All soil needs to be high quality to support the plants and flowers that you grow in your garden or yard. Ericaceous soil is no different – perfect for lime hating plants, it can support a variety of greenery and is on the list of most gardeners looking for more variety. If you are on the hunt for quality ericaceous soil, this is your guide to finding the best buys, understanding what you are looking for when shopping, and choosing where to purchase your soil and other gardening essentials. Firstly, what is ericaceous soil? It is an acidic soil that is used to grow plants and flowers that do not grow well in lime. It should look like a rich, dark, black soil and should also have high organic content. The pH will indicate the balance of the soil and will tell you what kinds of... Read More

Many people find that having a shed in the garden or on the patio is of real benefit as it provides a place to store garden furniture and tools through the winter months. When you are buying a new shed for your outdoor space what are the main things you should consider? Firstly, make sure you buy a shed from a reputable company or manufacturer. Although it is likely to be more expensive, in the long run you will get a better product that will last longer. The wood that is used in the shed construction should be of high quality timber as this will last longer and be less affected by the elements. It is important that you construct your shed on a solid, level base and use strong tongue and groove boards for the floor to avoid rodents getting in. If the shed has windows then... Read More

The majority of properties with a garden in the UK have a fence or hedge separating them from neighbouring properties around them. This may be the standard larch lap fencing, or it may be a hedge of privet but choosing the best option for you in terms of maintenance and appearance may make you decide to change it. Often people choose fencing over hedging because of the need to prune the hedge at regular intervals which means having to purchase a hedge trimmer or employ a gardener to prune the hedge for you. Disposing of the hedge trimmings can be a problem if you do not have the means to transport them to a local recycling centre or do not have a kerbside collection service for garden waste. Although fencing does still require some maintenance such as painting this will only need... Read More

Looking for more eco friendly ways to live is par for the course with many people. Now, we know how important it is to preserve the environment and we have many ways of doing it, with eco friendly and sustainable products available in all walks of life. Gardens and outdoor spaces are no different, which is why eco friendly railway sleepers are catching on as a new trend. There are generally two categories of eco friendly sleepers: those that have been reclaimed, and those that have been sustainably sourced and treated using environmentally friendly materials. Both are to good choices and having two distinct options will give you a greater amount of choice when completing your garden project using sleepers. Sleepers can be used to create a whole host of garden features. From flower... Read More

There are so many different types of solar lighting on the market at present it is difficult to know which ones to choose but before buying any it is important to think about the effect you are trying to create whether it be a subdued, relaxed vibe, a magical feel to the space or a party atmosphere there are lights out there to make it happen. If you would like to create an impression of serenity and calm then choosing warm white lighting is best. This can be a combination of string lights along a fence or wall and single lights hung from trees and shrubs. Solar lanterns look attractive on outdoor tables and are a safer alternative to candles and oil lamps when there are young children present. Coloured lighting produces a different effect in a garden and with the newer pastel... Read More