1) Weeding & Clean-up :

• Identify the Weeds.
• Try removing them before they grow too large.
• Remove them from the root. If the roots aren't removed, then it highly likely that they will regrow.

Try using a Weeding Tool for best results as a tool like Fiskars 4-prong weed puller will uproot the weed from its root. Rake and remove the dead leaves. Keep an eye out for weeds in general.

2) Lawn mowing:

Mow when the turf is dry. If it’s a wet lawn, then the task at hand becomes more challenging and mower may not perform efficiently.

• Use a good lawn mower. Our Fiskars reel mower is ranked among the best in the world.
• Maintain your mower by cleaning them at regular intervals.
• Make sure that the blades are wiped clean and that the mower in general is free of grass and other lawn debris.
• Do not mow the lawn too short as you may end up scalping the lawn and may even damage the lawn mower blades. A 30-35mm is a healthy height to cut the grass.
• Make sure not to spray any chemicals before you mow the lawn as some chemicals may be aggressive enough to cause corrosion or even damage your blades in the long run.

3) Trimming & Pruning: It is vital that you use the correct technique and the right tool for this task. As otherwise you may either end up with a poorly trimmed or pruned garden or a sore back!

• For small plants and plant branches use a pruner secateur. There are a variety of pruners in the market, make sure you choose the one that easy to use. Especially if you are suffering from hand arthritis pain, we recommend using a secateur with a rolling handle, like the Fiskars P921 for small hands or P961 for large hands.
• For medium to large branches use a lopper. Again, choose the right lopper as depending on the task you may need a lopper with a long handle or a telescopic handle. You may like the Fiskars Lopper with Power Gear technology which makes the cutting as easy as 3 times compared to a non-power gear lopper
• If you need to trim or cut large thick branches, consider using a saw. Whether powered or manual, make sure that they can handle the task at hand. The Fiskars hand saw is a good little handy tool to add your garden collection. It unique saw tooth design makes cutting branched a breeze.

4) Planting new bulbs: Once you completed the cleaning and pruning, now it’s time to plant some new bulbs. Keep these tips in mind when you decide to plant new bulbs.

• Decide the size & planting depth for the type of bulb you're planting.
• Prepare the soil by loosening them and adding the required organic mixes, such as compost or ready-made compost soil.
• When planting the bulb ensure that the pointy edge is facing upwards and root downwards.
• Gently cover the soil over the soil and give it a firm topsoil.

5) Mulching: If you have come this far then this is one key step that usually gets ignored. However, mulching is an important part of your garden journey. Keep in mind these tips when mulching.

• Use both your hands to apply mulch and apply just the right amount of mulch.
• Don't go overboard and pile too much mulch especially against the stem of plants or trees.
• It's a good idea to refresh mulch at least once a year.

6) Watering & Spraying tips: Once your plants are in place, don't forget their feeds. Whilst they survive in water they need just the right nutrients and defensive systems to keep them thriving. Whilst we won't discuss here what to feed as the requirements of each and every plant may differ (we will cover this some other time) we thought it's discuss how and when to feed part.

• Water them at dawn or dusk to ensure maximum water retention. Try aiming the water directly to the base of the plan aiming at the roots and not over the plant, leaves or flowers. Use good quality spray guns and hoses. Our Hozelock range of garden spray guns and Hozelock Anti-kink Ultimate hoses range are best in class with 30 years warranty.
• Spray when the humidity is high and when it's dark, either early in the morning or in the evening. As this allows the time for the sprays to penetrate rather than dry out in the heat of light.
• Spray at least once a week for vegetable and once a fortnight for flowering plants. When spraying don't directly go over the flowers or tender vegetation as this would lead to fungal diseases. Focus on the foliage and leaves instead. Even with the leaves target the underside of the leaves as it allows the time to penetrate and dry out quickly. Spray just enough to cover the leaves, and not to point that they start to drip off the leaves
• Use a quality spray mechanism that provides an even spraying pattern.

At Rock Around The Block, we have a wide range of sprayers from 1.25L to 16L sprayers to choose from. All from the world no.1 gardening brand Hozelock.

7) Decorating: Now that your made you garden functionally health and thriving, it's time to visually enhance your backyard space.

• Try using garden lights, either a spotlight or a path light. 
• If you have a pond, try our pond lights as they transform your back yard into a visually stunning dream. 
• If pond is not your thing, why not try water fountain feature that is quick and easy to install and goes easy on your wallet as well.

Heaven on earth: Imagine the serene sound of flowing water, mildly glowing garden light, the warmth of a setting sun, the cool wind in your face, the lush and green garden, the bright and dull coloured flowers, and a glass of wine in your hand. It is heaven on your backyard.