Herald - Issue 396

8th October 2020 • The HERALD • Page 41 v GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE HERALD v RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook A J  GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton 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 THE TREE WIZARD All aspects of tree surgery, garden maintenance and landscaping undertaken Family run business for over 20 years No Job Too Big or Small Please call 07552 977731 for a Free Quotation | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | It is with regret that the Black eld Gardening Club has decided that they are unable to hold any further meetings until the COVID-19 virus has stopped, and it is safe to host gatherings on a regular basis. Sadly there will be no further meetings during 2020. Safety of their members is of primary importance and the club will not reconvene until this can be assured. Once they feel that it is safe for the club to start meeting again, members will be contacted, plus a notice will be sent to e Herald. is also means that they have been unable to hold the Annual General Meeting, normally held at the beginning of their September meeting. Gilly, Tricia and the committee wish all their members a safe and healthy life in these di cult times. If any member has any questions regarding these arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the club. Patricia Hedley-Goddard, Secretary can be contacted on 023 8024 3795. BLACKFIELD GARDENING CLUB Improving In many colder areas, this month is the last opportunity to scarify, aerate and top dress lawns. Scari cation removes layers of thatch and can be done with either a spring tine rake or a powered scari er. Feeding A erwards apply an autumn lawn feed; these are low in nitrogen, so discouraging lush green growth that would only succumb to cold and diseases over the winter months. Sowing is is de nitely your last chance to sow grass seed in mild areas of the UK. Cover newly sown areas with clear polythene to protect them from cold or erce rain, if these are forecast in your area. Light to moderate rain will aid germination. Mowing is is the last chance to mow recently sown grass areas, to neaten them up before the winter. Don’t cut lower than 2.5cm (1inch). Top dressing with the mower will also prevent weeds getting out of hand. Troubleshooting Rake fallen leaves o lawns before they block out light and air penetration to the grass. On large lawns a leaf blower will make the job much Toadstools and fairy rings appearing in the lawn may be a sign that scari cation and autumn lawn care is necessary. It is too late to apply a weedkiller now - e ectiveness will be much reduced. A nal mow will keep weeds in hand until the spring, when weedkillers can again be used. easier, but only powerful models are capable of shi ing leaves from damp lawns. To assist walking over lawns plagued with worm casts or muddy areas, consider laying paths or stepping stones across main routes of access, so that the lawn is not spoiled by treading in the winter weather. Caring For Your Lawns Advice from RHS