As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to improve our properties without spending too much money. For summery home and garden improvements, you can’t get much better than a decking kit. These clever kits contain everything you need to build a garden deck in your own back garden, without having to spend a fortune on labour, parts and wood. If you are thinking of ways to get your garden ready for summer, even better. This could be exactly what you need. A decking kit doesn’t have to be for someone who is already really good at DIY. It has full instructions, so it doesn’t matter if you are a skilled builder. You will be able to follow the instructions and build a deck without too many difficulties. Just follow the instructions and make sure you carry out the steps in... Read More

Fixed canopies are cover systems that are installed outside a home. They usually cover over a patio or seating area, perhaps over some decking as well. There are many benefits associated with having a fixed canopy system outside your home, or perhaps even your business. These are some of the main things you need to know. What exactly is a fixed canopy system?  A fixed canopy is a system is installed on the edge of a house. It is a weather protection system that is used to give shelter, either from the sun or the rain. They can be made from lots of different materials, such as aluminium, glass, polycarbonate or a different type of metal or plastic. They are solid, giving much more protection than an awning, so whatever material they are made from, they will have a solid roof system. They... Read More

Chrysanthemums are versatile flowers that can be grown in many different ways. They tend to bloom in the autumn, when conditions are cooler but not too cool. They may even still be blooming around Christmas time if you are lucky and look after them well. It is easiest to grow chrysanthemums in pots. When you plant them by bulb, make sure you hold them by the root ball to avoid any damage. Using multi-purpose compost will work fine for these flowers. They will initially need warm growing conditions, like a greenhouse or windowsill, but they should also not be put into direct sunlight straight away. They can be moved outside once the weather is warmer and there is not going to be any frost. You should cut your chrysanthemums back on a regular basis to make sure the plants grow healthy and... Read More

As with any kind of plant or flower, if you are buying turf, you need to choose the right type. This is because different types will thrive in different conditions, meaning that there will be a particular type that is right for your lawn. Here is a brief guide to some of the most common types of turf: Fine turf. This is light and has a velvet-like texture. It is most commonly used for bowling greens so probably won’t be suitable for domestic use. Shade tolerant turf. This will do well in areas without a lot of sunlight and it also doesn’t need mowing as often as regular grass. All-round turf. This is what you will see in most gardens and it will give the most vibrant shade of green. It is also tough, meaning it is good for families with children and pets. It needs cutting... Read More

Basil is a lovely herb to grow. It’s useful in lots of dishes and it also smells delicious. You can grow it successfully indoors and out of doors. The main thing to bear in mind is the temperature because basil is really sensitive to cold. Plant basil seeds shortly before the last frosts of the year so that your basil plants will begin to grow in warmer soil. If you are growing basil indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill. Out of doors, it should be planted in well-drained soil. A rich compost will also help it to grow. You may want to grow it in a greenhouse, especially at the beginning of its life, as it really needs about 6 hours of sun a day. You will probably pick basil leaves every now and again for cooking. If you don’t pick it regularly, give the stem a trim to... Read More