Category: Outdoors
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7 driveway security ideas to keep your property secure
If your property has a long driveway, it’s no longer enough to equip your home with just a video doorbell. With more territory to cover, it usually pays to take a ‘layered’ approach to driveway security. That can include everything from landscaping to raised planters, and the centuries-old security trick of really thorny plants, ideally…
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Why I’m ignoring expert advice and not removing ladybirds in the house
Ladybirds are usually considered a welcome sight in gardens, but they can be just as beneficial indoors, especially when it comes to protecting houseplants from aphids. Aphids are the unwelcome guests that can quickly turn a thriving indoor garden into a battleground. Common culprits include my beloved bird of paradise, yucca, spider plants, alocasia, calathea,…
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Martin Kemp stuns fans with autumn harvest of huge vegetables
Martin Kemp has been giving followers a closer look at his seasonal garden harvest on his Instagram account @maisonnumber9. His garden planters are thriving, producing everything from leafy kale to impressively large Brussels sprouts, and he’s been sharing the joy of homegrown food with his fans. The posts have sparked a wave of comments, with…
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Blocked gutters risk £5k fines through abatement notices
Most people think of gutter cleaning as a forgettable household chore, but the stakes are far higher than a messy roofline. In the UK, neglected gutters that overflow onto neighbouring properties can trigger abatement notices, with fines reaching £5,000 for those who fail to comply. With autumn leaves and winter rain increasing the risk of…
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When to aerate a lawn to get the best results
When it comes to deciding when to aerate a lawn, it’s true to say that timing is everything if you want to get the best results. As we’ll go on to explain in more detail, early autumn is a prime time to complete this task for a number of reasons. Doing it at this time…
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When to aerate a lawn to get the best results
When it comes to deciding when to aerate a lawn, it’s true to say that timing is everything if you want to get the best results. As we’ll go on to explain in more detail, early autumn is a prime time to complete this task for a number of reasons. Doing it at this time…
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How to stormproof your garden and protect it from bad weather
Stormproofing your garden in autumn is a smart choice as there’s a lot of potential for the weather to cause havoc at this time of year. The combination of high winds and torrential rain is never a good thing, especially if you haven’t got round to doing a thorough maintenance check in your garden at…
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Do I own a retaining wall? Here’s how to find out
If you’ve ever puzzled over a boundary between your home and next door, you might have wondered: do I own a retaining wall, or does my neighbour? Retaining wall ownership isn’t always straightforward, and in some cases, the answer can be surprisingly complex. In general, if a retaining wall sits on your land and encloses…
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Did you know breaking this tree law could cost you £5,000?
When it comes to pruning or cutting down trees in your garden, most homeowners are aware of the need to respect Tree Preservation Orders. But do you know the other law that could lead to fines or even prosecution if you break it? It’s particularly relevant during the Autumn months when the creatures it’s designed…
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Planting bulbs in a lawn – how to get a bold spring display
You might be surprised to learn that planting bulbs in a lawn is a really eye-catching way to show off some spring-flowering favourites. It’s easier than you might think and is particularly effective if you have a dull patch of lawn that dominates your outdoor space. The trick is to plan your bulb planting so…