How To Increase The Value Of Your Home With Your Green Space

There are endless films that have referenced New York City’s Central Park, that utopia of green spaces, cultivated and aesthetically pleasing. But sometimes a walk to the park requires more energy than needed. The allure of a small homegrown hedge is enough to remove the stress of a bad day. You get home, reach for the glass of wine and have it on your patio which you have surrounded with your favourite flowers and grass. You take your shoes off and unwind, an ideal evening. For those lucky enough to have space, those not in small flats, it can be a point of pride to design your green space. In fact, a lovely garden or backyard can not only improve your daily life, but can increase the financial value of your home. According to the Independent, having a well looked after garden or balcony could increase the value of your property by up to twenty per cent. If you have been considering some home improvement tips, look no further and discover how to elevate your house, either for yourself or any potential buyers, simply by paying a little bit more attention to the nature in your home.

Don’t forget the Grass

An often overlooked responsibility, caring for grass is just as important as caring for the other kinds of plants in your green space. Don’t forget to trim and prune as needed, particularly when pesky weeds begin to spring up and attempt to ruin your batch of roses or peonies. And most importantly, add a sprinkler system so your lawn stays looking good.  

Pick the Right Flowers

Find yourself residing somewhere with a heat wave of negative degree temperatures, you might want to consider something more friendly to your climate. Picking the right flowers also make it easy for you to maintain. Adding flowers to your garden will add lots of colour, this will brighten up your garden and instantly improve the space.     

Don’t be Afraid of a Little Risk

While green spaces are technically created to showcase nature’s benefits, it doesn’t hurt to spruce up your space with a little architecture. Add some complimentary small furniture in your back garden, and watch it transform into the hottest spot in the area for post-dinner drinks and conversation. You could even add an undercover area so you could get the benefits of it all year round.

Treat your Soil Right, Foundations are Important

Nourishing the soil will lead to an excellent garden bloom. You can head to a supermarket to get some manure, make a compost pile from your old coffee grounds, filters and dryer lint and leftover food. 

And there we have it. If you’ve walked past that house with the enviable garden or visited your friend who has the most incredible back garden, now you know you can have the same. To find out how we can help transform your garden, feel free to get in touch.

 

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/how-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home-with-your-green-space/

Why you should have a water feature in your garden

There are various reasons why many people have water features in their garden, some to list are positive health benefits primarily dropping blood pressure and stress levels as well as improving physical and mental health. Today’s world is full of technology sometimes you may need to just escape that, and the soothing sound of a water feature might just do the trick.

Water features are easy to clean

Cleaning a water feature or fountain is very easy but they will need to be cleaned out regularly to reduce the risk of algae building up, it will also prevent any other blockages. If the pond has stones or gravel in these will also be taken out and cleaned. As this activity is so easy to do many do find it very satisfying and enjoyable also it comes with a very low cost.

You can match the feature with your garden style

There are so many different designs of water features that will compliment your garden, there are three styles that are more commonly known these are modern, classic and old English. Modern gardens that are a lot simpler look very nice with Asian inspired water features made from natural substances. For the old English look, a more antique water feature would be suitable. If you only have a patio or balcony but still want to make it decorative and aesthetically pleasing the classic look would be very ideal these are made up of concentric vases, which are very effective in a small space.

Make use of natural sunlight

The most beautiful thing about water features is when the sunlight is shining through the water streams. It gives the impression that you are boding with nature, birds and frogs are more likely to visit your garden. To encourage more wildlife of course you can’t just have a water feature but if you have trees and other plants in your garden this is sure to happen.

Cost-effective

The initial cost of filling up a pond can be costly but, after this, it does require minimal maintenance after this point. Purchasing a water feature is even cheaper as it only needs a little bit of water to keep going and in the winter months, they are very convenient as they can be emptied and stored safely during the colder times to ensure the water doesn’t freeze the pipework of the feature.

Water can cool the garden down

Imagine on a hot summer’s day, having the running water to cool the garden down and make it a pleasant place to enjoy with the family. It also enables you to have aquatic and semi-aquatic plants growing in the garden. But remember in order to have this cooling delightful effect, the water used in fountains and ponds needs to be crystal clear and fresh, so the maintenance process applies here also.

Water makes the garden look bigger

The reflective properties of water mean it can make some spaces look a lot bigger. For maximum reflection, you should use dark material or dark marble for the water feature. If you really want to make the most of your new feature you can add underwater lighting for the night time. To make sure that the cost isn’t going to be too high you can also use eco lights that charge from the sunlight during the day.

Conclusion

A fountain can create a peaceful sound which can be ideal if you live in a noisy neighbourhood or city as this can be a great way to sit back and relax.

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/why-you-should-have-a-water-feature-in-your-garden/

What is Tree Surgery?

The term tree surgery refers to the repair of trees that are damaged. This includes the removal of diseased parts of the tree, filling tree cavities, as well as preventing any further decay of the tree. Tree surgery also involves the strengthening of tree branches using braces. The profession entails planting, pruning and general treatment as well as care and maintenance of the trees. The specialist in this field is known as a tree surgeon that has numerous responsibilities regarding trees. 

What is a tree surgeon and what are their responsibilities? 

The job description is of great service but involves a person being exposed to a lot of danger. In fact, tree surgery is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. A tree surgeon is an occupation that’s highly specialised with so many responsibilities and duties. These professionals are involved in the care of a tree at every stage of the growth and development of the tree. This means that the tree surgeon is part of the planting of the tree up to the time it’s removed if it’s necessary. All the steps of maintenance of the tree throughout the life of the tree are the responsibility of the tree surgeon. The trees need to be properly maintained because it prevents any damages that could be inflicted on the tree. It also prevents the tree from posing any danger to humans and animals through falling branches and snapping. 

The tree surgeon is also known as an arborist and can make identification of dead branches which have become a safety risk. The professionals are trained on how to use some special safety equipment which is useful for the removal of tree limbs that are dangerous in a safe manner. However, it isn’t only the maintenance and it involves a lot of other tasks. 

There are various duties associated with being a tree surgeon. They may be rather interesting to know but serve a very vital purpose in the life of trees and that of humans. The top duties include tree felling, pruning, log splitting, planting and tree removal. This professional can also serve as a landscape gardener who has the capacity to advise on the right tree kind to be planted in a garden and in what area. They’re also able to recommend the right kind of soil you can use to plant the trees in. 

Why it’s important to ask for tree surgery services

We all love to have trees in our gardens. However, we may lack the right knowledge of where, when and how to plant the trees. Tree surgeons have the right knowledge on how the trees are to be taken care of from the time they’re planted to the time they die. 
At times, a tree may have died and needs to be removed for various reasons. A specialist in tree surgery knows how to bring the tree down in a controlled and safe manner. The removal of the tree shouldn’t be left to be done naturally through gravity as this can be catastrophic, depending on where it’s located. The process of felling a tree is not just cutting it down but involves a lot of technical steps. Otherwise, it can be a very dangerous activity. 

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/what-is-tree-surgery/

What are Arid Gardens?

People live in various geographical zones which experience different climatic and weather conditions. Despite this, we all love to have some garden within our compounds to bring about the feel of nature home. As a result, people have looked for various ways to ensure that, no matter the climatic conditions or geographical locations, every person has a way of ensuring they have gardens. So, botanists have made advancements in their research and have made it possible for people living in desert or arid places to also be able to grow their gardens of their own. This has resulted in the existence of arid gardens. Let’s look at some facts about the arid gardens:

 

Definition of an Arid Garden

 

An arid garden is a garden that’s made to only grow a collection of arid or desert plants which may go extinct due to climatic changes or harsh weather conditions in the areas of origin. The gardens are used for growing and managing plants that are hardy and as such don’t need to be watered as much as the normal regular plants grown in an average garden. These plants are chosen for their ability to flower and thrive even in seasons that are harsh to the average normal climate plant. They don’t need much watering and care; making them suited for most areas which aren’t considered to have enough rainfall or water. They also help save the grower’s water bills as they won’t have to regularly find a way of ensuring that they’re constantly sprinkled with water.

 

The Key Plants Grown on Arid Gardens

 

The most common plants that are usually planted in arid gardens include Old-man Saltbush. This plant belongs to a group of plants known as Saltbush. It’s capable of achieving a height of over 3 meters when fully grown. Old-man Saltbush is an extremely hardy plant that has the ability to tolerate soils that are very dry for long periods. The best condition for this plant is full sun. For the garden, it’s a great plant for hedging and has very striking silver foliage. To keep it from getting woody, the plant responds rather well if regularly pruned.

The other plant is Eremophila ssp. Eremophila is a genus containing 200 species of plants. Most of these plant species occur in semi-arid and arid areas in Australia.

 

Maireana Oppositiolia is another arid garden plant that is small in size. It has leaves that are silky-haired which are packed very tightly, narrow and greyish. The fruits of this plant are small and pinkish or greenish cream. For architectural purposes, this plant is great for most gardens. It has foliage that’s fantastic, grey and contrasts.

 

The Weeping Myall or Acacia Pendula is the fourth plant suitable for the arid garden. This attractive weeping wattle that’s very attractive and it has grey foliage. In the arid garden, it represents sparse tree-scape which is found in the semi-arid and arid areas of a country like Australia. It’s mostly suited for sunny dry locations but is tolerant to wide ranges of climatic conditions. In such areas, it can achieve a tree of medium size.

 

Conclusion

 

Arid gardens are a very good option for those who want to have the beauty of the arid and semi-arid plants around their homes. They have the best views all through the four seasons of the year i.e. winter, summer, spring and autumn.

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/what-are-arid-gardens/

How to clean decking

When it comes to aesthetically pleasing architectural works, wood has become the preferred choice because of its affordability and design. One such work or platform is the decking. Your own decking will be the heart and foundation for social gatherings, from the usual Sunday family brunches to special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.

And with social gatherings come the unpredictability of human interaction: desegregated trash, spills of various liquids, the inevitable wear and tear of the wood itself (not to mention the pesky termites), etc. With all these external factors that could ruin your beautiful and memorable gathering spot, maintaining and cleaning your decking is a must.

One may think that the good ol’ soap and scrub method could solve every cleaning issue. However, a decking is more sensitive and complicated than you think. Below are the materials and steps to properly clean a deck.

Materials:

Gloves

You’ll need to suit up your hands with gloves to give you a good grip when doing the cleaning. They’ll also provide protection from blisters and wounds.

Broom

You have to make sure that the smallest of dust bunnies and the bigger piles of leftovers are swept away before you do any scrubbing.

Bucket

This makes a good container for water and soap cleaners.

Mask

You don’t need to get a gas mask; just get one that’ll protect you from allergens so as not to awaken that roaring rhinitis.

Hose/Spray

A bucket is helpful, but for a wide decking, making sure to rid it off of soap requires a lot of water.

Assorted Brushes

Opt for those with stiff bristles to effectively remove hard-etched stains.

Deck Cleaner Chemicals

You just need to get oxygen/household bleach.

Steps:

1. Declutter your decking

Stowaway prized possessions and delicate objects to protect them from being damaged. Segregate and separate the trash.

But before starting cleanup duty, gear up first by putting on the mask and gloves.

2. Scrape and sweep

Sweep off dirt on the flooring using the broom or let your vacuum cleaner do the job. Look for any traces of moss and mould and carefully scrape off, especially on hard-to-see areas. Do another sweep again to remove excess dirt from the brushing and scraping.

3. Rub and scrub

With your bucket, you can now mix a cleaning solution that could help clean the decking thoroughly. Oxygen bleach with sodium bicarbonate is advisable for wood decking, due to its effective formula for organic stains and mould.

Organic laundry detergent works well, too. Avoid using chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as it could pose health risks such as skin, eye, and lung irritation.

With the solution and the brush, scrub the top part, going down in intervals. Rinse thoroughly after each scrub. The water hose works perfectly and efficiently for faster rinsing.

4. Let dry for a day or two (or more)

Leave your deck after cleaning it for a day to make sure it dries. See if there are any areas you have missed with your scrubbing. If you’re pleased with the results, let it dry for 3 days to 1 week.

 

To preserve the overall lifespan and quality of your decking, make sure to clean it at least twice a year. Make sure the drying time is long enough to leave a natural look for the wood.

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/how-to-clean-decking/

Ideas for Flower Garden Designs and Flower Beds

A flower garden looks and grows better if each bed is well-planned and carefully designed. So, before planting that first bulb or seedling, consider how it will look like once fully grown.

Designing the flower garden and the beds is not just for aesthetic results. It is also for efficient growth and easy maintenance.

To get started, consider these flower garden designs and flower beds ideas.  

Flower Garden Designs

There are endless options for garden designs. The key is to diversify the plants, mixing blooming plants, hedges, small bushes, and some decorative non-flowering plants.

Two major flower designs are annual flower garden and perennial flower garden.

• Annual Flower Garden

This type of garden design requires replanting after a season since annual plants tend to die after they bloom. The main attractive feature of an annual flower garden design is the brilliance of the colours. Annuals tend to have brighter hues and more attractive, elaborate flowers, which means they need to maximize attracting pollinators before they die at the end of the season.

To create a visually stunning effect, plant annuals in rows or in geometric patterns. Some popular designs are planting alternating beds in an oval, rectangular, or circular manner. The blooms tend to appear all at the same time. Planting them in this manner creates an arresting sight of alternating contrasting hues or the same colour but in different gradients. 

• Perennial Flower Garden

This garden design showcases plants that thrive for years. Perennials are plants that do not grow in one season and die the next. Just plant them once, trim and fertilize them every now and then, and watch them grow and bloom.

Perennial gardens require only the most basic care. This includes pruning back a few growths to keep the design, removing dead branches and withered leaves, mulching, and other similar maintenance steps.  

Most gardeners prefer to plant drought-resistant perennials as these can withstand the heat of the summer season. Some examples are Russian sage, yarrow, lavender, catmint, and santolina.

To tie together the flowering plants, add some silvery grey foliage. These will complement the colours and add a break in the visual impact of the flowers’ hues.

Since most perennials bloom around the same time, plant them in clusters or masses. For example, plant a large bed of pure salvia and then plant a full bed of coneflowers next to it. They will look more stunning this way.

Full beds are recommended for perennial flower gardens. Plant enough to create a full bed but take care that the beds do not become crowded.

Flower Beds

Flower beds are simply designated areas in the garden where flowering plants are cultivated. There are many flower beds designs to choose from, depending on the impact it is meant to give.

• Tree base flower beds

In this design, flowers are planted around the base of a tree. To highlight this flower bed, place cobblestones or rocks around the perimeter of the flowers.

For this design, brightly coloured flowers with a few non-flowering foliages in between creating harmony.

• Side yard flower bed

This type is used when planting blooms around the house. A raised flower box might be good. An alternative is to plant blooms and then border them with some bricks or stones.

• Raised block flower bed

For this type, an island is formed and flowers are planted in the middle of it. Stones, bricks, or logs create the border of the island. The inside is then filled with soil to elevate the plants and make the flowers look more prominent in the garden.

Well-planned flower garden designs and flower beds ideas separate a beautiful, healthy, thriving garden from an overgrown yard. The placement of the plants should form a harmonious visual effect to make your garden look stunning. Take these design ideas for your garden to turn it into a beautiful landscape.

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/ideas-for-flower-garden-designs-and-flower-beds/

How to design your dream garden

Garden design doesn’t have to be a complicated task for anyone. It’s not very difficult to come up with a garden layout that will make people comfortable and happy. Make it feel and look good and you’ll be halfway to the point of designing your perfect garden.

Basically, you can begin by going out into the yard area and simply sketch out the available area for planting your garden. After sketching the layout, you can include planters, flower beds, raised beds plus everything else you’d like to include in your garden. When it comes to the time you want to add plants, furniture etc in your garden, be sure to refer to your garden sketch.   

Alternatively, you can use a garden design software to come up with the layout of your garden. Examples of this software include Garden Planter 3 and Garden Puzzle. With the latter, you’ll be able to visualize your intended plants and the spacing.

After coming up with a rough sketch of the garden you need, you can design other features using the following tips: 

 

1.  Use the right Width of the Pathways 

For the pathways to offer comfortable passages, they need to be wide enough. The main thoroughfares should allow for the passage of not less than two people. This means that the width of such must be 5 feet or more. For the paths that are considered secondary, you should ensure that they are at least 3 feet wide.  

2.  Take the Steps into Account  

To avoid making the stairways and steps appear daunting, ensure that they are gently ascending. For optimum comfortability make your steps not to be more than 6 inches.  

3.  Allow for enough outdoor Room  

There are no better outdoor entertainment areas like patios and decks. In your garden design, take mingling and dining into account. To do this, you must take a rough guess at the number of guests you’re likely to have on a regular basis. After that, leave a four-square-foot for each person.   

4.  Avoid Loosely set pavers and slick surfaces 

The paving in your garden must be able to provide a footing that’s secure. Loosely set pavers or slick surfaces that wobble are likely to cause accidents. Therefore, avoid materials that are not able to offer enough traction during winter and rainy seasons.  

5.  Leave enough space above the head 

Under the pergolas, archways and arbours, there should be enough room for the head. Ideally, there should be a minimum of 7 feet. This ensures that no head accidents occur as a result of butting of heads.  

6.  Leave room for the growth of plants 

You should ensure that there’s enough room for your plants to grow. You can plant some plants that can be replaced after maturing or those that are quick-growing and therefore can be removed once they mature up.  

7.  Make use of Turf 

Though a lawn can be very costly and quite intensive in terms of labour, no other surface has the same it offers. It’s good for playing, comfortable and very yielding. So make use of it wisely in your garden.   

With this information and these tips, you should be able to come up with a great garden design for your home. Add a personal touch to whatever you bring as a feature in your newly designed garden and use it to reflect your personality soar the image of your home. For more garden designing advice and to get more complex garden designs installed, talk to the specialists here at Kite Landscapes on 01344 886 331.

source http://www.kitelandscapes.co.uk/how-to-design-your-dream-garden/