This article looks at the ways of transforming your garden this spring, and the preparation work you can do ahead of any major design projects. At Ipswich-based Lumberjacks, we can provide you with all the raw materials as well as plenty of helpful, practical advice.
This article is a four-minute read.
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh and reimagine your outdoor space. A well-designed garden not only enhances the beauty of your home but also provides a tranquil retreat for relaxation and entertainment. If you're ready to start your new home garden design, the friendly and knowledgeable team at Lumberjacks is here to help you every step of the way.
Garden Landscaping Products in Suffolk from Lumberjacks
At Lumberjacks, we stock a range of high-quality products which will help you give your outdoor space a stylish new look. Although we are based in Ipswich, our customers come from all over the county – including Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Hadleigh and Stowmarket.
Why Now is the Best Time to Plan
Landscapers and contractors are less busy in winter, meaning they have more time to talk to you about their ideas, and you are more likely to get on their schedule before the peak season. It is the ideal time to get designs finalised and pick materials, ensuring you are ready to make a quick start in early spring.
With most plants effectively dormant and having shed all their leaves, you should be able to see the bare bones of your garden, making it easier to identify any necessary structural changes and drainage issues, and to plan the best layout.
What Features Should You Include?
The extent and nature of your preparations will depend on what feature or features you are planning – but remember, a successful garden design begins with a strong structure. By creating defined areas, you can bring a sense of order and purpose to your plot, making it both more functional and visually appealing. Start by considering the core elements of your design.
Fencing and Gates: Establish privacy and security with high-quality fencing. Lumberjacks offer a wide selection of durable fence panels and gates to suit any design style.
Patios and Pathways: Create inviting walkways and entertainment areas with stylish patio materials. Use decorative gravel to add texture and colour to your paths and borders.
Sleepers and Raised Beds: Treated softwood or hardwood sleepers are perfect for building raised flower beds, vegetable patches, or retaining walls, adding dimension and interest to your garden.
Lighting: Illuminate your garden with a carefully planned lighting scheme. The right lighting can transform your outdoor space, creating a magical ambience for evening gatherings. At Lumberjacks we stock Ellumiere lighting, which is a simple, effective way of getting more use out of your garden, as well as making it more secure.
Other Factors to Consider
While the weather may not be good enough to do some of the ‘heavy’ work, you should be checking the general condition of the garden as part of your planning and preparations. Will it be too wet, dry, shady or exposed for what you want to put there?
You may be able to take identify and take some remedial action now – for instance, install a new drain or run-off area areas to remove any excess water.
And it always helps if you have accurate measurements and photographs on hand; this will give any third parties a good idea of what will fit where, and how it will look once the hard landscaping is complete.
Keep on Top of Ongoing Maintenance
You also need to keep on top of any existing hard landscaping features in your garden; this will make starting any new projects much easier. Check, and if necessary repair, any loose fencing panels and reinforcing posts. If the posts are the problem, then our Durapost products, which are lighter than concrete but stronger than wood, may be the best long-term solution.
Regularly remove leaves, moss, and grime from hard surfaces to prevent staining, rot, and a build-up of mould - for more information see our recent blog post here.
If you don’t take any remedial action now, then further bad weather could make the damage worse (and more expensive to repair) before the winter is over.
Don’t Forget the Soft Landscaping Either
Although strictly speaking planting and pruning falls into the category of soft landscaping work, you should keep on top of this as well, as it should complement any hard landscaping projects once both are complete.
So make sure any plants are pruned or cut back hard, while they are dormant and there is no fresh growth to worry about; this will ensure much healthier growth later in the year. You can also plant bare-root trees and shrubs, as roots establish well in moist winter soil, if this forms part of your overall design.
And you can also carry out some soil work too; for instance, prepare new beds by digging and leaving soil to break down, or add compost and mulch.
Lumberjacks - Your Local Landscaping Partner
Lumberjacks is your trusted partner for all your landscaping and timber needs. As a Suffolk-based company with a reputation for quality and service, they offer a comprehensive range of products to bring your vision to life. From the initial design to the finishing touches, their team is dedicated to helping you create a garden you'll love for years to come.
Ready to get started? Visit the Lumberjacks website at www.lumberjacks.co.uk or contact their friendly team today to discuss your project. With their expertise and extensive product range, your dream garden is closer than you think. You can also call us on 01473 461394, or click here and complete the online form.
FAQS:
Q: Can Lumberjacks deliver your products to you?
A: Yes, we can; we deliver across Suffolk and into parts of Essex and Norfolk. We appreciate that it can be difficult to fit some of our larger products into your car.
Our standard delivery service is between two and 10 working days, although this can be affected by stock levels and seasonal demand. For more information, see our deliveries page here.
Q: Do Lumberjacks offer trade accounts for garden designers?
A: Yes – so you should find this useful If you are designing or planning a garden for someone else. We offer trade-only cash and credit accounts, as well as special prices for our trade customers. For more information on the other advantages, read our previous blog post here.
Q: What are the lowest maintenance hard landscaping options?
A: For patios and pathways, either porcelain paving or decorative aggregates (like Scottish pebbles or slate chippings) are among the best choices. Porcelain is non-porous, meaning it resists algae and lichen growth - a common issue in the East of England.
