Autumn is a wonderful time of preparation with temperatures dropping and days becoming shorter as a lead up to the winter months. Nature displays magnificent colours of red, orange, yellow and browns as the backdrop to migrating birds and hibernating animals. People start reaching for cozy clothes and hearty meals. It’s a good time to prepare your yard with yardFRESH!
Designed as an odour control treatment, this unique product has a variety of uses. It removes offensive smells instantly from a surface and/or the environment including: pet odours, dirt bins, waste areas, yards, artificial grass and more. Here are some useful tips to help you with the next yard clean up.
Clean out Debris
Prohibit pests from settling in leaves and weeds by clearing out flower beds, gutters and drains. Check on blockages and ensure proper drainage. yardFRESH assists with unwanted smells and can be poured down the offensive area for instant relief.
Feed the Lawn
Send your yard into the next season with the nutrients it needs to survive the cold. Add an Autumn lawn fertilizer with high phosphorous content to encourage root growth and enjoy a lush, green lawn. Lawn tip: To improve drainage in lawns before the heavy winter rains in the Cape, spike deep holes with a sharp garden fork all over the lawn. Fill in the holes by brushing in sharp river sand or old potting soil. Supply a dressing of bonemeal or superphosphate to improve root growth (don’t use bonemeal if you have dogs).
Artificial turf obviously has different maintenance requirements and generally lasts anywhere between 15 to 25 years. A good routine of clearing the grass of debris, rinsing regularly, and cross brushing will help the longevity. Spray yardFRESH onto unwanted pet odours and more to experience instant neutralization and a pleasant aroma.
Rake and Mulch
Rake up fallen leaves around the yard. They can be shredded and used as mulch for young trees, shrubs, and flower beds. The difference between mulch and compost is that compost gets mixed into the ground to help enrich the soil and mulch is primarily used as a top layer. It retains moisture and reduces the growth of weeds. Some other great uses for autumn leaves are:
Compost – It helps keep your plants lush and beautiful by providing a huge nutrient boost. ‘Leaves are an easy available source of carbon for your compost. By adding leaves gradually, you’ll avoid having them clump and mat together which slows down their decomposition. If you want to add a lot of leaves to lighten a soggy compost pile, then turn them in with a spade or so the leaves don’t mat together. After about two months, it should resemble dark soil and have a pungent and earthy aroma, letting you know it’s ready for your garden. Spray yardFRESH around the area to counter any bad smells.
Tinder – Go the eco-friendly route and make your own tinder from Autumn leaves. When raking up your leaves, put them in an airy bag and store them in a dry and cool place. Once they have dried out, take a handful each time you want to start a fire instead of using firelighters. The burning leaves will add a fragrant aroma to space.
Potpourrie - Add a gentle, natural scent to your home with DIY potpourri. The smell of dried leaves adds a fragrant dimension to the rooms in your house. Make sure your leaves are completely dry before crumbling them up into natural, mesh bags, and add a cinnamon stick and some cloves for a spicy Autumn aroma.
Protect the Deck
Prevent the growth of mould and mildew by giving the deck a good power wash. If possible, use a high pressure hose. Add a weatherproofing stain to protect the wood from moisture damage. If necessary, pack away any outdoor furniture at the same time.
Clean Tools and Store Them
Why not give your tools a good clean! Add a light coat of oil to prevent rust during the cold season.
Fix up Fences and Gates
Take some time to repair any damaged fences or gates. Sand, paint, fix or replace any ruins before the bad weather sets in.
Clean up the Vegetable Garden
Pull out old vegetable plants and remove debris. If you compost, now is the time to add a layer of compost to help nurture your soil for planting next spring. Spread it out on the surface to be gently worked in by micro-organisms. Keep thick layers of compost away from the main stems of plants, as it can cause rotting.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Trim any dead branches and cut back overgrown trees and bushes. If you have spring-blooming perennials like lilac or forsythia, now is the time to prune without risking blooms.
Freshen up Drains
After tidying up the area and sweeping out the outdoor ground, clear the drains and pour some yardFRESH down to them for a refreshing smell.
Purchase yardFRESH in-store at an outlet near you:
Brights Hardware, Brackengate
Brights Hardware, Blackheath
Brights Hardware, Boston
Brights Hardware, Langebaan
Brights Hardware, Mitchells Plain
Brights Hardware, Montague Park
Brights Hardware, Plattekloof
Brights Hardware, Stikland Truss Plant
Brights Hardware, Sunningdale
Brights Hardware, Uitzicht
References:
Life is a garden
Wonder
Contours Landscapes
Safewise
Photo credit:
Chris Lawton
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