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Lifestyle

Top Dressing and Aeration: The Keys to a Healthy Lawn

If you want a healthy lawn, top dressing and aeration are two key steps that you shouldn't overlook. Topdressing is the process of adding a thin layer of soil or other material over the surface of your lawn which helps to fill in any holes or depressions and also helps to improve the overall appearance of your lawn. Aeration is the process of perforating the soil with small holes in order to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass plants. Both top dressing and aeration are important for maintaining a healthy lawn and in this blog post, we discuss the benefits of each and how you can incorporate them into your lawn care routine!

What is topdressing and why is it important?

Topdressing is the process of adding a layer of topsoil to your lawn in order to improve its structure, health, and appearance. This technique plays an important role in maintaining healthy grass, as it helps to repair damage caused by weather, pests, or foot traffic while also rebuilding vital nutrients in the soil. Furthermore, top dressing can help to prevent weed growth and enhance the appearance of your lawn by creating an even surface. Whether you are trying to improve the look and feel of your existing lawn or tackling problems such as thatch buildup or bare spots, top dressing is a valuable tool that should not be overlooked. So if you want to keep your lawn looking beautiful and thriving all year long, be sure to add a layer of topsoil at regular intervals.

How to topdress your lawn

The first step in top dressing your lawn is to mow it a bit shorter than usual. This will help the new topdressing material to settle evenly on the grass. Next, use a rake or hoe to remove any dead grass or debris from the surface of the lawn. Once the area is clear, spread a layer of top dressing material over the lawn. This can be anything from compost to sand to peat moss. Finally, use a rake to lightly spread the material over the surface of the lawn. Allow the area to dry for a few hours before watering it or walking on it. With proper care, top dressing can help to give your lawn a fresh, green look.

What is aeration and what are its benefits

Aeration is a gardening practice that involves perforating the soil with small holes to improve air circulation. This can be done with a special aeration tool or by simply poking holes in the ground with a garden fork. Aeration is important for lawn health because it helps to deliver oxygen and water to the roots of grass, which is essential for good growth. In addition, aeration helps to loosen compacted soil, making it easier for grassroots to take root and grow. As a result, aerating your lawn on a regular basis can help to ensure a healthy, green lawn.

Combining top dressing and aeration for a healthy lawn

Topdressing and aeration are lawn care techniques that are each important for promoting vibrant, green grass, but they work best when they are used together. By combining top dressing with aeration on a regular basis, you can ensure that your lawn is getting all of the nutrients it needs to thrive and stay lush and green no matter what time of year. To make your lawn care easier, we recommend the Sthil Aerator Multi Tool which can be found in store along with all the friendly and professional advice you need to keep your lawn looking great. Alternatively, call us on 1800 558 400, we're always available to help with your yard work needs.

Pick the Right Grass

How to Pick the Right Grass for Your Region and Climate

When choosing grass for your lawn, there are several important factors to consider. First, you need to pick a type of grass that is well suited to your climate and region. Read our latest blog to learn more about selecting the right grass variety for your lawn.

How to Pick the Right Grass for Your Region and Climate

When you're choosing a type of grass to plant in your yard, it's important to pick the right one for your region and climate. Some varieties of grass are better suited for hot, dry climates, while others do well in cooler, wetter areas. Here's a look at some of the most popular types of grass and how they perform in different parts of the country.

What factors should you consider when picking grass for your region and climate?

When choosing grass for your region and climate, there are several important factors to consider. One is the level of rainfall in your area. If you live in an area with high rainfall, you will need grass that is tolerant of wet conditions. Another factor to consider is the amount of sunlight in your region. Some grasses need full sun to thrive, while others prefer partial shade.Additionally, temperature extremes can also affect the type of grass you choose. If you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, you will need to choose a grass variety that can withstand extreme temperatures. By taking all of these factors into account, you'll be able to best select the type of grass that will thrive in your particular area of Australia.

Which type of grass is best for a sunny, dry climate?

In a sunny, dry climate, it is important to choose a type of grass that can withstand long periods of drought. Bermuda grass is a good option for this type of climate, as it is tolerant of heat and can survive on very little water. Another option is Zoysia grass, which has a deep root system that helps it to resist drought conditions. Other suitable varieties can include St Augustine grass, Bahia grass, Buffalo grass and Kentucky Bluegrass.

What about a shady, wet climate?

In a shady and wet climate, the best type of grass is one that is able to tolerate both low light conditions and wet soil. Bentgrass and fescue are two types of grass that meet these criteria. Both varieties are hardy and have deep roots that help them to stay in place during heavy rainfalls. In addition, both varieties are able to withstand damage from fungi, which can be a common problem in damp climates.

How do you know if you have the right kind of soil to support grass growth?

There are a few key indicators that will tell if your soil is right for grass growth. The first is texture. Grassroots need space to grow, so the ideal soil is loose and crumbly. You can test your soil's texture by taking a small handful and squeezing it. If it easily forms a ball, it's too dense. If it crumbles readily, it's just right. The second indicator is moisture levels.Grass needs regular watering to stay healthy, so you'll want to make sure that your soil retains moisture well. To test this, simply dig a small hole in the ground and fill it with water. If the water drains away quickly, you'll need to work on adding organic matter to help retain moisture. If it takes several hours for the water to drain away, your soil is just right.If you're unsure about which type of grass is best for your region and climate, talk to a local garden expert or, even better, pop down to see us at The Mower Place and we can also help you with the right kind of mower to take care of your lawn too. We're happy to answer all your queries, so just give us a call on 1800 558 400!

What to Plant in an Australian Autumn Vegetable Garden

what to plant in autumnEnjoying fresh, homegrown produce throughout the year is easy with a vegetable garden and you’ve probably already started planning your autumn crops if you’ve got an established veggie garden! Planting seasonal vegetables as the weather cools is a great idea because the soil remains quite warm and your plants will start growing right away.In this article, we'll discuss what you should be planting as we move into autumn so you can enjoy homegrown veggies soon!

What to Plant in an Australian Autumn Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round. And if you've got a veggie garden, then it's likely you're already thinking about your autumn crop!Autumn is a great time to plant seasonal vegetables because the weather is cooling down, but the soil is still warm, which means your plants will get off to a good start.

What vegetables should you be planting in autumn?

While there are many veggies that can be planted in the autumn season, there are some that are especially well-suited for this time of year.Below is a list of some of the best vegetables to plant as we head into the cooler months:

Kale:

Kale is a hardy vegetable that can be planted in autumn and will continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter. Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and is a delicious addition to salads or meals.

Spinach:

Like kale, spinach is a hardy vegetable that can be planted in autumn and will continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron. It can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a versatile addition to your diet.

Brussels Sprouts:

Brussels sprouts are a cool-weather vegetable that can be planted in autumn and maintained throughout the winter for continuous production. Brussels sprouts are packed full of vitamins C and K, as well as folate.

Beetroot:

Beetroot is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. Beetroot can be planted in autumn and will continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter. Beetroot is a good source of fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B, and C.

Broccoli:

Broccoli is a popular vegetable that can be planted in autumn. Broccoli is a good source of fibre, vitamins C, A, and K, and potassium. Broccoli can be enjoyed cooked or raw and is a surprisingly great addition to salads.

Cauliflower:

Cauliflower can be planted in autumn and will continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter. Cauliflower is a good source of fibre, vitamins C and K, and potassium. Cauliflower can be enjoyed cooked or raw and is a family favourite when cooked with a cheese sauce!

Lettuce:

Lettuce is traditionally a cooler season crop and can be planted in autumn. It will continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter and, depending on the type of lettuce seed or seedling you purchase may continue growing into the warmer months. Lettuce is a good source of fibre, vitamins A, C, K and is usually enjoyed raw in salads.

Carrots:

Carrots are a root vegetable that does well when planted in autumn. They should continue to produce vegetables throughout the winter months and, depending on where you are in Australia, maybe even later into the year.Now that you know some of the best vegetables to plant in your veggie garden during autumn, we'd like to wish you luck with your vegetable farming endeavours! Remember to be patient – it will take time for your plants to grow and produce their first harvest.If you're still at the stage of planning a vegetable garden, don't worry. You can contact our team of yard experts on 1800 558 400 at any time if you've got questions or need advice about what equipment would help you prepare a section of your lawn for a productive veggie patch.

Prepare Lawn for Winter

How Do You Prepare Your Lawn For Winter In Australia?

The winter season is coming. The temperature is cooling down. This means it’s time for you to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead to ensure that it stays healthy throughout the season. In this article, we covered the basics of keeping your lawn healthy for the winter months. We also included some tips to resolve your lawn’s dry patches. 

How Do You Prepare Your Lawn For Winter In Australia?

Winter is just around the corner. The temperature’s cooling down, which means it’s time to prepare your lawn for the cold months ahead. If you’re unsure about how to keep your lawn at its healthiest for the winter months, we’ve listed down a few pointers below.

Fertilise your lawn

Autumn is an excellent season for homeowners to fertilise the lawn. Doing so before the winter season hits gives the yard a boost of strength. Experts recommended applying a quality, slow-release fertiliser with a good Nitrogen Phosphorus-Potassium ratio to ensure that your lawn is fortified in the months to come. Some also use foliar liquid fertilisers during winter. Several tests have shown that foliar feeding can be up to 10 times more effective than soil feeding. 

Fix bare patches in your lawn

Autumn is the perfect time to fix the bare patches on your lawn. Several factors cause bare and patchy lawns, including frequent use, wear and tear, pet urine, and excess shade. Before fixing the patches, you have first to determine what may have caused it. If you’re unsure how to identify the cause of your patchy lawn, we made a brief guide.
  • Dry patches
Lawns in Western Australia often see dry patches because of the sandy soil in the region. When the soil dries out, it can be challenging to get it wet again. During the summer season, the sandy soil produces wax that coats the topmost layer. This prevents water from seeping down to the roots.You can resolve this problem by aerating the soil. This will allow water or a wetting agent to penetrate the soil. 
  • African black beetle infestation
Many homeowners mistake patchy lawns for an African black beetle infestation. One simple way to confirm this insect’s presence is by pouring a bucket of soapy water on problem areas. The water flushes out the beetles and their larvae. Experts recommend using chemical products only when your lawn shows signs of severe infestation. You can replace chemicals with a piece of moistened carpet to attract the beetles. You can also install and turn on garden lights at night to allow beetles to converge on these spots. This makes it easier for you to collect the pests the following morning.
  • Dollar spots
Generally, dollar spots are seen on grasses that require a high amount of water. These spots are actually a type of fungal disease caused by humidity and lack of nitrogen. Dollar spots do not grow bigger. However, some areas can merge to form larger bare patches. The fungus causing the problem can also cause more damage to the turf. Some of the best preventive measures include thatch control, using the right amount of fertiliser, and irrigation early in the morning. 
  • Bare patches
Several factors cause bare patches. If the patches are found along the edges of decks and pavings, they may be caused by heavy foot traffic. Patches near the edges of garden beds are caused by a lack of sunlight. Bare patches in various locations on the lawn are caused by dog urine, especially from female puppies. 

Collect leaf litter and debris

During autumn, trees shed leaves, which means more leaf litter and debris on your lawn. The accumulation of leaves and debris blocks your lawn from getting much-needed sunlight. The leaf litter and debris can also become damp. This can lead to bare patches caused by fungal diseases. If you notice the leaves building up, rake them into a pile and add them to your compost bin. 

Mow the lawn higher

List most plants, grass thrives on sunlight for photosynthesis. The longer the grass blade, the more sun the plant catches. Raising the mower blades before winter gives your lawn a more generous cut. This allows the grass to collect more sunlight, keeping it healthy throughout the colder months.The winter season doesn’t have to mean an unhealthy lawn. Here at The Mower Place, we carry a wide range of outdoor equipment to help you prepare your lawn for the colder months. View our catalogue of push mowers or zero-turn mowers and get your product today by calling us at 1800-558-400. 

You can also follow us on your YouTube Channel or our Facebook page for more tips and tricks on how to care for your lawn. 

Mower Shop

3 Reasons Why The Mower Place Is The Mower Shop For Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs

Are you looking for a mower shop that could cater to your outdoor power equipment needs? The Mower Place is one of the leading dealers of power equipment across Australia. Find out why here.

3 Reasons Why Mower Place Is The Mower Shop For Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs

The Mower Place is one of the leading dealers of outdoor power equipment and tools in Australia. Established more than 30 years ago, this mower shop has since expanded its wares and services, helping the company gain the trust of a long list of clienteles. These customers include domestic users, professional contractors, landscape specialists, commercial users, and government institutions. The Mower Place offers customers products from well-recognised brands, including Stihl, Toro, and Walker. Representing these brands has helped the business ensure that their customers invest in quality products from companies that are leaders in their field. Here are some of the things that makes The Mower Place the best mower shop for you to get your outdoor power equipment:
1. Everything is done in-house.
At The Mower Place, we assemble, fuel, and test all our products in our warehouse. We have an entire team of experienced technicians to ensure that all products sold in our stores are worth the investment. Our team inspects every component that makes up each product, which means everything we put in our stores and online are quality-assured.
2. We provide excellent customer service.
Our sales team is trained to match customers with the best product based on their needs. We also take the time to show you how to operate the product before you leave our stores.At The Mower Place, we aim to help make the lives of our consumers easier. We deliver all our products within 30 kilometres of any of our stores for free. Spare parts can also be delivered outside the 30 km radius. If you want to get your purchase sooner, The Mower Place also offers “Pick Up” services. Customers buying online may select the “Pick Up” option during checkout to collect your item from any service centre near you. 
3. You can visit us any day you want. 
The Mower Place is open from Mondays through Sundays, which means customers can drop by and purchase their products any day. The schedules for each of our store is indicated below: Brown Plains
Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
Sat8am – 3pm
Sun9am – 2pm
 Brown Plains Workshop
Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
Sat – Sun Can pick up and drop off in sales department Capalaba
Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
Sat8am – 3pm
Sun9am – 2pm
Sat – Sun Can pick up and drop off in sales department  Kenmore
Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
Sat8am – 3pm
Sun9am – 2pm
Sat – Sun Can pick up and drop off in sales department Take a look at The Mower Place’s wide range of outdoor power equipment by visiting our website at https://mowerplace.com.au/. Do you need quality advice from experts or trained technicians? Give us a call at 1800-558-400 or fill out our contact form by clicking here.  

What and When To Plant in Australia

What and When To Plant in Australia

Australia has 5 climate regions with unique climatic conditions. So if you plan to grow fruits and vegetables, what and when to plant in Australia will depend on where you live.

What and When To Plant in Australia

Australia is one of the few countries that has 4 seasons but the climate varies throughout the eight states and territories. This means temperate conditions in each state may differ.So if you plan to grow fruits and vegetables, what and when to plant in Australia will depend on where you live.Australia has 5 climate regions with unique climatic conditions. It is important that you know which region you are included in so you would know when is the best time to plant and what plants suit your region's climate condition.

Australia’s Climate Region

 
Tropical Region
The northern part of Australia is the tropical region where they experience wet and dry seasons.Some of the areas included in this region are Port Hedland, Broome in Western Australia, Darwin and the top third of Northern Territory and North Queensland.The type of temperate condition this region has, suggests that almost any plant can be grown, such as sweet potato and corn. 
Sub-Tropical Region
This region includes Northern Rivers of New South Wales, across Brisbane and South East Queensland, up the Queensland coastline to the Whitsundays, then across into the Gascoyne region in Western Australia and down to Geraldton.The temperate condition for this region is warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters that are best for carrots, oregano, turnips, radish, beetroot, silverbeets and chives. 
Temperate Region
This region mostly experiences a warm summer and cool winter. And this covers the largest part of Australia, from Toowoomba and the Southern Downs in southern Queensland, down through eastern New South Wales including Sydney, the southern half of Victoria and Melbourne (excluding the cool/mountain regions, explained below), and across coastal South Australia and Western Australia taking in Adelaide and Perth.Growing time for most of the plants are limited but for some plants like turnips, lettuce and radish is possible in this region. 
Arid Region
This region experiences warm, dry and little to no rainfall. This spans from coastal Western Australia all the way over to the Great Dividing Range in Australia’s east. In this area are places like Kalgoorlie, Alice Springs and inland areas of Queensland.The temperate condition that this region has is best in growing carrots, silverbeets, radish and spinach. For some other plants, it will all depend on the season. 
Cool/Mountain Region
This region includes high areas of south-eastern New South Wales, high areas of Victoria, and the majority of Tasmania. These are the areas that often experience much colder winters than the rest of the country.Temperate conditions in this region are mild to warm summers and frosty winters. Growing plants like strawberries, spring onions, garlic, peas, chilli and cauliflower is possible but can be challenging since they have limited planting windows.To know more information about gardening in Australia, check out this complete guide. Like our Facebook page for more updates. 

Storm Season

How To Prepare Your Garden For The Storm Season

When preparing for the storm season, it’s important to focus first on securing the safety of your family and home. Here are some tips to prepare your garden for the storm season.

How To Prepare Your Garden For The Storm Season

We’ve reached that time of the year again where we face extreme weather like thunderstorms, heavy rain events, and hurricanes. This is becoming everyone’s concern whether you live in a coastal community, valley, suburban neighbourhood, or metro since these types of events are unavoidable and often arrive with little to no notice. When preparing for the storm season, it’s important to focus first on securing the safety of your family and home.In this article, we’ll share some tips to prepare your garden for the storm season. But remember that no matter how much we love our garden and landscaping, it can always grow back.
START A YEARLY SCHEDULE
Unless you live near a body of water, most damage that occurs may be caused by winds. The most susceptible part of your garden isn't any of the flowers or plants, it’s the trees throughout your property. To prevent this, you can take time at the beginning of the year to thin out the canopy of your trees, large or small, before any new growth begins to develop.Examine them for any signs of disease, check the upper branches as well as around the roots. Any disease can increase the chances of your tree coming down during high winds. Waiting until a storm or hurricane hits your home before doing something can cost you so much time and money.
DE-DECORATE YOUR GARDEN
For most of the year, all items in our garden are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a purpose in making our gardening tasks simpler. But when the storm season comes, these same tools and decorations can quickly become dangerous. Start removing any hanging flower pots, bird feeders, or any items in your garden that can easily get carried away by winds and store them indoors.After that, consider moving all the larger pots indoors if they are not too heavy. Otherwise, you can place a few heavy items around the pot to prevent it from rolling around during a storm. As difficult as it may seem, you have to accept that your beautiful blooms or trees will most likely be blown away and avoid wrapping any plants with tarps and blankets because they can turn into a “sail” or “kite” and may cause the plant to whip around and potentially snap.
CONSIDER DRAINAGE AND POTENTIAL BLOCKAGES
A lot of severe thunderstorms and hurricanes deliver rain amounts that can exceed six inches, often dropping double-digit in a small amount of time. Anytime an area reaches this level, drainage and sewer are tested to the extreme. A lot of the damage caused by the storm isn't really by the amount of rain but from clogged drains caused by leaves, mulch, branches and other organic matters. It’s vital to clear any drains located near your garden and consider taking up mulch in that area. After heavy rain, pull back the mulch on garden beds to allow the soil to dry out and prevent any root rot from developing.
USE STRUCTURES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
As long as you know the direction of the storm, move larger items in your garden like tables, chairs, coolers, umbrellas and more to the side of your property that’s shielded from strong winds. If you have a pool, tie a rope to your patio furniture and toss them in. They will be much safer underwater and the rope will make the retrieval easier once the storm passed. 

What You Need To Know About Movember

What You Need To Know About Movember

If you ever wondered why your male coworkers or friends show up with clean shaved faces on November 1st and end up looking like grizzly bears by the end of the month. You can blame Movember for that. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What You Need To Know About Movember

Welcome to November! This is the month where all you male friends and co-workers show up with clean shaved faces on November 1st and look like grizzly bears when the month’s almost over.This challenge is called “Movember” or “No-Shave November.” Aside from showing off their moustaches and goatees. Growing out their facial hair is also to raise awareness and funds for men's health - specifically for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
How Did It All Start?
Established in 2003, Movember was created by a few friends over a beer in a pub outside Melbourne, Australia. They decided that every November, men will grow a moustache for the month and get their friends, family and colleagues to donate for their effort. They want to take action to live a healthier, happier and longer lives by investing in critical areas like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Both men and women can participate and they can choose whether to Move or to Host.While many people associate Movember with growing moustaches, this challenge is more than just that. When it started in 2003, they only had 30 members, mostly men, but now has grown into 5 million Mo Bros (men) and Mo Sistas (women).Funds that they raise are distributed to several of their partners, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Prevention Institute in the US.
What is No-Shave November?
No-Shave November is another organisation similar to Movember where they encourage people to donate all the money that they should be spending on hair grooming for the month. It was founded on Facebook in 2009. Aside from growing moustaches and beards, women who want to participate are also encouraged to maybe skip shaving their legs. So everyone can join if they want too!People who wish to participate can sign up on the fundraising page and make the commitment to reach out to anyone they know for donations during the whole month of November. Here are four ways you can participate (and yes, ladies have opportunities too!)
  1. Grow Your Mo: Pledge to grow your moustache for 30 days and raise some funds for men’s health. It’s ideal to shave your face on November 1st and become the walking, talking men’s health billboard for the rest of the month.
  2. Take The Move Challenge: Pledge to get physically active by running or working out. You can track your progress and raise funds.
  3. Plan A Movement Event: Plan and host any Movember event to help raise money.
  4. Mo Your Way: Create your own challenge. It can be anything you can think of. Your efforts will surely help change the face of men’s health.
With all the supporters coming from all over the world, Movember helped fund more than 1200 innovative men’s health projects in more than 20 countries. 

Christmas garden

How To Reuse Your Old Christmas Tree For Your Garden

Once the holidays are over, don’t bag your Christmas tree just yet. Its needles, boughs, and trunk can be helpful for your garden.

How To Reuse Your Old Christmas Tree For Your Garden

It’s almost Christmas time and surely, everyone is busy decorating their homes with bright and colourful Christmas trees. But when the holidays are over, you can take down the tinsel, but don’t bag the tree just yet. Its needles, boughs, and trunk can do so much more than just hold ornaments, especially for your Christmas garden.
1. Mulch with needles
Pine needles are excellent for moisture because it dries quickly and decomposes slowly. They are also moulded free mulch for ground-covering crops like strawberries to rest on.
2. Create a bird sanctuary
You can place your old tree in a stand outdoors. Fill bird feeders and then hang them from the boughs of the tree. You can also drape the tree with some pinecones that you coated with peanut butter.
3. Insulate perennials
With Australian weather getting more drastic. Snow isn’t unthinkable. If it’s snowing, the boughs can act as the perfect protection for your perennial beds. Simply cut off the boughs and lay them over the beds to reduce frost heaving.
4. Edge your borders
The trunks of your Christmas tree are perfect to edge the flower beds and walkways in your garden. Cut them into 2-inch discs and set them into the soil.
5. Shelter fish
If you live near a pond or lake, the branches of your old tree can be tossed into the water and provide sheltering habitats for overwintering fish. Just make sure that your tree is chemical-free and get permission from your town officials if needed.
6. Set a stage for containers
Saw the trunk into different lengths and use it as flowerpot risers. You can check out high quality and durable chainsaws here.
7. Make coasters and trivets
Woods are great to use as coasters and trivets. Cut the trunk into thin slabs, sand them smooth and apply a thin coat of polyurethane to keep the sap off your tables and glassware.
8. Chip it
Rent a chipper, if it’s a little expensive, you can get a few of your neighbours to split the cost, they are surely trying to get rid of their trees too. Feed the tree through the chipper and spread the wood chips under shrubs when spring comes. This will suppress the weeds and add nutrients to the soil when they decompose.
9. Feed a fire pit
You can use the quick-to-ignite branches to start an outdoor fire pit. However, don’t use it as an indoor fireplace because the creosote build-up can be a hazard.
10. Stake Your Plants
The smaller branches and twigs can be used to support your indoor potted plants or stake leggy seedlings.

Increase Your Curb Appeal

How To Increase Your Curb Appeal

Your garden is the first thing everyone sees when they walk into your property so it’s important to make sure your front facade looks presentable. We have listed some tips and tricks on how to increase your curb appeal.

How To Increase Your Curb Appeal

Your garden is the first thing everyone sees when they walk into your property. Whether your selling or just cleaning up your lawn, it’s important to make sure your front facade looks presentable.This quick and easy tips from Horticulturist Darren Kerr will help you revamp your front garden and increase your home’s curb appeal.These tips and tricks were made while ensuring that all Australians can apply them to their homes. We also want you to be able to pick up the right STIHL tools from local dealers and utilise them to revamp your front garden and make all gardening task quicker and easier.STIHL tools are notable for having the highest quality tools on top of their German engineering. This allows you to easily increase your curb appeal and create a lush and welcoming space.Tip 1: Lawn Rejuvenation and MaintenanceThe first step to impressing your neighbours is to make sure your lawn stay rejuvenated. An important process in rejuvenation is dethatching. “Thatch” is the layer of organic matters on top of your lawn root’s system, it’s made up of lawn clipping, roots and plant matter. If these build-ups, it will stay wet and can cause damage to your lawn.You can use the STIHL MultiSystem with Dethatcher Attachment to remove thatch.Tip: You can use your lawnmower to collect it up afterwards.Once dethatching is done, you can use the STHIL MultiSystem with Aerator Attachment to aerate the soil. Then, use a lawn fertiliser of your choice and distribute it evenly. Watering the lawn regularly can also help so the nutrients can reach the roots of the grass.To cut your lawn to a consistent height, you can use the STIHL Battery Lawn Mower. This creates an even looking lawn and encourages growth. Mowing should be done every week throughout the warmer months.Tip 2: Create Edge Envy If you have garden beds, a STIHL Grass Trimmer can help create sharp and defined lawn edge by clearing grass from bricks and stone borders.It is also advised to do weekly edging so you can keep grass maintained and ensure sharp lines around the boundaries of your lawn. Having sharp, clean lines in your garden is pleasing to the eyes and can instantly give an attractive and well-maintained impression. You can use STIHL Grass Trimmer to vertically cut clean lines around the perimeter of your lawn.Tip 3: Get it Gleaming with Pressure Cleaning Now that your front lawn is tidied up, it’s time to give your driveway spruce up. First, remove any of the loose debris from the driveway using a STIHL Blower. Make sure you blow them onto the lawn so it can be picked up when moving and added to compost. If it’s larger debris, it can be put through a STIHL Shredder.You can also remove any traffic marks and stains from concrete and pavers by using the STIHL Pressure Cleaner. Just make sure to put some gumboots and STIHL Safety Glasses before connecting to a hose and power source. Wand over the hard surfaces to wash off any marks and then hose down walls, surfaces and pots to remove any dirt.You can also use the STIHL Pressure Cleaner to quickly clean your front verandas, paths and planter boxes. You’ll be amazed by the instant difference it makes.By following these tips and tricks, you are ensuring a welcoming space on your front yard. The different STIHL tools mentioned can help make the process so much easier. You can now click and collect your favourite STIHL tools at the nearest The Mower Place branch near you. You can contact us here for more information.

How to Flood-Proof Your Garden

How to Flood Proof Your Garden

Flooding can cause intense damage not only to our homes but also to our gardens. Learn how to flood-proof your garden using this plan.How to Flood-Proof Your GardenFlooding can cause intense damage not only to our homes but also to our gardens. It’s costly and really disruptive weather that is now becoming a regular occurrence all over the world because of climate change.Now is the perfect time to take ample steps to control and minimise the flood risks in our garden. Simply follow this 10-point action plan:

  1. Tackle Flood-Prone Lawns
Lawns on heavy soils just like clay or ground that has been compacted heavily during summer are more prone to flooding - but can be prevented with the right amount of care. Vigorously rake the grass using a spring-tine rake or a lawn scarifier to help pull out dead materials, then aerate with a garden fork by spiking the lawn,Doing this will open up the surface so that the water and air penetrate down to the root zone and not flood on the top. If the glass became sparse after, you can overseed using fast-germinating lawn seed. It will help to thicken the grass and prevent any muddy patches.Your lawns can benefit from an autumn feed because it strengthens the roots and helps withstand soggy conditions.
  1. Install Absorbent Paving
Because of our cars, our front gardens are made from hard standing pavements to pave off for parking. This is a big contributor to flash flooding because it cannot absorb stormwater.According to the Royal Horticultural Society, three times as many front gardens are paved over compared to 10 years ago. Almost 1 out of 4 front gardens are buried under concrete while there are still 5 million front gardens without plants at all!The cheapest alternative is gravel but it can be a magnet for cat litter so consider laying grass reinforcement. It’s a heavy-duty matrix system that allows cars to still be parked on grass without your lawn turning into a mudbath. Interlocking permeable paving is also a clever solution to allow water to drain away. It has a traditional block appearance but has no gaps.
  1. Plant Moisture Lovers
Growing the right plants in the right place will ensure your success in gardening. Some plants can tolerate waterlogged ground for a long period of time while a few will relish the opportunity and thrive in permanently moist soil.Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’) is a top choice for moist areas,  while hydrangeas (especially Hydrangea paniculata) also love moist soil. Hostas will thank you for planting it in damp shade, just watch out for slugs. Arum lilies will also show off a funnel-shaped white flower when grown in moist soil. If you want that autumn colour then the sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is tolerant of heavy and moist soils.
  1. Fit Drain Leaf Guards
Most of us really don’t care about drains until they block. The common cause of obstruction in drains are the fallen leaves yet there are still many properties without any barriers which result in flooding.There are plastic drain leaf guards that can be bought online for cheap, allowing rainwater to drain while preventing debris from entering.
  1. Do Health Check On Plant Pots
Plants you grow in containers can become waterlogged and can drown so it’s important to do health check every now and then. Start by removing saucers underneath containers then tip the pot on one side and use a dibber or a pencil to unblock any obstructions on the drainage holes. Next is to raise the plant pots off the ground to help water to drain. You can buy pot feet on any garden centres or use decking tiles or bricks for a cheaper solution.
  1. Build Raised Garden Beds
When heavy soil si prone to flooding, raised garden beds are the best answers. They are an excellent choice for growing flowers, fruits and vegetables that can otherwise die in soggy soil.Even garden beds raised just a few inches above the ground can already help improve garden drainage. Some ready-to-build raised bed kits are already available or you can construct frames from wooden sleepers or decking timber that you can fill with quality topsoil.
  1. Improve Soggy Soil
You can also improve flood-prone soil by digging in lots of organic matter like well-rotted garden compost or manure. Mixing in grit into the base of planting holes can help with drainage while planting shrubs on raised mounds can help protect roots from waterlogging.Avoid walking on saturated soil because your boots will further compact the ground and can make the situation worse.
  1. Boost Butts and Tackle Gutters
Reduce flood risks by harvesting the rainwater and use as irrigation for next summer. Water butts can be linked to your home gutters, sheds, and garages. Slimline butts can hold around 100 litres of water while the big ones can carry up to 250-litres. Connecting kits are a great investment for linking butts.It can also help to clear gutters of fallen leaves to prevent overflowing. You can also install a gutter brush, which is a long cylinder that looks like a chimney sweep brush to make the task easier. This can help prevent leaves from accumulating and disintegrating.To make the job easier, you can also just attach a gutter cleaning kit to you eclectic and petrol leaf blower and shredders.
  1. Plant a Green Roof
A green roof is a biodiversity-enhancing carpet of dwarf perennials. It creates a home for insects and pollinators and can soak up rainwater which helps in preventing run-off that can contribute to flooding.Ensure the roofs are sturdy and then line it with a waterproof membrane. Build a frame using pressure treated timber before filling with green roof compost. Sedum mats are a popular choice while sempervivums make a stunning addition with its eye-catching rosettes.
  1. Dig a Soakaway
If your garden is consistently boggy, then you can solve this by digging a soakaway. It’s not a substitute for professional drainage but can help filter down excess water to the ground. The only thing is, you need to dig at least one metre for it to be effective. Fill the holes with large stones or pieces of broken bricks before replacing the topsoil. 

Australian Garden

Gardening In Australia

Planning a garden in Australia is just like planning a garden anywhere else. Just consider the temperature, weather and more tips that we’ve mentioned to have a successful Australian garden.

Gardening In Australia

Planning a garden in Australia is just like planning a garden anywhere else. No matter where you are, you have to consider a lot of things before deciding what to plant. Temperature and climate are two of the most important factors. Just like in the U.S., Australia is also divided into different hardiness zones. Native plants should also be considered when planting in Australia.
Australian Gardening Style
Your Australian Garden can be in any style that you want. You may choose to replicate the natural landscapes using water, rocks or native plants. You can also design ornamental beds to complement your home or plant eye-catching shrubs or dwarf conifers in the corners. When needed, make sure you follow the slope of your property and plant erosion control.
About Australia Garden Plants
To add a little privacy, plants may include shrub or tree borders. This can also help block the noise from the street. Seasons in Australia are reversed so Spring is from September to November. Plant nurseries feature a plant by plant description for herbs and ornamentals. Some are labelled “Don’t Plant Me” or “Grown Me Instead” to avoid plants with the invasive spread.Native pelargonium (Pelargonium australe) and native bluebell (Wahlenbergia spp.) are native plants that are often used in groupings. Red flowering bottlebrush shrubs are a favourite native for those with a green thumb. Drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and southern cypress pine (Callitris gracilis) are beautiful native plants which are beneficial to the endangered wildlife population.
Gardening in Australia
There are so many choices of interesting plants to grow in an Australian Garden. Just consider the needs of the plants and the curb appeal you wish to display for your garden. You can use the following styles:
  • Cottage Garden: Anything goes with this style. Native plants help sustain wildlife. Tall ornamentals and herbs grow happily together with enough groundcover shading its bulbs and roots from the hot Australian sun.
  • Contemporary Garden: This style is more modern with an emphasis on texture and contrast. Natural timber is often used for decks and patios.
  • Family Garden: Perfect for recreation. This garden-style often has many seatings and has a pool and outdoor TV. Children can experiment and learn more about planting if they have a play area outside. You can shade and border with long-lasting plants, shrubs, and trees.
You will never run out of options in an Australian garden. It is a great and fun place to garden. Just choose appropriate plants for your zone and consider the temperature and climate to have a successful garden. Click here to get more tips.  

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