Traits of A Good Gardening Contractor

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There are many kinds of gardens. The sub-urban small garden, the larger country garden, the city-backyard, the terrace, and the penthouse garden. There are also special gardens that aim to further enhance the aesthetic value of a property. Whatever kind of garden you want to achieve, it much depends on the gardening contractors that you will hire.

Your chosen contractors from the grounds maintenance team, to your landscapers, must have distinct traits that set them apart from the others. After all, you are hiring them to save you time and effort because they are the experienced ones.

With the long list of gardening contractors to choose from, how do you determine who’s the right one for your property? How do you shorten the list? What characteristics should you look for?

Here is a guide to help you – the 5 essential traits of good gardening contractors.

  1. The trait of an expert.

As an expert, your prospective contractors must have the knowledge, skills, and experience. They should know the specific requirements of your location. They must be keenly aware of the weather in your area. And, they should be able to provide professional help when it comes to the kind of plants that are most suitable for your property.

  1. The trait of a skilled professional.

As a skilled professional, your gardening contractors must have the necessary license and an impressive portfolio of clients. Their previous work must show great ingenuity and creativity. The quality of their work must be superb, offering four-season services. Also implementing sustainable landscaping methods such as smart landscape irrigation systems, drought tolerant plantings, and using low-emission equipment.

  1. The trait of a passionate business partner.

When vetting potential contractors for your dream garden, they must act as your business partners. Show they truly care about the project, not only as an income generator but also as a valuable investment. They must be fully insured just in case they incur injuries or property damage while working. Your contractor must also be financially sound to ensure they are able to provide quality materials, equipment, and advanced landscape design capabilities.

  1. The trait of a dependable manager.

As a manager, they must be highly dependable. Particularly when it comes to addressing conflicts, providing open communication, maintaining cleanliness, and offering after-sales services.

  1. The trait of a caring friend.

And the last (but not the least) to complete the top 5 traits your gardening contractor must have, is the trait of a true friend. Your contractor must be a good listener, understanding what you really want and what you can really afford. They must also be helpful in creating your ideas and visualising your completed project.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Most Common Garden Pests In Winter

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There are plenty of insects that can infest your garden in winter; some are beneficial while some are destructive. Luckily, you can get rid of them with simple solutions. Here is a list of
common garden pests in Australia and how you can get rid of them:

Aphids

The cotton aphid and the cabbage aphid are two widespread species in Australia. Aphids feed on vegetables, fruits and ornamentals by sucking the fluid of phloem vessels. They can easily and rapidly reproduce. To get rid of them, you can use systemic insecticides or garlic spray.

Snails and Slugs

These pests can pose a huge threat to your garden. They can damage leaves, underground tubers, fruit, and plant seeds, and this can lead to major production losses. Snails thrive most in a moist environment.

To control snails, there are many different techniques you can implement. First, you can make a DIY snail trap using beer. Second, assault them at night using a torch and gumboots. Third, handpick and drop them in a bucket filled with salty or soapy water. Lastly, spray them with copper oxychloride.

 

Caterpillars

Small caterpillars love vegetables like broccoli and cabbages. Get rid of them by hand as this is the most efficient way to do so. Also, you can dust with derris dust. Similar to aphids, caterpillars can be deterred through the use of garlic sprays.

Bronze Orange Bugs (Stink Bugs)

Stink bugs can typically be found in New South Wales and Queensland. They are considered a pest to all citrus trees. They appear in late winter as lime green nymphs, but as they grow, they turn into an orange to bronze colour. When controlling these pests, you must be very careful since they emit a foul-smelling liquid that burns the eyes and skin on contact.

As such, you need to use protective glasses, and wear clothes with long sleeves, a pair of gloves, and a hat. You can use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. Use planks of wood to crush them. You can also pick them up using tongs and drown them into a bucket with soapy water.

Tips for Preventing Plant Diseases in Winter

  • Perform supplementary hand watering in the morning to allow the leaves to dry during the day.
    Handpick mummified fruit from under fruit trees or on their branches. Place them in the rubbish.
  • Watch your clivia since the winter cold may cause fungal problems that can rot the neck of the bulb. As soon as you notice any brown blistered patches on the leaves, spray it with anti-rot.
  • When leaves fall from prunus trees, immediately control shot hole which may disfigure the leaves with a copper oxychloride spray.

Heavy dew can be caused by cooler nights and winter rains. Gardeners may think that they won’t have to spend time and money watering at this time; unfortunately, the moisture can promote bacterial and fungal disease in your garden, so keep this in mind.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

How To Put Autumn Leaves to Good Use

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Green leaves. Red leaves. Yellow leaves. Purple leaves. Orange leaves. Pink leaves. The astonishing colours of autumn – such a marvel to look at.

Autumn is indeed a vibrant season because the leaves come in various colours. But this also means that these leaves will eventually fall off.

A lot of people may regard these fallen leaves as an additional burden to their maintenance tasks. It doesn’t have to be a negative thing, however, because there are several ways that you can put these leaves to good use.

Use the leaves as compost

Autumn leaves make a great compost. They are an excellent source of high carbon material that is vital to making a successful compost. Just pile up the leaves and alternate them with a layer of regular green materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps and grass clippings and let it sit during the winter. Aerate by turning it over once in a while.

Use the leaves as organic mulch

The best way to create mulch using autumn leaves is to shred them so they don’t get blown around. Apply a deep enough layer of shredded leaves on the flower and tree beds. Just the right depth will ensure moisture retention, weed control, and soil temperature regulation. As they break down, nutrients will penetrate the soil.

Use the leaves to make leaf mould

Leaf mould is an excellent material to enhance the soil’s health, texture, and properties. Collect the leaves in the storage area and shred if you want to speed up the decomposition process. Turn the pile over a few times as you let it sit for about a year.

Mow the leaves onto the lawn

Instead of raking the leaves off the lawn, mowing them over on the lawn is a better thing to do. The shredded leaves and grass clippings are good sources of carbon and nitrogen — exactly what the soil needs. Let them sit and break down into the soil during the winter, and as spring comes, they will be gone and the nutrients will be deposited in the soil.

Whether you enjoy autumn leaves or not, they provide gardeners a great opportunity to create safe and all-natural garden essentials. They are easy to work with and are safe for you and the environment. And of course, they are free! Letting the autumn leaves do the work for your garden while you and your plants reap the benefits is definitely not a bad idea.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

 

 

Your Garden Will Love Autumn Mulching

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Autumn is a time for great changes; everyone can experience cooler nights and the transformation of outdoor scenery.

It is also the best time to get in your garden and start work. In addition to fertilising, pruning, and planting, mulching is an integral part of autumn gardening, too.

There are different types of mulch to choose from, the most common of which are the organic and inorganic mulches. A once-a-year mulching is usually enough to keep the soil and your plants healthy.

Why your garden will love mulching;

  • It conserves soil moisture – The most familiar benefit gained from mulching is soil moisture. Adding some mulch keeps the soil from drying out and cracking. Therefore, it also reduces the need for frequent watering.
  • It suppresses the growth of weeds – Weeds are considered one of the most crucial issues gardeners have to deal with. Through mulching, you can stop the growth of weeds and eventually kill them. Before you mulch, it would be helpful to pull out or cut overgrown weeds first. Then, apply the mulch deep enough to block sunlight from penetrating and to prevent the weeds from germinating.
  • It adds nutrients to the soil – Various types of mulch, over time, will break down into the soil. This will add nutrients to the soil and improve its quality and structure.
  • It improves the look of the garden – Mulching gives the garden a finished and clean look by filling in empty spaces. What is even better is that it is very easy to maintain and it doesn’t compete with your plants in the garden.
  • It maintains the temperature of the soil – Just as it conserves the moisture in the soil, mulch also maintains the temperature around the soil. It keeps the soil cool during warm days and warm during the cold nights.
  • It controls certain pests – The use of specific types of mulch, particularly the cedar bark, can help ward off pests because cedar barks release oils that are considered a natural insect repellent.
  • It prevents soil erosion – Not only does mulch keep water in the soil, but it also prevents soil run-off and erosion. The mulch breaks the fall of water, which in turn lessens the impact of the water when it falls on the ground.

When spreading mulch on your garden, it is also important to learn how to do it, where to apply it, and what materials to use. All of these will determine the success of mulch application. For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Spring Garden Care Tips

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In Australia, there are different fruits and vegetables that you can grow in your garden, and spring is the best time to plant most vegetables. However, this is also the best time for diseases and pests to proliferate.

Common Garden Pests During Spring

Carrot Fly – Carrot flies can attack celery, parsley and other similar plants. The larvae burrow into the roots, thereby killing the plant. You can control them by removing infected plants and burning them.

Aphids – Otherwise known as greenfly, aphids can attack beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, lettuce, potatoes, radish and eggplant. They sit on soft plant tissue and suck sap from plants, causing wilting and rotting. Aphids can transfer viruses and other diseases from plant to plant. Control them with garlic spray.

Nematodes – Known as “Eel Worms,” nematodes are microscopic worms that attack the roots of vegetables. These pests can cause swelling, dwarfing and yellowing of the foliage. To control them, always keep your gardening tools clean and opt for resistant plant varieties. Also, plant marigolds in between vegetables — marigolds emit a chemical that can deter nematodes.

Aphids

Nematode

Carrot Fly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Making Your Garden Healthy in Spring

Fertilise – Now is the best time to feed your plants with the right fertilisers because everything will begin to grow again. Since most garden plants start their main growing period in spring, fertilising them will promote healthy growth and stronger disease and pest resistance.

Weed and Mulch – Before the sun begins to cause the soil’s moisture to evaporate, mulch the garden beds. Apart from conserving soil moisture, mulch will also insulate the soil against the heat. Also, it will help suppress weeds and provide essential nutrients to the soil, most especially when you make use of an organic mulch.

Watch out for pests – Spring is the best time to check for pests on new growth. Aphids, for instance, begin to get active, eating up all the new shoots. As such, keeping an eye on these pesky pests is a must. When dealing with pests, do not immediately opt for pesticides as these chemicals may also kill the beneficial predators. Rather, opt for organic or DIY solutions first.

Tidy up the garden – Spring gives you the opportunity to tidy up the areas in the garden that did not cope very well during the winter months. Bring back some vigour to your plants by properly pruning them.

Plant vegetables – If you live in one of the colder Australian regions, wait until the frost lifts before planting summer crops. Consider planting in October because by this time, the soil has started to heat up a bit. Some of the summer veggies you can sow include corn, cucumbers, beans, zucchini and pumpkin.

If you need help making your garden thrive, you can always get expert help from Jim’s Mowing NZ.

Free Mulch From Autumn Leaves

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Is it autumn yet? Do you feel excited about the coming of this season?

Colourful leaves of autumn aren’t just lovely to see; they’re also rich in essential minerals. If processed properly, they provide countless benefits to your lawn and garden.

For one, you can use them as fertilisers for shrubs, perennials, ferns, trees and other wood-plants. Second, you can use them as mulch for your pots and garden beds. Third, you can use
them as topdressing for your lawn. Fourth, you can use them as additional organic matter by digging them into the soil before planting. And fifth, you can also use them as seed-raising mix or as potting mix along with garden compost, washed sand, and loam.

How do you take these minerals from the leaves?

You don’t literally take out the minerals from the leaves. You break them down using a special composting process called leaf mould heap. Unlike the traditional compost where you need to balance and turn it, and keep it warm to enable fast-action bacteria to faciliate decomposition, leaf mould simply requires piling up the leaves, soaking them, and then just letting the fungi do the job of slowly decomposing the leaves.

For best results, take note of the following:

  1. It is crucial to have a compost bin strategically located near a shed to shelter the bin, and at the same time to allow rain to reach the leaves. You can use the bin bag method, but it is much better to build a bin since this process takes at least six months to as long as three years, depending on your goal. To make a rich soil conditioner, let it rot for two to three years. To make a rich mulch, six to twelve months will do.
  2. It is also equally important to choose the kind of leaves to include in the leaf mould. Leaves from deciduous trees are the best, like those from maple, oak, birch, elm, poplar, beech, ash, and liquidambar trees. Leaves that break down more slowly, like those from the evergreen trees as well as sycamore trees, must be kept to a minimum.
  3. To facilitate the process, it is best to shred leaves finely, particularly larger ones and those that takes longer to rot. Before putting in the bin, cut them into tiny pieces using a lawnmower.

You can have as much free mulch as you can with fallen autumn leaves. Pile them up as high as you can. If there is more room for two or three leaf bins in your yard, then you can even have well-rotted leaf mould for enriching the soil.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Basic Techniques for Controlling Weeds

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One of the persistent enemies of a beautiful garden is the weed. And why not? Weeds compete with the plants for water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. Every gardener or property owner with a garden will definitely tell you that weeds are on top of their list of invaders. They probably spend the largest portion of their time and energy controlling weeds and any plant that is growing where it is not wanted.

How should you control weeds?

When weeds have already started getting into your garden, the best way to fight them is by implementing an “early attacks” technique.

Scrape the weeds using a hoe.

Use a hula hoe to scrape the weeds out of the ground before they flower and drop seeds. A hula hoe is also called a stirrup hoe, oscillating hoe or scuffle hoe. It is by far the most efficient tool for the job, with its blade cutting through the weed roots without displacing or harming the soil. Just make sure you use it when the soil is dry. Do not hoe your garden when the soil is wet because doing so will change the structure of the soil and will cause large clumps and cracks to form.

Pull the weeds by hand.

When there are only a few of those unwanted plants, simple hand pulling is best way. You may use a hand weeder particularly when dealing with small garden areas. Hand weeders are like miniature hoes and they make quick work of weeds.

Use special weeders for deep-rooted weeds.

When there are deep-rooted weeds, you must use special weeders. These forked tools reach deep into the soil below the long roots and lift out the weed completely. Depending on the kind of weeds you need to remove, it is crucial to ensure that not one piece of the root is left in the soil.

Implement a special mulching technique.

For one, weeds will not have a chance to seed and grow if the ground is covered with mulch. You may even plant a “living mulch” of low-growing creepers, like what some gardeners do. This includes thyme, chamomile, isotoma, and other spreading plants that effectively discourage weeds.

When dealing with a large garden area, the best technique to implement is to let the weeds grow for one week then starve them to death through a special mulching technique. Moisten the soil. Cover the soil and weeds with thick sheets of newspaper — thick enough to keep the sunlight away but also allow air to reach the soil. On top of the newspaper, lay any kind of organic mulch, at least 100mm thick. Leave untouched for 3 to 6 months to make sure no seeds will survive and take on a new life.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

How Landscaping Can Increase Your Properties’ Value

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Any real estate professional will tell you that curb appeal has an impact on the value of a property. This is one of the reasons why home stagers preparing a property for an open house always make sure that yards are tidy and landscaped. First impressions count and the first thing potential buyers see (as far as detached homes with lawns go) is, of course, the state of property’s outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from creating the right impression on real estate buyers, there are other reasons why landscaping boosts property value.

  • Leafy streets that have 50 percent cover have been found to add up to 5.4 percent more to the median house sale price, according to a case study by the Brisbane City Council.
  • A broad-leaved tree located in front of a home has the ability to boost the property’s median price by as much as $16,889, reveals a Perth-based research.
  • Survey results also show that the amount of money directed toward landscaping increases perceived home value, and thus will result in a much higher asking price. In addition to the cost of landscaping, design value of landscaping is another factor that has the power to nudge property value higher.

Meanwhile, homeowners who have no plans of selling their property also have more to gain from this effort. Landscaping upgrades allow you to get more use out of your lawn or garden. Many find delight in the results of such a project because who wouldn’t like having beautiful nature around them?

Easy, High-Impact Landscaping

If you want to try landscaping strategies that can enhance the value of your home, you may want to consider the following easy, practical improvements:

  1. Polish those edges. You can spend your weekends trimming overgrowth of grass to clearly define the edges of your lawn. Or you can restrain invasive turf like Kikuyu and Couch by creating solid physical barriers around the edges of your lawn.
  2. Plant in profusion. Lush landscaping can alter the dimensions of your outdoor space and give it an appearance of health. Choose hardy plants or flowers endemic to your region. For example, if you live in Melbourne, you won’t have trouble growing Mulla Mulla, Everlasting Daisies and Geraldton Wax. These will proliferate really quickly, providing your garden pops of colour and additional dimensions.
  3. Add potted plants. You can use potted plants to create sections in your yard and add flattering height to certain areas.

These are just some of the many findings that prove how landscaping increases property function and aesthetics. If you want to optimise your home’s value and boost the quality of life in your home, consider a landscaping project for your outdoor spaces.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

To DIY or Not – Assessing the Risks of DIY Landscaping

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Ask a seasoned DIY-er why he prefers to do projects by himself instead of letting professionals do it for him. Most likely, he’ll tell you it’s about the savings. And who cannot use a few extra dollars in his pocket?

For other DIY-ers, however, it goes beyond the savings. It’s about seeing a project through to its completion and feeling the pride of starting and finishing something with your own hands.

However, there are some projects that are best left to the experts. Take landscaping, for example. The associated risks can range from simple injuries to unnecessary expenses — and sometimes, a wounded ego.

Before undertaking any DIY projects, including landscaping projects, there are a few things that you will need to consider objectively. First, be honest about your skill level. Some projects are simple enough that almost anyone can complete them. And then there are projects that are too complex that you need to have a solid foundation and experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, consider how much time you can allocate toward a project. Some landscaping projects can be done over an extended time frame while there are others that need to be completed ASAP in order to avoid inconvenience.

After that, determine which tools the project requires. Do you already have these in your shed or do you need to buy these? Are you going to use these tools and equipment in the foreseeable future?

Finally, consider the risks involved. In landscaping, there are a few risks that you need to know and carefully weigh.

Proceeding without a plan

Ideas do not constitute a plan. A plan should detail the tasks involved, the tools and equipment that you will need, and a project timeline. But perhaps, most important of all is having a specific theme that will unite disparate elements into something cohesive.

Exceeding the budget

Another reason why you need a plan before starting a landscape project is to ensure that you won’t go overboard with your budget. Failure to set and adhere to a budget can lead to a waste of time and money.

One of the quickest ways to exceed your budget is to re-do a failed attempt. Some mistakes can be too costly to correct.

Also, most consumers do not have access to wholesale prices like professionals do. You might want to factor that in when you are setting your budget.

Creating form without substance

A good landscape design incorporates both form and function. Some homeowners think that updating a landscape is as simple as adding a few plants, a tree or two, and a patio.

DIY-ers should also take into account how the space will be used as well as other important elements like lighting, irrigation, and heat sources.

A lacklustre look

Finally, a shabby appearance does not necessarily mean that you do not have an eye for design. More often than not, a lacklustre appearance stems from the lack of attention to the smallest details that bring the whole landscape together.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.