Top tips on how to maintain the outdoor space at your workplace

Top tips on how to maintain the outdoor space at your workplace | H is for Home

If you’re the owner of a business or manage a workplace, then you’re likely very concerned about the state and appearance of your office. From making sure there’s enough space for everyone to work together to ensuring that it’s kept clean, maintaining your office space is important. However, do you have an outdoor space at your workplace that you’re neglecting to take care of properly or utilise to its full potential? Many employers fail to see how useful and beneficial an outdoor space at the office can be to both the employees and the business as whole. It can be a great place for staff to enjoy their lunch breaks, but also somewhere unique that you can showcase to clients that come to visit.

While maintaining the outdoor space at your office may sound like a big job, we’ve put together this guide with our top tips to make it even easier for you!

Woman looking at flowering plants

Examine plants before buying

If you’re a bit of a novice in the garden, then you may find yourself buying any old plants and putting them in the office or potting them in and around the outdoor space. However, this could actually cause you more problems if you aren’t checking the plants before you buy them. Some plants can carry disease, which means that if you don’t check them before putting them in your garden, you’ll soon notice disease spreading to your other plants.

It can be difficult to learn what a healthy plant looks like, but to make it easier, you should do some research in books, magazines and online articles that display clear pictures of what a healthy specimen should look like. You should usually be able to tell a healthy and unhealthy plant apart by inspecting the roots and leaves.

Hands holding soil

Use healthy soil

A guaranteed way to make your outdoor space look more beautiful and well-looked after is by using healthy soil. You want to make sure that your soil is always fertilised so that you’re giving the plants the best chance of growing and thriving. You’ll see a huge difference in the appearance of your plants and garden as a whole if you swap your standard earth for a healthier soil.

Dandelion clocks

Keep out the weeds!

While we admit that weeding the garden isn’t one of the most exciting jobs you’ll find to do, it’s one of the most important when trying to maintain your beautiful outdoor space. Having weeds emerging between plants will cause competition for essential nutrients and quickly make the space look untidy and not at all somewhere where employees would want to enjoy their lunch.

Letting weeds take over in your garden will eventually result in the death of some of your plants, so it’s important that you’re diligent in keeping your garden weed free. Unfortunately, weeds are an inevitable part of gardening and there’s no miracle cure for getting rid of them. Instead, you should ensure that you’re keeping on top of any unwanted weeds as soon as they appear.

Undercover garden with path and benches

Get in the professionals

Now, if you’re reading this thinking that you don’t possibly have the time in your busy work schedule to keep on top of your gardening, then don’t panic. You can hire professional gardening services to come to your office and do the work for you. Services such as those provided by Regional Services, found at https://www.regionalservices.co.uk/services/gardening-services-london/ can take away the hassle of trying to maintain the outdoor space yourself, and they can offer anything from lawn mowing and general care, to seasonal planting and rubbish removal.

Man watering a garden with a hose

Water your plants properly

This may sound like a very obvious garden maintenance tip, but watering your plants is by far one of the most important. While your outdoor space needs to be kept irrigated in order for it to grow and flourish, watering it incorrectly can be detrimental to your plant’s health as it can cause weak and dry plants and lead to mould formation. Avoid watering the plant’s foliage – especially in full sun – instead focusing on the roots of the plants and the surrounding soil. This will help to ensure that your plants are getting the hydration that they need to grow and flourish, while also limiting the bacteria and disease that could spread throughout your garden.

In business, it’s important that you’re different and stand out. So, if your office has an outdoor space available to you, it’s important that you make the most of it for both employees and clients. By following our maintenance advice, you could create the perfect outdoor space at your workplace to seal the deal with new clients!

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Beautiful garden upgrades you may not have considered

Beautiful garden upgrades you may not have considered | H is for Home

Our outdoor spaces can be sanctuaries, social areas or a great places for our children to play and get exercise. Many of us remember running around a family garden when we were younger, getting a tan in the summer and throwing snowballs in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to own a garden that you can access at any time, then it’s an excellent idea to take advantage of this. There are real benefits to enjoying fresh air at some point during the day. A garden upgrade might be just the thing to tempt you outside. Not everybody is green-fingered, of course, but there are other options on offer – whether through your own efforts or by calling in a professional gardener or landscape designer.

Garden room

Garden rooms

Garden buildings can be used for numerous purposes – a home office, craft room, DIY workshop, study or potting shed. Sometimes people buy them to use as a multi-purpose, outdoor living base for the warmer months; somewhere to cook, entertain visitors or use as a kids’ play area. In fact, getting the children involved in decorating your garden space might be an idea that you want to explore. If you’re able to identify a suitable space outdoors for a garden room, you may be able to have that coveted, tucked-away office. Also, having an office in your garden could boost the success of your business, ensuring that you have a place to concentrate and a space where you can achieve an effective work/life balance. It’s something that many business owners claim they couldn’t do without once they’ve experienced it. It can be an investment that brings you high returns in the future.

Artificial grass

Artificial grass

Artificial grass is a little bit Marmite; gardeners and home-owners can be conflicted about this particular one. But there’s no denying the fact that many people have chosen this route and are more than happy with the results. The amount of money and time that you save choosing artificial grass is well worth the initial outlay and effort. When this new technology first came onto the market, many people were sceptical, but it’s now a much more common landscaping choice. Many people have been converted… it’s a material that’s clean, hard wearing and virtually maintenance free. It can save you lots of time, allowing you to enjoy your garden without the effort of weeding and mowing. I’s also great for the elderly and disabled who can’t quite so easily manage their garden. It’s interesting to note that the artificial grass on the market can last for up to 15 years, and most come with a guarantee covering that length of time.

Dragon water feature

Water features

You may think that fountains are only for those of us with plenty of spare cash to burn, but there is a range of options from to suit every budget. From simple, miniature water features to the more extravagant statues with fountains attached, you can easily find something that will suit you and your outdoor space. They add real interest – both visually and audibly. It’s important to relax and unwind – and the beautiful sound of running water is a special thing for us to experience.We work hard to be in the position to own our own gardens, so why not add a little luxury and interest to them?

Plants being grown in pots and containers

Vegetation

When we think of a garden, we often think of beautiful flowers and shrubs located there. Obviously, these are features that enhance our gardens massively. Still, we don’t always know where to start with plants and flowers, but luckily with resources such as the internet and local garden centres, we should be able to create something unique for our gardens. It’s important to remember that different plants require different growing conditions – and also they’ll be in bloom at different times of the year. To ensure that your garden has ample flowers on display for as much of the year as possible, you may choose to hire professional help – whether through a garden designer or landscape gardener. They’ll know all the ins and outs of the gardening year and will be able to create that special place for you.

You could even take an online course to help you understand garden design, landscaping, plants and flowers… all the aspects that will help you enhance your garden dramatically. Many people have created long-term careers just through an initial hobby interest in gardening and learning about the topic.

Tree with pink blossom

Trees

Most of us love trees – walking through woodland or a park filled with beautiful trees can really help us de-stress. Tree-lined streets and avenues have a calming effect, bringing a bit of nature into the urban environment. And how wonderful to be able to open the back door and spend time sitting under your own tree? If you aren’t a gardener or don’t have green fingers, don’t worry. A tree pretty much takes care of itself and can be an excellent addition to your garden. Choose a suitable tree for the space available, give it the initial care it needs… then sit back and enjoy watching it grow and observing all the wildlife that it attracts.

So, whether you want a completely fresh garden design, a new garden building, new planting schemes or just some artificial grass – a garden upgrade is undoubtedly going to improve your chances of enjoying your time in your outdoor space and increase your home’s appeal when it comes to selling… and anything that can get you outside breathing fresh air and exercise is, of course, a great thing!

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Home-made damson cheese

Home-made damson cheese with cheese board | H is for Home

After making use of some of the plum crop in our garden, I needed to find something to make with the damsons.

Cooking damsons in a jam pan | H is for Home Cooking damsons in a jam pan | H is for Home

We inherited two mature damson trees – both about 20 foot tall. This autumn, they’ve both been laden with fruit, some we gave away, some we couldn’t reach to harvest. We kept about 5 kilos of fruit for ourselves.

Sieving damson purée | H is for Home Damson purée and bag of granulated sugar | H is for Home

I found lots of recipes for jam and jelly – however, it was a Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall recipe for damson cheese that I fancied trying. There are only 2 ingredients; damsons and sugar – and you don’t need to undertake the time-consuming task of de-stoning the fruit either.

Spooning damson cheese from heavy-bottomed saucepan | H is for Home Damson cheese setting in moulds | H is for Home

The damson cheese mixture sat bubbling away on top of the simmering hob of our new Esse for a couple of hours until it resembled a thick chocolate sauce. All it needed was the occasional stir to make sure it didn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. I could get on with other little jobs while it did its thing.

Damson cheese with grapes and cheese & biscuits | H is for Home

Like jam and jelly, damson cheese keeps for months once wrapped and refrigerated. Have it as a component on your cheeseboard – it’s lovely with a ripe brie. It’s also a great accompaniment to hot & cold meats.

Home-made damson cheese recipe | H is for Home #autumn #damson #damsoncheese #damsons #food #fruit #garden #gardening #HughFearnleyWhittingstall #preserves #recipe

Click here to repin the recipe to Pinterest

Home-made damson cheese with cheese board | H is for Home

Home-made damson cheese

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall
Course Condiment
Cuisine British

Ingredients
  

  • 5 kg damsons washed
  • 2 kg granulated sugar approx.

Instructions
 

  • Put the damsons in a large preserving pan, add a couple of tablespoons of water and bring slowly to a simmer, stirring as the fruit begins to release its juices. Leave to simmer until completely soft
  • Tip the contents of the pan into a sieve and rub it through to remove the stones and skin, leaving you with a smooth damson purée
  • Measure the purée by volume. For every 500ml, add 350g sugar
  • Combine in a large, heavy-based pan bringing it to a simmer over a low heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then cook gently, stirring regularly so it doesn't catch, until reduced to a thick purée. It's ready when you drag the spoon across the bottom of the pan and the base stays clearly visible for a second or two. This can take up to an hour of gentle, popping simmering and stirring
  • Pour the 'cheese' into very lightly-oiled, shallow containers and leave to cool and set
It will keep almost indefinitely in the fridge. Serve in slices with bread and cheese
Keyword baked cheesecake, damsons, fruit




Get their look: Mid-summer garden

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sarah (@the_brewhouse_home)

This Insta-square just sums up lazy, mid-summer garden vibes! How? The tropical-feel raffia tiki parasol. The festoon of al fresco lights draped above head height. The soft, fluffy floor cushions & rugs. The glowing and flickering tea lights, lanterns and hurricane lamps. They all come together to create quite a magical and cosy atmosphere. And not forgetting the beautiful, blue sky lingering until late in the evening. It looks like the perfect place to relax with family and friends.

Get their look

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Cordo bamboo lantern
Cordo bamboo lantern
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Clarice faux fur cushion
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Arizona 3-piece garden bistro set
Tiki beach parasol
Tiki beach parasol
3 vintage lanterns
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10-light festoon lights
10-light festoon lights
Cordo bamboo lantern
Cordo bamboo lantern
Clarice faux fur cushion
Clarice faux fur cushion
Arizona 3-piece garden bistro set
Arizona 3-piece garden bistro set
Tiki beach parasol
Tiki beach parasol
3 vintage lanterns
3 vintage lanterns
10-light festoon lights
10-light festoon lights
Cordo bamboo lantern
Cordo bamboo lantern
Clarice faux fur cushion
Clarice faux fur cushion
Arizona 3-piece garden bistro set
Arizona 3-piece garden bistro set
Tiki beach parasol
Tiki beach parasol
3 vintage lanterns
3 vintage lanterns
10-light festoon lights
10-light festoon lights