05 Apr 2023

Wildlife Ponds; how to set one up and its benefits.

Image by wirestock on Freepik

To celebrate the expansion and overhaul of our new Pond Plant area we have written this piece on how to create a wildlife pond in your garden and the benefits it will bring. We have all you need to get a beautiful and really eco-friendly wildlife pond now in our plant area.

If you’re looking for a way to create a sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor space, setting up a wildlife pond is a great place to start. Wildlife ponds offer a range of benefits, from providing a habitat for local wildlife to improving the overall biodiversity of your garden. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to set up a wildlife pond and explore its benefits.

  1. Plan the location and size of your pond

Before you start digging, you’ll need to plan the location and size of your pond. The ideal location is in a sunny spot, away from trees and shrubs that could shade the pond and drop leaves into the water. As for size, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a pond that is at least 1.5 meters in diameter and 60 centimeters deep. This will provide enough space for a variety of aquatic plants and animals to thrive.

  1. Dig and shape your pond

Once you’ve decided on the location and size, it’s time to start digging. Use a shovel or a small excavator to dig out the shape of your pond, making sure to create varying depths and shelves for plants and creatures to live in. You can also add rocks and logs to create hiding places and shelter for wildlife.

  1. Line your pond

Once you’ve finished shaping your pond, it’s time to line it to prevent water from seeping into the ground. You can use a pond liner or a preformed pond shell to do this. Make sure to create a smooth base for the liner to prevent wrinkles, which can create weak spots and lead to leaks.

  1. Add water and plants

After you’ve lined your pond, it’s time to add water. Use a hose or a bucket to fill your pond with water. Before adding plants, it’s important to wait a few days to allow the chlorine in the water to dissipate. Once the water is ready, you can start adding plants to your pond. Native plants such as water lilies, irises, and rushes are great choices for attracting wildlife and creating a natural look.

  1. Maintain your pond

Finally, it’s important to maintain your pond to keep it healthy and thriving. This includes regular maintenance such as removing debris and dead plant matter, controlling algae growth, and topping up the water level as needed. You should also avoid introducing non-native plants or animals that could disrupt the balance of your pond’s ecosystem.

Now that you know how to set up a wildlife pond, let’s take a look at some of its benefits:

  1. Provides a habitat for local wildlife

A wildlife pond provides a valuable habitat for a range of aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures such as frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies, and water insects. By creating a natural space for these animals, you can contribute to local biodiversity and help to create a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

  1. Enhances the beauty of your garden

A well-designed wildlife pond can add a stunning visual element to your garden, with the reflection of the sky and surrounding foliage creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. You can also enhance the beauty of your pond by planting native aquatic plants and adding decorative features such as rocks, logs, and sculptures.

  1. Improves water quality

A wildlife pond can help to improve the quality of the water in your garden by filtering out pollutants and impurities. The plants in your pond absorb nutrients and chemicals, reducing the amount of algae and bacteria in the water. This can also benefit other plants in your garden by providing a source of natural fertilizer.

  1. Supports education and research

A wildlife pond can also be a great educational resource, providing a unique opportunity to observe and learn about local

wildlife in their natural habitat. It can be a great learning tool for children, who can observe the life cycle of aquatic animals and learn about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Additionally, a wildlife pond can also be a valuable research tool for scientists and conservationists, providing a controlled environment for studying aquatic ecosystems and monitoring the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.

In conclusion, setting up a wildlife pond is a great way to create a sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor space. By providing a habitat for local wildlife, enhancing the beauty of your garden, improving water quality, and supporting education and research, a wildlife pond offers a range of benefits for both you and the environment. So why not take the plunge and start creating your own wildlife pond today?

02 Mar 2023

Preparing your lawn for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing your lawn for the season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie to lawn care, there are some key steps you can take to ensure that your lawn is healthy and beautiful throughout the spring and summer. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most important things to keep in mind as you get ready to prepare your lawn for spring.

 

1. Clean Up Your Lawn

The first step in preparing your lawn for spring is to clean it up. This means removing any debris, such as fallen leaves, branches, or twigs, that may have accumulated over the winter. Raking your lawn thoroughly can help you get rid of this debris and can also help loosen up any dead grass or thatch that may have accumulated.

 

2. Aerate Your Lawn

Once you’ve cleaned up your lawn, it’s time to aerate it. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil. This can help your lawn grow healthier and more robust by promoting root growth and reducing soil compaction. You can use a manual or powered aerator to accomplish this task, depending on the size of your lawn.

 

3. Apply Fertilizer

Next, it’s time to apply fertilizer to your lawn. Fertilizer is a crucial component of lawn care, as it provides essential nutrients to your grass that it needs to grow and thrive. There are many different types of fertilizers available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your lawn. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for application.

 

4. Seed Bare Spots

If you have any bare spots in your lawn, now is the time to seed them. Bare spots can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy foot traffic, pet damage, or disease. Seeding these areas can help your lawn grow back healthier and more evenly. Be sure to choose a seed mix that’s appropriate for your lawn’s needs, and follow the instructions for application carefully.

 

5. Water Your Lawn

Finally, it’s time to water your lawn. During the spring, your lawn will need regular watering to help it grow and thrive. Be sure to water your lawn deeply, rather than just giving it a light sprinkle. This will help encourage deep root growth and make your lawn more drought-resistant in the long run. Consider investing in a sprinkler system or using a hose and sprinkler attachment to make watering your lawn more manageable.

 

In conclusion, preparing your lawn for spring can take a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your lawn is healthy, vibrant, and beautiful throughout the spring and summer months. Remember to stay consistent with your lawn care routine and to stay alert for any signs of problems or issues that may arise. With a little bit of care and attention, your lawn can be the envy of the neighbourhood in no time!

14 Jan 2023

Seed potatoes, onions, garlic now in

seed-potatoes-garlic-onions

With rising food costs, you may be thinking of growing some of your food yourself this year. If this includes potatoes, onions or garlic now is a great time to buy your seed potatoes/onion sets/garlic cloves to plant and grow.

This season’s stock arrived the beginning of January, so come in as soon as you can for the best choice of varieties and quantities

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12 Nov 2022

Home Composting

guide to home composting with earlswood garden centre guernsey

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as opening up your home composting bin or heap and finding some beautiful deep brown rich compost at its heart. At a time when climate change is coming more and more to the fore, there is no doubt that making your own compost is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do in your garden, and not only this, but it helps your garden to improve to boot! What’s not to like?

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12 Sep 2022

September Gardening Jobs

gardening jobs and tips for september from earlswood garden centre guernsey

Our September gardening tips and jobs mark the start of meteorological autumn;  the soil is still warm, and perhaps a little more moist, making it a good time to plant some Spring flowering bulbs. Day lengths start to markedly shorten this month, so growth rates slow, and time in the garden becomes a little more limited.

16 Jan 2022

houseplants@earlswood update!

houseplant area outside our cafe at earlswood guernsey

We’ve just finished an update for 2022 of our “houseplants@earlswood” area just outside our cafe! New plants, new pots, new accessories – available now. 

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17 Dec 2020

Growing Potatoes, Garlic & Onions

Ever considered growing potatoes, garlic, onions or shallots? You can buy everything you need to get started at Earlswood now.

Seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots and garlic now available!

Read on for our guide to growing potatoes, onions and garlic – how to plant and care for these so that you can enjoy some delicious home grown vegetables in a few months time!

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23 Nov 2020

Real Christmas Tree Care

At Earlswood we only sell top grade real cut and potted Christmas trees which we are confident can last well throughout the season. A cut tree is essentially like a bunch of cut flowers – in order to get the best from your tree and ensure it lasts well, follow our simple tips for real Christmas tree care and it will do you proud!

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26 Sep 2020

Lawn Care In Autumn

looking after your lawn in autumn at Earlswood Garden Centre Guernsey

After a long summer of dry periods and intense sun, your lawn may be looking a little tired. Autumn (September/October) is an ideal time to do some lawn care to get it ready for Winter whilst the soil is still warm, and there’s more rain around.

Read on to find out step by step how autumn lawn care will get your lawn in great shape for Winter and ready for some lush new growth next Spring!

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26 Aug 2020

Phalaenopsis Orchids

phalaenopsis orchids in houseplants at earlswood garden centre

Phalaenopsis orchids, or “moth orchids” are the most common type of orchids grown in homes. It’s easy to see why – once you’re used to caring for them, they can provide years of pleasure with repeated blooming of elegant flowers that can last for months at a time.

In this blog, I’ll tell you more about them and share what I’ve learnt from my own experience about how to get the best from them.

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