guide - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-29T10:17:10Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/guideQuick Guide to Aerating Your Lawnhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/quick-guide-to-aerating-your-lawn2015-04-08T14:45:34.000Z2015-04-08T14:45:34.000ZTracmaster Ltdhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/TracmasterLtd<div><h3><img title="aerating guide" src="http://www.camon.co.uk/images/TRACaeratingguide.jpg" alt="how to aerate your lawn"/></h3><p> </p><h4><strong>Problem</strong></h4><p><img src="http://www.camon.co.uk/images/la25_working_1.jpg?width=300" width="300" class="align-right" style="padding: 3px;"/></p><p>The soil beneath the grass on your lawn tends to become compacted over time and as a result has too many solid particles in a certain volume or space which prevents proper circulation of air, water and nutrients within the soil. The reasons for this vary - lawns in family gardens get used for recreation rather than decoration, while in new build properties the lawn is often laid on nutritionally deficient subsoil rather than high-quality top soil. There may also be an issue with lawn thatch which is essentially strangling the grass and preventing it from growing properly.</p><h4><strong>Solution</strong></h4><p>In order to deal with this problem, lawns should be aerated twice a year, ideally in the spring as this is prime growing season and will allow time for the grass to recover. The practice of aerating a lawn involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, resulting in a stronger, more vigorous lawn. Although possible to do this manually, it is more time-efficient and effective to either hire or buy a machine to do it. You will cover more ground evenly this way too...</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/1GoT7iT" target="_blank">Click here to read the full article</a><br/></strong></span></p></div>New Complete gardens Interactive UK plant finder, identification and pruning guide websitehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/new-complete-gardens2013-11-05T08:30:00.000Z2013-11-05T08:30:00.000ZNeil Bromhallhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/NeilBromhall<div><p>I've made live an interactive plant finder, identification and pruning guide website which is still growing.</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rightplants4me.co.uk">www.rightplants4me.co.uk</a></p><p>The website is designed to help you find the right plants to suite every aspect of a garden and seasonal need.</p><p>You simply select any combination of:- Name, colour, month(s), aspect, height.</p><p>Images of the best plants to suit your requirements are displayed.</p><p>Each plant is accompanied with its own description plus plant care and pruning advice.</p><p> </p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rightplants4me.co.uk/admin/searchDatabase.php" target="_blank">The site is free to search for plants</a>.</p><p>3,800+ plants and we're adding more daily</p><p>Over 10,500 photographs</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rightplants4me.co.uk/admin/displayPlant.php?PlantID=1574" target="_blank">Time-lapse sequences accompany some plants</a></p><p> </p><p>The site is 'Work in Progress' so there will be some glitches which we're ironing out and I'm adding more functions like identifying plants from the RHS plant identification syllabus.</p><p>We will be adding the ability to make plant lists and add printable notes.</p><p>I hope you find the site useful yet please let me know your feedback and any obvious errors that I can correct immediately.</p><p>I hope users will send requests for plants to be added so the database becomes more comprehensive and images to be added to the database.</p><p>The plants covered range from grasses to trees.</p><p>I hope you find the site useful.</p><p>Best wishes</p><p>Neil</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>A Guide to Sensory Gardenshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/a-guide-to-sensory-gardens2013-02-27T11:00:00.000Z2013-02-27T11:00:00.000ZJim Byiershttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/JimByiers<div><p>Sensory Gardens should delight, inspire and provoke - they should provide an exciting journey through the senses. We've been working really hard on a guide to creating your own amazing sensory garden, taking into account taste, touch, smell, sight and sound.</p><p>Sensory gardens are often used to help and stimulate people with physical or mental disabilities or sensory difficulties, and their beneficial effects have also been seen in child development and therapy situations. Find out about their benefits and how to begin your sensory journey with our <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk/our-garden-services/sensory-gardens/">sensory garden guide</a>.</p><p>Have a read and please do let us know your comments: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk/our-garden-services/sensory-gardens/">http://www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk/our-garden-services/sensory-gardens/</a></p><div style="width: 525px; height: 350px;" class="issuuembed"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk/assets/images/sensorygardens/sensory%20garden.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gardensgalorescotland.co.uk/assets/images/sensorygardens/sensory%20garden.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></div></div>How to maintain your lawn.https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-maintain-your-lawn2011-12-28T14:26:54.000Z2011-12-28T14:26:54.000ZAbel Landscaping (Liverpool)https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/abellandscaping<div><h2 style="text-align: center;">10 Month Lawn Care Guide</h2><p></p><p>Here is a little guide that we have put together on how to look after you lawn over a 10 month period</p><h3> </h3><h3>January</h3><p><img src="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/loadImage.aspx?image=/uploads/image/January%20Sample.jpg&action=resizecrop&width=80&height=60" alt="January Sample" style="padding: 5px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" height="60" width="80"/>There is generally little maintenance work to be done in the month of January. Avoid using the lawn in very wet conditions and particularly in frost. During fine spells turfing can take place and repair work can be carried out using turf. General debris, such as leaves/twigs, can be removed. Light brushing can be carried out to remove dew and surface moisture from fine lawns. This is a good time to ensure all lawn care equipment is serviced and cleaned.</p><h3>February</h3><p><img src="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/loadImage.aspx?image=/uploads/image/March%20Sample.jpg&action=resizecrop&width=125&height=94" alt="February Sample" style="padding: 5px; float: right; margin-left: 5px;" height="94" width="125"/>Although conditions can be mild do not be tempted to mow the lawn. Worm casts can be scattered by brushing with a birch broom or similar. Turfing and repairs using turf can be carried out providing the ground is not waterlogged and frost free.</p><h3>March</h3><p><img src="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/loadImage.aspx?image=/uploads/image/March%20Sample.jpg&action=resizecrop&width=125&height=94" alt="March Sample" style="padding: 5px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" height="94" width="125"/> As soon as the weather conditions improve the grass will show signs of growth. Lightly rake the lawn to clear the surface, be careful not to rake heavily as this will damage the grasses. A light rolling, e.g., with the mower roller will help to settle the surface if heavy winter frosts have been experienced. A top cut on a good dry day can be carried out, ensure the mower blades are on a high setting to avoid removing too much grass. It is unlikely more than one or two cuts will be required in March. This is a good month for inspecting the lawn for any signs of disease and dealing with moss.</p><p>Ensure any Moss Killers (e.g., Lawn Sand) has time to fully work before raking out the moss (e.g., 14 days). The edges of the lawn can be neatened with a half moon and damaged areas with turf. April Any coarse grasses can be dug out and the areas turfed (ensure these areas are filled with sifted soil to prevent hollows). Mow regularly enough to keep the lawn tidy but do not set the blades at a low cutting height. If conditions are good and the grass is actively growing fertiliser can be applied at this moment. It is important that the grass blades are dry and that rain is expected. If in the unlikely event of no rain for 3 - 4 days, irrigate (water) the fertiliser in. Selective weed killers can be used at this time but it is more prudent to wait until May, when the grass is going to be growing more vigorously.</p><h3>May</h3><p><img src="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/loadImage.aspx?image=/uploads/image/September%20Sample.jpg&action=resizecrop&width=125&height=94" alt="May Sample" style="padding: 5px; float: right; margin-left: 5px;" height="94" width="125"/>This is normally a good month for the use of selective weed killer, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and the product is designed for lawn use. Make sure the grass is dry and there is moisture in the soil. Weed killers should be used in good still weather conditions. Mowing can now be carried out on a more regular basis and the mowing height should be gradually lowered to the normal summer setting, but remember not to scalp the lawn.</p><p>Regular mowing once or twice a week is normal at this time of year Remember to vary the direction of cut and to mow at a steady pace do not push the mower backwards and forwards, work in a forward direction for a uniform cut and for your own safety Keep an eye on moisture levels and only water if signs of stress appear grass is very resilient and over watering, is more harmful in the end than drought. If you do need to water do it in the evening and ensure the water has fully penetrated the lawn not simply wetted the surface. If possible have a water storage system set up prior to the hot dry months. This avoids any problems with hose -pipe bans.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/landscaping-liverpool/garden-maintenance/lawn-care" target="_blank">Continue Reading...</a></p></div>Starting a gardening or landscaping business?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/starting-a-gardening-or2010-10-01T05:30:00.000Z2010-10-01T05:30:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314681524?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_blank"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314124442?profile=RESIZE_320x320" class="align-right" /></a><em><strong>This series isn't just for landscapers and gardeners starting out: it's also a refresher for existing businesses</strong></em></p>
<p>Welcome to the first section of my course - How to start and run a garden and landscaping business.<br />
<br />
In this first section, we'll take a look at what your reasons are for wanting to go into business in the first place but also how to consider some of the tough questions, such as - Am I physically and mentally prepared for the weather and the financial aspects of being my own boss?<br />
<br />
This first lesson is geared to those people who are thinking about or have recently started to trade but I hope some of the points may be of help to anyone who has been trading for a while.<br />
<br />
Don't worry if this first post doesn't answer all of the specifics as we'll go into greater detail shortly. If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment regarding anything that's mentioned then please feel free.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Why start a garden business?</u></b><br />
<br />
A plethora of TV gardening programmes have tended to create a misty and romantic notion that a garden makeover or a complete landscaping project is quick, easy, fun and may be achieved on low to modest budgets. This has unfortunately led to unrealistic and undeliverable ambitions by the consumer who is now under the impression that gardens are quick and easy and the employing of a gardener or a landscaper is cheap.<br />
<br />
Consequently, the stark reality is that gardening is still often viewed - despite the ongoing work we are all doing on Landscape Juice - as a second class profession. It is also significantly undervalued compared to many other skilled trades, it's totally unregulated, hampered by the vagaries of the weather and is blighted by a common impression that everything can be renegotiated for cash.<br />
<br />
I hope, after reading this lesson, you will form a realistic view about gardening and landscaping, that leaves you under no illusions - despite this industry being so rewarding - of the challenges faced when starting and running a profitable business.</p>
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<p><b><u>Why do you want a garden business?</u></b></p>
<p>So here we go, straight in and here are some of the reasons why people want to enter the horticulture profession (in no particular order):<br />
<br />
They've:</p>
<ul>
<li>Recently qualified from a horticulture college having had a long term aspiration of becoming a gardener or landscaper.</li>
<li>Have gardened as a hobby and/or created their own garden and cannot resist making it a career move.</li>
<li><b>A</b>lways wanted to work outdoors but never had an opportunity.</li>
<li>Cannot find other suitable work and gardening is a last resort.</li>
<li>Had children who are now in full time education or have left home and they now have the time.</li>
<li>Worked in the industry as an employee for a short/long time and want to go it alone.</li>
<li>Want to be their own boss and why not as a gardener?</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="font-size-2"><u><b>So what about you?</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Whatever your reason, you have to determine if you want to go into business for the right reasons but bear in mind, what might be right for someone else, might not be right for you and you have to weigh up everything based on your own personal set of circumstances.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">The decision is however the most important one you'll make at this stage of your new career and if your mind isn't in the right place or your motives are wrong, then there's a very strong chance that your business will fail.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">There are so many other aspects of a garden business that have to be considered at this important stage and the following <b><u>is</u></b> designed to put you off - if it doesn't put you off then there's every chance you're, mentally at least, equipped to get started.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-2"><u><b><br />
It's good to talk</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Talk to as many people as you can. Whether they're people you know already who work as a gardener or landscaper or people who you feel might be a potential (not necessarily of your future services) consumer.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-2">Listening to someone who has already been at the stage you are at now will be a great help in focussing your mind or stimulate further debate or flag up more pertinent questions.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">A good starting point is on the Landscape Juice Network <a href="http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum">forum</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2"><b><u>Be tough with yourself</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">I'm sure we've all done it. Convinced ourselves that something is a good idea yet deep down, there are strong feelings of insecurity and doubt, possibly already knowing, whatever you're about to try and undertake, is really not in your best interests?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Sure, even if risk and disadvantage is against them, some people have the ability to be single minded enough to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Ask yourself why you want to become a gardener or a landscaper. Is it something you'll feel you would be good at?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Could you hack working in the outside world: gardening might well be a great pastime when you can please yourself, pick and choose when you work, and dodge the rain and foul weather - including snow and ice - but when you come under the commercial pressures of working to a timetable and delivering a quality service and value for money, then you have got to seriously ask yourself if you can cope as it's a different ballgame entirely?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">If you've got a mortgage or rent to pay then you'll need to be confident that you'll be able to meet your obligations during times of disruptive weather conditions. If you easily buckle under stress then being snowed-in during January (as it was the case for most of the UK in the winter of 2010) not having significant capital to meet your financial needs can be mentally debilitating. Ask yourself, can I do this, do I want to do this?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Are you equipped, both physically and mentally, with the demands of running your business? You'll not only have to work physically hard carrying out the tasks on site but you'll also have to deal with people and hold your own in what can be a harsh business environment: remember, the client will want the best possible service for the price they've agreed to pay and you'll want to receive the best possible price for the service you've agreed to provide - it will be all down to you.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">On paper, negotiating a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly schedule for selling your time and expertise seems simple; talk is cheap and it's easy to give the client the impression that they'll be getting a lot more from you than you'll ultimately expect to give.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Negotiating is tough at times and you'll often feel caught in the middle. You'll have to negotiate the best possible prices and discounts with suppliers as well as resists pressure from potential clients to give away too much. Can you do this, do you want to do this?</span><br />
<span class="font-size-2"><u><b><br />
Setting up a business costs money</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">You might have a strong plan and a certain amount of work already in the pipeline but setting up and running a business costs money.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">I would suggest that if you are setting up as a single person enterprise then you keep strict control over your debtors and insist, where possible, that you are paid on the day you do the work. Unless you are anticipating taking on commercial contracts then there's no real benefit. or sense, in letting your clients have any form of credit.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">We'll go into business plans and cash flow forecasting in the coming few weeks but before you even get as far as putting too much on paper, ask yourself - do you have sufficient capital to see you through the first few weeks or months? There may be capital expenditure on tools and equipment (if you don't own these already) and potentially an investment in a commercial vehicle to carry your tools and materials to the sites you work.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">The family car's all well and good but do you really want to be unloading tools and equipment and hoovering out soil and muck just so you can take your family out for the day over a weekend?</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span class="font-size-2"><u>Saleable skills and knowledge</u></span></strong><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">It's the same with any profession. You can only receive the right remuneration dependant on the experience and skills you possess. It doesn't matter one iota if you are unqualified in some or all of the aspects of gardening or landscaping but you have to be able to deliver on your promise. You'll be foolish and bordering on insane if you sell yourself as being experienced and skilled in certain aspects of gardening or landscaping and then expose yourself and let yourself down when trying to deliver the goods to your clients.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">You also have to be aware that the price you can charge is pursuant to the knowledge and skills you already possess so you have to do some research into your local gardening markets and assess what's already being charged for the service you aim to deliver and then work out if you have the ammunition to provide those skills to receive the right compensation for the income you need from your business.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">Don't take a chance - if you're not sufficiently equipped, both skilfully and with the necessary experience at this stage then your business might suffer from day one and not get off the ground.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2">Bad news travels fast and so does a poor reputation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">I hope this first post has given you some useful tips to help concentrate your mind and remember, if you want help on specifics then leave a comment below.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_self">Business idea and evaluation</a> </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_self">Business plan</a> </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_self">Determining your market and finding customers</a><br /></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_self">Advertising your garden business</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_self">Registering a garden business</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><b><a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/starting-a-landscaping-or-gardening-business.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.landscapejuice.com/Sidebar%20book.jpg?width=150" class="align-right" width="150" /></a></b></p>
<p>Phil Voice has worked in the landscape and horticulture industry all his working life. He qualified in amenity horticulture at Merrist Wood college, Worplesdon, Guildford and greenkeeping at Sparsholt college, Hampshire.</p>
<p>Running his gardening and landscaping business for nearly twenty-one years, from the age of nineteen, employing sixteen people, at its peak.</p>
<p>Phil has picked up some valuable experience - including the knocks and hardship - and skills. In this book he passes on some of this value to help you get started.</p>
<p>The book is not so much about the numbers but more about the mental approach and how to think business-like.</p>
<p> </p>
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