Garden Parasols Blog

Welcome to the Garden Parasols blog, containing articles for Garden Parasols which may come in handy for your gardening needs...

Friday, 14 December 2012

Hedging Plants and How They Can Enhance Your Garden

By Ade Lewis

In certain situations, a new hedge for your property could be the perfect solution to help you resolve an issue that in some way compromises your enjoyment of your home. Sometimes it is not until you have been living in a property for some time that you come to realise that being overlooked by passersby or your neighbours feels intrusive, or perhaps reach a point where you have had enough of an ugly view or a main road that looks, sounds or feels far too close for comfort.

By simply planting up a new natural hedge using plants of your choice, these types of issues and many more can be overcome and managed effectively without breaking the bank. Not only can a hedge help you to overcome issues that affect your enjoyment of your home, they can also do a lot to improve the look of your home and garden, making an attractive new feature. A properly maintained natural hedge can be used to complement any home or exterior space.

To create or improve privacy for your home and garden, look for plants that are fast growing with the potential to achieve a reasonable height and protect you from feeling exposed. There is nothing worse than looking up from whatever you might be doing in the privacy of your home and realising you have someone gaping at you! A tall, reasonably established hedge can give you complete privacy and if required can additionally be used to boost security for your home. A tall, dense or thorny hedge planted around your boundary, makes it difficult, or in some cases impossible for unwanted visitors to enter your property without using the desired route. As part of your security plan a hedge can play a key role in your homes security, creating an impenetrable barrier wherever you need one and giving you peace of mind.

A well-maintained Leylandii providing privacy in a natural way

The environment around us is subject to change over time, buildings are constructed, changed and pulled down and occasionally the view from your house or garden can be affected by an addition that is out of your control. Rather than put up with overlooking a row of bins or some other monstrosity you could well do without, a hedge may be just the answer you have been looking for. With the right choice of plants and a creative planting design, you could potentially screen an unwanted view and disappear it altogether.

Busy roads and industrial units also have the potential to cause stress and problems for the homeowner and in some circumstances; natural hedges can be used to overcome issues in this area too. By this I mean issues caused by excessive noise or pollution. Surprisingly, through planting a double row of hedge using the right type of plants, noise pollution can be significantly reduced. Equally, certain plants can be used to manage the unwanted effects resulting from other pollution and traffic.

Excessively strong prevailing winds can wreak havoc if your home is exposed with no protection. This is another problem that can be combated with plants, by using them to form a barrier and give effective protection.

If you plan to use a natural hedge to improve your home, it may help to visit your local garden centre where you can get some professional advice regarding the best plants for your project and then take things from there.

Are you on the hunt for Leylandii Hedging Plants? Greenshutters Evergreen Hedging Tree Nursery, with a garden centre based near Taunton, Somerset has been growing trees and evergreen hedges on the nursery, including leylandii, laurel & evergreen shrubs since 1980. Come and visit us.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ade_Lewis

Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Designing Your Garden - What Makes a Good Garden?

Garden design is a very personal thing and is often an expression of your personality. What I like, you may not and vice versa. Some people like neat and tidy gardens where there are no surprises, others love the thrill of windy paths, lots of different plant material and not knowing what is around the corner. There are three main styles of garden: formal, semi formal and informal. They can then be divided into many types of gardens and that depends on what you would like. Garden design can be intimately tidied to the style of your house as in example of the grand French chateaux where the geometric patterns of the garden mimic the geometric construction of the house or it can have no connection to your house at all.

Some people are lucky and have this innate gift of knowing how to design space, making it a pleasing place to be in. Others don't have this gene and find it very difficult to visualise how the space will work. To create a good design it is important you understand that design is about managing space and people moving around it. The core of good garden design centres round patterns and the space within these patterns. By using geometrical shapes, circles, triangles, rectangles etc. you can achieve a unified feel to your garden. So you need to think about ground patterns and movement around your garden. Where would you like people to go? Ground patterns can be achieved with the use of bricks, paving and plant material such as cut grass etc.

Formal gardens are symmetrical and geometrical and are strict in terms of repeating patterns and plant materials on either side. It is very controlled, plants are clipped, shaped, manipulated regularly and today is often suitable for small gardens like court yards. Urns, balustrades, stone, gravel paths, parterres, formal pools and framed views are all part of the formal garden. There are no surprises; you know what to expect.

Informal designs are asymmetrical and not as regimented. Plant material is allowed to spill over the structural elements such as walls, steps and paths. Plant material is allowed to self-seed and wander around the garden. Informal garden design is softer, full of surprises thus you don't know what to expect.

And semi formal is the combination of the above two. Usually it is the built structures such as retaining walls, paths and steps that are formal and the informal element is the plant material which is allowed to spill over them, softening their hard outlines.

Within these three types, there are many different styles of gardens to choose from such as contemporary, Japanese, Mediterranean, cottage, courtyard, kitchen garden or secret garden.

Contemporary is a modern style that likes to reflect the surrounding but also use a wide range of plant material. Form and texture of foliage are as important as flowers. Hard landscaping is woven into geometrical shaped buildings; all of which flow into the wider landscape. Plants are used as focal points to highlight the architectural forms.

Cottage was a late nineteenth-century ideal to return to the simple cottages of the country. They were planted with hardy bulbs, flowers, fruit bushes and herbs and vegetables. They were geometric, colours were harmonised and luxurious as plants grew well as they were heavily manured regularly.

Mediterranean is not limited to one particular area but are defined according to hot summers and low rainfall. They encompass entertaining areas, shade, good views and dramatic shadows. Hot colourful plants are used and lots of lush green foliage plants to create a cool atmosphere. Plants need to be drought tolerant. Evergreen plants are popular because they cast shade on hot days. Walls are white washed to reflect the sun, pergolas built to create shade and use terracotta pots. There is often a water feature and water provides cooling vibes.

Japanese gardens encompasses religion and Japan's cultural history. Japanese gardens are very symbolic often the symbols relate to nature. Plants are 'tamed' and there is an emphasis on evergreen trees and shrubs. They are very controlled and often minimalist. True Japanese gardens are contemplative a place of meditation and great calm.

Planning
The Three Planning Stages
The First Steps
Site Analysis
Points to Consider
Sun conditions
Wind
Views
Utilities and Service Lines
Principles of Garden Design
Choosing Plant Materials
Colour

If you feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start when designing your garden, I suggest you break it up into areas called rooms thus dividing one big space into several smaller spaces. For example: there is the front garden, the side garden and the back garden. Once you have decided where they begin and end you can then divide each of those areas up again. For example in the back garden you could have the entertaining area, the grass/children's area, the utilities area (includes the compost heap and shed), the pool area and the vegetable/orchard area. Once you have defined the areas/rooms you can tackle one at a time, thus making a huge project into several smaller projects.

To create an interesting and exciting garden there are 3 sets of plans (may be four if you need an engineer's structural plans) you need to devise:- Site Analysis Plan, Concept Plan and Planting Plan, usually all drawn to scale.

To design a garden that works there are several things you need to do before buying plants and planting them. If you follow these steps you are more likely to have a successful garden.

It is important to make an inventory of the area you are designing. Things to include are:

Levels - steep/flat

Aspect - North/south

Sun/shade

Sun Summer/Winter

Shadows

Existing trees and buildings

Wind

Views - good and bad

Soil conditions

Entrances - Front/back doors

Power lines

Underground cables and pipes

Clothes line

Fences

Sheds and garages

Paved and unpaved areas

Patio/BBQ

Lighting

Drainage - run-off of storm watered

Once you have noted the above, it is time to draw up the space. You can draw it roughly (not to scale) but eventually you will have to draw it to scale. Start by measuring the area you are designing, draw it to scale ie. 1:100 and put all the above points onto your drawn plan. All these influences need to be drawn on paper, so that you can gauge any trends. For example there might be a paved path from the back door to the garage, but everyone takes a short cut across the lawn, creating a desire line. No - one uses the paved path. So perhaps pave the desire line and make it the official path.

The next step is the concept plan and this is the plan where you put down you ideas. It can be as wild and as adventurous as you like. Forget cost, enjoy your creativity. This is the stage where you put down your dreams of what you have always wanted. Later on, you hip pocket will decide for you whether you can have them. Anything is possible, so don't be shy, dream away. Again this can be roughly drawn or to scale, it is up to you.

The third and final plan is the planting plan and it is preferable that it is drawn to scale as this allows you to know exactly how many plants you will need. It incorporates all the ideas you have decided upon and shows you how the finished garden is going to look. It is the road map which will guide you to building your new garden.

There may be a fourth plan if your site is steep or you are having major elements built, as you may need the advice of an engineer.

Think about your soil conditions, is it heavy clay or light and sandy? What plants will grow in these conditions? Are some areas boggy and some always dry?

The sun is higher in the sky during spring and summer and shadows are shorter. Whereas in winter, the sun is lower in the sky and casts longer shadows. So a plant might be in full sun in summer and complete shade in winter. Can it tolerate this? Also think about the conditions the plants require. Are they full sun plants like roses or shade loving plants like azaleas?

You also need to think about wind direction. Which way does the prevailing wind come from? Screens and hedges are one way of managing this problem but what problems are they going to cause? Making the block feel narrow, casting shadows etc? It is important to know because some plants don't like wind and it is no good putting the BBQ/entertainment area in an uncomfortable spot.

Views out your window or from your garden are very important. Some are intrusive while others are desired. If you wish to block out flats/neighbours etc. you may need to put in a higher fence or a hedging screen of some kind. Or you may want to design your garden to enhance the view of the mountain, ocean etc.

You also need to be aware where your services and utilities are; things like clothesline, overhead power lines etc. If you damage the gas, telephone or electricity lines, you are liable to pay for their repair.

To create a well designed garden, it is important to put the right plant in the right position. This means considering the cultural requirements of the plant. For example putting a full sun plant such as rose into a shady position isn't going to work, because the rose won't be receiving the right amount of sunlight for it to grow. The idea of good garden design is to follow this philosophy, using the placement of plants to create mystery, tension and surprise by using tricks of the eye, colours and textures.

Tension, mystery and surprise make a garden interesting. One way to create these is to use hedges, low walls, screens, paths, steps to make individual 'garden rooms' with tension points that captures your attention on the way. For example a narrow oblong garden can be made more interesting if you can't see the back fence - that there is a feature (plant or statue etc.) that obscures the fence. It also becomes more interesting if the path way is narrow then opens up into another room. A winding path adds mystery to the garden if you can't see what is around the corner. Surprise comes when you go around the corner and discover a focal point.

A focal point is something like a seat/statue/water feature that leads your eye directly to it. For example - a pergola that has a statue at the end of it. The statue is the feature and is the reason why you look/walk to see it. Another example of a focal point is a pathway leading through a door that is open and shows a vista of the wider landscape.

The success of the focal point can depend on the how successfully the ground patterns lead you there. If the paving encourages you along this path thus creating some tension and mystery, you are more likely to follow the path to see what's there because you have become inquisitive. Narrow paths encourage you to walk quickly and not to dilly dally along the way, where as wide paths say stroll, take you time, look at the surrounding vegetation. A gentle curve can be negotiated at speed, but a tight curve can't be so people slow down as there is risk involved. Paving is used as a directional tool says don't walk that way, but walk this way. Edging bricks say don't step over this - this is a boundary. Paving can also be used to reflect the ground plane of the house or other shapes in the garden.

Long narrow gardens have a strong directional emphasis that needs to be broken up. Square plots are static. To solve these problems the space's shape needs to be changed. A circular design distracts the eye from the straight lines of the boundary fence. You could also use a series of rectangles using the boundaries as part of the design.

Another method is to turn the garden onto a 45 degree angle. A long diagonal line will immediately create a feeling of space. The paving near the house could be done on an angle and high light the diagonal line of the entire garden.

Gardens with a dog-leg in them can utilise the bend by using tension, mystery and surprise to lead you around the corner to a focal point of some kind.

Unified space is created by controlling the movement around the garden. It is the way areas are linked together by paths, bridges, pergolas, steps and terraces that determine whether a garden is successful. Careless placing can ruin the flow of the garden. If you wish to direct someone's attention to a particular point then there must be a clear reason in the design for following this pathway.

Ground levels are very important when designing a garden. If a slope is too steep to walk down safely, steps may be needed and if the entire block is on a slope, the whole area may need to be terraced. What material you use is also important. Steps should not be of slippery materials and gravel may wash away. The surfaces need to be flat otherwise they could be dangerous and people will not want to walk along them and instead they may create a desire lines.

Levels help to create interest and 'rooms' in a garden because you move from one place to another by steps/paths/etc. Allow your levels to gently flow into one another and keep them simple. Don't over decorate them. A slope up from the house will appear foreshortened whereas a slope down from the house will appear larger.

There are 3 types of gardens:- the plants man, the garden designer and the gardener's (mix of the first two). The plants man gardens consist of lots of singular plantings, unconnected and often rare and difficult to source. The garden designer's garden consists of plants that are tried and tested - they use plants that they know and how they perform. The gardener's garden has learned that their favourite plants can be more effective if planted in a scheme.

When choosing plants you must consider what the conditions are of your garden. There is no point putting alkaline tolerant plants in acid soil or vise versa. It won't work! You need to think about what your plants you have chosen require moist soils, dry soils, shade, sun, well drained, boggy soils. If you do your research correctly and place your plants in the right position, you are well on the way to a successful garden.

The height and spread of your plants also needs to be considered. Tall growing plants are placed at the back of the garden bed, graduating down to the low plants. Remember some plants send up flower spikes that may be much larger than the plant itself, so they need to be positioned according to their flower spike height. Some plants are bushy so don't forget to leave sufficient room for them to spread. They may need annual pruning to keep them in check.

Another trick in the designing tool bag is using colour. Colour is the sensation of illumination which is light. The way colours inter-react with each other depends on their position in colour wheel. Manipulating colour is great fun and can create all sorts of illusions. Colours are divided into 2 groups primary red, yellow, blue and secondary green, violet, orange. Secondary colours are made of combining two primary such as mixing blue and yellow together to create green. You can make a space look cold or create distance by using pale and brown colours. You can also make a space looker bigger than it really is by using warm colours such as oranges, reds or yellows. If you want to make a space look closer to you, again use warm colours. As reds, oranges or yellow are very busy colours to the eye, it is a good idea to intersperse white flowers or grey foliage plants to calm the visual scene down. White and grey also intensify blue and pale colours.

One thing to remember about the Australia sun is that the best time to look at our gardens is in the late afternoon when the sunlight is not as strong. Our hot sun tends to fade our flowers colours and the glare at mid-day tends to wash the colour out.

If you are feeling overwhelmed about designing your garden, divide your space up and take it slowly, completing one section at a time. Don't start another part until you have finished the section you are working on and very soon you will have a beautiful garden. Remember gardens are ephemeral, it is a process that is for ever evolving. You never really finish.

***

Sandra Pullman B.App.Sc. (Hort) Hons. Burnley-Uni Melb. Visit Sandra's website for "down to earth", good quality, reliable and practical advice explained to you in layman's terms. She also run gardening courses for beginners. Check out her website for upcoming class dates and locations. All your gardening solutions are one click away! http://www.gardenpatch.com.au Or check out Sandra's blog site: sandisgardenpatch.blogspot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Pullman

Thursday, 29 November 2012

How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree

This weekend we will enter the magical month of December, when everyone spends much of their time stressed about matters such as presents, decorations, food, and whether or not granny will fall asleep at the Christmas dinner table for the third year in a row. Getting your knickers in a twist about selecting a tree should not be on the menu, so here’s our guide on how you can pick the perfect pine (or fir, or spruce)…

1) Firstly, you need to pick a spot for the tree. This is of the utmost importance; if you don’t decide a location before you go out, you run the risk of bringing home something which looks nothing short of ridiculous despite you spending three hours shunting it around the room. Think about (and if you’re really dedicated, measure) the height and width of the space so you can bear these dimensions in mind when you’re eyeing up potential trees.

2) Once you’re out browsing the trees, you’d be well advised not to purchase one which has already been packed into netting, as you’ll have no idea what shape it really is. Unless you like to live dangerously, in which case, gamble away!

3) Consider the shape of the tree, bearing in mind the space you've prepared for it at home. Are you looking for a tall, thin specimen, or one with a bit of volume? Don’t be put off if you find a tree that’s perfect except for a couple of rogue branches; you can trim these at home.

4) You can check how fresh a tree is by having a bit of a feel. Give the bottom branches a gentle rub; you want a tree which seems quite flexible and doesn't shed its needles – if it’s dropping before you even get it home, you’ll spend the best part of the next few weeks glued to the hoover (especially if you happen to have a pet who is fond of exploring the underside of your Christmas tree).

5) In general, you’ll have three choices of tree: pine, fir and spruce. The latter is known for being a shedder, but this can be minimised by keeping the tree well-watered. The main difference between these species lies in their appearance, and there’s an excellent article on Fine Gardening about how you can tell these apart.

Photos: Michelle Gervais - from Fine Gardening

6) Finally, think about the longevity of the tree. Many retailers offer trees with roots so you can replant these after the season’s finished – subject to you having the time/inclination/space. However, do keep in mind that the tree might not necessarily ‘take’ to your garden, so don’t make this your main criteria. It’s better to have a perfect rootless tree than running the risk of buying a less suitable one for replanting.

Hopefully this will help you whilst you’re out tree shopping. Let us know how you get on!

Monday, 26 November 2012

WIN a set of Parasol Heater Lights!

You may remember that a while ago we featured our best-selling Parasol Heater Lights on this blog, heralding them as a great way to enjoy your garden furniture all year round.

The great news is that we're now giving away a set of these (worth £119.99) to one lucky lady or gent, and entering our prize draw couldn't be easier.

1) Leave a reply to this post in the comments box below (with your name so we know what to call you if you win).

2) To get a second entry, go and Like our Facebook page. It’s here: www.facebook.com/GardenParasols

3) If you’d like to be in with a third chance of winning, you just have to Follow us on Twitter – we’re @GardenParasols

4) Keep your fingers crossed!

You've got until 07/12/12 to enter, and we’ll announce the winner the following day, so make sure you check back here!

***UPDATE: You can now also gain a FOURTH entry by re-pinning our competition on Pinterest!***

Thursday, 25 October 2012

Garden Parasol Special Offers

Although the UK summer for 20120 has been somewhat unpredictable, next year can only improve. Now is the time to take advantage of any bargain parasol offers ready for next season.

By investing in some essential parasol accessories, you can still take advantage of any warmer autumn days to hold a special event in your garden or outdoor space.

Sapphire 300cm Hardwood Garden Parasol

Special Offer - Money Off the Sapphire Hardwood Parasol

The Sapphire Hardwood Parasol is a high quality parasol and is a best seller - even when not on offer.

Highlights of this elegant garden parasol are:

Large 3M parasol coverage giving ample shade
Easy to use crank handle for fast and smooth operation
Hardwood frame will last for years to come
Excellent value for money and beautiful design

The discounted Sapphire parasol sale price won't last long so take advantage today.

Parasol Heater Lights

Value for Money Parasol Heaters

Parasol heaters are an easy and inepensive way to extend the year-round use of any garden furniture items.

Highlights of these durable and efficient heaters include:

Keeps your guests warm and provides light
Easy to mount on most parasols or gazebos
Choice of 2 or 4 heater operation to save money
Discounted price gives excellent value

Guests will appreciate any extra heating so take advantage of these discounted patio or gazebo heaters now.

Sapphire 350cm Hardwood Garden Parasol

Special Offer - Discounted Sapphire 350cm Hardwood Garden Parasol

This is the big brother to the Sapphire parasol mentioned above. It comes with all the same quality and durability as its smaller sibling but with the benefit of added coverage.

Highlights of the 350cm Sapphire include:

Extra large parasol cover for guests up to 3.5M
Simple operation with a smooth winder handle
Elegant design with natural beige canopy
Super value for money with this special offer

Whether you're looking for an autumn bargain ready for next year, or want to extend the life of your garden furniture - take advantage of these limited time parasol offers today. Discounts can end at any time.

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

5 Gardening To-Do Jobs for September

September is a busy time in the garden, with tidying up to be done from the summer and preparation to be undertaken for the forthcoming winter. Follow these simple tips to prepare your outdoor space for the coming autumn and winter months.

Garden Furniture

Depending upon the weather, the time for lounging outside and having barbecues may well be over. When the outdoor temperatures start to drop, be sure to protect all garden furniture with strong waterproof coverings. This will secure any outdoor furniture against the rigours of the coming colder weather.

Diamond Teak Garden Parasol 3.5M

Don´t forget the garden parasol as this is very susceptible to higher winds in the autumn. The parasol can either be removed indoors or left in place and protected with a parasol cover. This means that you'll still be able to make use of it just in case there are fine autumn days when you wish to sit outside for a while.

Lawns

Increase the maximum height of the cutting blade when mowing, clear away leaves and other debris regularly, and scarify the surface vigorously to clear away the dead moss etc.

Next, aerate the ground with a garden fork or a rotary aerator. Once this has been done, a suitable top-dressing can be applied to feed the grass and stimulate future growth.

Flower Borders

Faded blooms should be dead-headed every week and any annuals that are finished dug out. Roses should also be dead-headed and have any tall stems cut back.

Dead-Head Autumn Flowers

While doing the flower borders, now is the time to collect seed heads, which can be dried indoors, overwintered in paper bags and planted next spring.

Vegetable and Fruit Garden

Onions can now be lifted and laid out somewhere to dry, prior to storing, and sweetcorn should be harvested if the silks have changed from their golden summer colour to brown.

Sowing outside winter crops can also begin, but use cloches as they will not only protect the seeds, but also speed up germination.

Autumn-cropping fruit such as blackberries and raspberries should be netted to protect them from the birds.

The Greenhouse

Check the structure and ensure that it will be robust enough to see out the winter, making any necessary repairs and giving it a clean to remove any dead matter that might harbour disease.

Thoroughly Check the Greenhouse

Then, cacti and houseplants that have been outside during the summer can be brought in.

Thursday, 12 July 2012

Garden Parasol – Why Choose the Gran Turino

Whether you are seeking to shade a balcony or a smaller patio, or where furniture does not allow for a parasol stand, the Turino 3m diameter aluminium wall parasol is perfect for providing shade particularly when space is at a premium.

Aluminium Wall Parasol - Turino 3M Diameter

The Turino garden wall parasol easily fixes onto the wall and folds away neatly, with no heavy base required. The high flexibility of the arm and rotation can also offer the perfect shade for long/narrow terrace areas or where floor mounting is not preferred. It can be moved and locked in various positions depending on where shade is required. It is equally ideal for professional commercial environments as well as domestic settings.

The hanging parasol canopy is manufactured from 100% Polyester, making the canopy durable, lightweight and easy to clean. It and also gives excellent sun protection, keeping both you and your parasol safe from the sun's strong summer glare and damaging UV rays. The Turino Parasol is also shower proof so a change in weather shouldn’t necessarily mean the end of the party! The canopy comes in a choice of colours; beige or dark granite and the frame is a dark bronze.

Free Weather Cover with the Turino Wall Parasol

The Turino garden parasol comes with a free Nylon weather cover included with every purchase. This comes with an inserted rod for ease of covering the parasol.

Parasol Accessories

A range of parasol accessories are now available:

Globe lights, with three bright spherical bulbs on a clamp fitting to attach to most parasols and gazebos. With a UK mains plug.

Rechargeable clamp on lights – with no wires and no tools necessary. 24 long life LEDs will provide up to 10,000 hours of soft, natural light - with full charge will give up to 4 hours constant light. Battery recharges easily with included adaptor for the UK. Easily detachable for multi-purpose use to provide lighting in garden out-houses & gazebos etc.

Parasol Accessories - Heaters

Parasol Heaters – our Heatwave parasol heaters attach easily to any parasol. Heating only the people below as opposed to the air in between this really is the most efficient heating system for the outdoors. Provides instant heat that does not blow away and costs only 14p an hour to run on average.