Category: Garden
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7 rain chain ideas to collect rainwater in a decorative way
The trend for rain chain ideas is big news this year as part of making your garden more sustainable. It’s one of the most innovative ways to collect precious rainfall water but it adds more than just that. They’re so much prettier than industrial-looking downpipes and water spouts that it’s no wonder everyone wants to…
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How to get rid of horsetail weeds in your garden
If you’ve spotted strange, wiry stems sprouting up in your garden borders or poking through your patio paving, you may be dealing with horsetail weeds. Known for being one of the most stubborn garden invaders, they can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked, which is why many homeowners search for advice on how to…
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Can I paint my side of my neighbour’s garden fence?
If you’ve ever looked out at a drab or weathered fence panel, you might have wondered: can I paint my side of my neighbour’s garden fence? It feels like a harmless way to freshen up your outdoor space, but the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as many homeowners assume. While it might seem logical that…
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Garden shed tax hits homeowners as councils crack down
More homeowners are facing unexpected council tax bills as local councils crack down on garden sheds converted into living spaces. If you’re thinking to buy garden sheds or already own one, it’s important to understand how certain outbuildings with kitchens or bathrooms could be taxed separately. This growing enforcement reflects councils’ efforts to make sure…
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Treehouse ideas: 12 real life projects to inspire you
Forget rough-and-ready dens knocked together with scrap timber, today’s treehouse ideas are something else entirely. Simply type ‘treehouse’ into Pinterest and you’ll be inundated with everything from elevated woodland hideaways to sleek, modern tree pods balanced on stilts. Driven by a desire to feel closer to nature, treehouse design is increasingly being shaped by wider…
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What not to do to your neighbour’s tree roots — even if they cross your boundary
You might assume that if your neighbour’s tree roots have reached your garden you can take action and cut them off. After all, if the roots have crossed the boundary, they are on your land. But while it’s true that you do have a right to cut back the roots to the boundary between your…
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8 garden pond ideas for spaces big and small
The latest garden pond ideas include everything from contemporary designs with a modern edge to natural wildlife pools to encourage biodiversity. If you have a compact urban garden there are also smaller scale ideas that will work for you, such as a simple freestanding stone or concrete basin design. The style of pond you choose…
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How to soundproof a garden: 6 effective measures to try
Soundproofing your garden might sound a little extreme, but if settling down for some quiet time outdoors is a distant dream due to irritating and intrusive noises, it might be time to consider it. Noise nuisances like the hum of traffic or a neighbour talking loudly at length on their phone can be solved by…
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How to build a patio on a slope: expert tips to get it right
Finding out how to build a patio on a slope is one of the first things to consider if you have multiple levels in your garden, especially if there’s currently no place to gather for relaxing and entertaining. When landscaping a sloping site you will want to create at least one flat terraced area to…
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How to make a bee watering station for hot weather
Whether you have a garden or not, setting up a bee watering station this weekend is not only a fun, family-friendly, eco garden activity, but these spots will act as essential resources for our prize pollinators during dry, hot spells. “Bees need water not just to stay hydrated, but also to make food for their…