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It can be challenging to distinguish if a courtyard garden is a specific style or merely a spatial arrangement. However when you are inside a courtyard garden you recognise it as such instantly.
There is something special about the enclosed atmosphere of an outside courtyard space. It is probably for this reason they feature in garden design from across northern Europe to Africa. Courtyards have the walled enclosure of a room but the open sky of a garden. This has always made them an effective transition from inside to outside.
In hot climates such as Morocco courtyards provide cool, airy, spaces protected from the heat of the day. In England, country courtyards are places to glimpse as you walk down a village street.
Whatever part of the world you’re in courtyard gardens provide a stillness which is both charming and alluring. Here we will provide 25 tips to implement a courtyard theme to your garden this summer. Choose your themeWith so many types of courtyard garden from across the world you will need to establish your style. You may not wish to follow any historical or cultural precedent at all choosing something much more bespoke. This could be a contemporary garden or one which mixes up different styles. You may have been on holiday and were inspired by a courtyard garden abroad. Try to collect precedent images of the style you love and plan out how you will implement your scheme. Create enclosure
It is most traditional for courtyard gardens to be surrounded on all sides by walls. However you may not necessarily have that circumstance within your garden already. If you do not have the budget to start erecting large walls don’t worry. You can create enclosure in a number of different ways to create a courtyard effect. Some of these include raised flower beds, trellises, hedges, green walls and slatted fence panels. Choose your surfaces
What surfacing you use in your courtyard garden will depend on the style and effect you want. If you wish to recreate a Moroccan courtyard then external tiles with Arabic patterns are ideal. If you want to create a contemporary modern space then smooth black slate or porcelain is better. Remember to break up continuous surfaces with visual texture and contrast. For instance breaking up your paving with a bold border or pattern is very effective. Incorporate pergolas
If your existing garden is very open or overlooked by neighbours pergolas can provide you extra enclosure. These structures can be custom built to accommodate any style or theme. They can also be clad out completely on one side if you wish to block out a bad view or neighbour. Pergolas give you the option to hang extra lighting, heaters or even speakers to your courtyard space. Choose your walling
If you courtyard garden is naturally endowed with solid, masonry walls you may want to choose an effect. If you are lucky enough to have natural stone work very little will beat that for aesthetics. However if you have concrete or brick you may want to clad them to fit in with your theme. For Mediterranean courtyards a smooth, white, render is fitting. External tiling can be very effective in Arabic styled courtyards. Benefit from microclimate
The great thing about courtyard gardens is they are enclosed enough to manipulate the climate. If you have a compact area which is semi enclosed both lights and outdoor heating can be very effective. This is the perfect combination for parties and dining with family and friends. Furthermore sunny walls can create heat traps which allow you to grow more exotic plants. Soften walls with raised planters
As many courtyards have surrounding walls all the way around, raised beds provide the opportunity to soften hard surfaces. This can be done by building a parallel wall in front, all the way around the perimeter. This can be done with timber sleepers, brickwork, block work or natural stone. These can then be filled with soil and planted with plants to match your theme. These raised planters can then also provide convenient seating all the way around the courtyard. Create focal point
The great thing about courtyard gardens is they allow you to fix your attention in an enclosed space. This provides an opportunity to set the stage for an exciting focal point. There are many ways to do this! In Islamic gardens water is used as a central feature which can be enjoyed for its reflective properties. Water fountains can create central focal points which stimulate the senses; these can also be illuminated with lights for extra effect. Get a log burner
There is something very magical about sitting by a fire as the day draws to a close in the garden. Courtyards have always been a place to congregate in the evening to enjoy food and drink. This makes them the perfect locations for installing a garden log burner. These can help to warm a courtyard at night and some you can even cook upon. Install a water feature
Water features can really bring excitement and drama to a courtyard garden. These can range from an integral part of the gardens hard landscaping or a smaller installation. There are so many interesting water features on the market today and very easy to install. They can easily be set into raised beds or sunk down into patio spaces. Utilise sound
A familiar characteristic of courtyard gardens is they have enhanced acoustic potential. Due to being often confined on all sides sounds can have an amplified volume with some ehco. This makes them perfect for enjoying a whole manner of sounds. This could be for enjoying the sound of a water fountain or music from garden speakers. Today these are easy to connect directly to the internet on your smart phone. You could even play jungle sounds for a unique night time experience. Embrace lighting
Courtyards being so close to the home are excellent places to enjoy at night. For this reason they are great candidates for installing some extra garden lighting. Lights can be used to illuminate the whole space for a gathering or just light up focal points. If you do not have mains electric outside you can put up solar lights instead. Choose the correct planting
As courtyard gardens do not necessarily come from one climatic region it can be difficult to select the correct planting. Your planting should work with whatever courtyard garden theme you have embraced. For instance, if you have chosen a Mediterranean theme olive trees can look very effective. Contemporary themes benefit from formal hedges, block planting and architectural forms. Relax with garden sofas
If there is one thing that unifies most courtyard gardens it is that they are an amazing transition from inside to outside. The enclosed nature of these gardens makes them almost like outside rooms within the landscape. Therefore it’s easy to extend this idea further by creating an outside living room for warmer seasons. This can easily be achieved with outdoor garden sofas, we have linked to an informative article on them here. Enjoy tables with fire pits
No matter what style of courtyard you create it is always fun to include some novelty elements. As courtyards are the perfect places to socialise why not include a table with a built in fire pit. These tables can really inject some energy to a space especially at night. Not only are they alluring to look they can also act as a patio heater. Put up an outdoor television
There is absolutely no reason why you can enjoy yourself any less in a courtyard than inside. Maybe you could consider a little bit of outside entertainment? New outdoor televisions are completely waterproof and can easily be installed to the walls of courtyard gardens. What better way to enjoy the game with a few friends over this summer? Lounge with garden hammocks
Once your courtyard space is completed you are going to want to spend as much time enjoying it as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by simply lounging around in a hammock. It is amazing just how comfortable some of the garden hammocks are on the market today. The attachments for these can be bolted to walls and simply unhooked when not in use. Create a dining area
A great thing about courtyard gardens is they have the potential to create the perfect dining experience. Surrounding walls provide shelter from prevailing wind and become easy environments to heat at night. Sounds and smells fill the space creating a holiday atmosphere which will have you reaching for the drinks cooler. Courtyard gardens are probably the best garden theme for outside dining there is. Create a bar
Now that you have embraced the lifestyle of outside living why not take it the whole way. Garden bars are not as complicated and elaborate to create as some may expect. They can be as simple as a wall prop with shelving and a raised bar area to sit at. With some creativity and some pinterest images you will soon get some great inspirational ideas! Incorporate garden heaters
Courtyard gardens provide an extra opportunity to be even more comfortable outside. This means more fun summer fun in the fresh air. Your enclosed courtyard garden will ensure the heat from your patio heaters will make outside as warm as inside. Getting the most from your garden heaters means you can extend the summer party season to autumn and maybe even winter. Install a garden oven
For the ultimate night time experience in your courtyard garden why not install a garden oven? If positioned correctly they can add heating and a theatrical element to a dining area. The smell of cooking food and warming flames will have your guests salivating all evening. There are so many exciting garden ovens on the market today, we have linked to an article on the subject here. Add style with egg chairs
If you have decided to go with a modern courtyard style how about placing some outdoor egg chairs? These stylish chairs can really add some novelty to a seating area. Even in more traditional or cultural garden designs egg chairs have a strange ability to work with any theme. These can be standard egg chairs or hanging versions which can be bolted into walls and structures. Go Moroccan
If there is one type of courtyard garden which is world renown it is the Moroccan styled courtyard. These gardens have a combination of Mediterranean and Islamic styles, radiant with colour and brilliance. Moroccan courtyards really allow you engage the senses with decorative tiles and vibrant colours. Why not play some Arabic music and cook a Moroccan recipe in tagines for the night? Heaven! Read our extensive article on Moroccan courtyard gardens here. Utilise garden mirrors
Courtyard gardens provide the perfect opportunity to put up outdoor mirrors. These can not only allow you to check your personal presentation but can also make the space feel lighter and larger. For more information on garden mirrors we will link to a great article here. Install a jacuzzi
If you want to create a courtyard garden which you will savour why not install a Jacuzzi? If at this point your friends and neighbours are not completely jealous, you may as well put the cherry on top. Outdoor jacuzzis are not as lavish and unattainable as some believe, they are readily available and easy to install. Go on, why not make your courtyard garden just like a spa weekend away?
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Rain gardens can be a fun and exciting way to manage water around your property. Not only can they provide a method of sustainable water management they can also become attractive landscape features.
There is no better way to create something exciting and educational with the storm runoff from around your property! What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a small section of landscape which is designed to absorb water from the home. It is typical for these to take the shape of a shallow depression or swale where water can run to. These can be planted with wetland or bog plants to create a wetland habitat. However, rain gardens can be much more elaborate affairs! Water runoff can be channelled into decorative channels and custom built water features. An element of aesthetic design and engineering can be implemented to represent the natural process of the natural landscape. Why build a rain garden?
Sustainable water management is an ever increasing environmental issue today. The expansion of urban development’s has led to accelerated storm runoff and flooding. Toxic chemicals and substances are washed from hard surfaces into the drainage network. This polluted water finds its way into natural watercourses and wetland basins. This can lead to aquatic ecosystems becoming poisoned with chemicals. Not only does this kill wildlife but add toxins to the hydraulic cycle which we need to survive. Consequently absorbing the storm water from your home is good for the wider environment. This water can be collected in retention ponds or water butts for irrigation during the summer.
Furthermore rain gardens encourage the creation of wetland habitats. These are good for encouraging wildlife and beneficial species which eat pests.
Rain gardens can also be very educational for children. If designed well they can demonstrate a sustainable relationship between the landscape and the home. They illustrate the process of the hydraulic cycle and how natural systems are vital for our own survival. On top of these reasons to create a rain garden they can also look absolutely fantastic! There are so many interesting and beautiful ways they can be implemented into a garden. Sustainable urban drainage
Sustainable urban drainage or (SUDS) are various methods and strategies to sustainably manage landscape water. The main aim of SUDS is to slow water runoff and allow it to be reabsorbed into the landscape. During this process water should fed slowly through a series of manmade wetlands. These habitats should slowly clean the water of toxins by running through the roots of wetland plants. There are many installations which come under the umbrella of Sustainable Urban Drainage. Some of these include green roofs, permeable paving, bioswales, seasonal flooding ponds, and bog gardens Designing your rain garden
When planning your rain garden think about where you would like to collect the water from. Think of ingenious ways to collect the water and create a feature out of it. You may want to incorporate a decorate, gravel, gulley along a seating area that fills up during heavy rain. You may want to channel all the water into a seasonal, flooding, pond. This could be in a gated off nature area where you could wildlife watch with the family. Sketch out a plan of some of your ideas and how they could be implemented. Working out your catchment
A good thing to do if you are planning on diverting large volumes of water is do some calculations. You want to make sure that your new rain garden will not be overwhelmed in heavy rain. A good thing to do is measure the surface area of your water catchment area. For example, if the water is coming from your roof find out how many square metres it is. Then you will have to times this amount by your areas average, annual, rainfall. This will then provide you with the amount of water a given area can expect per year in cubic metres. The calculation will give you some idea of the scale needed for your rain garden. Rain garden elements
There are so many methods and landscape features which can go into a rain gardens design. There are so many good precedent images, examples and ideas to be discovered online. Find image examples of rain gardens you like and think about how you could implement them into your project. Below we have described some of the typical features and elements of rain gardens. Gravel streams
Gravel streams are a decorative way to channel water from one location to another. These can simply be patio drainage chambers filled with a shallow depth of gravel. However they can also become prominent landscape features with decorate pebbles and aggregates. Guttering can be piped into hand worked concrete depressions with flat pebbles pushed into the surface. This can create a dry river bed effect and feed into other wetland gardens. Bio swales
Bio swales are landscape depressions which allow water to be reabsorbed into the landscape.
These are usually gentle, linear ditches which transport water along a particular route. Storm water is fed into one end where it travels across the landscape slowly being reabsorbed. Bio swales can become a feature in their own right and planted with wetland plants. Retention ponds
Retention ponds are basically ponds which retain surface water run off. These can be simply be glorified tanks which store water for when it’s needed. This is very useful for use during the summer months which provides a sustainable irrigation solution. Alternatively retention ponds can be wildlife ponds which are fed by run off from the home. These can be designed with subsequent overflow ponds for times of extreme rainfall. Cobble moats
Cobble moats can be an exciting way to landscape a rain garden. One way of doing this is by creating the illusion of a river flowing across your yard. Moats can be excavated and lined like any other garden, pond, feature. Clad the moat with large cobbles so you do not see the liner when the water is low. These can be bedded on top of mortar so they stay in position. In times of heavy rain water can be channelled into the moat causing seasonal variation. You could build a series of deck bridges over the moat which creates an exciting journey. Seasonal flooding wetlands
Seasonal flooding wetlands are landscape depressions which except water during times of heavy rain. These work in a very similar way to bio-swales but in a more concentrated area. Generally these are designed as a central pond with surrounding bog areas. There is a central deep, plunge, to the pond which stays full for most of the year. During times of heavy rain the wetland slowly fills absorbing the run off naturally. Seasonally flooding wetlands are an extremely rare habitat type and vital for specific species. This makes them a great ecological installation into your rain garden. Bog gardens
Bog gardens are wetland features which aim to recreate natural bogs or swamps. These are generally built like a pond but shallower and wider. Pond liners are set deep into the ground and then filled with soil. The bog is then filled up with water to create a saturated garden. These are then planted with bog plants and left to establish. Bog gardens can look really effective with old tree trunks and ferns around the perimeter. Rain gardens can feed directly into bog gardens which make great wildlife habitat.
Thank you for reading our article on how to make a rain garden. If you require a rain garden or wetland designed and built why not contact us. We are experts in sustainable urban drainage and ecological wetland creation.
Alternatively if you are creating your rain garden yourself you could visit our landscaping resource page.
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Our homes are traditionally the biggest and most productive investment we ever make.
Not only do they provide us with basic shelter they also contribute hugely to our net worth. Investing in a property ensures a secure place to live which you can also customise over time. Even though the proportion of income deployed to housing is rising, this can be offset by rising home prices. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your investment rise in price. This is especially so if you are planning projects to enhance the existing value. One potential project is the garden, but does landscaping add value to your home? We will investigate this subject further to see how much value landscaping actually adds to your home. Landscapes always increase value
The value placed upon gardens and landscapes has been undervalued for many years. However this mindset is beginning to change. This has somewhat been fuelled by a concern for the natural environment and global biodiversity loss. There is now a greater understanding of green spaces beneficial effect on our mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that gardens enhance our mood and improve our overall health. Therefore, beautifully landscaped gardens and functional naturalistic spaces do add value. It has been pointed out by landscape architects for decades just how valuable gardens are. Some of the most expensive real estate in the USA is within viewing distance of a golf course. Furthermore the most expensive properties within cities are adjacent to parks and garden squares. Therefore even subconsciously, quality landscaping increases both nominal prices and perceived value. Perceived value
There have been many studies conducted on the psychology behind the visual perception of a spatial environment. Many studies suggest that if a place is designed aesthetically and maintained well it will have a higher perceived value. If a place is dirty, has broken amenities and has antisocial behaviour it will encourage more of the same. This perceived value can actually affect people’s behaviour in a space and how they interact with it. This idea is supported by the broken windows theory which is a criminological theory.
This theory was put into practice in New York City during the 1990s with dramatic results.
Down town districts of high crime were fixed up and made to look good. There was a zero tolerance to antisocial behaviour and the landscape was upgraded. Crime fell dramatically which brought in outside investment and further improvement. Therefore by investing in your surrounding environment you will increase its value. First impressions
Perception of a person can be formed within the first few seconds of meeting them. This is exactly the same with places including homes and gardens. Typically the first impression of a home is from the outside and within its immediate setting. This provides the very first impressions for the home and therefore also its perceived value.
This is extremely important in terms of resale value and the ability to sell quickly. Contrary to common belief the housing market is not always booming.
Consequently for a home to hold its value it must sell even in a sluggish market. Therefore the landscaping at the front of your home is some of the most important. For landscaping ideas for the front of your home read our article on the subject here. Can landscaping sell a house?
When making such an expensive and important purchase there are so many factors to consider. However, occasionally there are a few elements which can decisively clinch a sale. Gardens are more important to some buyers than others. However First impressions combined with an immaculate garden can make all of the difference. Even if the garden does not sell the home directly it contributes to the whole package. Selling the dream
If a lot of care and investment goes into a properties garden design its impact can be dramatic. Creating a garden with wow factor that looks like something out of a magazine can dramatically increase its value. There is a moment in any homes viewing when a subconscious sale is made. This is usually evoked by a specific space or feature. By treating the garden as an opportunity to wow a prospective buyer this will systematically increase its value. World class garden design can also sell a specific lifestyle image or social aspiration. A return on investment
Prospectus home buyers are constantly weighing up the cost implications of any given property. The asking price is always offset against the amount of work the property needs. A property requiring a lot of work will naturally sell for less than a home not requiring work. This consideration is also projected to the landscaping of the property. If the garden is an overgrown jungle then the price of garden clearance services will be factored in.
Therefore whatever you spend on your gardens landscaping will simultaneously be compensated by the enhanced value of your home.
Homes which require less work and upheaval are more attractive propositions to potential buyers. Therefore an investment in quality landscaping always generates a comparative and enhanced return in increased value and saleability. 10 landscaping projects that increase property value
1. Low maintenance landscaping
A common theme among many is the desire for low maintenance landscaping. Most households simply no longer have the time for continuous garden maintenance tasks. If you want to landscape your garden in a way which increases values, plan for low maintenance. Artificial lawn, gravels and paved surfaces are just some examples of how maintenance can be incorporated. 2. Contemporary landscaping
Contemporary and modern landscape design consists of strong visual textures and clean finishes. Such modern landscaping has an emphasis on simplicity and minimalistic decoration. This allows for an appreciation of the qualities of materials used. Consequently contemporary landscaping lends itself to functionality and low maintenance. 3. Spacious patios
Patios are extremely effective and usable spaces within any garden design. High quality paving provides outdoor spaces which bring the inside living outside. Patios allow rigid and even surfaces to host garden furniture including dining facilities. This makes them perfect for transitioning from inside to outside. With a wide range of paving available it is easy to transition the interior design theme of the home. If installed correctly paving provides maintenance free surfaces which are both functional and beautiful. 4. Level lawnsEven though the most desirable landscaping is low maintenance lawns are still very popular. Although grass needs continuous cutting it is also a simplistic way to manage gardens. Mowing requires no weeding or pruning and provides a multiuse surface. Lawns are also perfect for playing games and relaxing during the summer months. They also look particularly effective when perfectly flush with surrounding garden levels. Many homebuyers still like lawn as it provides play space for children. 5. Outside storageOutside storage is a valuable commodity for both the garden and the home. This typically comes in the form of a well positioned and constructed shed space. There are also many other ways of designing in extra storage. A good example of this is under raised decks and decorative summer houses. These can be integrated into the design of the garden and house tools and furniture. Garden storage is an attractive commodity for all prospective homebuyers. 6. Robust fencingWhen buying a new property broken boundaries and leaning fences are not an attractive proposition. Hence a strong and robust boundary fence is essential when selling your home. There is a broad recognition that a strong and sturdy fence will add some extra value to your home. This is especially so if sturdy and modern panels are installed with posts that do not rot. 7. Raised beds
Raised beds are a fantastic way to install growing areas within a garden design scheme. The height of raised beds allows for an increased depth of soil and well drained growing beds. This makes them easy to maintain with no need for keeling on the ground. Raised beds can also add elevation to a garden bringing visual interest and spatial proportion. 8. Seasonal interest
Gardens always look better with some diverse planting with seasonal interest. Although low maintenance landscaping is always desirable planting softens boundaries and provides greenery. With a careful selection of planting species a low maintenance planting scheme can still be beautiful. A combination of spring bulbs, summer blooms, decorative foliage and autumn colour are always popular. A well designed planting scheme adds value to both the garden and the home. 9. Water features
Successful gardens are those which invigorate the senses and provide focal points. This is probably why water features have always been so popular in gardens. Water features provide movement, sound and reflection to an outside space. These can also be illuminated with lights for added effect during the darker hours. 10. Privacy
A very important element of a successful garden is a level of privacy. Overlooking buildings and balconies are never a welcome sight for any garden lover. Therefore a certain level of privacy is always desired and will always enhance a property’s value. However, tall fences and garden screening such as trellises can always add extra privacy. Garden accessories which add value to your home
There are a number of garden accessories which can enhance a gardens landscaping even further. Below we have listed some which can further enhance the value of your home and garden.
Planning on creating the perfect garden? Why not visit our resources page?
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Very often when confronted with a new project there is always a desire to make things quick and easy. If you are building a new patio or driveway, excavation and base work can be expensive and laborious.
Many times people wonder if you can simply lay over the old surface to save time and money. This is no less the case with block paving patios and driveways. In this article we will investigate to answer the question, can you pave over block paving? Levels
Before we dive into the exploration of suitable block paving base work we need to address surface levels. Whenever you desire to lay directly over old paving you have to ask the question, will the levels allow me? Look at where your patio or driveway level meets the home, pavement and sideway. Do you really want an awkward step at these points? Will you need to change the height of gates and garage doorways? Paving should not go any higher to your homes damp proof course than two bricks high (150mm). This is to prevent too much moisture being exposed to the walls of your home. Occasionally some people attempt to ramp new paving up and over existing paving for transition levels to meet. This not only looks terrible but can be hazardous. Therefore in terms of finished levels it is not a good idea to pave over block paving. Block paving construction
Block paving is a popular choice for the installation of surfaces which take vehicular traffic. There is a good reason many driveways are built using this method. Block paving relies upon the fundamentals of flexible construction. This is whereby construction can resist destructive forces by allowing small movements within its structure. This can be seen in the engineering of tall buildings or floor levels which take transitory loads. This is also the case with block paving! The daily movements of a heavy vehicle are concentrated onto four, small, surface, areas. Hence the surface needs a small amount of flexibility built into the paving. This is why block paving is laid upon a layer of compacted sand. When sanded the blocks interlock into a continuous, flexible, wearing, surface. Edgings are concreted in to provide a ridged and retaining barrier to the perimeter. This enables the central screed to remain compacted with no displacement. The problem with paving over block paving
The biggest problem you have with paving over block paving is it is flexible. Meaning you do not have a rigid base to lay upon. This means your new paving will probably crack and distort over time.
This combined with the difficulties of surrounding levels means you should not really pave over block paving. Not only that you cannot guarantee the base of the existing blocks was built correctly. If it wasn’t then there is an even higher threat it will distort and crack overtime. Excavating the old base means you can rest assured the job has been carried out correctly. By trying to save money on excavation you will more often than not, spend more in the long run.
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Spiders are one of the most widespread and successful species on planet earth. These air breathing, eight legged Arthropods have colonised every continent except Antarctica.
They have adapted to every ecological niche and habitat which allows enough food and shelter to support them. It is no wonder that any environment comfortable enough to support humans will also host spiders. It has been said that you are never more than a couple of metres away from a spider. The simple thought of this can make some people physically nauseous. Studies have shown that around 75 percent of the population has a fear of spiders on some level. So common is the fear that it commands its very own defined phobia, Arachnophobia! Many psychologists believe that this is down to conditioned fear formed from bad experiences. However any honest observer will admit their threatening jaws, alien stare and fast walk is rather terrifying. It has also been theorised that this fear is based upon an evolutionary recognition of danger. As Humans evolved from warm climates where spiders could be poisonous and life threatening. The overwhelming point of the matter is most people do not like spiders. Even though it is not the desire of most to kill most people we would rather keep them away. The unfortunate truth is gardens provide bountiful environments for spiders. In this article we will investigate how to get rid of spiders from your garden. We will cover the quick things you can do up to landscaping your garden in a way to discourage them. Understanding spiders
Spiders sit at the high end of the lower food chain above most insects and invertebrates. As they are a predatory species they have a role in keeping smaller insect numbers in check. Although spiders may look threatening to us they really want nothing to do with us. The truth is humans as a species create the perfect conditions for spiders. Our acres of tame and bland landscapes have created places where their predators are rare! Reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals are generally, always persecuted by people. Our continuous destruction of their predators habitat means spiders love us and want to live close to us! Our secure sheds and garages provide the perfect overwintering quarters and hiding places. Some countries do have deadly poisonous spiders which can bite people. However this is not the outcome any spider really wants. Humans are far too large for spiders to eat so will never go out of their way to bite. Bites typically occur by accident when they are threatened, crushed or trapped. Hence it is important to understand most of the time we are the problem. They are just taking advantage of an ecological niche we have provided for them. Why are spiders living in your garden?
Spiders are probably living in your garden because they have been provided a sheltered environment with ample food. Typically in the natural world there is a natural balance of species within a given area. However modern gardens generally provide hostile environments for species that eat spiders. At the same time we provide the perfect sheltered habitats for the organisms spiders feed upon. Our properties are full of warm, nooks and crannies for spiders to hide and feel safe. Basically to cut a long story short, spiders live in your garden because its spider haven! Advantages of having spiders in your garden
Believe it or not spiders are categorised ecologically as a beneficial species. They have the ability to feed on such a wide variety of pest species around our homes. Spiders can devour everything we hate including; fleas, ticks, bed bugs, aphids, flies, wasps, beetles, ants, termites, mosquitoes, Cockroaches, Woodworms and Maggots. Basically spiders eat everything we hate in the garden making them a free and natural source of pest control. Disadvantages of having spiders in your garden
The most typically mentioned disadvantage of having spiders in the garden is cobwebs. Garden spiders will spin webs to catch flying insects and to create nests. Nursery webs can be seen under the eaves of buildings and under fence trims. Usually walking through a spider’s web can be a little discomforting especially if you are scared of spiders. However most of the time the main disadvantage it is that we are scared of them. This has more to do with our prejudice than an actual, sincere disadvantage. Venomous spiders in the garden
However it must be noted that spiders that are particularly venomous can cause pain and even death. This will really depend on where you live on the globe. The USA and Australia have many more harmful venomous species than Europe. If you have young children in such circumstances reducing spiders is completely understandable. Do garden spiders bite?
Spiders do have the ability to bite people; however the majority of species have fangs not powerful enough to penetrate human skin. However even in countries with less venomous species bites can cause pain, irritation, nausea and even sickness. It is important to understand no spider will go out of its way to bite a human. Bites occur when a spider is trapped, threatened or squashed. Do garden spiders hibernate?
Spiders like most insects slow down in cold conditions. Spiders are cold bodied and go into a state similar to hibernation called Diapause. This is where they basically go into a state of dormancy. In temperate climates with cold winters spiders will seek sheltered locations for diapause. This could be in a bike shed a log pile or underneath floorboards. Spiders have chemicals within their bodies similar to antifreeze which can prevent getting frozen. However once the temperature goes below a certain threshold of about minus five, severe frost can kill spiders. 17 ways to get rid of spiders naturally?
Most of the time there is a desire to get rid of spiders from the garden without using chemicals. We want to discourage them without killing plants and polluting the surrounding environment. Below I have listed 17 strategies for getting rid of spiders naturally from your garden. 1. Keep your garden clean and tidy
One of the simplest ways to reduce spiders in your garden is keep it clean and tidy. Spiders like untidy places where they can hide from danger and seek out prey. Try to organise your garden so there is no clutter. Clean up seasonal leaf fall and remove general debris. 2. Pressure wash surfaces
Our patios, driveways and even masonry walls have an ecology all of their own. This can be surprising to some people but generally surfaces can harbour whole ecosystems. This is particularly the case with porous materials in damp and shady conditions. Spiders love to stalk these places for smaller prey species. Try to pressure wash such surfaces clean and even better seal them afterwards. 3. Remove spider webs
Spiders spin webs to catch flying insects in the most preferable locations. By observing where spiders set up webs you can identify popular hunting sites. By taking down features webs are attached to you can discourage spiders from staying in that area. By continually clearing webs away you will encourage spiders to go elsewhere. 4. Grow plants which repel spiders
Spiders do not like strongly smelling plants and these can be deliberately planted to repel them. Some typical examples of these are; Pennyroyal, Mint, Basil, Lavender, Lemon balm and Rosemary 5. Create a natural insecticide
An effective way to get rid of spiders from your garden is to create a natural spider repellent. This can be done by mixing Mint, Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oil with white vinegar and water. This can be added to a spray and applied to areas you wish to keep spider free. 6. White vinegar
White vinegar is a natural insect repellent being both acidic and emitting strong aromas. This can also be added to spray bottles and applied to crevices or spider hot spots. 7. Citrus
Spiders to not like the aromas of citrus fruits and especially the smell of lemons, consequently fresh lemon juice can be added spray bottle repellent mixtures or water sprays. The fruits themselves can be dried, ground up and spread upon flowerbeds. 8. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine type of rock formed over millions of years from fossilised sea life. When ground into a fine powder its particles can be microscopic. When spiders are exposed to this powder it enters their exoskeleton mechanically disabling them. 9. Spread Cedar wood chips
Cedar wood chips as well as looking attractive and smelling great can naturally repel spiders. The wood fibres emit naturally fragrant hydrocarbons and natural acids which deter spiders and other creatures. These can spread around flowerbeds or as mulch to pots and containers. 10. Live catching
Live catching is not the most exciting idea especially if you do not like spiders. However live trapping and releasing in another location can be a humane solution. If you do not wish to get close to spiders themselves you can use aspider grabber. These provide a quick and easy way to move live spiders harmlessly without getting close. 11. Glue traps
Glue traps are a good way to collect a whole manner of creepy crawlies from the garden. They work by sticking anything which crawls across the trap down to it. The problem with these is they are indiscriminate and kill many beneficial organisms. 12. Ultrasonic pest repellersThese outdoor pest repellers can scare away a great number of pests from the garden. They can work for animals as big as foxes all the way down to smaller insects. These clever gadgets can even repel spiders from your garden in a humane manner. 13. Insect lamps
Insect lamps are electrical devices which emit heat and light via an electrical current. When they are turned on the light attracts multiple flying insects to the light. When they fly into the light they get zapped by the electrical current. This reduces the levels of spiders natural prey encouraging them to go elsewhere. 14. Cover drainsExposed and unclean drains can emit a foul odour, especially during the summer months. These smells can attract flying insects towards your home. This results in more available food for spiders which acts as an attractant. Hence it is a good idea to thoroughly clean drains and cover them over. 15. Encourage birds
Some of the most effective predators of spiders are birds. These winged creatures can swoop down and pick off spiders without even landing. Therefore anything you can do to encourage more birds will reduce spiders in your garden. 16. Reduce garden lighting
Excess, garden, lighting can really attract more insects to your garden during twilight. Flying insects such as mosquitoes and moths are attracted to such lights at night. This intern encourages spiders to hang around your property looking for an easy meal. 17. Seal off crevices
One of the things spiders love is tight crevices and gaps they can crawl into and hide. These places are warm and provide security from predators. Nooks and crannies are also great places to hide out during the winter months. To take away this option make sure you seal such crevices with an external grade sealant. Landscaping your garden to make it less attractive to spiders
Ultimately one of the best ways to get rid of spiders from your garden is to make it less attractive. This will normally require some re-planning and landscaping of the whole yard. In order to provide you a clearer picture, we have listed below what kinds of landscaping spiders like. This way you know what garden installations to stay away from. Garden landscaping spiders loveOvergrown vegetation
Like most wild species gardens with lots of overgrown vegetation are most favourable to spiders. These gardens offer plentiful places to hide, make webs, and search for food. Therefore if you want less spiders in your garden you must clear out overgrown vegetation.
Poorly laid paving and cracked surfaces
Cracked paving and concrete provide the most secure hiding places for spiders. Old broken surfaces are the perfect place to hide from predators and overwinter. Sealing these cracks or repaving will help to reduce your gardens spider count.
Old rotten fences
Old decaying fences are full of crevices which are perfect for spiders to get up high and hide. These provide the perfect opportunity to spin webs and create nests for rearing young.
Dead wood
Not only does decaying wood provide safe and warm places to hide they are abundant habitats. Dead wood is full of small creatures feeding and sheltering in these environments. This makes them the perfect places for spiders to hunt. A good way to reduce spiders in the garden is to remove all dead wood.
Raised beds
Raised beds may not seem to be of much benefit to spiders but they do provide great places to shelter. This is especially so where raised beds are built right next to boundary fences. Here spiders can remain tucked completely out of the way of predators. Raised beds also provide lots of shelter from prevailing winds and web building opportunities.
Decking
Decking provides some of the most secure garden habitats for various species of spiders. Firstly the gaps between boards are the perfect size for spiders to crawl under. Once under decking they have free mobility to roam in a safe a warm environment. Spiders regularly nest and rear young between decking joists.
Overgrown lawns
Spiders love to inhabit dense vegetation where there is an abundance of prey species available. A good example of such a space is an overgrown garden lawn or wildflower meadow. Meadows are great if you want to be kind to the environment and increase biodiversity. However if your primary goal is to reduce spiders you may want to get rid of them. Or alternatively keep your lawn well maintained and regularly cut.
Garden structures
Spiders love to get up high and take advantage of any garden structures we erect for them. Structures such as pergolas offer perfect places to spin webs and avoid humans. They particularly love to hide inside gaps or within the foliage of climbing plants.
Old sheds
If there is one situation a spider loves it is an old shed in winter. Such places are typically filled with hordes of old tools and extra storage from the home. This provides a labyrinth of opportunities when searching for a place to raise young and overwinter. If you wish to reduce spiders you may want a good, shed, sort out!
Garden landscaping spiders hate
If you are in the process of eliminating landscapes spiders love, you may wish to install new landscaping they hate. Below we have listed the main types of garden installation that spiders do not like. Installing such will dramatically reduce the amount of spiders in your garden. Correctly laid paving
Correctly laid paving will provide consistent and flush surfaces which will offer no sanctuary to spiders or their prey. Bright colours such as porcelain and sandstone will also reduce a spiders camouflage leaving them vulnerable.
Gravels
Gravels can provide inconsistent and cumbersome terrain for spiders to navigate across quickly. This can leave them vulnerable to attack from other predators such as birds. This is especially so for gravels graded at 10mm and above. The lighter the colour gravel the less camouflage they will be this exposes them to predation.
Artificial lawn
Artificial grass may look like your average lawn from a distance but is pretty much devoid of ecology. The plastic fibres of the surface provide no habitat value making them a hungry waste ground to a spider. The dense blades are also troublesome for spiders to navigate across quickly.
Architectural planting
Architectural plants have much less dense foliage and ecological value than traditional shrubs. This means they provide a lot less cover to spiders and other insects. By planting such plants you will benefit from less creepy crawlies in general.
Aromatic plants
Spiders have a particular disliking for plants which emit a strong aroma. Some of the best examples of these are familiar garden herbs. If you do not want spiders near your patio plant a herb garden border nearby. The best examples are Peppermint, Mint, Pennyroyal, Lavender and Rosemary.
New fencing
New, more modern, garden fencing generally have less nooks and crannies where spiders can hide. Furthermore by painting panels a lighter colour will leave spiders more exposed when climbing. The less vegetation you also have leaning up against your fence will also help reduce spiders.
Bright colours
Bright colours in general are not appealing to spiders. Spiders rely upon their camouflage to remain hidden from birds and other predators. When landscaping consider how you can make your garden as light and as colourful as possible.
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Lawn is probably one of the most widespread and multi-use garden surfaces in existence. However garden lawns are usually not without their draw backs.
The biggest disadvantage of having a lawn is their seasonal maintenance. Mowing proves to be quite an inconvenient and laborious task at the best of times. The continuous cutting, edging, weeding and manicuring leads many to want to get rid grass completely. The truth is, garden lawns rarely meet with our envisaged expectations. Most generally they end up a patchwork of different grasses, weeds and moss. Consequently the desire to get rid of grass from your garden is an ever increasing one. Chipping off the turf
The traditional way to get rid of grass is to chip it off with a spade. Using a cutting action the spade is thrust sideways about an inch under the lawns surface. This chops off the roots under the soil and allows you to harvest the soft, upper layer. Typically you need to cut the turf into spade sized sections first. This makes it easier to dislodge the turf into bite sized portions. These sections of turf can then be loaded into a wheelbarrow and skipped. Normally an experienced landscaper can clear about 50 square metres a day. If you have an excavator on site this can be used or you can hire a turf cutter. The most typical tools for chipping off grass is a spade, pitch fork, landscaping rake and wheelbarrow. 13 ways to get rid of grass from your garden
1. Turf cutters
One of the fastest ways to get rid of turf from your garden is with a turf cutter. These robust machines allow you to cut turf cleanly and consistently. Turf cutters are normally petrol powered and are available from most hire shops. Using a turf cutter is much faster than chopping by hand and essential for larger areas. 2. Composting
Once you have physically cut the turf away from the soil you will need to get rid of it. One of the most ecological solutions is to compost it. Cut turf has a good ratio of topsoil to foliage which makes it perfect for composting. The air pockets created by the heaped up turf are good catalysts for decomposition. 3. At the base of new flower beds
If you are building raised beds in your new garden then you can lay the turf face down to the bottom. This is a really great way to recycle a waste product on site. The foliage and roots will break down gradually and provide great fertiliser for the beds. Not only does this save you money skipping turf it also safes you money on new topsoil. 4. Levelling up your garden
If you naturally have a sloping or uneven garden turf provides you the opportunity for infill. Turf can be laid face down to low spots or divots to even up areas of the garden. Once your turf has been laid out you can spread a thin layer of topsoil over the whole garden. 5. Skips
If you want to get rid of grass from your garden completely then hiring a skip is optimal. These large, metal, containers will allow you to get rid of the turf easily.
Normally an 8 yard skip will dispose of 6 square metres of waste and cost around £300. Skips generally take up the same area as a car so can be easily placed on driveways. 6. Grab Lorries
If you need to get rid of very large amounts of material then a grab lorry may be more suitable. These large Lorries can take up to 18 tonnes of waste material including lawn chippings. You will have to make sure you have adequate access for such a vehicle. 7. Mulching
If you are thinking of smothering the existing lawn you may not have to remove the grass at all. If you plan on creating an extensive border or play area you can mulch over the grass. First you will need to apply a robust, weed proof membrane to the whole area. Then supply and spread a 50mm layer of ornamental bark mulch. 8. Herbicides
Herbicides do deserve a mention as they are a widely used to kill off grasses in the landscape sector. Applications generally consist of glyphosate which is thought to be safe to the wider environment. However there is conflicting debate on this matter. I would advise not to kill grass with any herbicide on an ecological basis. 9. Boiling water
Boiling water can be used to kill grasses on contact. However for large expansive areas this is probably a little impractical. Boiling water can be an effective way of killing off rogue grass on patios and borders. 10. Boarding and sheeting
Another method of getting rid of grass from the garden is by smothering it. This can be done by either large boards or robust membranes. Starved of sunlight and oxygen grass will typically die off within 4 weeks. The remaining soil can then be cultivated or covered with a different material. 11. Strimming and rotavating
This method is particularly effective if you are planning on cultivating the ground. Grass can be strimmed down to the base with a powerful strimmer. The soil can then be rotavated deeply with a heavy duty tiller to mix up the ground. The soil can then be raked over to a fine texture removing roots as you go. 12. Advertise it locally
Turf cuttings may not sound like the most exciting freebie in the world but some can utilise them. This is sometimes true for builders and landscapers who need to make up ground levels. Although this can be a long shot there could be someone locally who needs it. Advertise it on local social media groups and sharing websites. 13. Hiring a ground worker
Most of the time hiring an experienced professional can be an efficient solution. Not only will landscapers and ground workers scrape up grass but also remove it. This consolidates the whole process and takes the hassle and logistics away from you. Contact recommended contractors in your area for a formal quotation.
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Stinging nettles are common and widespread woodland perennial native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. However these plants have now colonised much of the world including the United States and New Zealand.
This plant is notorious for its burning sting which causes pain and irritation to skin. Nettles are covered in hundreds of small spines which act as hypodermic needles. These can inject histamine and other irritant chemicals. Such defences have led to an affective survival strategy through the ages for this wild species. It has been discovered that nettles have been historically attracted to human settlements for generations. This is due to their love of soil rich in phosphates. Such phosphates are typical of human settlements due to the abundance of both fire ashes and animal bones.
However it is nettles within our gardens which can cause the most bother. Nettles have very long and elastic root systems which are difficult to eradicate.
Once established these roots can survive in the ground for long periods and are extremely drought resistant. Nettles are quick to grow and spread especially along boundaries or the edge of hedges. In this article we will list the 7 main ways to get rid of nettles from your garden. Pull them out by handOne of the quickest and most common ways of getting rid of nettles is by pulling them out. This requires three things to be successful; Thick gloves, a good length of stem and a loamy soil. If you have thick clay you may find that nettle stalks simply snap off at ground level. However with some experience this can become a very effective way to remove them. This is best done during a damp period during the summer when the nettles stems are long. However the disadvantage of this is you have to put up with nettles for half the growing season. Furthermore this normally leaves root fragments in the ground only for them to re-sprout the following spring. Dig out the root systems
The most important aspect of removing stinging nettles successfully is eliminating the roots from your soil. This can be very challenging as small segments of roots can break off and re-grow. Therefore it is best to approach this as something to be completed over a couple of seasons. Firstly dig up the main root clumps and shake off any excess soil. These will ideally be burnt or removed from site! Then dig through the soil and try to gather any loose sections of root and remove them. A good thing to do here is sieve the ground with a soil sieve to collect any smaller root fragments. Over the coming seasons you can pull out any new nettles which try to become established. Add lime to your soil
Nettles prefer to grow in soil which is more acidic. Therefore by changing your soil PH to alkaline you can make it less desirable for nettles to become established. The best way to do this is by adding chalk and lime to your soil. Mix it in well with your ground for a couple of seasons and take an annual soil PH test to monitor progress. Ground sheeting
Like most perennial plants, nettles require seasonal foliage growth to turn the suns energy into food. One of the ways you can disrupt this process is by sheeting over the ground. This can be done with thick plastic but the plastic may degrade in the sun. Cover it with a thin layer of mulch or soil to prevent sun degradation. Eventually the roots of the nettles will give up trying to grow. Ground sheeting is a good way to weaken nettles and stop them from sprouting. However there is always a threat they will simply try to run out to the sides of the sheeting. Sheet mulching
Sheet mulching is where a thick sheet mulch of cardboard or newspaper is applied to the soil. Traditional mulches like wood chip are then spread over the top. This creates a continuous barrier to emerging perennials and annual weed germination. Sheet mulching can be successful if it is deep enough. However If you have very established nettle clumps these can occasionally get through the sheet mulching. If you are going to try this method make sure you use a thick layer of mulch. Consume them
A good way to get rid of resident nettles in your garden is to eat them. Believe it or not nettles have been eaten for food for thousands of years. They need to be cooked to break down the stings but are very nutritious. Rural communities in Crete have a famous nettle pie that features regularly in traditional cook books. The nettles can also be used to make a delicious tea which is rich in vitamins and minerals. When harvesting nettles for culinary uses it is always best to harvest young shoots and leaves. Glyphosate
Glyphosate, also known as roundup is a common herbicide used in both agriculture and gardening. It works by inhibiting specific plant enzymes and proteins which they require to grow. This herbicide is very effective at killing stinging nettles when applied to their leaves. There has been no evidence that Glyphosate is in any way toxic to people or the wider environment. Understandably however many choose not to use herbicides in their garden for ethical reasons. However Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in many available weed killers. All work effectively in getting rid of nettles from your garden.
If you are planning on removing nettles yourself visit our resource page or essential landscaping tools article here.
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Common Ivy is a widespread, evergreen, woodland, climbing plant, native to Europe and western Asia. The climber is extremely successful at colonising new environments and can be easily spread by birds.
The fruits are popular as they fruit in late winter when there is less food available. This results in ivy seeds being consumed by birds and distributed far and wide by avian droppings. Therefore Ivy seeds itself in the most opportunistic of places where they are difficult to irradiate. Behind sheds and along fence lines are just some of the problematic places it can germinate. Once established, Ivy crawls along at ground level putting down roots and looking for places to climb. When it finds a supportive host it will create a labyrinth of spiralling stems. Ivy is famous for its ability to completely engulf large trees and structures in this way.
The stems can form thick trunks with thousands of tendrils which attach to its host. However Ivy is not a parasite it does not feed off the tree it simply uses trees for their support.
Nonetheless Ivy can kill specimen trees, damage buildings and destroy garden fences. Therefore it is essential to get ivy under control before it gets established. In this article we will list the 12 main ways to get rid of Ivy from your garden for good. Digging
One of the best ways to get rid of ivy from your garden naturally is digging. If the ivy has created a consistent groundcover you will need to remove it a little at a time. You will need to loosen the ground with either a digging bar, mattock orfork. Then you will need to rake the roots out of the ground. It is good to cover the ground with sheeting as you work to stop new weeds from establishing. However the best way to dig out ivy is locate its source point.
This will generally consist of a thick stem where the runners connect to a root system. You will need to dig down deeply around the stump to dislodge it!
You can chop out lateral roots with a digging spade or bar. If the ground is particularly dry and hard add water to the hole and wait until it absorbs. Make sure you wear steel to cap boots, protective gloves and eye protection. If you want to find the best tools for the job visit our digging tools article here. Digging out ivy by hand successfully is an ongoing process. You will need to dig it out by the roots then monitor the area for new shoots. Create hard surfacingIvy loves to colonise bare ground and is quite capable of travelling distance to find a climbing host. The best way to prevent this is by installing surfaces it cannot cling to or colonise. The most effective surface for this is well built paving laid on a solid mortar bed on compacted hardcore. Patios and paving are some of the best surfaces to prevent the establishment of garden ivy. Replace old fences
Old timber fencing very much replicates ivy’s typical support system in nature. What makes this worse is birds regularly perch on fencing releasing droppings along the fence line. During spring droppings are typically full of ivy seeds. This creates the perfect scenario for ivy seedlings to evade hand weeding and quickly climb towards the sunlight. Once ivy becomes established along fence boundaries it is very difficult to eradicate. Old and degraded fences make it even easier for Ivy’s tendrils to latch on to. Consequently, the best way to get rid of ivy along an old fence line is to replace the old fence. This will give you the opportunity to dig out the roots from both boundaries. A new robust fence can then be installed in its place. Improve your soil
One of the reasons ivy can be so difficult to get rid of is it easily colonises tough ground. In its natural habitat of dense woodland Ivy has to grow in dry ground full tree roots. This means it is even more challenging to physically dig out. Therefore one of the best ways to remove ivy and keep it at bay is to improve your soil. Firstly you will need to dig out ivy's existing roots and turn over the soil. Then you will need to add large amounts of organic matter or compost to the soil. When your soil is in better condition you can establish effective ground covers such as lawn. If ivy seeds do germinate and become established they will be much easier to pull out. Prune overhanging vegetation
Ivy is a pioneering woodland plant and in its own environment can easily out-compete other plants. Therefore if your garden is already overgrown you are giving it a competitive advantage. This means it will have free reign to clamber over fences or even adjacent buildings. The best way to eliminate this problem is to prune away overhanging trees and shrubs. Allowing sunlight to fill up your garden once again will provide an overall better environment for other plants. Sheet mulching
Sheet mulching is a method of mulching where biodegradable sheet materials are laid underneath traditional mulching materials. This is to prevent more robust, perennial weeds establishing and slow the rate of mulch degradation. Typical examples of sheet mulch materials include cardboard and newspaper. If you have areas which are being colonised with ivy, dig them up and apply a sheet mulch. Not only can this stop ivy from establishing but it can help to invigorate the soil. White vinegar
White vinegar is generally toxic to plants and can draw moisture away from them. This is no less the case with ivy. You can mix 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water and apply to leaves and to the roots. You must however make sure you are not affecting other nearby plants. Bear in mind, this method has mixed results and not suitable for very established ivy vines. However it can be used as a part of a multipronged approach to ivy control. Rock salt
Ivy has a serious dislike of rock salt especially when it comes into contact with its inner parts. If you have a stubborn Ivy plant which has a thick base rock salt can help to kill it. Saw the ivy plant off a couple of inches from the soil. Drill a wide hole vertically down into the stump and fill it with rock salt. It is important to seal the top of the stump with a robust tape and create a tight seal. This will draw moisture away from the crown and corrode the cells of the plant. Stump killer
Stump killer comes in a range of different products but all generally do the same job. These are more traditionally used on tree stumps but can also be used for ivy also. These come in granular form and accelerate the decomposition of the stump. Simply drill wide holes into the stem of an ivy plant and empty some inside the wholes. These treatments on the whole are not toxic but do read the label for extended information. Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a well known herbicide which can eliminate weeds and woody plants like ivy. If you are not a fan of chemicals this is probably not for you. Although there is no evidence glyphosate can harm people there is much debate on the subject. However it is a widely used herbicide with granulate stump treatments most effective for ivy removal. How to remove ivy from buildings
Very often ivy will climb up onto the facades of buildings and attach to masonry and concrete. Ivy is an expert of taking advantage of every nook and cranny. This can cause substantial damage to roofs, gutters and window frames and must be removed. However care must be taken when removing ivy from buildings. Simply pulling it away can fracture brickwork and break away roofing materials. Therefore it is always effective to start by removing the plant and its roots at ground level first. The ivy can then be left to die and dry out slowly. This will weaken its grip on the building for later removal in stages. How to remove ivy from trees
The most common dilemma for rogue ivy is removing it from the trunks of trees. Very often the ivy foliage is not that noticeable until it has become quite established. This can cause the slow death of a tree causing it to become a standing hazard. If you have ivy growing up a garden tree it is best to get rid of it as soon as possible. Cut the Ivy at the base of the tree and remove the roots. Then cut a section of the ivy higher up the tree at a distance of around 1 metre. Remove all the ivy stalks and trunks between the cuts. This will prevent any ivy from reattaching itself from the cut sections. Then you will have to monitor the tree and remove any dead sections of ivy gradually. Professional removal
If you have extensive issues with overgrown ivy it is good to seek professional help. Trying to remove ivy from heights and awkward places can be dangerous. If you doubt you will be able to undertake the work safely, always seek professional advice.
If you are considering removing ivy yourself check out our essential tool guide for garden clearances here.
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If you have ever driven through the landscapes of Tuscany you will understand just how magnificent they are.
It is difficult to quantify how a whole region has the refined beauty of a well designed garden. Rustic stonework combined with geometric walkways and warm colours are a feast for the senses. Tuscan gardens have an ability to show off sophisticated design flair but with a contextual honesty at once. An emphasis on spatial balance between horizontal and vertical planes is very easy on the eye.
Jointing to brickwork and patios can be smudged and smeared in a way which would be completely unacceptable within other styles.
For this reason The Tuscan style is unapologetic but serine at the same time! It is no wonder that the beauty of Tuscan gardens is sought to be replicated worldwide. Here we will aim to articulate how to make a Tuscan garden of your very own. We will investigate the history, principles, design ideas and Tuscan accessories to make your project special. History of Tuscan GardensTuscan gardens are rough and rustic as well as being sophistically refined at the same time. These contradictions are a result of historical evolutions in design and the contextual practicalities of rural life. Through the ages Tuscan villas have served as family farms, wineries, hunting grounds and even fortresses. This has led to consistent patterning across the landscape as a whole. Villas were built upon high hills for a commanding view over the landscape. Sunny, well drained slopes were planted with symmetrical rows of olives, nuts and vines.
Consequently the landscapes of Tuscany have evolved a consistent aesthetic and one that is very aesthetically pleasing.
However it is important to understand that for most of history, Tuscany’s gardens were never for recreation. Up until the 1500’s all gardens and landscapes were heavily managed for the production of food. Even the inner sanctums of fortified towns had significant spaces dedicated to food production. Consequently Tuscan gardens have always had an emphasis on rural utility and culinary importance. The RenaissanceThe Renaissance was a period of European history which transitioned the medieval period into a process of modernity. It was a time of social, cultural, and political change based upon the revival of ideas from the classical age. This included a deep curiosity of classical ideals and art as well as Greek philosophy. This new, revolutionary, age challenged every corner of life from architecture through to social ideals. In particular there was a significant rebirth in classical styles of architecture and design. A great emphasis was placed upon balanced geometry and perspective. These fundamentals gave society a sense of mans dominance over untamed nature. This conveniently came at a time of extensive, human advancement and global exploration. As the Renaissance started within Italy, Tuscan garden design was one the first to evolve. High walls of Villas were taken down as gardens became a part of the wider landscape. There was an attempt to make landscaping more orderly and geometric. This can be seen in many Tuscan gardens today which are planned around a central axis. There is also an emphasis on balancing horizontal and vertical planes. This means implementing more vertical features to contradict the expansive surrounding landscape. This can be clearly seen in the planting of tubular Italian Cypress trees and installation of pergola structures. How to design your Tuscan gardenDesigning a successful Tuscan garden is not just about creating a beautiful landscape. Although you want your aesthetics to be authentic you also want a functional garden space. If you are new to design, it’s always good to start with the fundamentals first. Form should always follow function as how you use your garden should be the first consideration. Circulation
The first thing to consider is how you currently move around the site. If you want to create a new circulatory system then this should be engrained into the sites new structure. Many Tuscan gardens are designed on an axis with a strong spatial hierarchy. Perhaps you could create a central walkway with more informal, curvy, paths, leading to other features. Site analysis
The first step for working up a design strategy is to do a site analysis. On a piece of paper write the four sub-headings: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Constraints. Under each heading, list all of the relevant aspects of your garden which correspond to the headings. Site strategy
For example if you have a boggy garden it will go under weaknesses. However under opportunities you may state ‘easy to create a self filling wetland’ Attempt to identify every specific circumstance on your site and how it can be utilised. This process should start to develop a strategy on how to minimise negative elements and enhance positive elements. Working with precedent
Now you need to browse precedent images of Tuscan gardens you like. Look for specific scenes or design elements you would like to incorporate into your garden. Gather as many images as you can and think about how these scenes could work within your garden. Develop a list of specific elements you want and plan how you can implement them to your space. Develop a plan
Draw out a scaled plan of your garden and using sheets of tracing paper start to sketch out ideas. This is the most enjoyable part of the design process! Here you can be as free and as explorative as you like. It is important to not be in a rush to discover the perfect garden straight away. You can engage the whole family and let design solutions evolve over time. If you get stuck sometimes it is good to take a break for a few days and go back with fresh eyes. Eventually you will evolve your fully completed Tuscan garden design!
For further inspiration we have listed 10 Tuscan garden design ideas below!
10 Design ideas for Tuscan gardens
1. Go for a rustic look
There is one common finish which is regularly referred to in Tuscan gardens as Rustic. This term describes and means, less refined, material, finishes that possess a simplistic beauty due to context. This effect is very common in traditional Tuscan gardens; this is due to the practicalities of rural life and the weathering of aging surfaces. Go for less refined, modern landscaping and embrace more old and weathered materials. 2. Incorporate dry stone walling
A typical feature within the landscapes of Tuscany is their dry stone walls. Many of these have porous and flaky surfaces due to the local volcanic geology. This gives them an interesting texture and contextual connection within the landscape. It is easy to recreate this effect in your Tuscan garden in a number of ways. You can purchase your own dry stone wall materials and create raised beds with them. Or you can fill Gabions with rocks for a more modern look. Alternatively you can clad existing masonry walls with a realistic natural stone wall cladding. 3. Use terracottaTerracotta is a traditional material found in Tuscany and throughout the whole Mediterranean. Made from fired clay it provides warm, orange and red tones to the Tuscan garden. Terracotta tiles can be used to pave patios and tile walls for an authentic, Italian, effect. Alternatively you can use terracotta pots to endow seating areas and gravel walkways. 4. Utilise gravel
Gravel surfaces are typical of rural, Tuscan gardens and can provide a decorative, visual, texture. These can be a very affordable way to surface paths and seating areas if you are on a budget. Gravels are also great to top flower borders with for a more Mediterranean themed effect. 5. Create an axis
Tuscan gardens due to influences from the renaissance period have often been panned on an axis. This may or may not be favourable for your garden especially if you need a central lawn. However geometric lines ad features are a good way of portraying a Tuscan theme. 6. Create height with raised bedsA domineering part of the Tuscan landscape is the topography and multiple level changes. Even if you currently have a very flat site raised beds can be implemented to create multiple levels. This can provide added interest and allow you to benefit from deeper growing substrates for planting. 7. Decorate with warm coloursTuscan gardens are famous for using materials and colours with warm tones. Paving and stonework generally ranges from terracotta to light pinks, golden yellows and bright oranges. Rustic sandstones with varying tones work well in Tuscan designs. Very often in Italy smoothly rendered walls are painted vibrant colours to provide an inviting feel. 8. Create a kitchen space
A consistent theme which is dominant is most Italian gardens is the idea of outside living. In the Mediterranean this generally involves a garden kitchen and dining space. This can be the perfect way to enjoy your Tuscan garden with some cultural authenticity. If you really want to live the Tuscan lifestyle why not install a pizza oven? 9. Add height with pergolas
Traditional, Tuscan, gardens install features which accentuate vertical lines within the landscape. This can be done by erecting pergola structures to seating areas and pathways. A great way to utilise these is to grow a good quality wine grape over the top. This will provide summer shade and maybe even some homemade Chianti! 10. Create a dry GardenA great way to inject the feel of Italy into your garden is to create a dry garden. These typically consist of well drained, gravel areas with Mediterranean planting. Dry gardens can really change the perception of a space to a much warmer one during summer months. These can be decorated with rustic rocks and dry loving plants like succulents. Why visit our article on how to create a succulent garden outside? 16 Typical plants for Tuscan gardens
Italian Cypress
Stone pine
Olive treeCitrus
Bay tree
Box
Grape vine
Jasmine
Ornamental grasses
Artichokes
Rosemary
Thyme
Lavender
Sage
Oregano
Succulents
Tuscan garden accessories
Garden sofas
Garden tables with fire pits
Garden arches
Pizza ovens
Mosaic tables
Classical garden ornaments
Water features
Garden mirrors
Garden heaters
Garden log burners
Garden speakers
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With growing concern for the welfare of our planet there is an increasing desire for immediate action. Habitat destruction on a global scale has led to accelerating extinction rates and biodiversity destruction. A combination of deforestation, land drainage, greenhouse gasses and pollution are all accelerating this process. However resolutions to these issues are not straight forward. Feeding a growing population and striving for ever economic prosperity exacerbates these issues further!
The problem is Human beings have greatly underestimated the importance of biodiversity for their own survival. With a large shift for positive change out of most people’s control, many seek to do their bit locally.
The easiest way to do this is by increasing biodiversity as close to home as possible. By boosting biodiversity in our gardens we can do our bit and enjoy be surrounded by abundant nature! In this article we will explore how to increase biodiversity in your garden and the benefits this can bring. What is biodiversity?Biodiversity is the ecological range and density of species within a given environment. Generally the healthier and more diverse habitats present results in greater biodiversity. Generally the closer you get to the equator the more biodiversity you find. This is due to ecosystems having access to more of the suns energy. Abundant biodiversity relies upon balanced ecosystems which are a result of a healthy environment. This typically translates into minimal development, habitat destruction and chemical use. Why is biodiversity important?
Very often humans are extremely complacent about our ecological position within the global ecosystem. Many think we are a completely separate entity from the rest of life on earth. However nothing could be further than the truth! Everything we consume is a direct result of ether a current ecosystem or an ecosystem of the past. Our ability to utilise fossil fuels has greatly distorted our relationship with our surrounding environment. Habitats have been cleared to provide fast crops with a disregard for ecosystems above and below ground.
Many of the crops we eat rely upon healthy soil and airborne pollinators to produce well. Our growing need to expand and clear forests is leading to a whole manner of serious problems.
Climatic changes, rising sea levels, Ocean acidification and air pollution are just some the issues we face. As the ecology of our soil is slowly degraded through farming its productivity depletes. Biodiversity is vital for human civilisation to thrive and flourish; if it is lost, we too will perish. Can gardens make a difference to biodiversity?
It’s easy to look out over a small garden space and wonder, just how much difference they could make? However collectively gardens on a national level can comprise of a huge area. Gardens have the advantage of already benefiting from a complexity of microclimates, habitats and species. Therefore with a collective shift in the way we manage our gardens they can have a huge impact. It is amazing how a small change in our conception of green spaces can provide positive change. Since the Renaissance period gardens have been managed to symbolise the beauty of mans orderly dominance over nature. Our love of tightly clipped hedges and manicured lawns has provided so much satisfaction. In contrast, long, meadow grass and shrubby thickets have been viewed upon as messy.
However with a greater understanding of sustainable and ecological landscapes this is starting to change. What is viewed as visually beautiful is very often what is perceived through conscious perception.
When we know something has a direct benefit to us it becomes more visually appealing. Consequently we are starting to see more public spaces with meadows and a celebration of biodiversity in gardens. A combination of individual gardening and a changing intellect can make a huge difference to global biodiversity. Yes gardens can make a huge difference to the future of our biodiversity! 18 Ways you can increase biodiversity in your garden1. Identify existing ecology
In order to increase biodiversity in your garden you first have to identify what habit types you already posses. There is no point destroying one rich habitat to create one which is not favoured to that location. Typically if you look for clues nature will tell you what it wants. For instance, if one corner of your garden is extremely boggy perhaps you need to create a small wetland! If there are multiple, small mammal trails perhaps you should provide some shelter. For identifying different garden habitats try the Phase 1 Habitat Survey Book. 2. Include wild and native plantsContrary to common belief boosting garden biodiversity and habitats is not restricted to native plants. There are many non native plants which provide rich sources of food and shelter. However it is beneficial to include plants that are resilient and do not require high maintenance. Plants which have been highly hybridised far from their wild ancestors have much less biodiversity value. Many of these plants are difficult for other species like pollinating insects to feed from. 3. Provide a diverse range of plant species
As mentioned above diversity is much more important than just planting native plants. Gardens are much different than surrounding, wild or rural landscapes. Residential gardens have plenty of shelter and microclimate which provides multiple planting opportunities. Many urban gardens of Northern European cities have been found to be home to Mediterranean insects. Therefore the potential for gardens to explode in biodiversity is immense. 4. Provide diverse landscape habitats
The best way to increase biodiversity in your garden is to provide diverse habitats. The more varied the garden landscape is the more favoured it will be to a wide range of species. Some of the ways you can provide various habitats is by managing parts of the garden differently. Some areas of the lawn can be managed as a meadow and cut once a year. Shady areas can be planted with woodland wildflowers to encourage woodland species. Try to create level changes with raised dry habitats and low lying wetland habitats. 5. Grow fruit trees
One of the best ways to increase biodiversity in your garden is to grow trees. However very often gardens are too small to grow very large trees. Consequently it is best to grow smaller trees that have a greater use case for you and nature. Fruit trees are perfect for this purpose! They can provide fruit of cooking and deserts while helping to feed wildlife. Fruit trees provide blossom early in the spring providing nectar for pollinators emerging from hibernation. Fruit trees can be trained and pruned along fences and boundaries making them more manageable and productive. 6. Create an edible garden
Edible gardens are becoming much more popular in recent years. When people generally think of edible gardens they usually think vegetable gardens. However edible garden schemes can be really very different. Edible landscaping schemes have more of an emphasis in low energy input food crops. Instead of growing annual crops in vegetable beds edible gardens consist more of perennials. These seasonal food crops mean there is no need for regular weeding and can form established borders. Edible gardens have similar principles to those found in permaculture and forest gardens. Planting a combination of fruit trees, bushes and perennial vegetables you can harvest the suns energy on many levels. These mini food thickets are great for encouraging biodiversity suiting many, wild species. 7. Grow a species rich hedge
Hedges have been popular in gardens for very many years. However most of the time only a single species is planted and highly managed to keep a rigid form. However if you plant a species rich hedge this can be more beneficial to biodiversity. Instead of planting large and robust shrubs stick to smaller stock. You can even plant an edible hedge which incorporates fruits and nuts. The more species you have in your hedge the better! 8. Green hard surfaces
One of the problems with many urban gardens is they are full of hard surfacing. This has very little benefit to wildlife and limits biodiversity. A strategy to rectify this is to green all hard and bare surfaces. This can be done in a number of ways including growing climbing plants over these areas. Another strategy is to install green roofs to sheds and garages creating more room for biodiversity. Modular green walls and planting pockets can be fitted to fences and garden boundaries. 9. Grow a wild flower meadow
Wildflower meadows were once common across the landscape before the industrial revolution. Meadows were grown extensively to provide winter forage and bedding for animals. These grasslands became incredibly rich in wild plants and were incredibly bio-diverse. Today agricultural feeds and mechanisation have reduced the need for wild meadows. This has led to a dramatic reduction in insects, birds and small mammals. Wildflower meadows look great and a great way to increase biodiversity in your garden. 10. Provide nesting sites
Natural landscapes were once rich in dense habitats and sheltered places to nest and hide. Unfortunately today much of our environment is kept too clean and tidy. Old, fallen, trees are cleared and removed leaving very few places for species to nest. Hence it is a great idea to install man made nesting boxes into your garden. These can include bird boxes, bat boxes, bug hotels, solitary bee hives and hedgehog homes. Providing a wide range of nesting sites will go a long way to increasing biodiversity in your garden. We have extensive experience in installing these kind of landscapes do contact us here for a quotation 11. Build hibernacula’s
As with nesting sites wildlife has very few places to seek shelter in modern gardens. This means it can be difficult for species to hide from both people and predators. It is also the case with finding safe places to hibernate. Harsh winters can see multiple species perish if they do not have suitable hibernation quarters. The best way to resolve this is to build hibernacula’s. These are gathered up landscape materials and arranged in a way to provide burrowing opportunities. Hibernacula's can basically be mounds of rocks, logs, vegetation and soil. These can be basic or more elaborate with small brick boxes built in for larger hibernating species. If built well these can become interesting forms of land sculpture and even land art. 12. Create a compost heap
Composting is one of the most sustainable practices you can carry out in your garden. by decomposing organic waste from the home you can recycle waste and create great fertiliser at the same time. Today many use plastic tumblers and sealed plastic composters to make compost. However the best way to compost for biodiversity is to mound up organic matter in a simple heap. This more traditional method allows beneficial species to make home around the heap. Hibernating reptiles and beneficial soil life will make good use of this moist and warm environment in winter. 13. Boost soil ecology
When discussing biodiversity loss, very little attention is given to soil life. Topsoil is a living ecosystem full of Bacteria, Fungi, Invertebrates and insects. All of these help to break down organic matter and form symbiotic relationships with plants. In order to boost your soil ecology, try to dig the soil as little as possible. Every season add layers of semi-decomposed mulch. This will provide a protective barrier to soil and provide food for microorganisms. 14. Include deadwood
Dead trees and wood used to be a familiar sight in woodlands across the countryside. Today with our intensive approach to agriculture and forestry they are now rarely seen. The truth is there are whole species and ecosystems which depend upon dead wood habitat. There are even specialised species which rely upon standing dead wood or a specific, dead, tree species. Consequently if you want to increase biodiversity in your garden, include some log piles! You can also mulch with locally sourced wood chippings. 15. Create a wildlife pond
If there is one thing you can do to encourage biodiversity in the garden it is creating a pond. Ponds provide drinking water for birds and ground dwelling creatures alike. These water sources are particularity vital for birds as they bathe to keep their feathers in perfect condition. Wildlife ponds have complex and biodiverse ecosystems all of their own. It will not be long before a whole manner of wild species will start to visit your wetland. From dragon flies to frogs, newts, and great diving beetles. 16. Create a dry stone wall
Dry stone walls are a very contextual part of the rural countryside. Historically if rocks have been locally available they have almost always been used as a building material. Dry stone walls are especially beautiful providing a rustic and beautiful, visual, texture. Stone walls are also incredibly beneficial to local biodiversity. The nooks and crevices provide the perfect hiding places for reptiles and insects. In a sunny position stonework heats up providing good sunbathing opportunities for snakes and butterflies. 17. Do not use chemicals
If you want to be successful at increasing biodiversity in your garden you should not use chemicals! Chemicals can have negative effects on wildlife and can contaminate whole ecosystems. Even with chemicals that are apparently safe there is always risks. Just because there is no evidence a particular substance causes no harm it is no guarantee it doesn’t. Historically we have continuously banned substances which were once deemed safe to use. Always try to find other ways of sorting out issues without reaching for chemicals. 18. Do not use machines
All kinds of natural life forms can be dramatically affected by garden machinery use. Firstly wildlife has much more refined senses than we do. Loud hedge trimmers and chainsaws can be terrifying to mammals and birds. Mowers and strimmers can cause devastating injuries to reptiles and amphibians. The irony is, it is the most helpful, wild species that get killed by heavy machinery. If you want to encourage as much biodiversity into your garden as possible do not use machines. Manage your garden in a way which requires less intensive maintenance. Try to use tools which require man power, these are better for the environment and provide great exercise!
Thank you for reading our article on how to increase biodiversity in your garden. If you found it useful help us spread the positive message by sharing it via the tabs below.
Buckinghamshire Landscape gardeners are the domestic side of Ecospaces Limited. We specialise in ecological restoration and sustainable landscaping. We have experience working with landowners to conform to new sustainable and re-wilding strategies. We provide:
If you are interested in any of our biodiversity or ecological landscaping services contact us here.
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