Tag: outdoor space

Outdoor volunteering opportunities

Outdoor volunteering opportunities

I’m not one for making new year resolutions; however, I often muse on things I can do to improve myself and my surroundings. Since getting a puppy in October, we’ve begun spending more time outdoors again. In so doing, we’ve been getting fitter, getting to know our environs better and meeting new people… and dogs.

I’ve been thinking that stepping it up a notch and getting into outdoor volunteering opportunities is something I can do in 2022.

  • The Wildlife Trusts
    There are 260 different opportunities available at present on their website; from tree planting in Devon, livestock checking in Hertfordshire to Peatland Restoration Conservation Days in Cumbria.

    The Wildlife Trusts is a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, on a mission to restore a third of the UK’s land and seas for nature by 2030. We believe everyone, everywhere, should have access to nature and the joy and health benefits it brings.

  • RSPB
    They offer residential opportunities such as 4 weeks in the Lake District dry stone walling, mending fences and helping in the tree nursery and with the badger hide or 6 months in Surrey surveying & managing heathland where species such as woodlarks and nightjars call home.
    If you only have a day or a few hours per week there are many things all around the country in which you can get involved. For instance, one of the opportunities not far from us is practical habitat management at the nature reserve, Ynys-hir. There are even opportunities suitable for under 18s.
    Check out some of their volunteering stories over on their Facebook volunteering page.
  • Trash Free Trails C.I.C.
    I was so excited to come across this project – I’ve already signed up!
    For years, seeing litter while out on dog walks and rambles put a dampener on the otherwise pleasurable experience of being in the great outdoors. I usually took it upon myself to collect it all up to take home to put into the recycling/rubbish bin. And now I have found a community getting together to share what they do! It something you can do on your own, with friends or as an organised group.

    …To reduce plastic pollution on our trails and wild places by 75% by 2025 and (re)connect people with nature through purposeful adventure.

Simple ways to create an inviting garden space

Simple ways to create an inviting garden space

Improving your garden can feel like a big project. Perhaps gardening isn’t your favourite hobby and you’re not sure where to start. The truth is, gardening doesn’t have to be difficult; with the right tricks and tips there are so many ways that you can make the most of your garden space.

1. Garden décor

One of the best ways to make the most of your garden is to focus on garden décor. Decorating your garden can help you to add personality to your space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To start off, think about the colour scheme that you might like to use. There are plenty of ways that you can decorate your garden including:

  • Add decorative water features or bird feeders.
  • Use colourful festoon lights, bunting or hanging plants.
  • Try accessories like mirrors, outdoor rugs or garden ornaments.
  • Paint your fences in a bright colour or opt for a feature wall.

2. Improve your lawn

Improving the health of your lawn is one of the best ways to create a beautiful garden. If your lawn looks sparse and neglected, this really affects the look of your outdoor space. To ensure that your lawn is as healthy as can be, you’ll need to feed your lawn regularly. Epsom salt dissolved in water works well as a natural lawn fertiliser, it contains magnesium and sulphur and these ingredients can give your grass a boost.

3. Create a vegetable garden

Looking to get more out of your garden space? Creating your own vegetable garden is a great option. Growing your own vegetables can help you to improve your diet, learn new skills and reduce your carbon footprint.

As a beginner, you’ll probably be glad of a few tips. To learn a few things about growing vegetables, try applications like Veggie Garden Planner, When To Plant and Garden Plan Pro. Here you can find advice, articles and tools to plan your garden space.

4. Extend your living space

Our gardens are gradually becoming an extension of our homes. Many home-owners are designing outdoor dining areas and outdoor lounges to expand their living space. The UK weather isn’t always great and it can be useful to construct a wooden gazebo in your garden. You can create an outdoor living room underneath this wooden structure, so you can enjoy your outdoor space, even if there’s a little bit of rain. To check out a few great options take a look at these Oak framed gazebo kits.

5. Maximise space

You might not have the largest garden, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of what you have. To maximise space in a smaller garden here are a few key ideas:

  • When adding new plants, it’s best to plant vertically.
  • Consider adding mirrors to your walls.
  • Prune back overgrown shrubs that are taking up too much room.
  • Measure all furniture and structures before adding to your garden.

These five ideas will help you to make the most of your garden. From garden décor to growing vegetables, there are so many different ways to create a beautiful garden.

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Tips for improving your backyard

Tips for improving your backyard

Your backyard is one of the areas of your property that you don’t want to overlook. It’s an excellent space to enjoy when the weather is good or when you have guests over that you want to entertain.

There are a few useful tips that will help you when remodeling backyard areas to make it look better and be more usable. You’ll love it so much when it’s done that you won’t want to come back indoors and will be wondering why you didn’t start this project sooner! Have fun with it and make sure you take your time and do it right so it’s impressive and beautiful when it’s completed.

Create a hangout space

One tip for improving your backyard is to create a hangout space and perhaps a designated spot to grill and eat. Now is a good time to replace or install a new patio or deck. It’ll be perfect in the summertime hangout area for enjoying the sunshine and having an al fresco meal. Ensure easy access in and out, especially if you’re carrying trays or plates, by making your sliding door automatic. This way, it’ll be easy for you and visitors to pop in and out of the house as and when needed. Also, have comfortable and durable furniture for sitting and eating and think about including a fire pit or brazier for when night-time rolls around.

Grow an edible garden

Another tip for improving your backyard is to grow an edible garden. You’ll enjoy taking care of it and will love being able to use fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking. Consider making it a relaxing spot you can go and spend time by creating water features like a pond nearby and having a sitting bench in the area. Tending to a veg garden is a healthy hobby to have and will make you feel proud when you can see and experience the benefits of all your hard work.

Focus on your landscaping

Improve your backyard by focusing time and energy on enhancing your landscaping. Plant trees, colourful, scented flowers and have a vertical living wall you can add some height to you garden. Consider laying stone or gravel paths that will provide a ‘journey’ around the space. Prune, water , mulch and fertilise your trees and plants as needed and opt for a perennial ground cover that’s easy to care for and looks beautiful year after year. The right landscaping choices and a well-maintained backyard will make all the difference in the appearance of your outdoor area.

Make it relaxing & fun

Make your backyard relaxing and fun as a way to improve the look and feel. For instance, you can install a swimming pool, add some loungers and hang outdoor lights that you can switch on when the evening rolls around. Add colourful cushions to your outdoor furniture and lay an area rug on your patio. If you have kids, you may want to think about creating a separate play area for them – perhaps constructing a sandbox for their enjoyment. Also, hang a swing or hammock that you can relax and read a book in when the weather is pleasant.

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Handy tips for artificial grass maintenance

Handy tips for artificial grass maintenancecredit

It’s a fact that laying artificial grass in your outdoor areas ensures that upkeep will be minimal. Still, you’ll need to carry out a modicum of maintenance if you want your artificial grass to be durable and look attractive for years to come.

Below, we’re going to go through some handy tips for both preparatory and post-installation maintenance.

Hire professionals to install the carpet

Dynamic companies like Perth Artificial Grass provide you with not only a range of choices but also high quality installation. They have an expert team that can advise about quantity needed, layout and fitting.

Although it may not seem a difficult task to lay artificial turf, it can often prove to be a tricky job. Engage a reputable retailer to avoid unnecessary pitfalls. If you choose to do-it-yourself and make a mistake, it can turn out to be an expensive or time-consuming decision.

3D render of artificial grass with a path running through

Prepare the ground for installation

Before you have the artificial grass laid, ensure there are no leaves, small stones or other loose material on the ground. Once this has been done, smooth and level the area building up a soft and humid base. Creating a sub-layer using a soil and limestone mixture will deter weeds and also discourage insects.

Have maintenance equipment

An artificial grass carpet doesn’t require costly cleaning tools to keep it looking good. It just needs a sweep and a wash. So you need to have some basic equipment such as a broom, scrubbing brush and bucket at the ready.

Chairs on artificial grass

Brush frequently

The ‘blades’ of synthetic grass can become flattened after being constantly walked and played upon. This means that you’ll need to brush them on a regular basis to get the surface to stand high and look fresh again. For best results, use a broom with soft, synthetic bristles.

Clean regularly

Debris such as particles of food, sticky drink spills, animal mess etc are to be expected and will need to be cleaned up. If they’re not, they will decay and begin to smell. Cleaning can be done simply & easily using a sponge & warm water with soap, mild detergent or disinfectant.

Bright green artificial turf

Avoid fire, heavy and sharp items

Discarded matches and cigarette butts will likely melt and burn your artificial grass, leaving unattractive black spots. Heavy objects such as vehicles or can press your grass down and damage it permanently. Additionally, sharp items such as stiletto heels and some garden tools can pierce, cut, slash and damage your carpet for good.

Remove leaves and other garden material

Fallen leaves, especially in the autumn months, can accumulate on the ground in no time. Once it rains, they get soggy, turn to mush and will quickly rot on the surface of your artificial grass. Avoid this happening by clearing them up frequently.

Pull up weeds

Weeds can establish themselves on even the thinnest layer of soil that may settle on the surface of your artificial grass. Be vigilant, inspect your turf regularly and remove any unwanted shoots as soon as you see them emerge.

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