Page 62 • The HERALD • 16th July 2026 v THE HERALD - Your Community Magazine v DOWN THE GARDEN PATH For all your garden clearance and fencing needs Please call 07515 749731 for your free no obligation quote • All types of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned • Stump Grinding • Hedges pruned & trimmed • Lawns Laid • Fencing & garden work • Rubbish Clearance • Patios & drives jet-washed • Patios & Drives resurfaced or replaced Registerd Waste Carrier Licence CBDU374716 H Fully Insured H Evening: 01794 522092 Daytime Mobile: 07511 863693 Email: treefellers@gmx.com Fred Hurst 023 8084 2191 or 07761 467217 • Grass Cutting • Garden Clearance • Hedge Cutting • Fallen Trees Cleared • Mini Digger Hire with Operator • Property Clearance • Small Demolition • Tractor Flail Cutting FULLY INSURED v FREE QUOTATIONS • HEDGE CUTTING • FENCING • PATIOS • TURFING • GARDEN CLEARANCES & MORE For a FREE quotation please call 023 8122 4550 or 07548 355262 AUTUMN LEAF GARDEN WORKS 10 Water-Saving Tips For Your Garden Advice from Alasdair Urquhart, gardening expert at Haskins Garden Centres Over recent years, the UK has experienced an increasing amount of fluctuating weather patterns and extreme heatwaves. It’s more important than ever to manage how we use water, particularly in the garden. 1. Water at the right time of day: Avoid watering plants during the hottest parts of the day, as most of the moisture evaporates before it reaches the roots. Early morning or late evening gives the water more time to soak into the soil where it can have the most impact. 2. Focus water where it’s needed: Use a watering can with a rose attachment and apply water directly to the soil around the base of your plants. is prevents evaporation and avoids leaf scorch, especially in sunny weather. 3. Collect and reuse rainwater: Install water butts to collect rainwater from roofs and downpipes. It’s free, better for your plants than treated tap water, and reduces your reliance on the mains water supply. If your space allows, you can also direct rainwater runo from patios or driveways, so it trickles into beds and borders. 4. Mulch to keep moisture in: Adding a layer of mulch helps the soil retain water, reduces evaporation and suppresses weeds. In patio pots, decorative stone chippings can be used as an alternative mulch to stabilise the soil and lock in moisture. 5. Move containers to a shady spot: During hot or dry spells, move pots, tubs and hanging baskets into a cooler, shaded area to help them retain moisture for longer and reduce the frequency of watering required. 6. Add water-retaining gel to compost: Mix water-retaining granules into compost when planting containers to extend the time needed between watering and help your plants thrive during dry periods. 7. Feed your plants well: Well-fed plants use water more e ectively. Provide your plants with a regular supply of nutrients to encourage strong root growth and help plants draw up moisture more e ciently. 8. Keep weeds under control: Weeds compete with your plants for both water and nutrients. By removing them, you ensure more of the available moisture goes to the plants you want to grow. 9. Reuse grey water: Le over water from washing vegetables, rinsing dishes or cooling the kettle can be reused in the garden, so long as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and give your plants an added boost. 10. Choose plants that need less water: Alternatively, choose drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, rosemary and thyme. ese hardy varieties thrive in dry conditions and still bring colour, texture, fragrance, and even cooking ingredients to your garden. The Blackfield Horticultural & Craft Show e Black eld Horticultural & Cra Show is taking place on Saturday 8th August at the Royal British Legion in Black eld. Classes include: vegetables, owers, fruit, plants, ower art, cra s, knitting, sewing, crocheting, photography and children’s classes. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea, and have a look around the show, or have a go and enter something, contact Dawn for a schedule on: 07825 908428.
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