| When you are in a beautiful garden, you feel at | | | | maintained pond is beautiful but a neglected one |
| peace. There is a saying, "You are closest to God in | | | | quickly spoils the look of a garden. To keep it looking |
| a garden." Now I don't know if that is true or not, | | | | good you must regularly clean the filter, get rid of |
| but one does have a sense of wonder and | | | | algae and pesky weeds. The pH level has to be |
| completeness when nature is cultivated and tended in | | | | maintained at all times for healthy fish. The best |
| a garden. | | | | precaution is to remove dead leaves and debris as |
| Of course it takes a bit of effort to set up and keep | | | | they invite problems. If you have aquatic plants, keep |
| at its best. Left unattended, it will soon lose its | | | | them trimmed and check they are not infected. |
| beauty with sheds and patios becoming untidy | | | | The Patio |
| dumping grounds, ponds become dirty and the | | | | A well-designed patio with tastefully placed plants or |
| inevitable weeds springing up everywhere. These | | | | flowers makes your garden look astonishing. The |
| things can happen when you have many other things | | | | patio is great for entertaining yet, if alone, you never |
| vying for your attention. The trick is to allocate a | | | | feel lonely there. It is worth a bit of effort to keep it |
| small amount of time on a regular basis - and your | | | | clean and well maintained. |
| garden stays clean and inviting. | | | | For a wooden patio you need to apply preservatives |
| So here are my easy tips to maintain your patio, | | | | to keep insects away. When wet, the wooden floor |
| shed and pond: | | | | may get slippery if it has a flat surface. Grooved |
| The garden shed | | | | wood or a mesh overlay helps give more purchase. |
| The shed is a pleasure to go into if you only use it to | | | | A stone patio needs regular tending to get rid of |
| store your gardening equipment. Keep it easy to | | | | weeds and moss. If you find algae growing there, |
| maintain by having a little cabinet for slug pellets, | | | | treatments are available to stop it. |
| seeds, seed trays, etc. Have your spade, fork and | | | | About once a month wash your patio and pond |
| rake hanging or standing upright. Keep space for your | | | | surround, using chemicals to keep insects at bay. Get |
| mower to have easy access. The nicer things are | | | | into the habit of keeping things clean and tidy. Just a |
| arranged in there, the easier it will be for you. | | | | little bit of regular care and attention will reward you |
| The Pond | | | | with a stunningly beautiful garden. |
| Think ahead before installing a pond. A well | | | | |