Top Tips from our own Grounds Maintenance expert, Stella Giwisser

Stella and her team have recently gained two new grounds maintenance contracts at local Yorkshire colleges. Whilst managing the crews effectively, she has taken time out to share her monthly gardening tips this April.

Stella Giwisser is our Grounds Maintenance expert and Assistant Project Manager for Paxman Landscapes.

So, what should be doing this April to keep our gardens in check, Stella?

Drip, drip, drop, little April shower! Expect sunshine and showers this month, but don’t let the sunshine fool you – it’s still relatively chilly out there, so watch out for frost. But enough of the gloom, April also brings beauty in the form of blossoms of snowdrops, crocus and daffodils.

‘orf with their Heads!  Deadhead your spring bedding and daffodils to keep them looking their best and to encourage new flowers.

Sprinkle Some Life into Your Garden:  Now is the time to sow your hardy annuals, herb seeds and grass seed, not only new areas of lawn, but also to repair any bare patches you may have.  Or perhaps consider an artificial lawn – check out the GrassGreener range, our very own artificial turf products with professional installation.

Time for a Haircut?  If you’re sticking with the real thing and haven’t mown your lawn yet, April is a good month to start, weather permitting. This can be done weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the size, use, growth and aesthetics required. Generally twice a month from April to October is sufficient.

Spring Clean:   Now the weather is getting better, it is immediately apparent which shrubs have survived the winter and which haven’t.  Prune any dead wood and completely remove any shrubs that didn’t make it.

Welcome New Additions:  It is best to plant new shrubs or trees either when they begin dormancy in the Autumn, or as they are coming out of it in Spring.  So, if you are dreaming of new additions to your garden, this is your last chance for the perfect conditions.

To talk to Stella or a member of our team about your grounds maintenance requirements, please call us on 01484 451 387 or email your enquiry to gm@paxman-landscapes.com

April 2014