GARDENS& LANDSCAPESIS LANDSCAPE GARDENING SEASONAL?

THE DESIGNER’S GUIDE TO CREATING THE PERFECT GARDENOctober Edition 2016

MONTHLY www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk

NICHE AWARD:WE WON!

AN EXPLOSIVE STORY

WIN£100 worth of garden centre

vouchers

HOW TO decorate your garden thisHALLOWEEN

A HIGHLY SOCIABLE NEW GARDEN

Dear Reader

We’ve got a treat for you this month. A real hand grenade found in a garden in Leicestershire and a controlled explosion. True story!

But first, there are three things I always think about in October: Halloween, pumpkins and America.

So, using the Americans’ enthusiasm for Halloween and celebration in general, why not have a timber structure or tall planting that you can hang bed sheets that look like ghosts and pathways lined with scary-looking faces carved into candle-lit pumpkins, to create more time in your garden this month? The children and grandchildren will never forget the memories.

Jeff and I make sure our children, nieces and nephews all get together and have a big outdoor celebration every Halloween, which is why we’ve included lots of ideas about Halloween-themed gardens this month. They’re scary but not as scary as the hand grenade.

Have a fabulous October and enjoy your copy of Gardens and Landscapes.

Kind regards

Barry Randall

P.S If you’ve got any scary Halloween stories, pictures, or hand grenades send them into us and we’ll share them with all our friends on Facebook and Twitter. Actually, it’s maybe best if you don’t send in the hand grenades...

Editor’s Letter Contents

GET IN TOUCH!We’d love to hear what you think about the magazine and if you have any exciting features. Email us editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk or write to us at Leicestershire Garden Design Co. Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA or call us on 0116 2147 076

ON THE COVER

7. The view from our window

LEARN

4. Thoughts of a Garden Designer

6. Did you know?

8. Garden Gadgets

BE INSPIRED

3. The Robertson Garden

5. Decorating your garden this Halloween

7. We won!

PLAY

6. Word Search

8. Dot to Dot Competition

LAUGH

2. Editor’s Letter

6. On Paul’s Allotment

AND THE REST...

4. I found a hand grenade in my

garden

8. Events

8. Coming up in the next edition

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2. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

The view from our window

Halloween Garden Decorations

What’s under your garden?

The Robertson Garden

LGD win an award

The challengeThe owners of this new-build property in Anstey, Leicestershire wanted a garden that would match their modern home.

At first, the garden was devoid of any features, consisting of just lawn and paving. Our clients were looking for a garden design that would give them a stylish setting for socialising while at the same time accommodating their pet dogs.

The conceptTo begin, we wanted to create a stylish new patio next to the house. Using silver-grey paving we built a gently curving patio space on the lower level of the garden outside the patio doors.

The paving was bordered with Pennant grey setts to define each area and to introduce clean lines into the garden design. We then used eco-fill grouting compound to stop weeds growing between the joints of the paving. All our paving is laid onto full mortar beds to give strength and prevent future movement.

A retaining wall and steps were built to provide access to all levels of the garden. Concrete footing supports all of the walling, and damp-proof membrane lining prevents water from sitting along the back of the walls.

An unusual and eye-catching feature of this garden design is the circular fire pit with stone seating that we constructed using quarry grey walling bricks. We

used the same bricks to retain the top flowerbed, creating a cosy seating area and focal point for the garden. To highlight the many features of this garden, we introduced a lighting scheme using cool white LEDs to subtly illuminate the back wall, seating areas and boundaries.

In the far corner, we built a pressure-treated timber decking area on a raised platform with steps flowing around the front of the decking and up to the gate to give easy access to the rear of the garden. The decking area is erected on pressure-treated timbers and lined underneath with geotextile weed membrane to prevent growth from underneath the platform.

We laid new Regency artificial turf that was cut to shape to form an easy-maintenance lawn and safe play area. The artificial lawn is dog-friendly and underlined with grit stone for smells and geotextile membrane to help reduce weeds. Small, low-maintenance planting areas are situated around the garden and our planting scheme offers height, fragrance and colour to give year-round interest.

The conclusionTo say this was a stunning transformation is an understatement – you wouldn’t even recognise it’s the same garden!

Needless to say, our clients were thrilled with their impressive new outdoor space. They are now spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to sit in their highly sociable new garden.

And this project includes a one-year maintenance plan that will be scheduled on completion, ensuring the garden will stay looking fantastic well into the future.

Location: Anstey, Leicestershire

How long did it take?17 days

When was it built?May 2016

Want to know how to build a pet-friendly garden?

Call us now on 0116 2147 076

THE ROBERTSON GARDEN

GARDENS & LANDSCAPES 3.

Complete with fire pit, raised beds and curved patio areas

Raised sun decking area

3D Design

Making the most of the space

Before

A highly sociable new garden (and dog-friendly!)

The most common misconception I’ve come across is that landscape design (including the building of the garden) is seasonal.

It’s true, spending time in the garden with friends and family is seasonal … because of the weather. However, there’s a huge difference between building and enjoying (although we enjoy the building part).

Let me ask you this question: when’s the best time to sit in your garden?

Every year we get more enquiries in the spring and summertime to have a garden built than we get in the winter. Now that sounds pretty obvious. However, if the best time to enjoy the garden is from April through into September, then the best time to build the garden is October through to March.

The pros and cons are again very obvious. If you build the garden during the spring and summer you’re going to miss out on enjoying your new garden (or your existing garden) for as long as the build takes. If you build the garden in the months you don’t use the garden, it’s instantly ready when the sun shines.

If you think about it, it’s no different from thinking about and then booking your summer holiday in the winter. Something we all do every year.

So my big tip for this winter is design your garden when you’re not using it. I am happy to help so give me a call now on 0116 2147 076.

Thoughts of aGARDEN DESIGNER

4. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

My house is in the Kirby Fields Conservation Area and was built on what used to be the stable block of a large Edwardian property that was demolished, so I often find interesting things while gardening, like bits of stable, tiles, cobbles etc.

We had planning permission to remove an old ash tree and a neighbour removed a tall eucalyptus, so one border was getting much more light than it had for decades - a wonderful opportunity to clear it and replant. It was while clearing the ground that I dug up what I thought was just another cobble stone. But I thought I detected a slight pattern on it, so I rubbed it on my trousers and realised that the pattern was rather like a pineapple, in fact it looked a bit like the hand grenades I had seen on television! So, I carried it across the lawn and set it down on the grass, well away from the conservatory ‘just in case’ and I went indoors to look up ‘hand grenades’ on my iPad. There was a picture that looked very similar to the ‘cobble’ I had dug up. I called upstairs to my husband: “I think I have dug up a hand grenade!” “Stupid woman!” came the reply! However, he

thought he ought to come and take a look and he reluctantly agreed it did look rather like one. So we called the police on the non-emergency number and were asked to email a photo, which we did. Within a short time the road was filled with police cars and the Bomb Squad was called from Nottinghamshire. The ‘bomb’ was X-rayed in situ and declared to be extremely dangerous as the pin had corroded. Fortunately, as the houses along the road were set well apart, the road didn’t need to be evacuated, but my neighbours were told to stay at the far end of their homes. Meanwhile, I continued gardening - the weather was far too good for gardening to waste! The hand grenade was immediately identified as a 1942 model of a specific type. It was then gently placed in a special container and driven, very carefully, to a nearby field. My husband and I were taken there in a police car so that we could watch as it was detonated. There was a huge explosion that was heard all over the village. So, an ordinary gardening day turned out to be very exciting. I am now very cautious when I am digging, especially if my fork hits something metal and I often use a metal detector.

I found a hand grenade in my garden! By Gill Baron – Kirby Muxloe

Gill using metal detector The live hand grenade

Gill’s beautiful mature garden

Decorating your garden this Halloween

Create your own decorations with glass jars

Ghostly garden ideas for your Halloween partyHalloween is a great excuse to liven up the dark autumn nights by eating lots of sweets and decorating your garden with crazy, funny and scary decorations.

Here are a few tips to help you make your garden ghoulish.

Don’t be too scaryIf you’re planning a party for kids of different ages, it’s best not to go overboard with gruesome special effects as these can be upsetting to younger children. A graveyard look may be a little too sombre – it’s much more fun to make your decorations humorous and over-the-top rather than too dark and grisly.

Flying witches, friendly ghosts and flapping bats dangling from the branches of shrubs and trees create an amusing display. Another way to make the scene less scary, but more atmospheric, is to add soft lights that highlight your ghoulish decorations.

Make lighting atmosphericLED solar jars placed on the ground or hanging from the branches of trees can be particularly effective. These versatile outdoor lights are ideal for use in the garden at any time of the year – they look

particularly attractive on summer evenings – and you don’t have to worry about batteries as they’re solar powered.

Novelty lanterns in the shape of pumpkins can also be used to brighten things up, along with strings of coloured novelty fairy lights. On a practical note, you may also want to include rope lights to illuminate pathways and guide your guests around the garden.

Add spooky propsOnce your outdoor lighting is in place, it’s time to position your funny, scary ornaments around the garden. Giant inflatable spiders are fun and silly rather than scary. If you’re feeling artistic, you can use sparkly string to create a giant spider’s web.

Window decorations can also be used to great effect – orange plastic sheets printed with black cats, bats and other dark silhouettes can be cut to size and placed over the glass. When you turn on the inside lights, the orange glow highlights the dark, spooky images.

Carve your pumpkinNo Halloween party is complete without carved pumpkin heads. The exterior of a pumpkin is thick, though, and you will need to use a sharp serrated knife to cut off the crown, so younger children will need the help of an adult.

Once you’ve removed the crown, use a large spoon to scoop out all of the flesh and seeds from the inside of the pumpkin.

Now you’re ready to carve, and the easiest way to do this is to draw a simple outline of the shape you want to cut with a marker pen or use a stencil. Then take a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth. It’s best to cut away from you in case the knife slips.

For the final touch, just pop a tea light inside the pumpkin, light it and replace the crown. Now you can sit back with a large bag of sweets and admire your ghoulish garden decorations!

Cardboard cut-outs and pumpkins

Traditional pumpkin carving

Pin oak

Green ash

Black locust

Weeping willow

WORD SEARCHCan you spot the 8 Deciduous Trees

River birch

Beech

Lombardy poplar

Bald cypress

Submit your entry to:Leicestershire Garden Design Co.Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote,Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA or email editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk by 16th November 2016

Your Name:

Address:

Email:

Phone Number:

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk/magazine-competition-2016

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Did you know?

The first jack-o’-lanterns were actually made from turnips.

6. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

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THE VIEW from our window

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GARDENS & LANDSCAPES 7.

On Friday 9th September, a team from Leicestershire Garden Design attended the Niche 2016 Business Awards where we were thrilled to be announced winners of the award for Trade and Construction.

The Niche Business Awards were created to highlight and reward excellence across the Leicestershire region, recognising local companies who truly go the extra mile. LGD was chosen for this accolade because of our innovative business plans, exceptional customer feedback and for the craftsmanship and professionalism we bring to every garden design.

Hosted by Niche Magazine, a Leicestershire publication that showcases the best of what our beautiful county has to offer, the evening was a celebration of outstanding Leicestershire businesses and business professionals.

A night to remember held at the stunning venue Athena in Leicester, the event gave Barry, Jeff, Georgia, Sue, Steph, Tom, Brendon and Jae a chance to put on their glad rags and enjoy a gala dinner. And, of

course, the champagne flowed after we’d collected our award!

It goes without saying that the whole LGD team is delighted to have received this accolade, made even more special by our wonderful customers who have been in touch to congratulate us.

“Congratulations - really well deserved!!”Mr & Mrs Parkinson – Leicester

“Well done, Barry and Jeff - well deserved. May your business continue to grow.”Mrs Stanton – Loughborough

These are just a couple of the lovely comments we’ve received. As our Head of Operations, Barry Randall, said, “It’s a great achievement and one that is testament to the hard work and care that each member of the team puts into every garden we work on.”

Leicestershire Garden Design Wins Niche 2016 Business Award for Trade and Construction

Our proud team collecting their award

Sue & Steph proud award winners

This incredible low voltage projector is the perfect addition to your Halloween decorations and will help to create the eerie atmosphere you’re looking for at your party.

With a variety of images, like bats, ghouls, skulls and spiders, your house of horrors is sure to look the part and will have your guests and trick or treaters’ nightmares haunted for many nights following All Hallows’ Eve. £43.99 www.festive-lights.com

GET IN TOUCH

Email us at editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.ukWrite to us at Leicestershire Garden Design Co. Unit 11,The Warren, East Goscote, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA Call us on 0116 2147 076

Up and comingAUG/SEPT EVENTS

COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF...

GARDENS& LANDSCAPES

• Prepping your garden for the winter

• Beautiful handmade wreaths • A garden you’ll want to use 12

months of the year

DOT TO DOTCOMPETITION

Garden GadgetsHALLOWEEN PLUG-IN PROJECTOR

Ghost Walk at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre11th October, 7:30pm - 10pm £13.50 each. (Guests must be aged 16 years and over.)

Ghost Walk around Bradgate Park at Bradgate Park12th October, 7:30pm – 10pm£20 pp

Family Scream & Xtreme Scream at Twinlakes Park15th - 31st October See www.twinlakespark.co.ukfor prices.

Bonfire & Firework Festival at Twinlakes Park5th November, 10am - 9pm £13.99 all day pass.

Submit your entry to:Leicestershire Garden Design Co.Unit 11, The Warren, East Goscote,Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 3XA or email editor@leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk by 16th November 2016

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.leicestershiregardendesign.co.uk/magazine-competition-2016

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8. GARDENS & LANDSCAPES

Connect the numbered dots below to reveal the garden creature and write your guess in the box below!

What garden creature did you find?

Top TipHate bagging leaves?

You don’t have to. If there’s just a light layer, go over them with your mower and leave them on your lawn. As they break down, they’ll help to limit weeds from popping up.