Planting trees and Shrubs

When you are starting a new garden most people want to hide the fences. . . . I know I do.

That means you will be wanting to plant trees and shrubs.

Here is how to avoid two common mistakes.

Buy Smaller

It is temping to buy the largest size of the variety as it seems as though it will quickly make an impact.

There are two problems:

  • The larger shrubs will cost 2-3 times as much, which is significant if you are going to be buying lots.
  • Smaller and younger shrubs are generally more vigorous. I have found smaller shrubs can overtake a larger shrubs in a single growing season.

I found buying smaller with a little patience provides an excellent result in a couple of years at a big cost saving.

Too Much Support

If you took my advice above with regard to smaller plants you may not need to stake many plants.

If you do need to support bear in mind that to grow strong trees need to be stressed and will react by increasing the size of roots and the trunk.

Staking plants too firmly can lead to a weakly anchored root system and tree damage

I normally stake about 1/3 of the way up (as you can see in this picture) using a soft tie to protect the bark.

The stake is positioned on the side that prevailing winds will blow.

The tree or shrub should be able to move gently in the wind to encourage the development of strong roots.

Regularly check the tie is not damaging the bark.

Generally it should only take a single growing season before the plant is established and the support can be removed.

Are You Going To Have A Washing Line?

When I was growing up all the washing lines looked like this. . . . long straight nylon ropes.

Since then things have changed backyards have got  smaller and some people don’t even have washing lines, everything goes in the tumble dryer

Well I think there are some good reasons why you should have a washing line.

Reasons for a washing line

Cost

A full cycle of a modern tumble dryer uses around $1 of power.

With just two of us at home now we would still do around 4 loads of washing a week. . . . That means tumble drying everything would cost around $200 a year.

Sustainability

As well as the cost there is also the sustainability aspect.

If the electricity from that full cycle comes from a coal power station it will release around 4kg of CO2.

Condensation

Unless you have got a venting kit you could be putting around half a litre of water into the air which can result in condensation problems.

If you start getting damp patches on the walls and ceiling mold can then become an issue.

Better Results

UV radiation from the sunlight kills bacteria and dust mites.

In addition nothing really beats the smell and feel of freshly air dried cotton sheets.

Less Wear Of Your Clothes

All that lint in the filter is the result of wear as the clothes rub against each other and the sides of the tumble drier drum.

Space

So how much space do you need?

The load from a typical front loading washing machine will take up around 10m of line, with a top loader it could be nearer 15m.

I would look at providing enough line for at least a couple of washes.

To get that amount of line in a typical backyard a good option would be a rotary clothes line (the traditional Hills Hoist) with line lengths ranging from 40 – 60m.

Limited on space? you could go for a wall, or fence, mounted rectangular folding frame which should give you around 20m of line.

 

 

Fall Regulations

When you take the keys for your new home the house should comply with all regulations relating to falls. . . . . but after you move are you planning to do some improvements.

If you are planning a deck for entertaining or modifying the garden with retaining walls you need to think about protecting your family, and guests.

You can do a lot of damage with a fall from from a relatively low height.

If someone falls and you haven’t provided appropriate barriers you could be personally liable and the insurance company has the opportunity to avoid paying compensation.

National Construction Code

Here is a summary of the current regulations  on protecting from falls:

Where people could fall 1 m from a floor, or through an opening a barrier must be provided.

The barrier must be continuous and extend for the full extent of the hazard; and be high enough to protect people from accidentally falling

The construction shall prevent people from falling through the barrier, including small children, and should be strong enough to withstand thee impact of people; and the pressure of people pressing against it.

 

 

 

 

 

5 Effective Bird Control Strategies for Your Garden

Guest Post by John Smith

It takes a lot of effort and works to till, plant and weed out your garden.

However the results are far worth it— vegetables, fruits, and flowers grow which you can proudly share with friends and family.

But, there is a pesky problem. . . .Birds— they love your garden, too.

Especially those seeds and fruits and vegetables they can put their beaks into.

Birds are not only a common hazard you can find destroying your gardens, and droppings are very unsightly!

So, what do you do? . . . Try these 5 strategies for a bird-free garden!

1. Bird Barriers

This is probably the most effective bird control strategy.

Bird netting can allow the sun or rain through while keeping pesky birds away.

They are simple to install and can just be tossed on top of your fruit trees.

For some common plants like blueberries, you can erect fence posts, bamboo or other stakes which the bird netting can hang on and sturdily anchor it to the ground with strong wires.

If carefully handled and maintained nets can be reused for several years.

Moreover, any bird guard material can be effective, like window screening and chicken wire (smaller birds can pass through).

If birds are pecking on your freshly planted garden seeds, then you can cover them with a layer of landscape tulle or fabric and removing them when the seeds have germinated enough.

You can also attach spikes to the building where birds love to congregate.

2. Get A Dog

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pandoozy/6334535751

Sheepdogs, border collies, and other breeds love to chase birds are quite good at it.

You can either hire a trained dog handler so they can patrol a bird-infested area or get a dog for yourself and train him.

Walk your dog in the early evening and early morning hours when birds are most active.

You not only control pesky birds but you also got yourself an adorable pooch to live with.

3. Scare Tactics

Birds are scared of humans, however, who likes the idea of standing in their garden all day long?

Well, a scarecrow can do the trick.

You can buy a pre-made one from your local garden store. Or, much better, create your own scarecrow by simply constructing a cross out of woods, cover it with clothes and stuffed it with straws to make it more realistic.

You can place your scarecrow in the vicinity of the birds and watch them fly away scarily.

You need to move your scarecrow around every few days in order to prevent pesky birds from getting too comfortable with it.

You can also change its clothes to scare birds more.

Like scarecrows, you can also place decoys throughout your garden.

Get a number of cheap, plastic animal decoys and place them on your garden.

Choose natural predators of birds such as coyotes, swans, owls, and snakes.

Re-position them every few days in order to keep the birds on edge.

4. Activate Water Deterrents

This strategy might not be feasible in every space, however, it can be a great tool in keeping birds away from your plants and vegetation while also effortlessly showering them with water.

You can buy and install a motion-sensor sprinkler aimed at the infested bird area.

Every time a bird tries to land on your precious garden, the sprinkler will sense them and a spray of water will be sprayed, scaring them away.

Do not worry about the strength of the water stream since they are harmless and only keep birds away.

5. Build A Distraction

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kables/8367405

The only reason why birds love to hang out in your garden is that they are looking for an easy and convenient food source to nibble on.

Building bird feeders are a great way to attract these birds to a particular area in your garden and keep them away from other areas that you want them to avoid.

Just make sure that you monitor your feeds every day and give those birds an easy access in order for them not to look at other food sources in your garden.

Conclusion

Although some birds can be quite beautiful to look and enjoy at others can be downright destructive and pesky.

The tips above can help in order to deal with a pesky bird problem.

If these birds stubbornly decline to leave, then boost up your efforts by trapping or hunting them, or call in pest control pros in Pretoria.

How Much Did That Swim Cost?

$25 or more ?

Think I am joking?

Initial cost

For a reasonable sized pool with a paved surround and proper fences you are unlikely to get away with less than $60,000.
Add it to your mortgage and you are going to be paying at least another $3,000 a year.

Running costs

Typical costs are:

  • Electricity is going to be around $1,000 a year.
  • Chlorine and other chemicals: $400 a year.
  • Maintenance of pumps covers etc $200 a year.

Plus much more if you are going to have heating!

Overall

Based on the above figure annual costs are going to be around $4,600.

But how many times a week will it be used over the 13 weeks of summer?

Well it could be 30 times during the summer holidays but over the whole 3 months 14-15 times a week is more likely.

$4,600 divided by (13 x 14) = $25.27 . . . and you don’t even get a decent swim, 2-3 strokes and you hit the wall.

 

SPA/HOT TUB

Not got space for a swimming Pool?

Would you like a spa/hot tub?

I know when I go on holiday I quite enjoy getting in a hot spa at the end of the day.

Before you make the decision to buy it’s worth thinking about what it’s going to cost.

Initial Requirements

Besides the cost of the initial unit there is where its going to be located.

  • Landscaping around it, or on a paved area. ( I would say on a paved area so it can be removed easily*)
  • If you are thinking of on a deck the deck will need to be strengthened as a spa full of water, and people, can be 2-3 tonnes.
  • Under a roof, or pergola.
  • Will you need a pool fence or just a lockable hardcover (Check your council requirements)
  • Running power/ electricity to the unit.

*Pools and spas can put future buyers off a property. 

Ongoing Costs

Typically the biggest cost is going to be heating. . . . Increasing the water temperature from 20ºC to 35ºC for a 1,000 litre spa would take around 17kw hrs of electricity costing around $5.(even using a heat pump its going to cost around $2) An insulated cover will help a little.

Other cost will include; running the spa pumps, running filter pumps, disinfection, and ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Additional water usage due to refilling the spa, and evaporation losses.

 

Even though I enjoy a spa, every time I have looked at the costs, I’ve decided against it. . . so it remains a holiday treat.

 

 

 

 

Decks, Balconys, and Safety

Last weekend this attractive looking balcony collapsed killing 2 people and injuring 17

For the full story check out the following link: The Age

With the party season now underway its worth thinking about whether your balcony/deck is up to the situation.

Loading

You may think that you are just inviting a few friends round……. but the average adult weighs over 75Kilos,

So if you are having 20 guests around for a party their combined weight will be over 1.5 tonne, that’s heavier than my car.

Get them to group together for a photo and all that weight is in a small area.

If they start dancing there are dynamic forces as well.

What can be done?

Well if you are planning a deck in the future make sure that it’s properly designed and constructed.

There is no room for “That looks strong enough….No worries”.

If you have an existing deck then check that its up to scratch:

  • No rot in the timbers
  • No corrosion
  • No loose fittings
  • Make sure the wall bolts holding the structure against the walls are secure.
  • Handrails are secure
  • Maximum spacing between balustrade rails should be 100mm

Before a party its a good idea to stop too many people going on a balcony, so put a couple of tables out there,

A table loaded with food might seem heavy but it will still be lighter than 4 or 5 adults.

Planting Shrubs

A lot of gardening web site tell you that you need to improve all your garden soil before you start planting.
Well in the case of shrubs I take a different approach, which has worked well for me.

Starting

The ground of a typical site following the build is in pretty poor condition.

Little top soil so even the weeds are struggling to survive.

A week before planting I look to kill all the weeds using  a weedkiller containing Glyphosate. (If you want a non chemical solution I would suggest using a steam gun) You are aiming to kill the roots , not just the foliage.

I normally follow up with a second weedkiller the day before planting.

Planting

Rather than improve the whole area and give potential weeds a break I concentrate on the area where the weeds will spread over the next 2-3 years.

I dig a hole around 3-4 times the diameter of the shrubs pot and around 100mm deeper and place the plant on a bed of compost in the hole.

I then backfill around the rootball with a mixture of 50% compost and 50% material excavated from the hole.

If you have got a worm farm it’s a good idea to include a couple of trowels of that material, with a few of the worms.

Make sure the backfill is firm so the plant doesn’t move around.

Mulch

Rather than buy expensive wed mat I simply use a layer of newspaper, typically at least 3 sheets thick with generous overlaps.

I then cover the paper with a mulch, either gravel, or bark as in the photo.

If you are doing a big garden don’t buy your mulch by the bag, it’s cheaper to buy it by the cubic metre from a garden supplier.

 

 

Thinking About Pets

Did you think about your pets when you planned your new House?

Will the House and garden be safe for your pets when you move?

Here are some things to think about:

Planning

Where will the pet sleep at night?

Where will it have access to during the day?. . . . For instance check out this Cat Lovers House

Where will it food be placed? and a litter tray be for cats? I like to keep the litter tray away from carpets, and anywhere else where I might walk with bare feet.

Are you going to give a dog access to the whole of the back yard or just a run.

Will there be shelter for the dog in the yard? We used to leave the dog bed under the verandah at one house, at another we had a porch at the back door.

How are you going to deal with a wet dog after a walk?. . . a regular reader of this blog told me they have planned an extra large laundry with a shower big enough to wash their two dogs.

When You Move In

Are any fly screens cat/dog proof , , , I would recommend any fly screens that protect doorways have a strong metal mesh.

Are all gates in place.

Do  the fences go right down to the ground, and are high enough to prevent jumping. . . . we had a medium sized dog which had never escaped until we moved to a new house and my wife got a job.  . . . It then started jumping a 1.5m brick fence.

Is there a risk your pet will try to dig under the fence?

Do you check your plants to check they aren’t toxic to your pets?

 

We have only had dogs and cats as pets, so there may be other questions for different pets.

 

 

Alternatives to Retaining Walls

When it comes to a change of gradient in your land most people just thing ‘Retaining wall’.

Perhaps you should think about some alternatives using a slope.

What you need to consider is how to make sure at that erosion is prevented when rainfall gets washed down the slope.

A great example is this slope has been protected by large boulders carefully placed to appear like a natural rock outcrop.

Another approach is to construct something like a drystone wall but laid back at an angle of around 45 degrees like this second example.

For more inspiration just try Google Search ‘Rockery’ for hundreds of ideas.

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