Article Synopsis
This article looks at four ways of getting more out of your garden this summer – either through hard landscaping projects or specific features (such as a summerhouse). Whatever you want to add to your garden, Suffolk-based timber and loose aggregates suppliers Lumberjacks should be able to meet your needs.
This article will take around four minutes to read.
Our gardens become the focal point of our homes during June, July, and August – whether for eating, drinking, reading or relaxing.
Summer also represents the ultimate window of opportunity if you want to do any hard landscaping in your garden. The ground is dry, the weather is relatively predictable, and the light stays with us past 9pm. It’s the perfect time to build in some structural features that add long-term kerb appeal and functionality to your property.
Garden Sleepers in Ipswich from Lumberjacks
At Lumberjacks, we offer a range of hard landscaping products which will help turn your garden project into a reality. This doesn’t just mean for features such as patios and raised beds (for more information, read our previous blog post here), but for the four additional projects listed below.
1. The Low-Maintenance "Drought-Proof" Pet and Child Play Zone
East Anglia is one of the driest regions in the UK, and summer lawns quickly turn into patchy, dusty brown mud-baths under heavy human footfall or dog paws.
So why not dig out a designated high-impact corner of the garden, framing it securely with treated timber path edgings (such as sleepers or machine rounds), and infill with a deep layer of ornamental bark, clean artificial grass, or another type of non-harmful surface? This will give your children and pets somewhere safe to play without ruining other parts of the garden – such as flower beds – which you want to preserve.
2. The Architectural "Zoned" Garden Screening
As well as creating a child’s play area, internal garden fencing can also hide ugly items (like wheelie bins or oil tanks) or help to create a secret seating area. Fences don’t need to be just for creating external boundaries with neighbour’s property.
The various fencing styles we offer at Lumberjacks can be found here. Using DuraPost® steel posts paired with modern slatted horizontal timber screens or heavy-duty panels will help keep any panels in place. Remember DuraPosts® are much easier to install in dry summer soil compared to heavy concrete alternatives – and they are 80% lighter.
Lumberjacks also currently has a 5% discount on Lumberjacks Lap Panels (which includes all sizes to suit all your projects).
3. Raised Garden Ponds
Digging out a garden pond can be time consuming – it’s much easier to build one above ground, rather like a raised bed. You can use sleepers for an above-ground build, but make sure the timber is treated to withstand moisture.
Place the raised pond in an area with at least six hours of daily sunlight if you are putting any flora and fauna inside – the light will be needed for healthy plant growth. This means keeping it well away from any overhanging trees. Anchor the base on concrete blocks or a level stone collar rather than burying untreated wood directly into wet ground.
Remember, wildlife like frogs and newts won't be able to easily climb the sides. If you want to see them enjoying the water, build them a staggered ramp or surround the raised edge with potted plants to act as stepping stones.
And when it comes to filling the pond up, don’t use the garden hose. Rainwater is always best. Tap water is full of nutrients that cause heavy algae to thrive; if you must use it, let the water stand in a bucket for 24-48 hours to let any chlorine disappear before filling your new pond.
Our sleepers and accessories can be found here – and remember we also have a timber cutting service so your pond (or raised bed) can be custom-made.
4. Summer Means Summerhouses
Summerhouses can provide a versatile, light-filled extension to your home. They are typically constructed as modular, flat-pack style prefabricated panels and should be easy enough to put together.
They are equipped with large windows and doors to let maximum sunlight flood in, making them ideal for reading, eating, or relaxing – they may even provide some welcome shade on a hot day.
You can tailor your building with optional features like verandas, double doors, and felt roofing tiles to perfectly match your garden aesthetic. And, with a bit of help (such as added insulation or heating), you can use them all year round.
Our current stock of summerhouses can be found here. We can also provide the materials for a flat, solid base to rest on to make it easier when it comes to the maintenance and lifespan of your garden building, such as sawn timber, paving slabs or loose aggregates. We recommend only using a solid level concrete base for larger sheds and summerhouses.
Contacting Lumberjacks
If you have any questions about a garden project – whether they are about garden sleepers in Ipswich, decorative stones in Felixstowe or garden decking in Hadleigh – feel free to call us on 01473 461394. You can also click here and complete our online contact form.
FAQS
Q: Do I need planning permission for a summerhouse or other garden building?
A: Not usually. They come under the category of permitted development rights, so you shouldn’t need to make a formal application to your local council. There are limits on size and height, however, and how close you can put them to your boundary.
You shouldn’t put up a new shed or summerhouse less than 2 metres from the boundary of your property if the shed is 2.5 metres high (or taller). This will help avoid any overlooking or privacy concerns from neighbours. For more information, check out the official Planning Portal here.
Q: Can Lumberjacks deliver to your door?
A: Yes – we offer deliveries Monday-Friday, either to your driveway or kerbside. The amount of time it will take for your delivery to arrive will depend on the size and type of your order, seasonal demand (for our delivery services) and our levels of stock. For more information, see our deliveries page here.
Q: Do Lumberjacks offer trade accounts?
A: Yes, we do. Trade customers benefit from special deals and payment arrangements – for more information, check out our previous blog post here.
