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Winter is upon us, but the harsher winter months are just around the corner, and for garden enthusiasts, it’s time, if you haven’t already to start thinking about winter garden maintenance.

A well-maintained garden in winter not only looks beautiful but also ensures that your plants, structures, lawns, and water features stay safe, secure, and ready to burst back into life come spring.

In this blog post, we’ll share valuable insights on how to tackle winter garden maintenance. We’ll explore the small tasks that can keep your garden manageable, as well as the bigger jobs you should tackle before the harsh December weather sets in.

Winter Garden Maintenance – the Small Jobs for a Manageable Garden

Let’s start with some small tasks that can make a big difference when it comes to winter garden maintenance.

1. Pruning and Deadheading

Winter is the perfect time to prune and deadhead your plants. By removing dead or damaged branches and spent flowers, you’re not only enhancing the garden’s appearance but also promoting healthy growth in the coming season.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a good pair of pruning shears for precise and easy cutting, try and make winter garden maintenance as easy as possible on yourself.

2. Mulching

Mulching is a game-changer for maintaining soil health and temperature. It acts as a blanket, keeping your plants’ roots warm during cold spells. It’s also an excellent weed suppressor, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Pro Tip: Use organic mulch materials like compost, wood chips, or straw for better results.

3. Clearing Leaves and Debris

The UK is known for its picturesque autumn foliage, but those fallen leaves and debris can suffocate your garden if left unattended. Regularly clearing leaves from lawns, pathways, and around plants will prevent rot and maintain a tidy appearance.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a leaf blower for a quicker and more efficient clean-up, plus it makes winter garden maintenance more fun.

Feeding the Birds

As temperatures drop, our feathered friends can struggle to find food. Supporting local birdlife by putting out bird feeders can be a small yet meaningful winter garden maintenance task. Not only does it benefit wildlife, but it also adds a delightful touch of life to your garden.

Pro Tip: Choose a variety of bird feed to attract different species, and don’t forget a water source.

Winter Garden Maintenance – Bigger Jobs for Winter Garden Prep

These are some big jobs if you have larger gardens or commercial garden spaces in your portfolio. You may not want to pay for such big winter garden maintenance jobs but the costs far outway the maintenance your gardens will need come spring if you don’t do these jobs soon.

Prune and Protect

Pruning is not limited to small-scale tasks. For bigger plants and trees, it’s crucial to prune carefully. Removing overgrown or unhealthy branches can prevent winter damage, such as falling branches under heavy snow loads. Additionally, consider wrapping the trunks of young trees to shield them from frost and pests.

Pro Tip: Consult an arborist for expert guidance on tree care.

Lawn Care

The grass doesn’t take a break in winter. Give your lawn some love by aerating the soil to improve water and nutrient penetration. Top-dressing with compost or well-rotted manure will keep the turf strong and resilient. Also, continue mowing as needed to prevent long, disease-prone grass.

Pro Tip: Set your mower blades at the highest setting during winter to avoid damaging the grass.

Protecting Water Features

Ponds, fountains, and other water features are at risk of freezing during the UK’s cold winters. Prevent water from freezing solid by using a pond heater or aerator to keep a small area ice-free for wildlife. Remove pumps and filters from the water, clean them thoroughly, and store them in a frost-free place.

Pro Tip: Covering the water’s surface with a net or mesh can prevent leaves from sinking and decomposing in the water.

Clean Garden Structures

Garden structures such as pergolas, gazebos, and fences require some attention too. Check for any loose or damaged parts, and repair them before winter sets in. A fresh coat of wood preservative or paint can help protect the wood from the damp winter weather.

Pro Tip: Cleaning and sealing wooden structures before winter can prevent rot and extend their lifespan.

The Big Picture

A well-maintained garden in winter is not just about aesthetics; it’s an investment in the future. By taking care of the small tasks regularly and tackling the bigger jobs before December, you’re ensuring the health and vitality of your garden in the long term. This means less maintenance come spring and therefore less cost.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a beautiful garden year-round. If you have a large garden that you need help maintaining, or want to look after the gardens in your commercial or rented-out properties then we can help. Give us a call to discuss our commercial gardening and maintenance services!

Do you have office plants and gardens? Think you’ve got not room for such luxuries or that they would be too costly and tricky to maintain? Integrating greenery and plants in and around your office is a brilliant idea because there are a myriad of benefits for both the environment and the well-being of workers. The best part of this is there are many practical ways to achieve this, even in spaces with minimal areas for planting. Let’s explore the benefits of office plants…

The Appeal of Office Plants and Green Spaces

Why should an office environment incorporate greenery and plants? The answer is simple: the connection with nature brings about a host of positive effects that contribute to a more productive and enjoyable workplace. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces and ofice plants can enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase focus and creativity among employees.

A study by the University of Exeterfound that adding indoor plants to an office environment improved employee well-being by up to 47%. Another study published in the “Journal of Environmental Psychology” revealed that having plants in offices increased overall job satisfaction and reduced fatigue.

These studies emphasize the immense psychological impact of nature on employees, making a compelling case for integrating greenery into office spaces.

Benefits for the Environment

While the human-centric benefits are clear, the positive impact extends to the environment as well. Plants play a vital role in air purification, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, which leads to improved air quality. Additionally, they contribute to reducing indoor temperature fluctuations, making spaces more energy-efficient by providing natural insulation.

Creating Green Spaces in Limited Areas

Now, you might be thinking, “Our office doesn’t have ample outdoor space for planting.” Fear not! Even with limited room, you can create pockets of greenery that make a significant impact. Consider vertical gardens or hanging planters on walls. These not only save space but also add a unique aesthetic element to the office.

Indoor plants like succulents, snake plants, and peace lilies are low-maintenance choices that thrive even in limited light conditions. You can place them on desks, windowsills, or communal areas, infusing a touch of nature into every corner.

Indoor Planting Ideas:

1. Vertical Gardens: Utilize vertical space by installing hanging planters, wall-mounted shelves, or modular plant systems. This not only saves floor space but also adds an eye-catching visual element.
2. Desk Plants: Place small, low-maintenance plants like succulents, cacti, or air plants on desks or workstations. They add a touch of greenery and don’t take up much space.
3. Plant Stands: Invest in compact plant stands that can hold multiple pots. These stands can be placed in corners, next to windows, or along corridors.
4. Hanging Planters: Hang planters from ceilings or wall hooks to bring greenery closer to eye level. This works well for trailing plants or spider plants.
5. Terrariums: Create miniature ecosystems within glass containers. Terrariums are visually appealing and require minimal maintenance.

Outdoor Planting Ideas:

1. Container Gardens: Use large planters or pots to grow plants on balconies, patios, or outdoor seating areas. You can grow flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs.
2. Window Boxes: If you have windows facing outdoors, install window boxes to grow a variety of plants. This adds color and vibrancy to the exterior of the office.
3. Green Walls: Implement vertical gardens on exterior walls. These living walls not only enhance aesthetics but also improve air quality.
4. Rooftop Gardens: If your office has access to a rooftop, consider transforming it into a green oasis. Raised beds or containers can be used to grow a range of plants.
5. Potted Trees: Opt for dwarf or small trees in large pots. They can provide shade, improve aesthetics, and contribute to a more welcoming environment.

Maintaining Your Office Plants

Maintaining office plants might sound like an additional chore, but it doesn’t have to be. This is where commercial garden maintenance companies come into play. Entrusting the care of your green spaces to professionals ensures that plants are well-tended, watered, and pruned regularly. It takes the burden off your employees, allowing them to focus on their core tasks while still enjoying the benefits of a greener office.

Professional garden maintenance services also offer expertise in selecting the right plants for your specific environment, ensuring they thrive and contribute to the aesthetics of your workspace. Moreover, these services often have access to a wider variety of plants, enabling you to explore diverse options that suit your office’s style.

There are also many plants that require low maintenance care, meaning that, depending on the plants you choose your maintenance firm won’t have to visit as often to care for them.

Low-Maintenance Plant Choices:

1. Succulents and Cacti: These plants require minimal watering and thrive in bright sunlight. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
2. Snake Plants: Known for their air-purifying abilities, snake plants can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering.
3. Peace Lilies: These elegant plants thrive in low light and produce beautiful white flowers. They also help in improving indoor air quality.
4. Herbs: Consider growing a small herb garden in pots indoors or outdoors. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary not only add a pleasant aroma but can also be used in cooking.
5. Air Plants: These unique plants don’t need soil and can be attached to various surfaces. They absorb moisture from the air and require only occasional misting.

Getting Ready to Go Green

Incorporating greenery and plants into your office environment is a decision that brings numerous advantages – improved employee well-being, enhanced productivity, and a more visually appealing workspace.

Remember, the key is to select office plants that suit the lighting conditions of your office and your level of commitment to maintenance. A combination of different plant types, along with creative use of space, can transform even the smallest office area into a refreshing green haven.

So, take the plunge into the world of office greenery. Embrace the beauty of nature within your workspace, and watch as it transforms not only your surroundings but also the well-being of everyone who enters.

Want to know what office plants would suit your office environment best or need to give your current office plants some much needed TLC? Contact us today to see how we can help with your commercial garden and planting maintenance.

Assess the Damage

Aerate the Soil

Reseed or Sod

Water and Fertilise Regularly

Control Pests and Diseases

Fix your garden grass – Keep it Healthy

A low-maintenance garden is quite desirable in today’s fast-paced world, as many people don’t have the time or energy to devote to high-maintenance gardens.

It is a great solution for those who want a beautiful outdoor space without having to put in a lot of effort. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a low-maintenance garden is, its benefits and how to create one.

What makes a low-maintenance garden?

A low-maintenance garden is a garden that requires minimal upkeep, typically requiring less time and resources than a traditional garden. The idea behind a low-maintenance garden is to create a beautiful outdoor space that is easy to care for as well as sustainable. The focus is on using plants and materials that are hardy, drought-resistant and require little to no fertiliser or pruning.

Creating a low-maintenance garden

Creating this type of garden requires some planning and strategy. Here are some tips for creating a low-maintenance garden:

• Choose the right plants: When selecting plants, choose ones that are native to your area and are well-suited for your climate. Look for plants that are hardy as well as drought- and disease-resistant. Lavender, hardy geraniums and bergenias are some good options. 

• Group plants by water needs: Group plants together that have similar water requirements. This will make watering more efficient and reduce waste.

• Use mulch: Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for watering. It can also help suppress weeds and improve soil quality.

• Use hardscaping: Incorporating hardscaping elements such as paths, patios and walls can add visual interest to your garden while also reducing the amount of grass or plants that need to be maintained.

• Consider low maintenance features: Installing features such as automatic irrigation systems, drip irrigation and rain barrels can reduce the amount of time and effort required to maintain your garden.

Do you want a garden with minimal effort?

A low-maintenance garden is a great option for those who want a beautiful outdoor space without the high-maintenance requirements of a traditional garden. By following the tips above, you can create a sustainable and easy-to-maintain garden that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. If you need any help creating a low-maintenance garden you can continue to maintain then contact us today.

Garden maintenance is not just about keeping your outdoor space aesthetically pleasing – it is also about ensuring its longevity. The process of looking after your garden and keeping it looking tidy and manicured involves a combination of tasks.

The tasks listed below all contribute to the upkeep of your garden’s appearance and health. In this blog, we’ll discuss what garden maintenance includes and why it is important.

Regular lawn care

The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about garden maintenance is lawn care. This includes regular mowing, edging and watering of the lawn.

Mowing is important for encouraging the grass to grow more thickly and for blocking out weeds, while edging helps to maintain the boundaries of the lawn and ensure a tidier overall appearance.

Watering, meanwhile, is essential for keeping the grass hydrated and healthy, especially in the summer.

Summer months can be tricky with water shortages and hosepipe bans in force, but it is important to take the time and care by watering your lawn with a watering can when these bans happen to keep your lawn looking fresh and green. Additionally, when watering your lawn and plants in Summer, do not be tempted to water went the sun is out as this will end up frying your lawn and plants, instead water when it is cool and the sun is at its lowest intensity in the evening.

Weeding and pest control

Weeding is another important aspect of garden maintenance and involves removing unwanted plants that can cause harm to other species. Weeds, in particular, will compete with other plants for nutrients and water, weakening them. They can also provide shelter for insects and act as hosts for crop diseases. 

Pest control is also essential for keeping the garden free from harmful insects and pests. There are many natural and chemical methods to control pests, so it’s worth doing some research first. You can purchase nematodes from the internet that will help with pests. Also, certain plants attract bugs that will happily feast on more harmful bugs in your garden. If you have a pond you could introduce frogs who will feast on slugs and snails that eat up your plants.

Trimming and pruning

Trimming and pruning help to maintain the shape and health of plants. Cutting back overgrown branches and stems promotes new growth while also helping to prevent diseases and pests from spreading throughout the garden. All plants need different pruning methods, so if you are doing your own pruning do some research first to avoid killing the plant, or hire a gardening expert to do your pruning for you.

Mulching and fertilising

Mulching and fertilising are important for keeping the soil healthy and nourished. Mulching involves adding a layer of organic material to the soil, helping it to retain moisture and prevent weeds from forming. Fertilising, meanwhile, is essential for providing plants with the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive. If you have room a compost bin is a great addition to any garden and is a great way to get rid of certain kitchen waste.

Seasonal clean-up

A seasonal clean-up involves removing debris, fallen leaves and dead plants from the garden in time for the new season. It’s good practice to regularly clear debris in spring to prevent pests and diseases from spreading throughout the garden during the summer. 

Garden maintenance keeps your garden beautiful and healthy

As you can see from above, garden maintenance is essential for keeping a garden healthy and involves a combination of essential tasks. By taking care of your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space for years to come. If you need some help with your garden maintenance call us for a chat about your needs today.

Introduction

Mowing

Fertilisation

Irrigation and sprinklers

Conclusion

Garden landscaping is the modification of the visible features of an area of land, including living elements like flowers and trees, as well as non-living elements like soil, rock and water. It’s a way to get the most out of outdoor spaces and improves the aesthetics of the area and property values too. In this article, we’re going to learn what garden landscaping is.

What is garden landscaping?

Garden landscaping is the modification of the visible features of an area of land. Landscaping can include living elements like flowerbeds, natural elements like rock formations and abstract elements to create a pleasing effect or to improve function. Landscaping can be done for aesthetic reasons or functional reasons such as increasing soil stability.

Landscaping is not limited to flowers and shrubs but can include the use of trees, ground coverings, and even water features. In many cases, it may be possible to create quite an elaborate garden while still maintaining total control over what goes into it by using pre-grown plants or by making use of container gardening methods.

Garden landscaping brings multiple elements together

When you think of garden landscaping, you may envision a space filled with lush green grass and trees. While this is one type of garden landscaping, there are many others as well. Landscape design is the art and science of planning outdoor space for residential or commercial purposes.

Landscape design includes elements such as natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation or bodies of water; and abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions. A successful landscape design will incorporate all these aspects into an aesthetically pleasing space that works within your budget.

Using garden landscaping in business

Garden landscaping is a fantastic way to improve the aesthetic and overall functionality of an outdoor space. Bringing in a professional landscaping service guarantees a high-quality, seamless outdoor space with lots of functionality. If you would like to find out more about garden landscaping, then get in contact with our team at ACC and see how we can help you transform your business property’s outdoor space into a true feature.

Lots of companies understand the importance of using professional cleaners to create a safe and clean working environment. Not only does this create a better working environment for staff, but it is also vital for customers and guests to see that the company cares about its visitors and the sort of environment it creates for them.

Why your grounds are just as important as your indoor environment

However, not all companies consider the need to secure professional support when it comes to maintaining their grounds and green space. This is somewhat short-sighted when it comes to creating a positive impression of your company. After all, the outside of your commercial building is almost always going to be the first part that a customer sees. That first impression can go a long way towards creating a positive customer experience.

Whether you are a care home, an office complex or an educational facility – the maintenance and care an organisation puts into the outside of its building is likely to be a reflection on the organisation itself. Even with the best products or services in the world, customers may be concerned that poorly maintained grounds show a lack of care and attention.

How our maintenance services can help

Our experienced team have worked with many different commercial clients such as schools, factories, offices and residential care homes to keep them looking their best. We can offer one-off services such as helping you to clear over-grown areas, as well as regular ongoing maintenance of lawns, flower beds and shrubbery. Our professional staff take great pride in their work, and they are highly trained in using the most up-to-date machinery to create a perfect finish for your lawns and grounds.

We offer a general range of services including lawn care and maintenance, pruning and shaping hedges and shrubs, and planting and looking after decorative flower beds. However, we are also able to offer more specialist services to meet particular requirements, such as moss control and driveway maintenance. Get in touch today to find out more about the expert services we can offer, and to discuss your bespoke needs.

As summer approaches, many people are opting to spend even more time outside during their lunch hours or on their breaks, especially in a post-COVID world. Keeping your outdoor space well-maintained can not only improve staff morale but can also benefit your business as a whole. In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at a few ways professional grounds maintenance can benefit your business.

1. More outdoor space to use while social distancing

No matter what kind of business you run, your outdoor space is one of the safest socially distanced places for the people in your business to spend time together. Therefore, it’s essential to keep them well maintained. If you own rental properties, keeping them clear for your tenants is an essential service to keep them content and satisfied and can allow them to entertain guests outdoors. And, encourages them to look after the rest of the property.

2. Improved curb appeal

When potential and existing customers visit your business premises, your outdoor space is the very first thing to greet them on arrival, even before they enter your building. It can therefore boost your image to have aesthetically pleasing, clean and tidy gardens, grounds, pathways and car parks available for visitors to see. Tidy flower beds, weed-free lawns and neatly trimmed hedges are simple tasks that are worth their weight in gold. And, it has been verified that outdoor spaces improve moods…. who doesn’t want happy visitors!

3. Efficient business operations

When you have large or overgrown grounds, extensive grassy areas and high hedges, it can be a stressful and daunting task to take care of it yourself. However, enlisting a team of fully trained and experienced professionals to clean up your outdoor space can take the task off your hands and free up time for you and your staff to focus on running your business. Whether you are looking to simply get your grass cut or you need more extensive work such as deep cleaning overgrown and neglected outdoor spaces, contacting a team of specialists will make life easier for you.

Enjoy professional and efficient grounds maintenance and clean-up services with Associated Cleaning Contractors (ACC).

All businesses are aware of the importance of cleanliness inside the office. For health and safety, as well as aesthetic purpose, keeping a workplace clean should always be a top priority for employers. However, in keeping their indoors clean, many businesses neglect their grounds and outside areas. Untidy grounds are not only unpleasant for staff but could actually discourage potential clients and visitors.

Untidy grounds

Your grounds say a lot about your business. Overgrown gardens filled with weeds and litter reflect badly on your company, and can physically stop customers getting to your door if it’s really bad!
If a business is unable to maintain their grounds, then it poses the question as to whether they are able to maintain loyalty to their customers. Understandably, the Covid-19 pandemic has left a lot of workplaces neglected, with the majority of staff working from home. However, with offices now slowly reopening, it is essential to ensure that your grounds are looking their best once again.

Don’t tackle it alone

Many business owners may see their grounds as something they can deal with themselves, but often, this is not the case. Large grounds may have multiple aspects that need maintaining, such as grass, flower beds and hedges. Attempting to tackle this as an amateur could end up doing more harm than good. Professional and good quality equipment is expensive, and often difficult to operate. Also, large grounds can be very time-consuming to maintain, taking hours of your valuable time. Therefore, if you need to tidy up your grounds, don’t attempt it alone. Seeking professional help is the best way to ensure your business has the most inviting grounds possible.

How ACC can help

Associated Cleaning Contractors are experienced in grounds maintenance and can provide you with the help you need. They can undertake a wide variety of grounds maintenance tasks, from clearing overgrown areas to controlling weeds, trimming lawns and managing decorative flower beds. Whether you’re looking for a one-off clean up, or regular contract help maintaining your grounds, the professionals at ACC can ensure your grounds leave a professional impression.

For more information on grounds maintenance services throughout the North West including Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Wigan and Manchester, contact Associated Cleaning Contractors today.