If you are an avid gardener, you will probably agree that it is a full time job getting rid of those critters which just love to feast on your flowers, fruit and veg.

It is incredibly frustrating keeping on top of them and sometimes you just want to call Pestforce pest control to get rid of them as they do not seem to diminish in number whatever you do to discourage them.

Slugs can be one of the worst problems and I have tried several different ways to get rid of them, ranging from organic treatments which worked moderately well, to pretty full on pesticide which worked wonders but which was not so good on the environmental front. (more...)

If you are relatively new to gardening, you are probably experiencing some anxiety over whether or not your horticultural project will succeed. While gardening is not an easy business, it can be simplified if you take it on with a few simple goals in mind.

To begin with, it is important, if you have a grassy area, that you cultivate a lawn. This may require some work, depending on how fertile the soil in your area is. If you are dealing with ground that is not particularly high quality, you may want to mix in some compost and fertilisers.

Remember that in order to achieve lawn status, it will be necessary to mow your grass at regular intervals, and, more fundamentally, to choose a kind of grass that grows effectively into thick, green turf. Once your lawn is underway, you can decorate the natural alcoves in your garden with attractive plant pots which stack on top of each other. (more...)

Many people are avid followers of the more formal style of gardening as can be seen in many London Gardens and City Squares. Although the trend over the last few years has been towards the more informal cottage style of gardens, those in the formal camp are gaining voice and it is becoming less rare to find well structured gardens in many private homes.

Some say that these more organised gardens are more upkeep as you have to keep them neat and tidy, while others say that if the plants are chosen carefully, they will actually be less work than a wilder garden.

Whatever your opinion, it is now more common to see carefully pruned shrubs and trees and even the previously unfashionable topiary, which is a bush shaped into something such as an animal. While many people still snigger on these as a throwback to the seventies, there are many staunch supporters of this phenomenon. (more...)

Many of us gardeners are quite territorial when it comes to keeping creatures out of our gardens and we think nothing of calling in the pest or bird control man to keep those blighters at bay.

One creature though, which causes a division in many families, is the wild rabbit. Some family members see these little animals as cute little bunnies with a fluffy tale which hops around the garden, while others view them as a fast breeding pest which wrecks the lawn and eats the vegetables.

Our family is one that is torn apart by the bunny problem and I must confess that I love to watch the little family of rabbits outside enjoying the sun and nibbling on the lawn. My husband on the other hand has been known to chase them around the garden at any time of night or day, although fat good that does as they just duck in the hedge till he has finished. (more...)

Many of us like gardening, as it can be a very relaxing and very fulfilling hobby, but there are quite a few people who do not like the creepy crawlies which are associated with it and quite a few amateur gardeners are pretty squeamish when it comes to spiders, worms and woodlice.

There is no garden in the country which does not have its fair share of creepy crawlies and while you can get rid of many of them by using pest control products, it seems a shame to kill everything in sight as they are part of nature and many are actively good for your garden.

Pick up any terracotta pot and under it you are bound to find woodlice scuttling out; dig a little and the worms will be unearthed pretty quickly; and discover the spiders in the darkest corners of the shed or greenhouse. (more...)

I must admit that while I do love gardening and take pride in my cucumbers and chillies every year, there are some aspects that are absolutely back breaking and take many hours of blood, sweat and tears on a regular basis.

Many people think that gardens are relaxing and they can be – as long as you keep on top of the regular hard work.

Just mowing the huge lawn is a task that can take several hours and has to be done on a regular basis in the summer. Three to four hours – and that is on the ride-on mower – just mowing and strimming the edges and then there are usually two to three trips down to the green tip to get rid of the cuttings. (more...)

Adding a garden and landscaping to your home or even business, can change the entire look and feel of the property. If can create a very inviting look and appearance that will make people want to come over and spend time there.

There is a lot of work that has to be done to complete a garden and create the look that you want. There are many ways to come up with flowers, tree, bush and shrub arrangements that are appealing and add to the home or business too.

However, once you have completed all this work, you do not want it to go to waste, because of pests that come around. This includes birds and pigeons too. There is the option of looking into pigeon and bird control to use, though. (more...)

If you’re one of those people that regularly seems to run out of space to store all the bits and pieces you have in your home, then it might be of interest for you to note the possibility of all the garden storage options that are available now, offering you the potential to keep everything safe and secure and out of the house.

Garden sheds are the traditional choice, and are certainly a great idea if you’re looking to store the usual tools. Whether you’re someone who loves to get out and tend to the garden and want somewhere to store your trowl, spade and shears, or simply want space to keep your mower, a classic shed can be a great investment.

One of the great advantages of garden storage is that it can also be used to provide you with extra accommodation (providing you have enough basic space with which to make the installation). There are many large summerhouses available to ensure that with the right furniture and finish, you’ll be able to add a substantial increase to your house’s value, as well as having the extra space available for when friends and relatives come to stay. (more...)

Most people choose to send flowers as gifts; however, I recently discover that giving a plant as a gift instead of flowers is a much better idea. The fact is that when you spend your money on giving someone a gift is should last as long as possible. This is not the case with flowers. One of the main advantages of plants gift is that it last longer thus becoming an ongoing reminder of the special moment it was given to celebrate. Plant gifts especially in stylish and potted plants allow you to get more for the money that you spend. You get a more tangible and durable gift.

Another advantage of plant gifts is that they are not only beautiful and long lasting but they are also oxygen replenish decorations. They serve an additional purpose rather than just being beautiful. There are many different types of plants that you can give as gifts that have other purposes. For example, potted herbs can be very useful in the kitchen. They are easy to grow and they can be used in the kitchen. Most women would appreciate them as presents.

However, plant gifts are not meant for everyone. Not everyone likes or appreciates plants; therefore, do not waste your money to give someone a plant, if you know beforehand, that they will not appreciate it. If you do buy a plant gift for someone who does not like plants, your plant is most likely to die. (more...)