Garden Maintenance: 7 Things You Need to Know

Just like any other thing, gardening is easier when you have tricks and tips up your sleeve. Dealing with the next best ideas on how to grow your trees and shrubs might seem a bit daunting. What if you’re just not good enough in the plant aspect? What if growing a green thumb is not your thing? Worry not! There’s a reason other beginners like you can grow to love garden maintenance. It’s just one of those therapeutic things that build over time.

As such, there are things you need to know before truly diving into the green thumb life. There are things you need to know to further develop your skill in garden maintenance. Growing your very own garden or secret garden doesn’t need to be as difficult. These are things you should know in maintaining your greens in the backyard:

Plan the kind of plants you want in your garden

Before you think of a beautiful garden to make, visualise first the plants and shrubs you want to have. Consider the colour scheme, patterns and area of your garden. As with every garden, you will have a set space to play with. You’re building a garden, not a forest. Pick out the plants and shrubs you can envision will bring you joy at home.

Prepare the soil for planting

The soil of any area is not always prepared to accept plants yet. Especially in the first stages of planning your garden, prep your soil. Set it first with fertiliser to optimise the growth of the plants you want to have in the area. By preparing your soil, you can be sure that the plants will grow in a healthy environment.

Water your plants in the evening

Water your garden in the evening to keep the soil moist and cool. Warm temperatures in the day can easily evaporate the water and moisture in your garden. Your plants will be competing with the heat in absorbing the water in your garden. Avoid watering in the morning and keep your gardens properly moist for your plant babies.

Mulching is a good garden practice

The growth of any unwanted plants in your garden can happen. One way to keep weeds out is by having a mulch along with the soil. Mulching prevents the growth of weed seeds. moreover, mulching provides an extra layer of nutrition for your plants. Who doesn’t want a healthier environment to grow in? Definitely not your plants.

Avoid mould formation

One of the things that can easily grow in your garden without solicitation are moulds. Moulds can be very dangerous to the growth of your shrubs and herbs. They can cause diseases to trees and infect the surrounding soil. Avoid moulds. Water your plant beds properly. Avoid pouring water on the leaves. Stream the water to the soil when watering your plants.

Make a cost plan for your garden expenses

Gardening can be seen as an expensive hobby. However, there are ways to minimise your costs and that includes planning your garden properly. If you want to invest in some species of plants, you’ll need to let others go. remember, you are also working within a budget and a specified area in your homes. Think long term. Do you see that tree giving you homey atmosphere for the next few years? 

Contact your local arborists

There are other things that can spiral out of control and it’s okay for you to admit not knowing what to do. If you encounter something in your garden that you’re having a hard time dealing with, contact your local arborists to aid you in your issues and mitigate any issue. They’re always there to give you the best garden advice.

Conclusion

Trees Down Under is your one-stop solution to garden maintenance. Here, we take care of your plants and want to see your garden areas grow into the kind of space you want. We can work hand in hand to make garden maintenance as easy as a breeze for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Call 0475 463 597 or send an email here: info@treesdownunder.com.au

Introduction to Garden Edging

Edging is a distinct demarcation line that creates visual interest in a landscape by separating one section of your yard from another. A tidy, smooth line provides a finished look, a sense of clarity to an area and serves different purposes. Edging your garden can be so much more than a simple practical measure. It plays a practical role while maintaining a polished look to your garden.

One of the most important details of an aesthetically good garden is a well-defined edge. Using your ingenuity, energy and essential tools, you will be able to create a perfectly manicured garden and any of the exceptionally beautiful garden edging projects you desired.

Is garden edging necessary?

Landscape edging will not only add personality to your garden. From a practical point of view, landscaping helps in keeping turfgrass creeping into the surrounding garden areas. On the other hand, it prevents soils or mulch garden beds from spilling or scattering onto the lawn when it rains or while you are watering the plants.

In addition, garden edging defines a flower border, a single tree or the transition of your patio all throughout its surrounding garden. It gives emphasis to your garden beds and walkways while maintaining all the elements in place.

How can I build a garden edging?

Maintaining the aesthetics of a garden is quite expensive. So, an economical yet intricate garden edging is an absolute must. There are several types of lawn edging depending on what is suitable for your style, function and resources. First, let’s begin with the most basic concepts on how to start with garden edging.

Consider your space for lawn edging

The amount of space you have and the atmosphere you are going for will make a big difference when it comes to picking out the perfect garden edging. Establish a brief design or layout of your lawn to make it visually better to understand. It’s always best to work in harmony with your garden.

If you want to work with a designer, always keep in your mind to use descriptive words since they’re fairly evoking instead of being demanding for specifics. It promotes positivity and creative response from a designer’s perspective.

Components of your garden edging

After your garden edging layout, plan for your planting scheme. Think about the things you are passionate about, look for inspiration and ideas. Create a garden that can boost the entire aesthetic of your home. Your garden speaks more than just its beauty and garden edging, it expresses the owner’s style and personality. 

Plan your lawn edging budget

After all the edging and planting scheme, you have to consider the cost and your available resources at hand. If your wallet doesn’t agree with your passion for finer things, you can always work in segments. All the best things in life are a work in progress, even your garden.

Types of garden edging

Garden edging range from simple trench to high-end paving stones. Depending on your aesthetic and functional purposes for edging, your choices are endless and you can even have it personalized according to your style. We will help you sort through all the considerations at play so you can decide which landscape edging will work best for your garden.

Strip Edging

Strip edging is an ideal choice if you want to create curves in your lawn. It consists of shallow plastic or metal barrier anchored underneath the ground. Plastic strip edging is affordable and easy to work with while metal strip edging is quite pricey but it can last longer than plastic.

Masonry Edging

If you’re fond of concretes, stones or bricks, masonry edging is definitely an excellent choice. Masonry edging comes from minimal to intricate geometry and linework designs. 

Wood Edging

If you want a classical or rustic design, wood edging is definitely a sensational choice. It’s affordable, durable and can work with anything in your garden.

Your garden is like your own personal work of art. Whether you like it formal, create a natural look or opt for a more complex design, it’s all up to you and your budget.

Are there services that can help keep my garden edges neat?

Trees Down Under guarantees that your garden landscape is aesthetically polished and well-maintained all throughout the year. Discuss with us today the options available and suitable to your residential aesthetic needs. We will promptly answer all your garden edging and landscaping needs. We will provide a free quote to all your queries.

Call us today at 0475 463 597. We offer a free, no-obligation estimate of our affordable residential gardening services.

How to Take Care of Your Wattles

With its yellow pompom-like flowers, thin and curved green leaves, wattles are great plants to establish a garden or create a garden from scratch since they can grow quickly. Wattles can flower profusely even from a young age, flaunting a variety of attractive bright yellow or cream flowers. Wattles are definitely fascinating with their colour and foliage in any landscape.

Wattle trees are often associated with the label as the fast-growing-but-short-lived plant. These plants are usually underrated yet they are the most diverse and spectacular plants. One of the most notable traits of wattle is that it helps the soil recover after a fire with its nitrogen-fixing roots which serves as a fertiliser. Furthermore, wattle trees function as a shelter for insects, birds and other animals as well.

How to maintain your wattle?

Wattles are great colonisers since they can grow in freshly cleared or disturbed soil. These plants help in protecting delicate understorey plants or while other sensitive plants are on its growing stage. 

Wattle trees can live between 7 to 12 years. With their short-lived lifespan, you can use this to your advantage. Make use of our maintenance and growing tips to get the best out of wattle trees.

Sunlight

Wattles is a fast grower. Place your plant in a position where it can get plenty of sunlight. Make sure to place your soil in a well-drained container and give it plenty of room to grow. Although they have a good tolerance to both cold and hot weather, 

Mulch over fertiliser

Since wattles can generate their own fertiliser through their nitrogen-fixing feature. Feeding your wattles with fertiliser is not necessary. Instead, mulching it is a better way of conserving and retaining its moisture, it keeps the roots cool, reduces soil compaction, improves soil texture and restricts weed growth. 

Tip pruning 

Regularly pruning young wattle plants after flowering encourages more compact bushes and prolongs its life. Avoid cutting your wattle thicker than a pencil, light pruning will do the trick for a plentiful blossoming.

Watering your wattle plant

Water only when your wattle plant is establishing and it is still at a growing stage. Once they settle, wattles can get by on their own or natural rainfall. If older plants are showing signs of distress especially on a dry period, such as droughts or heatwaves, give them water to sustain and to keep them going.

Tree Services

Trees Down Under offer various tree services from removal, thinning and pruning that will not only leave your landscape a spectacular panoramic view. We offer the most affordable tree services in the neighbourhood. Discuss with us today what you need and we will guide you in every step. We offer consultation services and make sure that you get only the best tree services in Sydney.

Contact us at 0475 463 597 and we’ll take care of all your tree and garden needs. As always, our aim is to give you only the best tree services and garden services in the neighbourhood.

Gardening 101: What is a Native Garden?

Using natural elements in your residential landscape will not only contribute beauty and vibrance to your home, but it also promotes balance while nurturing a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

A native garden is made up entirely of homegrown or local plants and other wildflowers that can easily adapt in all kinds of seasons. It creates a balance between wildlife and nature. A natural landscape fuses everything in nature from trees, shrubs, wildflowers to native grasses. It nurtures a native habitat which improves biodiversity and promotes ecosystem services.

A native garden is commonly mistaken as expensive, difficult to create and maintain. Contrary to what others might have believed, once a native garden thrives, it can take care of itself. 

What are the benefits of native gardens? 

A natural garden consists of various benefits to human health, wildlife and the ecosystem. 

• A natural garden can provide a habitat for local wildlife. The native plants provide a biodiverse habitat beneficial for insects and enhance local ecosystem services. 

• It generates fresh air, stability and sustainable health properties to its surrounding.

• A native garden can produce its own shade and mulch, prolonging its moisture retention in the soil. 

• A native garden is also beneficial to human’s well-being. Aside from its therapeutic landscape, some native plants have been used to treat diseases and other illnesses.

• A sustainably designed natural garden benefits from drip irrigation which creates an inexpensive, efficient and better watering method.

How to start your own native garden?

In creating your very own native garden, start in a small area and gradually increase its size as time and resources become available. In planning for your natural garden, always consider the existing habitat and other elements for a successful native garden project.

Consider the climate

The plan is to establish a thriving habitat dependent on its own survival. First, consider which part of your property generates moisture and much cooler area. Which part is hotter and more exposed to the heat of the sun. 

Check your soil

The quality of your soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. There are three types of soil, from sandy, clay and loam. Among the three, the most common soil type for a thriving native garden is clay. Clay can retain plenty of moisture and rich in nutrients.

Draw a layout

It is always easier to work with the environmental features and elements of your garden rather than going against its nature. In making your plan, always consider things such as the weather, the area where water runoff flows, soil type, existing trees and plants.

It doesn’t take a special skill or talent to design a native garden. Creating your own natural garden is easy as long as it is carefully planned.

Watering 

Although native plants do not require fertiliser as they can thrive mostly in poor soil. Keep in mind, you’re still on the critical period of planting and your plants are still on the verge to fend for itself. Water your plants early in the morning and at well-spaced intervals. This is to train them to thrive and establish on its own and be dependent on its natural habitat for survival. 

How to cultivate my native garden?

Long before we arrived and share their living spaces, native plants have already lived and adapted. Natural plants have taught us about sustainability and healthy living. Growing native plants promote a harmonious cohabitation, creates a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

All types of landscapes need several years to establish. You need the patience to propagate your native garden and reap the rewards of your effort. In order to further enhance and develop the success of your native gardening project, check out our affordable residential services.

Trees Down Under aim to boost your success towards creating and cultivating your own natural flora sanctuary in your home. Call us today at 0475 463 597. Discuss with us your native gardening plans and we will provide a free quote of residential garden services suitable to your resources.

Tips to Enhance the Flowering of Your Plants

Some plants are delicate and sensitive to changes. Some even wilt and die in a short period of time under harsh conditions. If you want a good outcome of growing and propagating your garden, you need to do more than just watering and weeding. You have to consider all phases of gardening if you want to enhance the flowering of your plants.

Plants spend all their energy towards the reproductive phase of the flowering stage of a plant. When you want to create lush and blooming flower beds in your garden, create a sustainable environment for your plant during the growing season. 

Consider doing other things to help your plant grow like cutting wilted flowers. Provide it with good quality soil and fertiliser. Well, that’s the basic things you must do. However, let’s get into the details to ensure that your favourite plants will be optimally healthy.

How can I improve flowering in plants?

Flowering exerts a lot of energy from your plant. If you want to encourage your plants to flower, make use of the following guide to maintain an abundant garden all throughout the growing season and improve the value of your property and vibrance to your entire home.

Use rich soil

Your garden soil loses its nutrients and fertility with time. In order to sustain its growth, replace your soil. Add light and manure-rich soil or compost provide plenty of nutrients to your plants. You can opt for an organic soil that promotes bacterial activity which enhances soil fertility. Supplement compost or manure gradually for your next planting activity.

Deadheading or remove spent flowers

Wilted and spent flowers should be removed from time to time to promote better flowering. Removing wilted flowers prevents the plant from seeding, wasting energy and sap. Spent flowers also attract pests and insects. Cutting wilted flower diverts your plants’ energy so other flowers can receive more nutrients. 

Fertilise your plants

Feed your plant regularly with fertiliser during its growing season. If you start to notice the signs of low soil fertility, replace it with a water-soluble fertiliser. Some fertilisers can scorch your plants. To avoid this from happening, look for fertilisers who are drought-resistant and rich in nutrients.

Sunlight is essential

As we all know, sunlight has always been the source of the plants’ energy. It is a prerequisite for many plants that come to flower. Determine the right amount of light your plants’ need. If your plant can’t survive long hours under the heat of the sun, place a barrier to control or block the light. Shade-loving plants tend to reduce their flowering when they are too exposed under the sun. 

Take care of the roots

Your plant absorbs nutrients and water through the roots. If you want abundant blooms and healthy plant, nurse the roots of your plant. Be careful around your plant when you dig the soil. Cutting or damaging your roots is likely damaging your plant and it will take a while to recover or it may die. You want to avoid the latter.

Mulch your plants

Mulching helps your soil retain moisture better. It is recommended in places with water scarcity. Aside from its moisture retention benefits, it controls weeds and regulates the soil’s temperature. And in order not to spoil the beauty of your plants, the recommended mulches are leaves, wood chips, grass and polythene papers

Moderate watering

Depending on the season, you need to know when to water your plants. During the summer season, plants lose a lot of water so you need to water your flowers at least once a day. Other seasons are wet and cool, you can moderately water them twice in a week.

To better enhance the flowering stage of your plants, know what type of species of flowers you have and how much water does it need. Do not exceed more than its water requirement or less than it needs since it can cause fungal disease to your plants. Employ moderate watering and the safe watering method by watering directly to the soil.

How to maintain your garden?

Trees Down Under will provide you with the best and highly-qualified gardeners and arborists to preserve the aesthetics of your residential landscape. Our goal is to provide you with the best garden services to enhance the flowering of your plants and maintain a manicured appearance to your entire property.

We offer affordable residential garden services suitable for your resources. Call us today at 0475 463 597 and discuss with us on how to improve and sustain a blooming garden.