Using sleepers in the garden

In South Devon, sleepers really seem to be on trend at the moment, so I wanted to take the time to go through some of the applications and the best way to source sleepers for the garden.

Being a design and landscaping company we see sleepers used in all sorts of different ways.  We often lay sleepers flat and use them for raised beds, something you are probably all familiar with, but we are seeing a demand for using them in other ways too. 

 



Sleeper retaining walls, laid flat



For retaining walls sleepers can be both effective and attractive.  They are often quick to install, and instantly look great, as you don’t need to render and paint.  You can lay them flat on either their side or width, or even lay on end.  When laid on end, they can be used to effortlessly create a sweeping curve and look great staggered or at varying heights.  

Sleepers laid on edge to form retaining curve.

They can also be used as stepping stones to break up a scree area, for long steps or even edging to paved areas.

Sleepers will normally last longer than ordinary timber in the garden, and quickly weather to take on a silver grey appearance with some 'rustic' splitting.

Due to their size and weight, it is often best to try and source from a specialist local timber merchant, but also look online at the different reclaimed or rustic oak sleepers that are available.  If uniformity doesn’t matter and you don’t mind the odd knot or split then this is definitely the way to go.  Depending on the application you may need to look for untreated oak sleepers, as you don’t want creosote leaking out onto clothes.

In terms of installation, if you are using sleepers on end, you must make sure that around a third of the sleeper is concreted securely underground.  When laying flat you will need to prepare the ground in the same way as for paving.

 

Happy gardening!

Laying turf in very dry conditions and lawn aftercare

We have been laying lots of turf in Torbay this week!!!

April would normally be a great time to lay new lawns due to regular rainfall, however this year that certainly hasn't been the case.  If you are having turf laid in a dry time, particularly if it has been dry for some time, then the watering you do in the first few weeks is vital.  Please take a look at our ‘lawn aftercare section’ under turfing for more information. http://www.land-shapes.co.uk/turfing.html

March 2011 - The Sun has returned!

So after what seems like an incredibly, long and frozen winter, the sun is now putting in a regular appearance!  I've noticed over the last couple of weeks more and more people outdoors busy in their gardens.  Lots of the spring bulbs have flowered, and there is a beautiful display of daffodils and snowdrops just about everywhere I go.

Now is the time to really start making an effort outside.  No matter the size of your garden, any effort put in now will be rewarded over the next few months.  If you are planning changes to the structure and layout of the garden, now is the time to put those plans into action.  Any changes made now won't interfere too much with the 'growing season'.

Weeds have already started growing vigorously, and the trick is to catch them early before they flower and self-seed.  Do as much weeding and clearing now as you can to help keep your beds nice and clear later on.  You also do not want those weeds establishing and withdrawing nutrients from the soil that you may need for later plantings.  If you have planting areas bare at the moment, to be planted up later on, then cover with a mulch to help keep weed growth to a minimum.

Now is also the time to condition the soil, add well-rotted manure where possible; last year’s homemade compost may even be ready to use.  Don't forget if you are growing runner beans then any compost not yet completely rotted down can always be buried in the intended location.  I simply dug trenches where my runners are to be planted, filled with matter from my compost pile, dressed with a thin layer of manure and covered with top soil.  This will be nicely rotted down for when they are ready to plant and the runners should thrive.

Now is a good time to start most of your seeds too.  Runner beans, brassicas, even tomatoes can be seeded indoors now, to help extend your growing season.  Seed potatoes are also widely available at the moment so now is the time to buy.  Give them a few weeks on the windowsill to 'chit', and plant out after the last frosts.

If you want to brighten up your pots and planters, then now is the perfect time to buy smaller 'plug' plants at your local garden centre.  Buying these plants now will save you a considerable sum as they will have a chance to develop and mature in time for late spring and early summer.

Lastly, clear any debris from your lawn.  Give it a good rake to remove any moss or leaves.  Sprinkle top soil and grass seed on any bare patches to help you get a nice even coverage for summer.

Good luck!

For more tips and advice please take a look at our website http://www.land-shapes.co.uk/index.html

Jan 2011 - Winter Gardening

As much as as it was nice to take time out over Christmas and New Year, I am so glad to be back outside.  Yes it's cold, yes it's wet, but it's also where the freshest air and the best of the light is.

So if you're suffering a bit from the festive break why not get outside and get ahead in the garden.  There are plenty of jobs to do this time of year and having a good clear up can be really rewarding.  On dry days your kids may want to be out playing, but even when the garden is not being used you want it to look good from inside to make the most of your views.

Here are some maintenance jobs you can do:

• Patios and decking can be swept using a firm brush to help remove any algae buildup.
• Plants that have not survived the icy December can be dug out and removed
• Vegetable plots can be 'top dressed' with compost, manure or other soil improvers
• Repair any fencing that have been damaged by wind
• The compost heap can be turned

This time of year is also good to start thinking about any changes for the garden. Whether you are looking for complete design and build, or only want to re-fresh an element, start your planning now. Any work completed in the next few months means you have clear use from Spring onwards.

When designing a garden you need to consider who is using the garden and what they want from it, not just now, but over the next few years too.  It is best to start with a wish list rating each item as either essential, important or desired.  This will then help prioritise your space. 

Maintenance should also be considered at the design stage.  If you are happy to spend the time maintaining a garden or you have the resources to pay someone to do this for you, then your design choices are extensive. 

In terms of planting you need to know what areas have sun and shade, what soil type you have, and also how exposed the area is to wind and frost.  Once you have this information the planning can continue in earnest.

Most gardens have greater floor space than the homes to which they belong, which is why I believe we should set our expectation for the garden highly, to get as much use as possible.

You also need to consider the role of wildlife in the garden. If you want to attract birds, and beneficial insects you need to incorporate their needs too.

If you are on a limited budget but you still want to improve the impact of your outdoor space, then often the little touches will make all the difference.  It is these considerations that can transform a garden.  A spring tidy and mulching unkempt borders can give great impact with relative ease.  Adding a few inexpensive solar lights can create some ambience on a budget.  Even bamboo screening can be cheaply erected to hide more unsightly areas.

Some freshly planted pots can add colour and scents to your decking or patio, and storage of some kind can hide away unused tools or toys.

When planting always group in odd number as this looks more pleasing on the eye.  Also consider buying younger, cheaper plants and allowing them to mature over time.

Good Luck!!!

For more tips and advice please take a look at our website http://www.land-shapes.co.uk/index.html