Research, Research, Research

Know more about the particular gardening equipment that you are planning to purchase. Are you really buying the right product or is there another product which is more suitable for your particular gardening need? You can also compare prices from different online gardening supplies stores. Know more about the online supplier as well. How fast will they deliver the product? Do the gardening supplies that they sell come with warranties? There are a lot of valuable information that you can get from a quick research so don’t forget to Google.

Use Known Brands

While less known brands might seem cheaper, the more attractive prices might not come with the reliability and quick service that the trusted brands provide. You might need to shell out some more when you’re purchasing gardening supplies from known brands and trusted suppliers, but the cost of repairs and replacement that you save on is well worth the original investment.

Listen to What People are Saying

With the advent of social media, it’s become easier and easier for consumers to express their sentiments regarding a product or service. Since businesses are putting up sites where consumers can express gratitude or disgust, you can easily know more about a particular gardening supplies provider’s performance track record. You can also leave a comment and ask questions, both from the gardening equipment provider and from customers. When you do, expect a very truthful answer which will help you a lot in making your decision.

Plan Your Garden First

Well, this tip might seem a little late into the list but it’s actually more of a reminder since some people forget. Before you buy a product, think twice first or better yet sleep over it. That will give you a chance to decide whether or not you actually need the product in the first place. When you do, try and be more specific as to the type of product and the amount. Being as much as possible well-informed when making your purchase will help you get a better deal.
There you go. Follow the previous tips and you’ll be able to protect your interests as a consumer and find out the best suppliers who can help you out. Also, reach out to the suppliers when you can. You’ll be surprised that they will be more than willing to help you out.

Sand is Perfect for Garden Paths

Making use of sand as a component for garden paths is one of the favorite ways that this is used. This is also perfect if you’re not planning to use sand in a large area of your garden (which can turn out to be a bit costly for some people) or if you’re sticking to your budget. Still, if you talk with your local sand suppliers and get the best kind of sand to make your garden paths stand out. Making sandy garden paths is also an effective way of bordering or compartmentalising your garden into sections.

Great as a Top Covering

Bored of the present state of your garden and the ho-hum top covering that you have going on in your yard? Well, there’s a perfect solution for that. Why don’t you bring the beach’s fun and sun feeling into your yard? By using sand as top covering for some areas in your garden, you can add more character and beauty into your garden.
You can even put a Zen feeling into the atmosphere by making your very own Japanese-inspired garden. After all, you need is some sand, a couple of huge rocks, perhaps some large driftwood and – viola! – your very own Zen garden. Overall, using sand as top covering for a large area of your garden might cost you a bit, but it’s worth it if you are willing to make the invest.

Build a Sand Pit for the Kids

Want some fun and laughter in your garden? Build a sand pit and watch as your little ones spend hours of outdoor fun in your garden. Choose a good spot, plan your sand pit well and then call your sand suppliers to help you with putting that plan into reality. Sand pit are great additions to your garden and you’re children (and their playmates) will agree as well.

Sand Helps in Your Garden’s Drainage

Sand has always been one of the materials used in proper garden drainage. Whether you are putting in a drainage system in your garden or you want to make your garden soil a little more porous sand is your go-to solution. Of course, you will want to have expert help on that. Contact your soil supplier or speak with gardening experts and let them help you out with your garden’s drainage problems.

There are different types of fence fittings that you can choose from. Some of the common types of fittings include:

• Balustrade clamps
• Spider fittings
• Gate latches
• Hydraulic hinges
• Side bolts
• Manual hinges
• Pipe fittings
• Friction latches
• Steel stanchions
• Connectors
• Brackets
• Top rails
• Joiners
• Nails
• Screws
• Post caps
• Capitals

The type of fence that you have as well as the purpose it is to serve will ultimately determine the types of fence fittings that you choose. For example, nails, screws, gate latches or gate hinges will be required if you are making a timber fence. A simple wire fence on the other hand may require post caps, wire joiners and post supports while a glass fence will require spider fittings, stanchions, friction latches and hydraulic hinges among others. However, for a glass fence your choice will depend on whether the fence is semi frameless or fully frameless.

If your fence is being professionally installed, you do not need to worry about fence fittings as the professionals will come with everything that will be required for them to perform a perfect and standard job. However, if you are considering DIYing part of the fence or the entire new fence, you might find yourself a little stuck as to which fittings you should choose. You can seek advice from the fence supplier who can then recommend the kind of fittings that are best suited for your fence.

Remember that how you fit your fence and the fittings you use are important if your fence is to remain durable and in position for a very long period of time. This explains why you need to choose the fittings carefully.

Colorbond Fencing

This is an attractive but low maintenance fencing solution that is suitable for all environments. Unlike other types of fencing, this type can be enhanced with slat panels or lattice thus making it to look great from both sides. Colorbond fencing gives you the security and privacy that you require. Research also indicates that this type of fencing can protect your home in case there is a bushfire. Indeed, since it is made of steel, it is termite proof and completely recyclable.

Powder Coated/ Pool Fencing

It is available in various styles. It has 16 mm welded rods which are coated with powder and is made of either aluminium or steel.

Chain Wire

This wire woven by machine and is available in PVC coated which comes in green, black or galvanized.

Timber Fencing

This is one of the fencing supplies that are quite reliable and long lasting. It ranges from the traditional paling fence to the ranch rail and picket. There is a style that is suitable for most landscaping requirements. Unlike other fencing types, timber fences reflect heat in addition to providing excellent windbreaks. Since timber is a dense material, these fences substantially reduce noise. In addition, treated pine is quite resistant to fungi, termites and borers.

Bamboo Fencing

This is one of type of fencing that is stronger than both steel and wood since bamboo resists rot and termites unlike many other types of fencing supplies. Although the bamboo is likely to split with time, it retains its appearance as well as strength.

Glass Fencing

This is a great choice for the staircase or garden if you are looking to have a view that is completely unobstructed. It is quite stylish and there are various fencing supplies that you can choose from. However, be sure to look out for fencing products made from high quality materials that have increased durability as well as polished edges. The good thing about glass panels is the fact they can be cleaned easily. If you choose carefully, glass fencing will be worth all the money that you are likely to spend on it.

Brush Fencing

This type of fencing is great because it suits all types of blocks whether undulating, sloping or flat. It is ideal for pool fencing and is bound to make any area private. It is also a great type of fencing as it enhances any landscape as well as water features. It is resistant to termites and white ants and absorbs noise.

Steel Fencing

This is the perfect choice if you are looking for solid and low-maintenance fencing. It is very strong and long lasting in addition to being fire proof and weather proof. It is quite popular because it is stylish and comes in a wide range of colours.

1. Design Your Patio

To determine how your patio should look, you need to consider the design elements of your home. A good patio should not only draw people outside but also blend perfectly with the surroundings thus enhancing the already existing aesthetics of your house. Patio pavers are also a great addition. A design company may come in handy to offer you advice on the structure, materials as well as the overall style you should adapt.

2. Choose Your Location

As you seek to establish how to build a patio, you will realise that choosing a location may turn out to be quite difficult as you need to look at your property from all angles in order to determine which place is the best for the patio. You can get a better perspective of how your patio pavers are likely to interact with your backyard by carefully making a sketch of your property. However, bear in mind the sun as well as elevation.

3. Choose Your Materials

You should consider the elements, cost as well as the benefits of the materials that you choose. Remember that the materials that you choose for your patio pavers will mainly depend on your budget as well as the style of the patio. In addition, the materials that you choose should be able to withstand the weather conditions. Even though cost is very important, you should be careful not to compromise quality for cost because good quality materials will save you a lot of money down the line. Also, the materials that you choose should fit in well with the materials and general style of your home.

4. Build Your Patio

Decide whether to build the patio yourself or to hire a contractor. This will depend on whether you have the necessary skills, as well as the tools required to get the Job done. Either way, it is important that a solid foundation is put in place before anything else is done. You may have a wood decking or a concrete base depending on the structure that you have chosen. Once the foundation is in place, you can then go on to erect the structure itself. However be sure to adhere to the safety and building codes.

If you are wondering how to build a patio, the steps above should help you out. However, you have to remember that the appearance of your patio pavers will ultimately depend on the care that you give your patio.

Organic Lawn Foods

These are natural products that are based on ingredients like animal manures, rock minerals, seaweed and fish and they tend to feed the grass slowly over a period of several months and are therefore great in lawn care. They include products like Blood and Bone, Organic Life and Yates Dynamic Lifter.

Synthetic Granular Fertilisers

These are chemical fertilisers that contain a mix of both major and trace elements and are quite fast in greening up the grass. They are therefore good for lawn care. A good example is Shirley’s No. 17

Combination Fertilisers

They combine both synthetic and organic ingredients in one product. They include Munns Golf Course Green and Amgrow Organic ECO 88 lawn fertiliser

Slow Release Lawn Foods

They are designed to release nutrients slowly. A good example is Scotts lawn Builder

Liquid Hose-On Fertilisers

These do not offer long term soil nutrition but are great for that quick green up that you may require before a party. They include Garden king Nitrosol Liquid plant Food and Yates Liquid Evergreen Lawn Food.

It is basically up to you to decide whether to use organic or chemical fertilisers. A balanced fertiliser is however recommended as it will encourage your lawn to grow in all the right areas.

Here are some lawn care tips for you:

1. When applying lawn foods, ensure that you apply them the right way. You can achieve this by aerating the ground to enable good penetration of water and fertilisers and removing weeds before they get to make a permanent home in your lawn
2. Spread your fertiliser with care - do not double up your fertiliser as this is likely to burn the grass on your lawn
3. Water your lawn wisely-the most ideal time to water your lawn is usually after a good rainfall and this is one of the lawn care tips that you should not forget. However, always follow instructions given as different fertilisers may have different requirements
4. Carry out thatch removal - if you realise that your lawn feels spongy under the foot, this is an indication that you should remove the build-up of thatch
5. ‘Core’ your soil - the soil can become compacted as a result of playing, walking or parking your car on the lawn. A corer or a hollow tine machine can help you to de-compact the lawn to enable circulation of air and penetration of water.

Other lawn care tips include:

• Moving your lawn with regard to the rate of its growth. However avoid mowing too often as this may weaken your lawn
• Weeding out weeds - you can do this using a lawn herbicide of your choice or by removing lawn weeds by hand
• Watering - you can improve water penetration by applying a wetting agent. You may also water your lawn as long as you keep in mind the restrictions that are in place in your local area
• Top dressing - this is necessary if you want to level your lawn or to fill in damaged or bald patches

1. Choose a Location

Take into account the characteristics of any given location that you choose for your fire pit. You may want to talk to your utilities company about underground cables on your property. Ultimately the location of your outdoor fireplace should be:

• A good distance from your house
• A good distance from other buildings like garages, barns, sheds and playhouses among others
• On ground that is level
• In an area that does not have any underground cables, wires or pipes.

2. Design

This will depend on how you intend to use your outdoor fireplace. If you mainly intend to use it for ambiance, then the heating aspect is not necessary and you can opt for a traditional looking fireplace that is enclosed and with a firebox and chimney. However, if you are interested in the ambiance as well as the warmth, then an open fire pit may make the best choice for you. If you want to use it for cooking, then you might need to consider the size of grate that your fire will require.

3. Prepare Your Building Site

You can achieve this by removing vines, plants, trees or any other landscaping features like trellises and wooden fences. Doing this will help prevent fire hazards.

4. Size

Decide on the size of your outdoor fireplace and once this is done, you should go on to drive a stake into the ground. This should be at the centre of your fire pit. Attach a cord that should not be less than 2 feet long to the stake and a funnel with a small hole to the cord.

5. Specify Walls

Fill your funnel with flour and then scribe a circle around your stake while keeping the cord taut. Repeat the process using a cord that is one foot longer as this will give you the area where you will build the walls

6. Dig

Remove all the grass that may be inside the small circle and then go on to dig a hole that is one foot deep with straight sides. To help with drainage, pour in gravel up to a depth of 4 inches.

7. Containment

To help contain the fire in the fire pit, add about 3 inches of sand on top of the pea gravel. Go on to dig a trench 4 inches deep ensuring that you maintain straight sides in the area between the 2 circles.

8. Walls

Build the walls of your outdoor fireplace using bricks and mortar. Wait for them to set & you're done!

• Organic fertiliser: these include bone meal, cow manure, bat guano, organic compost as well as green manure crops
• Chemically -based fertiliser: are also referred to as inorganic fertilisers and are made up of different formulations to suit various specified uses.

Some of the major types of fertilisers available include:

1. Complete inorganic fertilisers - these basically contain all the 3 major macronutrients - Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) as well as potassium (K). They are applied at a rate of about 4 tablespoons per one square metre.
2. Special purpose fertilisers - these are formulated to target specific requirements of plants or certain soil deficiencies. This is to say that they are formulated for specific varieties of plants like orchids, hydrangeas or roses. The Blue Hydrangea Food is a good example of special purpose fertilisers.
3. Liquid fertilisers - they come in various formulations and may even include complete fertilisers, organic fertilisers as well as special purpose fertilisers. There are specific types that are available for African violets, house plants and other plant varieties. Good examples of these are available in the form of Nitrosol and African violet Food.
4. Slow release fertilisers - they are formulated in a way that enables them to release their nitrogen at a steady pace. They are treated with a special type of coating that controls the release of the fertiliser into the soil over a period of time. Osmocote is a good example.
5. Fertiliser with insecticide - these are combined with an insecticide that kills insects. A good example of this is wonder 4; 1; 1(21) + karbaspray.

Chemical fertilisers are available in different formulations mainly because different plants require different levels of nutrients and at different levels of soil PH. Generally however, organic fertilisers tend to have more diversity, do not burn plant roots or even get into ground water. They do not affect surrounding growth as occurs with the chemically based version

Fertilisers can be applied to the soil before sowing of seeds, at planting time, during transplanting or while plants are growing. Look out for fertilisers that will add value to your plants.

1. Rainwater is free and this means you can have your tank connected to your outdoor taps as well as hoses at no cost, as they will rely on natural systems for delivery. It helps you save on the amount that you spend on water since it relatively reduces your consumption of mains water. As a matter of fact, you can make bigger savings by connecting the tank to your washing machine, toilet or hot water system.
2. Rainwater has been found to be better for your garden than grey water. You are therefore encouraged to include a rainwater tank in your design if you are planning a new house. It is also recommended that you should use rain water on your garden as it is the best quality alternative to mains water. In addition, with rainwater tanks you will be able to sustain your garden even during periods of hot, dry weather.
3. You have a ready source of drinking water. It is also generally less salty and this makes it better for plants and appliances. However, if you live in an urban area, rainwater is not recommended for drinking as it may easily be contaminated by animals as well as through pollution. It is important that you take good care of your rainwater tank in order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in it.
4. Rainwater tanks come in various designs and sizes and you will always find one that is suitable for your needs. However, you need to arrange for a suitable space for your tank at the planning stage. Also, be sure to invest in a bigger tank to avoid running out of water during the dry season.
5. By reducing the amount of storm water runoff into oceans and rivers, a rainwater tank lowers the impact that takes place on the environment. By owning such a tank, you therefore make a positive contribution towards the environment.

Clearly, there are various benefits of owning rainwater tanks and you do not have to live in a tropical or wet area in order to reap such benefits. In short, they are worth investing in.