Garden Advice from the Experts

Green With Envy

May 2006

We talked to the garden experts at Point Hire and K2 to find out the way to get a fab lawn and choosing the right tools for the job.

Ever look at your neighbour’s lush garden and feel green with envy?

Never fear - you too can have a lawn to be proud of with a little bit know how and the right tools.

Noel Mussen is a man passionate about gardens and he’s been helping customers choose lawnmowers and garden accessories for years.

“There's more to an exceptional mowing machine than a great engine, a great deck, or a great cutting system. Your choice will very much depend on the type of garden you have and how active you want to be in looking after it.

“Our Honda and Rover mowers range from light weight push models to aluminium deck self propelled types as well as ride on mowers for larger areas,” he adds.

WHAT TO REMEMBER WHEN BUYING A LAWNMOWER

• How big is your lawn? Do you look at lawn mowing as a hobby or do you just want to get the job done?
• A self-propelled lawnmower drives the mower forward and makes it easier to handle. Variable speed drives make turning corners, trimming around trees and backing up a simple task.
• Some mowers will mulch clippings back into the soil while others include a side or rear grass catcher to bag clippings. The bigger the capacity the less you’ll have to empty it.
• To get great looking ‘stripes’ on your lawn you’ll need to buy a mower with a roller.
• Lawnmower decks can be plastic, steel and aluminium and your choice will affect the lawnmowers weight and manoeuvrability, durability and price.
• Mowers with pull starter cords tend to be less expensive than an electric start but make sure the mower comes with guarantees and extended warranties.

TOP TIPS

• Mow often enough that you never remove more then 1/3 of the lawn height with each cut.
• Make sure you don’t leave clippings on the pavement where they can wash into a water source and contribute to water pollution.
• When watering your lawn, water deeply but not too often. Too much water can cause problems, increasing the chance of fungus and leaching of nutrients.
• Turning your mower sharply may scalp your grass! Be sure to make wide turns.
• Grass clippings and debris that build up on the underside of the mower deck can hamper performance. Be sure to clean the underside of the deck and blades periodically.
• To enhance the appearance of your lawn, don’t forget to alternate your mowing pattern. This will help keep your grass from getting wear patterns or a dull appearance.

HIRE BUY REPAIR

As well as retail sales of lawnmowers, strimmers and hedge clippers, Point Hire also provides hire and repair services. For more information visit Milltown East Industrial Estate, Warrenpoint or tel 028 4177 3674.

ENDS

OUTDOOR LIVING

Landscaped areas within a garden can also vastly improve the appearance and extend the use of your garden. Attractive decking, lighting, paving and garden features can make your garden an extension of your home. Patio heaters and fire pits are also great way of extending the use of your garden late into the evening while colourful planters can add to that summer feeling.

When deciding which type of furniture you want for your garden, it’s important to choose furniture that will suit your style of garden. If you want something portable choose lightweight metal designs, with wheels or something that’s stackable for easy storage.

As well as modern aluminium and classic granite sets, K2 also has a range of popular timber designs to compliment the garden surroundings.