GARDENING
Putting on a
brave front
W
ith space at a premium and so many
front gardens being converted into
parking spaces I really appreciate the
sight of a well maintained front garden. It
makes a difference to my day when I see
something as simple as a colourful hanging
basket or an attractively planted pot. Many
people put a lot of time and effort into
creating a pleasing frontage to their homes
and I’m sure that they enjoy the results on
a daily basis. Plants offer many benefits
in towns and cities, a good hedge will
screen some noise and pollution, should
you wish to sell your property it will have
‘kerb appeal’ and last but not least, you’re
making the urban landscape a little lovelier
for everyone passing by.
Labelled with love
K
eeping track of a plant’s identity can be a
challenge, from freshly sown seeds to long
established trees and shrubs plant labels are the
answer of course.
Somehow it’s not that simple and labels like
socks and pens have a habit of disappearing,
either that or the writing fades to illegibility
almost overnight. Home made possibilities
include wooden spoons painted with exterior
paints that look good in pots of herbs, pebbles
can be painted or written on with indelible pens.
For lasting good looks my personal favourites
are aluminium tags that can be written on using
an HB pencil.
Start plant support
S
tart planning your staking
needs for tall perennials before
they’re too big. Well placed stakes
and supports put in place now will
keep everything looking lovely for
longer and saves much remedial
work later in the season.
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