There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven - Ecclesiasties Ch.3 v 1
There is a natural rhythm to the garden which you will catch - when you spend some time learning in your garden from season to season. No two gardens are the same - some gardens will require more maintenance than others - but as always the more you put in - the more you will get out. Little and often is the key with keeping a garden well maintained and looking its best year round.
There are some general keys to good maintenance which will greatly enhance a garden.
- Keep the lawn and edges looking crisp regularly. This goes a long way to making the whole garden look good.
- Keep on top of the weeding regularly when the weeds are small. Sometimes a quick hoe when the weeds are small - will save you hours of weeding later on.
- Apply a thick mulch (bark or manure) this will greatly reduce the amount of weeding required.
- Pay attention to keeping hedges and climbers under control and looking well maintained. If the edges are sharp - it will look less cluttered on the eye.
- Make the most of the whole season - choosing a range of plants to give interest from Spring to Winter.
- Use pots dotted around to add an element of interest season long. They can be removed and exchanged as plants move past their best.
- Use the right tool for the job. Don't battle away on a hedge or lawn - invest in a good tool to make your life easier and get better results overall.
Spring >>> Planting can take place in spring. Seeds and bulbs and new life - starts now!
Beds can be shaped and formed. Seeds can be sown indoors. The lawn can take some renovation - feeding, weeding and seeding.
Summer
>>> At this point softwood cuttings take easily. Strategic
watering of pots and plants. Deadheading and weeding and some pruning.
Mowing & improving lawns. The weeds will be growing strong - so little and often to stay on top.
Sitting and enjoying the garden as much as possible!
Autumn >>> Trimming hedges and shrubs. It is a time for
putting the garden to bed for the winter. So tidying dead leaves,
weeding and getting ahead for the next season. Any planting of trees and shrubs is good now - giving a good window of wet weather to become established. Also planting bulbs.
Winter >>> Mulches can be applied at this time of year
which feeds the whole soil - improving water retention and structure.
Plants go dormant in winter. So moving, dividing and planting is good
now. Apple & Pear Trees can be pruned and the structure readily
assessed. Any sort of tree or shrub can be planted now.
Staying indoors - thinking and dreaming about next year!
When establishing a garden - think carefully about the amount of maintenance that will be required - and whether you will have the available time to keep it maintained. Little and often is the key to keeping a garden looking good season round. Get out and enjoy your garden as the weather allows.
For me - now is the time to move inside and take a well earned break.
Thanks,
Sage X
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I live and breathe gardens - year round. If I am not gardening - I am thinking about gardening. I absolutely love working in your gardens - its what makes me tick - the stuff of life!!
Next season will be upon us before you know it. Look me up and I will get you into my diary - I can keep your garden well maintained year round. Making changes and improvements along the way and leaving you to simply relax and enjoy the fruits of my labour.
