To help add some structure to your garden steps, you can build retaining walls to hold back the soil and create different levels in the garden. This will require help from a landscaper, but once the hard work is done, you can plant flowers and bushes around the top of the wall. You could even lay some Buzz Elite as a neat and low maintenance option.
Waterfall
A waterfall is the perfect garden feature and can attract an array of wildlife to your garden. This will require expert advice and planning to achieve. You will need to run tubing from the top to the bottom of the waterfall, to keep a continuous flow of water. You’ll also need large rocks and stones for the water to run down and to put around the edges.
Decking
Adding decking to your sloped garden can help to level it out, and create a seating area for you to enjoy. If your garden is large enough, you could add multiple sections of decking down the slope. Planting trees around the area can create enclosed spaces, so you can enjoy your coffee in the morning surrounded by nature.
Having a garden with a slope can be a problem, but there are many ways that you can make the most of it and create something beautiful. From waterfalls to layered flowerbeds, the opportunities are endless.
Here’s some garden slope design inspiration for transforming your steep garden into a tranquil paradise. We would recommend contacting a landscaper for professional advice, if you would like to speak to one of our BuzzGrass approved landscapers, contact them here.
Stepping Stones
Adding a path or stepping stones can help you to move freely up and down your garden, as well as creating a centrepiece to plant around. You can use slabs, rocks or even gravel to create the steps. For an added touch, you can add lighting under each step – perfect for evenings in the garden.
Artificial grass is the perfect way to enhance your outdoor lifestyle. Not only does it look fantastic, but is also excellent value for money, safe for children and pets and requires less maintenance than natural grass.
With artificial grass, your Sunday afternoons can be spent doing the things you love most, rather than spending time keeping your lawn in check.
Although artificial grass is low-maintenance and comes with all of these benefits, you’ll still have to do a couple of things to keep it in good condition and to improve its lifespan.
To keep your grass looking its best all year round, follow these tips from our experts.
Brush it
Brushing your artificial grass will help to keep the fibres upright and looking as natural as possible. We recommend having a bi-weekly artificial grass maintenance brushing routine to keep your lawn looking as good as new. It is important to firmly brush against the fibres with a garden brush and sweep away from yourself. We would also recommend removing debris such as leaves, twigs and sticks, as these could build up and attract insects.
Rinse it
Rinsing your artificial grass should be a key part of your turf maintenance routine. Use a hose to rinse away any loose debris. The water should be cold and on a low pressure, so that the grass isn’t damaged. Start at one end of the garden and slowly move across, using circular motions. Ensure that the artificial grass is left to dry to avoid any accidents.
Disinfect it
Disinfecting your artificial grass will keep any bacteria at bay. You should disinfect the turf with a mild detergent once per month. You can keep it clean with our artificial grass cleaner. Animal waste should be removed daily to ensure that the grass doesn’t become dirty or stained.
Latex is a popular coating used by most grass providers on the market and is a strong and reliable choice. However, at BuzzGrass we are always innovating, and the use of PU on our premium products means that our grass will be stronger and have greater resistance to moisture, which makes it the perfect product for families with children and pets.
Benefits of PU
More durable – the turf will have better fibre retention and stronger backing, which is great if your dog likes to dig in the garden
Designed in the UK at our HQ – this ensures a quality product that lasts for 10 years
Better drainage – because PU is lightweight and water-resistant, liquids can easily drain through your grass which makes it quick and easy to clean
Easier installation – PU is thinner than latex, which makes it easier to cut and install
Better for pet owners
Maintaining a healthy lawn is almost impossible for pet owners. Animals, especially dogs, can cause havoc in gardens with natural grass, by digging holes, bringing mud indoors and also leaving urine stains. Installed in countless gardens and doggy daycares around the UK, our artificial grass for dogs has been proven to stand the test of time, and now with our new PU products, the grass is even more durable!
BuzzGrass is proud to announce that some of our products will now have a Polyurethane (PU) backing, rather than a traditional latex backing.
Our grass is backed in the UK at our Maryport factory, which is one of the most technologically-advanced production facilities in Europe, using the same innovative technology as our sister company, SIS Pitches who work with some of the biggest names in sport.
Taking care of your garden may seem daunting, but there are plenty of plants and flowers which require minimal effort. You can grow them in flower beds, hanging baskets or large pots. Why not take a trip to your local garden centre and have a look for these easy plants for beginners?
10 Easy Plants To Grow Outside
1. Pansies
The history of the Pansy flower originates all the way back to the 4th Century B.C in Greece. These were recorded as a flower called Violas plants, where Wild Pansies have stemmed from. Interestingly, all Pansies are Violas but not all Violas are Pansies.
You should plant your pansies in late spring in a spot with full sunlight. Water the flowers once or twice per week, depending on the heat. Pansies flourish in moist, well-drained soil, and should be planted 15cm apart to allow room for the roots to grow.
2. Sunflower
Sunflowers are known for producing oil and seeds, as well as being a colourful addition to your garden. They are native to the Americas and it is the state flower of Kansas. The tallest sunflower on record was 30 feet tall, which is almost two times the height of a giraffe.
Plant your sunflowers from mid-April to May in direct sunlight. Water several times per week for your flowers to grow tall. Once they have grown a meter tall, add some supports to help the stalk. In autumn once the flower has died, you can dry out the seeds in a conservatory and save them for next spring.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds originated in Mexico and are the flower of The Day of The Dead. It is believed that their vibrant colours and fragrance help to guide the spirits to their alters. They are also used in Diwali, the festival of lights, as a representation of new beginnings.
Plant the marigolds in spring for a colourful and bright garden throughout summer. Ensure they are in direct sunlight or dappled shade. The soil must be well-drained, as the flowers prefer a drier soil. Only water them once the topsoil is dry.
4. Peonies
Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America, and are the flower used to celebrate 12th wedding anniversaries. They are commonly known as a symbol of good fortune and come in every colour – except for blue.
Peonies can be planted anytime between October and March. They flourish in full sunlight and the soil must be well-drained. Peonies are perennials which mean they come back every year – perfect for beginners.
5. Lavender
The name “lavender” originates from the Latin verb “lavare”, which means “to wash”. Lavender was an important part of bathing rituals in ancient Rome because of its antiseptic properties. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians used lavender as perfume.
Plant lavender in April or May in well-drained soil. Lavender thrives in full sunlight and the bright flowers will attract honey bees to your garden. It is an evergreen shrub which produces flowers between July and September. With proper care, it will survive for years to come.
6. Snapdragon
The Snapdragon is named after its resemblance to the face of a dragon, which opens and closes when squeezed. They are native to Europe, the United States, and North Africa and come in a variety of different species and colours.
Plant your Snapdragon in April for a summer bloom. They love full sunlight and well-drained soil. Snapdragons are quite resilient and can bloom in cool spring temperatures if cared for.
7. Fuchsias
The Fuchsia originates from Chile, Argentina and Mexico and was named after famous German botanist Leonhart Fuchs. They are the favourite flower of hummingbirds due to their bright colour. The berries from fuchsia plants can be used to make jam, or can be sprinkled across salads.
Plant your Fuchsias in Spring in a spot with dappled shade. Ensure the soil is moist and well-drained – hanging planters are perfect as the soil can drain easily. In warmer countries, Fuchsias are perennials and will come back every year. However, in cooler climates such as the UK, they are most likely planted annually for the Spring and Summer months.
8. Cosmos
Cosmos flowers originated in Mexico, and are named after the Greek word for “a balanced universe”. They belong to the same family as the Daisy, and the Chocolate Cosmos species smells like chocolate and vanilla.
Plant Cosmos in June or July in full sunlight. They need protection from the wind, so try to plant them against a fence or a wall. Water them regularly, but be cautious as over-watering can lead to fewer flowers. The plants are quite tolerant once they have been cultivated, with some species being perennials, meaning they will reappear every year.
9. Eschscholzia (Californian Poppy)
The Eschscholzia, or Californian Poppy, originates in the United States and Mexico. Not only are these flowers vibrant and beautiful, but they are also used in a variety of modern medicines.
The Californian Poppy should initially be planted in early Spring, however, they are self-propagating and will return every year. The poppies flourish in full sunlight in well-drained soil. Be aware that they may spread across your flower bed, as they blow easily in the wind.
10. Geranium
The Geranium flower falls under the Pelargonium genus, which includes around 200 species of flowers and shrubs. They are sometimes referred to as “Crane’s Bill” flowers, due to their long, elongated seed pods.
The Geranium should be planted once spring has begun, as they must be protected against frost and cold. They require 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, and flourish in moist, well-drained soil. Deadhead your flowers regularly to encourage new growth.
It’s easy to cut artificial turf the wrong way. It’s much harder and more expensive to fix the resulting problems.
To cut artificial grass correctly, you need sharp cutting tools, safety gear, and measuring instruments. A professional approach to cutting artificial turf can save you money while reducing waste and speeding up installation.
Let’s look at these effective ways of cutting artificial grass.
You can save save money on water bills by opting for artificial grass for your lawn. Unlike natural lawns, synthetic grass doesn’t require constant watering to maintain its green appearance. It only requires an occasional hosing once every one to three months. If you let your pets go to the bathroom on your artificial lawn, you’ll have to hose it off more regularly.
Beyond saving money, you also can worry less about the variability and uncertainty that comes with larger water bills.
Properly installed artificial grass can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality.
Compare that to how much you’ll spend on 10 to 20 years of watering your lawn.
If price is still an issue, you can always opt for used artificial grass that costs 50%-75% less than new artificial turf. If you are an experienced DIYer, you can save even more by installing the artificial turf yourself.
The cost of utilities, which includes water bills, can vary significantly by state.
In 2019, an average family of four in the United States used about 100 gallons of water daily and paid an average of $72.93 for their monthly water bill.
According to data collected by the World Population Review, the states with the lowest average water costs are Florida, where the average cost of a water bill is $6, followed by Wisconsin and Vermont, with average water costs of $18.
On the other hand, the ten states with the most expensive average water bills are:
West Virginia at $91 California at $77 Oregon at $76 Washington at $75 New Jersey at $72 Connecticut at $69 Alaska at $68 Arizona at $64 Hawaii at $64 Wyoming at $53. Note that this is per month. To get annual costs, multiply the water bill by twelve. For example, the average water bill in West Virginia costs $1,092 each year.
According to a study conducted by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, keeping the front lawn grass green and healthy can consume up to 75% of a household’s water usage.
That means that watering your lawn can cost up to $819 per year.
Over five years, the cost of watering your lawn can reach as high as $4,095.
Are sprinklers a waste of water? The truth is that sprinkler irrigation systems are not as efficient at water conservation as they may first appear. The typical water consumption for a residential sprinkler system ranges from 12 to 30 gallons per minute, depending on the sprinkler head’s size and type. Operating the sprinkler for 30 minutes a day, 15 days a month, can lead to a consumption of up to 450 gallons per month.
Inadequate water pressure and strong winds can cause significant water loss due to drift or evaporation.
Rate Type
Understanding your monthly water bill is the first step to determining the costs of watering your lawn. The bill measures your water usage using various standard units of consumption, the most common being centum cubic feet (CCF) and gallons, where 1 CCF equals 748 gallons.
The local water utility employs a range of rate structures to bill its customers, including:
Uniform Rate structure: Charges a constant per-unit price for all metered units of water consumed throughout the year.
Increasing Block Rates: Charges higher unit rates for each succeeding block of usage than the previous block(s).
Seasonal Rates: Established to promote conservation during peak usage periods and cover a specific time frame.
Drought Rates: Similar to Seasonal Rates, these rates depend on the level of drought in the local area, rather than applying higher rates throughout a particular period.
All these rate structures can substantially increase water bills if you regularly water your lawn.
