 Algarve Landscape Gardening Problems
Q. I have just bought a villa on the Algarve with what could be a nice size garden, the problem is, its completely overgrown and full of builders and household rubbish. How much would it cost to landscape it?
Q. Does my garden need ongoing maintenance?
Q. Why does my lawn look tired and have new brown patches each day?
Q. The hot weather has brought a host of garden pests to my garden. What do I use to kill them?
Q. I have just bought a villa on the Algarve with what could be a nice size garden, the problem is, its completely overgrown and full of builders and household rubbish. How much would it cost to landscape it?
A. Depending on the size of the plot the price varies but you must pay attention firstly to the preparation. There's no point trying to plant in parched, rock hard soil with builders rubble and paint tins. Or to expect watering the garden with a hose during mid afternoon. So firstly get rid of the rubbish and then concentrate on improving the soil and installing an irrigation system. Plant prices vary immensely depending on maturity so we like to add some large feature specimens such as palms and blend with some smaller shrubs. Given the ideal starting conditions your garden will thrive throughout the years. Call us for more advice - we can cater for all budgets for your garden.
Back to top Q. Does my garden need ongoing maintenance?
A. Yes but depending on what style you choose, the monthly costs can be greatly reduced. If you decide a small lawn, and blend it with gravel and pine bark mulched beds, the weeding will be minimal. So its advisable to calculate your yearly maintenance and water costs with us before you decide on what scheme or garden you want. We can advise you on all these matters and provide any necessary maintenance.
Back to top Q. Why does my lawn look tired and have new brown patches each day?
A. Your lawn needs constant attention. Even with the latest irrigation system, they can succumb to malnourishment and disease. A balanced fertilizer (12-12-12) or Blaukorn which has micro-nutrients, applied monthly during the growing season will keep your grass healthy. But watch out for cutworms, prevalent in the summer season which can annihilate a lawn in a week. They feed off the grass roots which inevitably kills the shoots - hence producing brown patches. A tell tale sign of this is a noticeable increase of hoopoe birds visiting your lawn. Although very regal looking, they are your warning signal as they come to feed on the worms.
You must treat with a varying cocktail of products during this season to keep your grass healthy. Contact us immediately if you spot these symptoms.
Back to top Q. The hot weather has brought a host of garden pests to my garden. What do I use to kill them?
A. There are products on the market which can kill all types of pests within your garden, but can harm the environment at the same time. We have considerable knowledge in organic and eco-gardening systems for those who are environmentally conscious. Did you know that a chilli and garlic spray will destroy all types of aphids with no harm to the plant, your family or the environment. Introduce friendly insects to your garden like birds, bees and ladybirds by planting the scented shrubs that attract them - they will act as your own pest deterrent by keeping the bugs down. Buddleias, daisies, bottlebrush, hebes, lavenders, honeysuckle and rosemary all grow well here on the Algarve and attract those beneficial predators.
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If you have a problem that you would like some advice on - please contact us by email on info@justinwride.com
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