26th June 2025 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v • HEDGE CUTTING • FENCING • PATIOS • TURFING • GARDEN CLEARANCES & MORE For a FREE quotation please call 023 8122 4550 or 07548 355262 AUTUMN LEAF GARDEN WORKS 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 DOWN THE GARDEN PATH 10 WATER-SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR GARDEN Advice from Haskins Garden Centres Rachel Smith, Plant Team Leader at Haskins Garden Centres, shares ten practical tips for saving water outdoors. Rachel said: “It’s essential that we all do our bit to preserve water in the garden, particularly during heatwaves. At our Roundstone centre, we water our plants using water extracted through a borehole from a natural source underground. This allows us to reuse what we can and reduces our reliance on mains water supplies. Domestically, this may not be a viable option, but there are plenty of other simple steps people can take to avoid wasting water.” 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. 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. For more expert gardening tips and advice, visit: www. haskins.co.uk/. Rachel Smith, Plant Team Leader at Haskins 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 watersupply 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: Leftover 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 Locally owned landscape and maintenance company who offer excellent workmanship, value, and customer service. Contact Ralph on 07775 726135 www.apex-landscaping.co.uk • rperry16@sky.com • Decking • Fencing and Gates • Complete Landscaping • Paving • Brick Work • Block Paving and Driveways • Hedge and Tree Work •Turfing • Shed and Summerhouse Bases • Shingle Beds and Artificial Lawns • Paving and Block Paving Cleaning and Repair 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
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