easier as the beds are contained. You can cut flowers and herbs with greater ease, you can find it easier to do your planting, and it won’t be hard to keep your entire work on display for any visitors and yourself.

Add In-built Seating

When landscaping the garden, you should focus on your needs above all. If you’re using it to entertain guests, you should build seating on the walls or your raised beds. It’s much cheaper to do and presents a practical solution that looks great. You won’t need to deal with outdoor furniture, and you can create waterproof seating that stands the test of time.

Raise the Pathways

Beds aren’t the only thing you can raise to break up the monotonous look of garden space. You can choose a pathway that sits a bit off the ground, making it appear as if it’s floating over the ground-level plants, making for a very captivating approach.

Go Big

You can play around with scale to create a more significant impact when you have a more miniature garden. Use oversized containers with a mix of shrubs, trees and perennials to create your oasis. You can also use the plants to attract the kind of wildlife you would prefer on your property.

Improve Sloping Gardens using Grass Steps

If you have a garden on different levels but don’t feel like doing hard landscaping, you can use stone grass treads instead of stone steps. Integrate them into your lawn to connect all areas.

Paving the Path

One of the great classics of landscaping, creating a garden with a sturdy garden path, is the bread and butter of good garden space. Links between all areas are not only practical and easier to maintain but also visually beautiful. Without a pathway, you will likely ruin the lawn, destroying all your hard work.

©Fast Landscape Gardening

First, you must understand the difference between patio, porch and deck. In other words, we will discuss the difference between these three terms. And then, we will talk about three tips to help you with your pet care and maintenance in the summer.

Patio, porch and deck

Generally, the deck or porch refers to a part that extends from your house. In most cases, the deck does not have a roof over it. Another difference is that a deck is more expensive than a porch or patio.

The porch is like a deck that extends outside. However, it is covered by a wall or roof and does not require as much maintenance as a deck. Generally, the porch is located in front of the house.

On the other hand, a patio is attached to the house, or it can be a standalone feature outside. In other words, most patios have patio furniture, such as umbrellas, tables, cheers, etc. These patios are ideal for having parties with friends and family. In most cases, patios are located in the backyard.

Three tips to help you clean and maintain your patio this summer

You can enjoy many benefits if you keep your patio neat and clean during the summer. Let's talk about a few tips to help you care for and maintain your patio in the summer.

#1: Go for rust-resistant patio furniture

Since your patio furniture is at the mercy of the elements, we suggest you invest in rust-resistant furniture. For example, you may consider high-density polyethene lumber, known as HDPE. Generally, recycled plastic is used to make this type of furniture.

Therefore, this type of furniture won't rust outdoors. Apart from this, you don't need to cover this type of furniture regardless of the weather conditions. You may also consider furniture made of cast aluminium, wood and concrete.

You can also hire a professional repair and maintenance service. This type of paid service can help you purchase and maintain your pet your furniture. Besides, the service provider will help you if your furniture accumulates rust stains over time.

#2: Remove debris from your patio

You may want to remove dust and debris from your patio area. Removing dust and debris is essential to keep your patio looking beautiful. You can do so in many ways. For instance, you can purchase a leaf blower or a regular broom.

Apart from regular cleaning, it is a good idea to deep clean your patio from time to time. For this purpose, you can hire the services of a professional in your area.

#3: Remove must, mildew and grease

Removing mud, grease and building from your patio is not a challenging job. Although you can use a common substance, such as corn starch, chlorine bleach, and oxalic acid, to remove different types of stains, we advise against this approach.

The problem is that these substances may damage your patio furniture. Apart from this, these harsh substances are not good for human health. So, we suggest that you go for a deep cleaning service instead.

Hire a professional service

Since summer is when you can enjoy barbecues, campfires, and many other outdoor activities, we suggest that you keep your patio in a condition that will make you feel comfortable. So we suggest that you hire a patio cleaning service. Given below are the benefits you can enjoy by wearing this service:

Safe removal of rust from your plateau and furniture

Addressing issues with the surface of your patio

Deep cleaning

Patio furniture cleaning

Removal of dust and Debris

Long story short, you can follow the tips given in this article if you want to clean and maintain your patio this summer. However, if you are too busy to clean your patio yourself, we suggest you hire a professional's services.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

First, you must understand three terms: patio, porch and deck. In this article, we will know the difference between these terms. But we will focus on some tips to help you keep the patio clean in the summer. If you follow these steps, you can keep your patio clean and beautiful throughout the summer. Let's get started.

The difference between the terms

Basically, the deck refers to a part that extends from your home. Generally, the deck does not have a roof. But it is more expensive than a porch or patio as it requires more investment and maintenance.

Generally, the patios are located in front of the house. On the other hand, the porch is like an outside deck. However, it is covered by a roof or walls but doesn't require much maintenance.

On the other hand, the patio can be an independent feature or be attached to the house. For instance, patios may involve umbrellas, tables, chairs and other accessories. Also, the deck can be a good choice for hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

3 Ways to keep your patio clean in summer

You can follow different methods to keep your pet clean in the summer. This article shares some tips that can help you achieve this goal. So, if you have a concrete patio, you can follow these steps.

 #1: Go for rust-resistant Patio Furniture

Since your patio furniture will be at the mercy of the elements, we suggest you invest in the type of furniture that won't rust. If you are looking for rust-resistant material, we suggest you consider high-density polyethene (HDPE) lumber.

Recycled plastic is used to make HDPE. Therefore, this type of furniture can be an excellent choice for outdoor environments. Besides, you can have other alternatives such as cast aluminium, concrete, and wooden furniture.

Based on your budget and personal preferences, you can choose the right type of furniture for your patio. We suggest that you go for a kind that won't rust quickly. This approach will help you get the most out of your investment.

#2: Remove loose debris from the patio

We suggest that you remove waste and debris from the plateau area. For this purpose, you can use a leaf blower. Alternatively, you can use a regular broom to clear this area's dirt, dust and leaves.

If you want to beautify your patio and keep it clean at all times, we suggest you remove the debris regularly. You can also hire the services of professional cleaners, especially if you are not on a tight budget. We can help you deep-clean your patio without costing a lot of money.

#3: Remove mud, grease, and mould

If you already have some experience cleaning your patio, you know that specific chemicals such as corn starch, chlorine bleach and auxiliary acid do a great job. With these substances, you can remove different types of stains.

Although these substances can help remove grease, mildew and other types of stains, they use harsh chemicals. These chemicals also work on a surface level and may not help you deep clean your patio.

Hire professional claeners

Since summer is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues and campfires, we suggest keeping your patio clean. For this purpose, you may hire the services of professionals, such as Fast Landscape Gardening. These printers offer the following services.

1. Remove dust and rust from your patio furniture
2. Help address issues related to your patio.
3. Help deep clean your patio so you can spend quality time with your loved ones
4. Keep your patio furniture clean so that it stands out and looks beautiful
5. Ensure your patio is not full of dirt and debris.

So, if you are looking for the best patio cleaning service, we suggest you try out Fast Landscape Gardening. This company can help you address your concerns and clean your home and backyard in the summer.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

Patio pavers provide undeniable advantages you should make the most of. They look great, they can last forever and they can optimise garden space more than you expect. However, patio pavers need special maintenance, so that the installation can stay beautiful and durable in the long run. Read on to discover the best care tips for long-lasting patio pavers:

Choose installation by a pro

• Pavers installation is among those many gardening tasks you can turn into an exciting DIY project. However, when it comes to longevity and durability, working with a pro is your best bet. Patio pavers can last for years thanks to their enduring structure, yet the way you have your stones installed matters a lot. Moreover, a professional could be by your side for every step of the process, including the design of your paved space. So instead of risking both the looks and the quality of the paved patio, choose to hire expert help. Doing so will help you to make the most of the space, enjoying a perfect installation for years ahead.

• Think about the area around the patio
  Whether you decide to work with a pro or you prefer designing the patio by yourself, the area surrounding the patio pavers might dictate the longevity of the installation. For that reason, you need to think in advance before surrounding the patio pavers with beautiful flowers or brick paver walls. First, think about foot traffic in and out of the house and try to find a solution that is beneficial for both friends and family and the pavers themselves. Second, be careful if you opt for plants bordering patio pavers. Such landscape approaches certainly look amazing, but the roots of some plants might damage the paved installation, once they grow super big, especially the roots of some tree species. In a word, to keep patio pavers in top shape in the future, choose wisely bordering elements. If you hesitate about what’s best for your pavers, consult with the pros for smart recommendations.

Remember to clean patio pavers

• Just like any surface indoors, the outdoor area needs regular cleanups to stand the test of time. Stick to this idea regarding your patio pavers, so that you can extend their longevity and preserve them ideally looking. What’s great about paved surfaces is that they don’t require lots of time and effort to be kept sparkly clean. You also don’t need special cleaning tools to do the job right. All that is necessary to eliminate dirt and debris from the patio pavers are tools you already have in your garden shed – a hose and a broom you use to sweep outdoor space. Once a week, grab your cleaning supplies and go over the paved surfaces to get rid of buildup grime. If there was a nasty storm last night, don’t wait too long before cleaning the patio pavers. The sooner you address dirt and stains, the easier they will come off, thus preserving the best looks of your patio.

• Eliminate weeds naturally
  With the weather getting warmer, weeds are likely to invade your patio space. While the issue is not one you would gladly tolerate, do your best to avoid the application of chemical-based weed killers. Although the durability of pavers is notorious, some harsh toxic products might affect the surface, causing staining or discolouration. To avoid that, opt for weed killing manners that involve no chemicals. You can pull weeds out by hand or use a weed knife to deal with the task faster. Either way, steer clear of aggressive products to extend the lifespan of patio pavers.

Patio pavers can be extremely durable and beautiful, as long as you stick to these clever maintenance tips.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

What is that special addition to your garden that brings the space closer to nature? If you enjoy a beautiful pond in your garden, you are certainly impatient to make the most of it this spring. However, to keep the pond in top condition is not always a simple job. You need to know how to clean and maintain the pond appropriately, to let it function throughout spring and summer. Here are the best tips for pond maintenance:

• Clean – never let your pond become messy, otherwise, its looks might be the least of your problems. Untended debris is likely to lead to your pond malfunctioning, therefore you might face costly repairs. To allow the pond’s smooth functioning, remove fallen leaves or debris visible on the surface. If you want to deep clean the pond, drain the water first. Then use a pressure washer to clean inside stones or gravel. From time to time you should turn on the clean-out pump to get rid of filthy water. Once done, fill the pond with clean water.

• Address surrounding plants – your water feature probably looks even more relaxing when surrounded by lush tall trees and various plant species thriving in spring. However, plants nearby might become a potential threat to your pond because of the huge amount of leaves falling in the pond. To protect the pond from leaves and other debris, cover the surface with a trap net. Of course, you don’t have to keep the pond covered with a net all the time, but when a particularly windy day has been forecasted, remember this tip. Another benefit of the trap net is protecting your pond’s wildlife from predators. If you intend to keep the net for a longer period, make sure you empty it regularly to prevent it from falling into the pond. If you grow a tree hanging directly over the water feature, trim the plant nicely to avoid blocking the sun.

• Take care of water plants – if you haven’t added water plants to your pond yet, spring is the best moment to do this. Especially in late spring when the water is warm enough to promote plant growth, but not too hot to negatively affect the plants. Water lilies, marshes and floaters are some of the options you have to bring nature to your water feature, so pick your species and learn how to take care of them. Just like any other plant, water plants require fertilising, so don’t forget to boost your health with a suitable fertiliser. Given the fact that some animals in the pond will probably use the plants as food, go for the most harmless, chemical-free fertiliser you can find. If for some reason a water plant doesn’t survive, remove it right away to avoid the formation of toxins in the water.

• Check on algae growth – these micro-plants have both advantages and disadvantages, so you need to take control over their growth in the pond. While you might be tempted to remove all algae from your water feature, don’t forget that some of the aquatic animals use algae as a source of food. For that reason, you should prevent algae from growing excessively, rather than removing everything. When it comes to getting rid of algae, you can deal with the job with artificial, as well as natural means. In the first case, you can benefit from a rake to physically remove algae from the pond. An ultraviolet water purifier is also a solution to control algae growth. If you prefer handling the problem naturally, simply grow powerful water plants like lilies or hyacinth that will compete with algae for nutrients and light.

A well-kept water feature is what every homeowner needs to improve the image of their garden. Remember these tips for marinating your pond in an outstanding shape this spring.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

As an avid gardener, you are well-aware of all the tasks that should be tackled during the warm months when your garden is subjected to great exploitation. Yet once winter is here, you can take the rest you deserve and put off gardening chores for a while. Still, considering garden maintenance is a good idea even in the winter and there are a few jobs in the garden you can deal with. Take a look at these five important tasks to address in the garden in January:

• Give a second life to the Christmas tree – you might be done with the Christmas holidays, but you don’t have to simply throw the Christmas tree in the trash. You can give it a second life by recycling it and thus making wonderful mulch for your plant beds. Just use your shredder to recycle the tree and spread the mulch in your garden. As you know, gardeners rely on mulch to improve the qualities of their soil, as well as to preserve moisture during hot seasons. With your homemade organic mulch made of the Christmas tree, you will add strength and nutrients to the soil.

• Prepare the lawn mower – mowing the lawn in spring and summer is one of the most tedious gardening tasks and relying on the capacity of the lawnmower can make the chore easier to deal with. Quality lawn mowers cost a lot, that’s why you should be serious when providing the right maintenance. When preparing your list with gardening tasks to tackle in January, remember to have the lawnmower serviced by the pros. Surely investing in expert help might be pricey, but given the importance of having the lawnmower fully fictional, the service is worth the investment.

• Have artificial grass installed – for those of you who can’t afford the time to take care of real grass, there is an artificial alternative to try. Artificial grass offers numerous benefits related to durability and maintenance, so it is the perfect solution for homeowners who seek a low-maintenance, hard-wearing lawn. And the best moment for you to have artificial grass installed is in January.

• Check on your pots – you don’t want to waste time cleaning the pots once spring arrives, so make sure your pots are ready for the new planting season. Take a look inside the pots – do you notice salt deposits? If you do, clean those right away. Salt deposits harm the quality of water, therefore they threaten the well-being of your potted plants. Use some warm water and a stiff brush to scrub off salt deposits from the pots. Starting the new season with clean pots also guarantees that some plant diseases will be eliminated and your plants will grow healthy. To take care of bacteria, spray your plastic pots with bleach. Terracotta pots can be cleaned by soaking them in bleach for about twenty minutes, then letting them air dry.

• Refresh the greenhouse – another important task to complete in January is to make the greenhouse sparkly clean. No matter if you count on a plastic one or a glass alternative, clean the exterior, as well as the interior to let more sunshine in. Doing so will prevent moss and algae from affecting your plants and you will also manage to create a lovely-looking greenhouse you can be proud of. As for the interior, give the greenhouse a thorough sweep or vacuum cleaning to get rid of dirt. If you want to go further, you can also disinfect the space to eliminate bacteria.

Make these five gardening tasks a top priority this January. Once you tackle them, you will be ready to welcome gardening in the spring.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

With the cold winter getting closer and closer, a lot of gardening tasks are waiting for you to tackle. Heavy rain, fallen leaves and frost can compromise the outstanding looks of your backyard, which is why you should prepare the garden for the freezing weather. November is the perfect time of the year for spending the weekends in your warm, cosy home, but don't forget to address these top priority garden jobs too:

• Clean fallen leaves – it is a chore you will face almost every day – November is all about fallen leaves scattered around your backyard. To clean the space properly and make it ready for the tough winter, rake up leaves before they have piled up. Next, while the leaves are still damp, move them to appropriate sacks and place the sacks in your garden shed. Doing so will let you not only get rid of debris in the garden but also make your organic mulch to count on next November.

• Mulch perennials – as you already suspect, mulching is another garden task on your to-do list this month. Mulching has numerous advantages and when it comes to freezing temperatures, you can count on mulch to keep the roots of your perennials safe from harm. But before you address mulching, don’t forget to cut the stems of the plants to just above the ground. Once you are ready with the task, cover around their base, to preserve the roots from frost and extreme cold. If you have prepared your very own organic mulch last year, now is the best time to make the most of it.

• Plant spring-blooming bulbs – next spring might seem so far away, but warm weather will arrive before you know it. To welcome it with colourful plants, make yourself ready this month by planting spring bulbs. Do you love tulips? Get some healthy bulbs and plant them in the garden, in a pot or a container. If you are not sure how deep in the soil to plant the bulbs, just plant them three times to their depth. In addition to various shades of tulips, you can also think about planting crocus or daffodils to enjoy next spring.

• Shop for winter plants – surely you don’t want to be deprived of colours all winter long and you don’t have to be. While you are tackling gardening tasks in November, don’t forget to shop for some winter flowering plants. Polyanthus, primroses and winter pansies are some of the best choices you can make so that your garden or balcony keeps its beauty during the winter.

• Take care of your veggie garden – with summer season over, your veggie beds probably lie empty, so you should address them before frost and snow come. Just cover them with some organic compost to preserve and enrich the quality of the soil, making it ready for next spring. Do you want to take advantage of fresh veggies in winter? Then this month is the perfect time for you to plant winter crops like lettuce and alliums.

• Protect container plants – most plants grown outdoors in containers are vulnerable to frost and low temperatures winter comes with. To keep them safe during cold months, insulate container plants in November, using materials like fleece or polystyrene. Regardless of the type of plants, you are insulating, don’t allow moisture to stay trapped under the wrapping. Your container plants need to be protected from moisture to prevent decay, that’s why using waterproof materials is a smart way to go.

Prepare your beautiful garden for next year by dealing with these six important tasks this month. A lot of things will change in the garden in November and you should spend a little time to make sure the space has been perfectly taken care of.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

Do you want to give your outdoor space a full makeover by laying down paving slabs? The good news is, this is a task you can surely handle on your own. Still, to achieve optimal results and create a beautiful patio in the backyard, certain steps need to be taken into consideration. Follow these smart tips experts strongly believe in, so that you can lay down paving slabs like a real professional:

• Make the right choice - contrary to the common belief that choosing the slabs is the easiest part of the patio makeover, you shouldn't rush into making a decision. Keep in mind that paving slabs vary a lot in terms of colours, materials and finishes, which is why a swift decision is a no-go. Furthermore, don't forget that transforming your outdoor space doesn't happen that often and the results of the undertaking will probably stay in your backyard for years ahead. So, take your time and choose paving slabs carefully. Whether you intend to use just a single shade or you prefer a colourful solution, this is a decision you need to think through.

• Test the slabs - as you have already purchased your paving slabs, you might want to start laying them right away, but this is another step you should not rush into. First, test your slabs. You can lay them down, but it is important not to fix them down immediately. Once paving slabs have been fixed to the ground, corrections are extremely tough to make. To make the most of your efforts, lay the slabs down and before fixing them, take a good look at the overall vision of the patio. Chances are, measuring mistakes come to the surface or you simply dislike the pattern you have created. If you are lucky enough to be happy with the pattern, take a picture of it, so that everything can go as planned when you start to fix down the slabs. This rule is really important when it comes to multi-coloured paving slabs.

• Consider whether conditions - laying down paving slabs is an outdoor task that should be carried out when it is dry outside. Before you set a day for starting with the project, make sure pouring rain is not in the forecast for a few days ahead. Your job includes working with dried sand, which is why appropriate weather conditions are crucial.

• Collect your tools - just like any other DIY project, laying down paving slabs requires certain tools to be available. Surely the must-have equipment depends on the specifics of your project, but several tools have to be at your disposal for a job well done. As already mentioned, dried sand should be provided when laying down paving slabs by yourself. Cement, as well as some building sand, should be available as well. An off-cut piece of timer and a long timber straight edge is also needed for you to tackle the task like a pro.

• Take safety measures - there are so many DIY projects that are simple to handle and no physical effort is involved, yet laying paving slabs is not one of these undertakings. The sand, the cement or even the paving slabs themselves are really heavy and taking safety measures is a step you should never underestimate. Before starting with the real job, make sure you wear appropriate shoes - the kind that is not slippery and you feel comfortable in, having steel toe caps is even better. Wearing quality gloves is also crucial to protect your skin when picking up heavy materials or mixing concrete.

Laying down paving slabs is a quite demanding DIY job you can handle when relying on these tips. Keep all of them in mind, so that you can enjoy a picture-perfect patio.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

Lots of people rely on outdoor water features to improve the appearance of their backyard spaces. A beautiful artificial pond or a breathtaking fountain, having a water feature in your garden brings you closer to nature. While these additions are no doubt a cool way for you to upgrade your property, special maintenance is required so that they can stay functional. Keep in mind these tips for prolonging the lifespan of your water features:

• Choose the right location – it is important to realise that your water features should be placed at the right spot so that less significant maintenance would be required. Typically you need to avoid installing a water feature in direct sunlight, no matter how appealing the location might seem. If being exposed to the hot sunbeams all day long, your water features will require a greater amount of water, which leads to losses you shouldn’t underestimate. Furthermore, sunlight is likely to promote algae or other organisms you don’t want to deal with in your water features.

• Clean regularly – if you have the time, clean your water features every day. Just like any other chore, the maintenance of the water features will be easier, as long as you stick to a strict routine. This way you can prevent challenging problems from occurring and extend the longevity of your precious garden additions. To make the most of your water features, remove debris daily. For that purpose, you can employ a handy net.

• Insist on freshwater – even if the water looks fresh enough, replacing it at least twice a year goes a long way in preserving the water feature in top condition. Issues like clogging can be caused by filthy water, which can be easily prevented with fresh water. In case your water feature shelters fish or other animals, providing fresh water is even more crucial. Replacing the water often enough will cater for a healthier environment for the animals, since harmful organisms and debris will be banished from the water.

• Do a seasonal checkup – despite your efforts to preserve the water features in perfect working order, malfunctions are a possibility you should expect. To detect a problem on time, inspect your water features for leaks and check on their filters and pumps. The most appropriate moment for you to complete the job is when you replace the water – an empty water feature provides better access to elements that are likely to get damaged. Once autumn has arrived, inspect your additions for typical issues and get them ready for the winter if everything seems functional.

• Address winter preparation – depending on the type of water feature you take advantage of, a certain winter preparation might be required, or else the addition might suffer serious damage. Is it likely for the water feature to freeze? If so, you should make it ready for the winter as a part of its maintenance. In fact, keeping your water features safe from freezing is pretty simple. Just get rid of all debris like fallen leaves, eliminate unwanted organisms like algae, drain the water and remove the pump. That’s all – your water feature will be protected from dangerously low temperatures that often lead to costly repairs.

• Let the experts help – in case you consider maintaining your water features a complicated task, you can always count on a professional gardener to do the heavy lifting for you. Experienced gardeners do more than simply addressing the needs of your plants – they are perfectly capable of ensuring the most appropriate maintenance for your water features.

Are you ready to improve the looks of your garden? These tips will help you to maintain your water features in perfect condition for years ahead.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

If you think about it, the exterior of your house is first to notice by everyone - your friends, neighbours or potential buyers interested in your property. Often, even a tastefully decorated interior wouldn't be enough to make up for your messy yard, which is why a flawless landscaping design should be presented. Are you in a rush to sell your house? Make a great first impression by improving your landscape with these five tips:

• Address obvious issues - chances are your garden has a few apparent problems you should deal with before buyers visit you. Clutter, weeds and poorly maintained lawn can make your garden look untended, so try to take control over the space before you do anything else. Throw away useless gardening tools lying around the backyard and take your time to eliminate weeds. If possible, get the job done without applying harsh weed killers. After that, mow the lawn perfectly, so that you can ensure a welcoming appearance of your landscape. In case you notice other issues like untrimmed plants or nasty stains on the paved surfaces, deal with them as soon as possible.

• Add lovely colours - but be extra careful not to go overboard. When it comes to your landscape, you can't be certain about the preferences of the new owners. While some people adore colourful gardens, others would prefer a simple design. So, keep it simple. Rely on your imagination to figure out matching colours that are neither too intrusive, nor too plain. This rule concerns not only your plants but the gardening features as well. DIY decorations like old tires or water bottles should be painted in colours that correspond to the overall vision of your property, that's why you need to be reasonable with the colour palette.

• Mulch - are you looking for a cheap, yet effective hack to make your property look appealing? Then using mulch is one of your smartest options. Once you mulch the flowerbeds, you will see a huge difference in your landscape - the space will strike buyers as being fresh and well taken care of. Just keep in mind that going for organic mulch is always a wiser call. You don’t even have to depend on a store-bought solution, since you can prepare mulch on your own – wood chips, straws and leaves are some of the best options you have for DIY mulch.

• Take care of garden features – most people love it when their backyard space benefits from cool landscape additions like water features or cosy garden furniture. If you want to impress buyers with a perfectly arranged garden, make sure garden features are in top condition. A fully functional fountain or a well-maintained kitchen in the open can increase the value of your property, thus letting you sell the house in a flash. Landscaping features have a huge impact on the way buyers see the property, so do your best to preserve the additions in excellent shape.

• Don’t overspend – surely you might feel tempted to transform your landscape into a picture-perfect space, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on the transformation. Making pricey customised changes are unlikely to sell your place fast. On the other hand, a universal vision for your backyard will get you closer to success, which is why overspending is unnecessary. If budget is not an issue for you, invest your money in a fabulous fence, because privacy is what most buyers insist on. With that tip in mind, expensive mature plants or extravagant patio features are investments you don’t have to make to sell your house in no time.

A lovely-looking exterior improves your chances to find reliable buyers for your property. Boost the value of your house by providing a flawless landscape and your efforts will pay off sooner than you expect.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

When trees become part of your garden, your picturesque backyard space will finally look complete. Well-cared trees are all you need so that you can count on a cosy garden. From the moment you plant your first trees, you should provide special care and make sure the plants grow strong and healthy. Read on to find out essential tips that will help you to get the most of your garden and rest under the shadow of mighty trees:

• Water accurately – young trees that you have just planted need a lot of moisture to grow healthy roots. Expert gardeners agree that you should water the trees as soon as you plant them, but keep in mind excess water may cause root decay. Well-developed roots require a decent level of moisture, so do your best to water deeply. Furthermore, you should avoid overwatering the area around your tree. Simply grab your garden hose and spray the soil for about 30 seconds, making sure water enters deep into the soil. You should stick to an effective watering routine until your trees get 2 years old. Once mature enough, established roots no longer need frequent watering, unless you live in an extremely dry area.

• Mulch immediately – in addition to being one of the coolest solutions for improving the décor of your backyard, mulch has a practical aspect as well. Laying mulch around your trees keeps your new plants safe from extreme temperatures by insulating their roots from cold and drought. A 3-inch layer of mulch will preserve the necessary moisture for your trees to develop strong roots, thus increasing your chances to grow healthy plants. Bear in mind that you should start mulching once you plant the trees. Young trees need immediate insulation, which is why you shouldn’t postpone the task.

• Prune your trees – dead branches are a normal stage of the growth of any tree, so you shouldn’t worry if you notice leafless spots on your trees. You should, however, get rid of those branches, so that you can let new, healthy leaves appear. From time to time inspect your young trees for dead or broken branches and prune them off. Just make sure that you leave no stubs while tackling the task, otherwise, you may cause a disease or a pest problem to your trees.

• Fertilise the soil – if you have any experience as a gardener, you are already familiar with the importance of fertilising. Most types of soils lack crucial nutrients plants require for healthy growth, that’s why you must add those nutrients by yourself. Just like the lawn or your flower garden, your trees should benefit from the best soil, so invest in an appropriate fertilising solution. In case you haven’t had your soil tested yet, deal with the job right away. Test results will indicate what nutrients your soil lacks, allowing you to pick the right fertiliser. Still, you should always choose organic alternatives over their chemical versions.

• Fend off the grass – growing trees and grass nearby may seem like a wonderful way to design your backyard space, but this is not beneficial for the trees. When it comes to nutrients, water or even air, the grass is a powerful rival to trees and chances are it will win the fight. To make sure your trees receive sufficient vital ingredients, keep the grass at bay. When planting your trees, choose a grass-free space where your brand-new plants will be able to establish. A well-mulched, competition-free trunk has a much higher chance to survive in your garden.

Growing healthy trees is a truly rewarding task that can improve the image of your garden. If you are just about to plant your very first trees, stick to these basic guidelines and you will end up with beautiful strong trees.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

Do you wonder how to get the most of your huge garden space? Starting a veggie garden is the perfect solution for any homeowner who is willing to invest time and effort growing their vegetables. As long as you can take advantage of your veggies, you can rest assured your food is healthy and free from dangerous toxins. Take a look at these tips that would help you plan and create your first veggie garden with no trouble at all:

• Start small – as a beginner gardener you may feel the urge to plant and take care of many sorts of vegetables, but start with a small garden instead. Since this would be your very first garden, you have no idea how much time your hobby would require, that’s why a small garden sounds like the obvious choice to make. Pick a few veggies you like the most and plant them in your garden. If you feel comfortable in the role of a gardener, you can always expand and add more plants. But improving your skills would take time, so don’t go overboard and you would achieve a lot.

• Ensure enough sunlight – your veggie garden would thrive only if you can supply it with enough sunlight. Veggies don’t respond well to shady locations, so bear that in mind when you choose a spot for the garden. Expert gardeners recommend that most species should receive about six hours of sunlight, otherwise they can’t get the necessary amount of energy. Leafy veggies like spinach or lettuce, however, handle shade better, so in case your area is deprived of constant sunlight, try to start a veggie garden with these types of plants.

• Water frequently – just like sunlight, water is another crucial factor you should think about when you plan a veggie garden. Your plants would need regular watering, especially during hot summer months. You should also realize that veggies grow healthy and strong if you apply the right watering technique. Make sure that water reaches deep into the soil so that your plants can get the necessary amount of nutrients. To facilitate your watering routine, start the garden somewhere close to a water source.

• Check your soil – for someone with no experience in gardening it might be difficult to tell the difference between quality soil and a poor alternative, but if your soil drains well, you are probably lucky. Still, you should never underestimate the importance of quality soil, that’s why it is a wise choice to have it tested. The results of the test would let you know the type of soil you have at your disposal, as well as what nutrients it lacks. Use this information as a guideline that would help you provide the best soil for your veggie garden.

• Deal with weeds – weeds steal water and nutrients from your veggies, which is why you should handle them effectively. If you notice that your veggie garden has been invaded by weeds, eliminate them right away, while they are still young. To prevent weeds from reappearing, take advantage of organic mulch. Mulch can serve as a protective layer that keeps your veggies safe from unwanted intruders. Besides, its organic nature is harmless to the plants or the soil.

• Harvest on time – given the amount of effort invested in starting your veggie garden, harvesting is the most rewarding task you should tackle. Simply pay attention to your veggies and you would find the right moment to harvest. That act is beneficial to the garden as well – many species produce even greater quantities after being harvested.

Taking care for plants for the first time may seem challenging, but it is a hobby you shouldn’t skip on. Follow these simple tips and you would be able to create a healthy, fresh veggie garden.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

No matter how costly or how cheap you may have acquired your patio furniture, one thing is certain. You would want it to last for a very long time. This is easier said than done because, without proper care, patio furniture begins to age and spoil easily. The patio furniture can be torn apart by the weather and the elements if they are not properly taken care of. With time, furniture that is neglected will continue to worsen until they can be used no more. Your patio furniture does not always have to end up that way. Maintaining patio furniture does not need a lot of money, effort, or time. In this article, we will be discussing some easy ways to keep your patio furniture in shape for a longer period. Some of these tips are:

Clean the furniture as often as you can: Whether it looks dirty or not, for maintenance, you have to clean the patio furniture often. If it would be some sort of inconvenience, schedule the cleaning, but make sure it is regularly. This regular cleaning will make your furniture last longer, but the right techniques should be used. These techniques include using soapy hot water for plastic, vinyl, or aluminium. Use a bucket of water, detergent or soap, and a sponge to wash, and after thorough scrubbing, rinse with enough water, and spread out to dry. You should never use soap and water on wooden furniture. For upholstery or canvas, use the upholstery cleaner. There are also home-made solutions that can help you with cleaning like the borax solution with detergent and water. 

Treat glass tables and tops specially: Nowadays, most patio furniture contains glass tables and glass tops. These glass tables and tops are chosen because they are more attractive and cleaner to the eye, as long as they are kept clean. So, a little dirt would tarnish the appearance of the whole furniture if it is glass. So, you have to clean the glass tops regularly. Glass cleaners are usually the first choice when it comes to cleaning glass. You do not need to burn candles on the glass surfaces, or they could end up looking dull. Also, in a bid to get the solidified wax off the table surfaces, you may scratch them, and they will no longer look beautiful to the eye. Instead, soften the wax with a hairdryer, and use a softer solid like cards to scrape the wax. Wipe off any residue with rubbing alcohol. Then, finish off the cleaning with a paper towel and glass cleaner. 

Apply pressure washing when you can: After a long winter break, your stored patio furniture might be full of debris and cobwebs when they are brought out of the basement, garage, or shed in which they were stored. It might seem to be a challenging task to clean, but the best way to get around it is to use a pressure washer. You do not necessarily need to own one, and you can always rent one from any of the local stores around you. You will be amazed by how much effort and time it will save you. If you want to use this pressure washer for patio furniture, it would be safer to use a lower setting. But, for furniture like aluminium and steel, you can always increase the settings. You also need to be a little more cautious when using detergents on patio furniture. These detergents can remove coloured stains, no doubt but, they can also decolourize some materials. Do not forget to read the warnings before using any substances on your furniture. 

Make repairs as soon as you notice problems: Some patio furniture is devoid of hardware, but all patio furniture can be damaged at any time. Letting your furniture remain damaged will do you no good. Damages spread like cancer in the human body. As soon as you notice anything out of place, do not hesitate to fix it immediately. You should also understand that nothing lasts forever, and this goes for patio furniture. So, if you notice you can no longer screw or glue or paint the parts, it is always better to get a new one. Nobody likes cracked or broken furniture. It is unsafe, uncomfortable, and unpleasant to the eye.

Prevent and remove rust and cover your furniture with custom covers: use paste wax on the metal parts of the furniture to prevent rust. You can apply paste wax immediately after purchase or after washing. Also, if after some time, you begin to notice rust again, use a wire brush to scrub out the rust. You can also acquire custom-made patio furniture covers to prevent damage further. Make sure they fit perfectly, or the look might be less appealing.

Taking care of patio furniture is not as difficult as people think it to be. Just prevent any damage before it is too late through regular washing, inspection, and fixing, and your patio furniture can stand the test of time and the elements. 

© Fast Landscape Gardening

Everyone loves landscaping or at least thinks that this is the case. Most of us have been dreaming during the entire life to have a beautiful small sunny house surrounded by an unbelievably gorgeous garden. One thing is sure - this is the plus of the house. You are allowed to do everything with it, no matter how different or strange it will look. You can plant a baobab for example (good luck growing it) or create an entire garden similar to the flora found in films like Jurassic Park.

Landscaping is indeed a way to express yourself in the garden. However, the task is not that simple as it seems and most beginner gardeners come to this conclusion when it's too late. It is not all about plants. There is furniture, decorations, edgings and so on. Randomly placing them will produce even more work in the future. An order that seems reasonable to you, maybe disastrous for the entire garden. 

Of course, no one has been born with that knowledge. With a couple of tips, some luck and outstanding dedication to the entire process, you may achieve some admirable results. Below you will find some of the most common things to follow right after the moment you started creating the garden of your dreams.

1. As mentioned earlier, plants are only small parts of the entire picture. There are indeed important (imagine a garden without them), but to achieve more than average results, you will need some creativity. You will need some fences, a couple of plant pots and patio furniture. You will also want to get to them easily without destroying everything on your way, so pathways/sidewalks are a must. All of these will bring additional charisma to the garden and will give you a pretty solid base for some design experiments.
   
   
2. Plan the landscaping with functionality in mind. Most of the gardens you see on the Internet are crowded with flowers. Unfortunately, most of them are either fictional or require an entire squad to take care of them. Sit down and think if you want to put those two trees at the two corners of the yard. How about placing them near each other and placing a hammock between them? This way, you will create a neat place to relax while keeping the initial idea. You can also replace some of the "flower" fields with some vegetables or edible shrubs like currants for example.
   
   
3. Keep maintainability in mind. People are often taking spontaneous decisions when choosing what kind of plants will live in their backyard. It may seem easy to grow five different types of flowers, but the reality will probably stress you enough to wave the white flag. Consider using plant types that can easily survive conditions like drought or high humidity. This will increase the chances of maintaining a gorgeous garden.
   
   
4. Keep in mind that this is a long process that lasts many weeks, months and even years. Landscaping the backyard in a way that reflects your needs will probably last longer than you expected when you started. While fences and furniture can be easily bought at the local shop or via the Internet, growing plants cannot be a speeded-up that easily unless you are a magician. Everything requires time, especially during the first two or three months. Spend some of your free time after work to buy all the needed pieces. Set aside some weekends (or at least some part of them) for the initial heavy work like mulching and planting. 

Landscaping the garden the way you imagined it inside your head requires a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance throughout a more extended period. You will make mistakes, but the important part is to learn from them and encourage yourself each time something like this happens. Be convinced in your work and soon you will enjoy the view you have ever dreamed of.

© Fast Landscape Gardening

If you have a garden space in your home, you will do well to address the landscaping aspect of it. With good landscape design, you can add not just appeal to the area, but also great utility. Sadly, not everyone is an expert on the matter of designing and maintaining a good landscape.

However, there are actual ways you can give your efforts a big boost. You just have to follow certain tips and guidelines outlined by the pros:

1. Planning for year-round appeal 

If you are interested in having some year-round appeal, then you can include evergreens to your garden. Because they constantly provide colour and cover, you can rely on them even in the winter. Many landscapers believe that by placing evergreens near the house, you can easily soften the corners of the building and make it more inviting. This is especially useful when you are aiming to curb appeal.

2. Build a walkway between points of interest

If you don’t have a walkway between the areas you most often visit, you are soon going to trample your lawn. Dead grass is hardly your idea of beautiful landscape design, so instead put a nice walkway made with natural flagstone, concrete stepping stones or decorative brick. Of course, these are just a few examples of material you can use for your walkways. You can use whatever fits the design best: it is the idea of pulling the most important elements together.

3. A berm can bring a corner to life 

Building a berm is a good way of adding some interest to an otherwise monotonous landscape. A berm is essentially a mound, which you can then cover with a flower or a rock garden. That way you can make a plain lawn look amazing, without really taking much of the area for this purpose.

4. Make your water feature look more natural 

Water features add great ambience and feel to the garden. If you have one such feature, you are definitely paying attention to the latest trends and design recommendations for your landscape. However, the presence of just about any water feature doesn’t cut it. You need one that looks natural and blends in with the overall look of the garden. Thus, you can add natural stone to build up the feature in such a way to achieve this goal. Make sure not to overdo it, however, as that could mean it ruins the effect.

5 Get the seating area in check 

Having a patio right next to your lawn sure is great, especially if it retains some privacy when next to trees and tall flowers. Make sure it has furniture that feels comfortable to you. A lot of people don’t consider benches, but that is, in fact, a wonderful way to read a book or just hang out outside of your home when the weather is good.

6. Use different plants

When it comes to plants, you must know they all work very well when they are of a different variety. By combining several types that have different blooming periods, you ensure that you have something beautiful on display whole year long.

7. Go for curves instead of straight lines 

When it comes to installing the edging, always remember that curved lines are much better than straight lines. That way, you add some character to the area and make it much more interesting to look at. Remember, the edging is there no less than 12 months a year, so make sure it is attractive to look at.

By following these simple rules, you can easily upgrade your landscape design and make it truly outstanding.

Follow Fast Landscape Gardening for more of these useful tips.

© Fast Landscape Gardening