What are railway sleepers?These large wooden slabs were traditionally used to support railway tracks but are now popping up in gardens everywhere. They're sturdy and can be heavy to lift but once in place are long-lasting and look great in any landscaping project.Which type of sleepers should I choose? Softwood Sleepers are the best option for most garden lovers. They're uniform in size so have a clean, modern look. They're lighter to handle than reclaimed and oak sleepers and easier t …

What type of fencing should I choose for my back garden?  In your back garden, fencing should offer both security and privacy while complementing your plants and features such as your outdoor furniture. The two types of classic fencing that we see most are closeboard and lap panel. Both have their benefits, and one of these will be suitable for most landscaping projects. Closeboard fencing is crafted from vertical feather edge wooden boards, attached close together (hence the n …

With spring around the corner, now is the time to get your garden organised and enjoy home-grown crops of vegetables and fruits in the coming months.  They provide a focal point in any garden, creating a zone full of colour or foliage.Raised beds mean you can introduce a different soil type to your garden. So why not try something new like growing fruit and vegetables or fresh flowers?You get better drainage and increased soil temperature in raised beds.They’re easier to tend than traditio …

Designing your garden around built structures can add a whole new dimension to both the look and way you experience your green space. Functionally, of course, you will gain somewhere to sit out of the rain or – hopefully – in the shade. But you’ll also gain a striking design statement – dividing your garden into rooms or sections with structures creates an illusion of extra space - and a wonderful base for planting trailing, climbing, or even green roofing plants.There’s a great range of shelter …

When Storm Freya swept through the UK in February, little did we realise it would lead to a band of fencing and landscaping specialists, centred on our Peterborough branch, teaming up to make a real difference in their local community.Founded in 1984, and now run by a group of volunteers, The Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping St James is a charity that provides sanctuary in Peterborough for unwanted animals. From racoons, skunks and owls to monkeys, the animals come from all over. Some are unwan …

Attract different species of birds to your garden by keeping a feeder stocked with a variety of foods, including sunflower seeds, cracked corn and millet. Alternatively, hang up mesh bags of suet to make them feel welcome and safe. Providing water is also very important so remember to use a birdbath to give them plenty. Take a look at the RSPB website for more details on bird-friendly foods. If you would like to feed your feathery friends in a more creative way, follow our instructions b …

Garden fence or brick wall? Although both options provide security and privacy here's the main benefits of having garden fencing in your outdoor space. Strong & stable Any fence you choose should be solid enough to ensure your property is properly secured while being confident it is strong enough to withstand windy weather. A good-quality fence can be made more secure by adding gravel boards to the bottom of the fence panels. Gravel boards protect the bottom of your fence from g …

A splash of colour here and there can make a huge difference to the look of your garden, whether you're planning a whole new design or just making some subtle changes. If you're thinking about choosing a colour for your garden fence, you need to consider your overall garden design.Spend some time choosing the colour for your garden fencing to make sure that it fits in with its surroundings. If you are however, unsure about what colours would suit your garden best, here's some helpful hints …

Gravel driveways are a popular choice for many. Although these driveways look simple in design, they can add a certain grandeur to your home. With their attractive appearance that works well particularly in country settings, gravel driveways are simple to lay and fairly low maintenance. So what exactly can you do with gravel and aggregates to create your ideal driveway? Let us share a few tips on how to get your gravel driveway looking in tip-top condition… Shape and Design When …

Garden furniture can create a feeling of homeliness as well as add effortless style to your outdoor space. Ideal for all seasons, you can find various different types of furniture to fit the bill in your garden. If you want a focal piece in your garden that really stands out, there are a few good options. You could choose a wooden arbour, a swing chair or an arch to really get people's attention. This simple way of adding detail really can make a difference in your garden, and …

The first UK Company to manufacture chain link was Barnard, Bishop and Barnard in 1844; the machines were similar in design to those used for weaving cloth, as the company had a long history in doing this. Chain-link fences are made from galvanised or green PVC coated steel wire, woven into a zig zag pattern to create the familiar and popular diamond shaped fence. This type of fence is available commonly in heights varying between three and twelve feet. The reason chain-link fenci …

An Introduction to Closeboard Fencing Closeboard fencing remains the most cost effective way to build a solid boundary that will stand the test of time. Closeboard fencing can also be incorrectly described as ship lap or feather board fencing, but essentially these descriptions refer to the same type of construction. Due to the versatile nature of the product it is important to bear in mind what size fence you would like to erect and whether you will require planning permission. Genera …