NOW we are in the midst of Gardening Week – many of us are thinking of ways to spruce up our outdoor space.
But according to gardening experts, there are four Facebook trends you need to avoid.
While you may have seen these trends going on viral on Facebook last year – it seems that is where they should stay.
While some trends can last for years, others have a quick turn around and a few can cause more harm than good to your garden.
The idea of fake grass was something we used to attach with school football fields – but last year more and more people kept bringing it into their gardens.
Some might have preferred the look of it while others wanted to take a shortcut by not having to tend to grass as regularly.
It needs to be cleaned of litter, moss and weed growth regularly
Amanda Kincaid
However, David Hedges Gowers, Chairman of the Lawn Association told Ideal Home this wasn’t the case.
He explained: “Fake grass can’t support the life cycles of fauna and flora, or absorb CO2 and other pollutants from the air we breathe.”
Another gardening pro said it can totally ruin the ecosystem as well as cause more mess in the garden.
“It doesn’t cool the garden in summer or nurture the soil beneath it, which is essential for feeding soil organisms like worms – which in turn keeps the soil healthy,’ says Amanda Kincaid, from STIGA.
“Weeds can also still grow through artificial turf, and it needs to be cleaned of litter, moss and weed growth regularly.”
Most of the experts Ideal Home spoke to agree that artificial grass often looks more tacky than a natural lawn. This is because it looks like what it is – fake.
A water feature can turn a bland garden into a regency paradise – if done right.
However, most of don’t have a garden big enough for a fountain – and the costs of running one are astronomical.
Instead, it’s better to opt for a bird bath or smaller feature that won’t need lots of work to maintain its glory.
Wooden furniture isn’t out of the question – but experts recommend steering clear of trendy softwood in the garden.
Although it is cheaper than hardwood – it’s more prone to be damaged by the elements.
Softwoods like pine and cedar are more porous and making them susceptible to moisture and rot.
Sally & Sarah Wilkie, Founders of Home Barn say Teak is a much better option as it withstands all weather conditions and temperatures.
Last but not least, having no colour in the garden is out for 2024.
Instead of going fro black and white furniture colour schemes when it comes to furniture – opt for brighter colours.
Sam Jenkinson, Garden Buildings Expert from Tiger Sheds also recommends adding more colour with plants and flowers.
“Say goodbye to gardens where the only colour is an immaculate green lawn and say hello to gardens bursting in colour with multiple types of plants that add personality and help wildlife,” Sam added.
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.
