| - First stop if we're serious about our gardens | | | | to the emerging garden. The Aquatic Habitat is |
| could be advice and training. 'Sue Gibson's School | | | | renowned as one of the UK's finest aquatic |
| of Gardening', based at Slimbridge offers courses | | | | retailers. Here one can buy a pond and stock it |
| for seasoned gardeners or novices, designed | | | | from the wide range of pond fish, plants and |
| specially to help achieve a dream garden. | | | | equipment. |
| - Once we know what kind of look we're after, | | | | - For those of us that like a lawn, we have to |
| and how much maintenance we're prepared to | | | | enter the seed versus turf debate. Avon-Vale |
| do, let's look at landscaping and get the structure | | | | Nurseries supply both, as well as any topsoil we |
| of the garden in place: | | | | might need to add to the borders. |
| - If the existing trees are out of control, or need | | | | - With the main features in place it's time to turn |
| relocating to fit the 'grand design', then Nature | | | | our attention to the planting, and this is the bit I |
| First can help. At one end of the scale they can | | | | like the best. Garden Centres such as Highfield |
| supply some semi-mature trees for instant | | | | Garden World at Whitminster have a huge range |
| effect, and at the other they can deal with the | | | | of top quality plants and large specimen plants to |
| stubborn tree stump that just won't co-operate. | | | | choose from, whilst on a smaller scale Fairview |
| - The bare bones of the garden can be formed | | | | Nursery at Birdwood offers fine plants plus a |
| with walling materials, paving, natural stone or | | | | friendly personal service. |
| reclaimed sleepers, to name but a few. All these | | | | So now we have a beautiful, landscaped garden, |
| and more can be found at Staunton Stone Paving | | | | planted to perfection. All that remains is to sit |
| and Landscape Centre. A patio layout planning | | | | back and enjoy it. |
| service is offered, which could come in handy. | | | | ...Unfortunately it doesn't work quite that way. |
| - Challenge Fencing of Hardwicke can supply | | | | Gardens, for all the pleasure they give, have a |
| fencing and decking to suit most requirements. | | | | nasty habit of creating a lot of work. For some |
| They offer an online ordering service, and if the | | | | this is a delightful pastime but for others it can |
| job itself is too daunting they can suggest a | | | | become a worry, which is why help may again be |
| reputable contractor who 'knows how'. | | | | welcome. Greenfields Gardening Services of |
| - S and T Sheds of Tewkesbury can tailor-make | | | | Churcham offers a wide range of garden- related |
| a shed for all the gardening equipment, or a | | | | services, including garden maintenance for private |
| summerhouse for anyone anticipating some | | | | clients. They can take care of borders, grass |
| serious relaxing. All buildings are made with good | | | | cutting, pruning, and all those other laborious tasks. |
| grade Swedish Pine, taken from sustainable | | | | Now all we need to do is to dust off the garden |
| sources, so consciences can rest easy too. | | | | chairs, get a drink and settle down to admire the |
| - A pond, fountain or some other water feature | | | | finished result. |
| could be just the thing to add interest and focus | | | | |