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Tackling Garden Weeds

21/6/2019

I often meet clients who have just taken on a new garden only to find it plagued with weeds which can be so discouraging. A bit of know how can make all the difference so detailed here are a few common garden weeds found in our area and the best way i've found to tackle them. I’ll be looking at traditional weeds as opposed to out of control cultivated plants.

There are two main types of garden weed; the annual and the perennial.
Annual weeds
Annual weeds are those which have a one year life-cycle i.e. Germinate, grow, flower and set seed all within one year. They can over-winter as small immature plants and are often ephemeral – they will have several generations in one year. A couple of the worst offenders in gardens in our area are:
Groundsel - Produces seeds all year round. It is characterised by small clusters of yellow blooms on short plants which produce fluffy seeds, easily spread in the wind or my animals. Although hoeing and hand picking seedlings is effective, be sure to pick up all material from the surface of the ground as Groundsel will very easily re-root. Mulching the surface can help reduce weed germination.
Hairy bittercress –becoming more prevalent in gardens, Bittercress germinates, flowers and sets seed very rapidly – in a matter of weeks! Short flower stems flick seed around the surrounding soil. Hoe or hand weeding at first sight before flowering will help to avoid colonisation of the ground. Bittercress is also a problem in containers where it can go un-noticed and fill the compost surface with seeds...

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Garden Screening Options - Using Structures for Privacy

7/6/2019

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Privacy screening on this bespoke pergola

Modern privacy screening designed for this bespoke garden pergola

Modern slatted timber screening designed to hide the garden shed.

Increasingly often I’m being contacted by home owners who are overlooked by neighbours and would like more privacy. I find that new build homes are often overlooked from all sides and can have as many as 5 neighboring properties having a clear view into the garden and through windows.
There are several options i recommend for screening in such circumstances. The style of the garden, level of maintenance required and the budget are all things i take into account when selecting the right option for a garden design plan.
Contemporary slatted screening: A form of screening i’m using in a lot of gardens currently to give a modern sleek look. It can effectively screen unsightly buildings and shed, add height to boundaries and it can be used within the garden space to create zones. Depending on budget, there are several timber options to choose from – treated soft wood right through to beautiful hardwoods.
Bespoke timber screening: Where height is required, free-standing timber screens can be erected. Using sturdy posts, bespoke trellis work can be designed and attached to give a screen above existing fencing....

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ADVICE HUB

Tackling Garden Weeds

Garden Screening Options - Using Structures for Privacy

Author: Bel Grierson

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Mrs Prist, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

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Mrs Munden - Thrussington, Leicestershire

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Mrs Harrison - Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire

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Mr Stapleton - Rothley, Leicestershire

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Mr & Mrs Bayley - Loughborough, Leicestershire

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Mr & Mrs Benussi - Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

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Mr Goodman - Loughborough, Leicestershire

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Mr Corner - Rearsby, Leicestershire

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Mrs Phillips - Ratby, Leicestershire

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