Owen Chubb Garden Landscapers Limited is an award winning garden landscaping company in Dublin, Ireland. This is our blog where we share our ideas, day-to-day experiences and inspiration. More about us...

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January Gardening Tips

Posted on January 3rd, 2012

Weather conditions during January are generally poor and unsuitable for doing any work in the garden. This makes January a better time to plan any changes and improvements to the garden. Weather permitting, work is focussed on keeping garden areas tidy and if ground conditions are dry, some remedial works may be possible.

Limestone paving & setts

Posted on December 29th, 2011

The natural beauty and darker tones of limestone paving stone and setts produces a wonderful and distinctive finish and because of its darker tones, it contrasts superbly with the vivid and lush green tones of the planted and lawn areas. Limestone also looks fantastic during wet spells and because of it’s natural darker tones, limestone will be less vunerable to weathering and showing ‘greening’ effects. Instead limestone will remain cleaner for longer and require considerably less cleaning than some of the brighter stone alternatives. Limestone paving is excellent for patio and pathway construction and also makes an excellent wall capping for raised planting beds. Limestone setts can be used to great effect to create wonderful border and lawn edgings.

Limestone paved pathway and borders edged with limestone setts

Limestone setts make an excellent border edge

A limestone paved patio also looks great during wet spells

Limestone patio with storm channels for a striking and effective result

Limestone paved pathway complements the limestone sett lawn edging

Fat balls a real winter’s treat for the birds

Posted on December 27th, 2011

When it comes to treating the birds to a winter’s treat, nothing is more appealing to more birds, eaten with more satisfaction than fat balls. As the name suggests, the food has amongst other elements a high fat content (typically lard or suet) mixed with a variety of other ingredients including breadcrumb, nut, seed etc. Typically the shape certainly of the manufactured product is usually a rounded shape or sphere (various sizes) and sometimes sold in small netting (which should be removed as smaller birds can become caught and suffer serious injury or worse).

Here’s a great recipe to create your own fat ball winter’s treat and so easy to prepare. Do try and experiment with other mixes and shapes/containers.

Simply soften a block of lard (in oven/microwave) and add your favourite seed (crushed sunflower) or crushed nut (plain peanut). Fill the container (small plastic pot or yogurt container or paper cup) and using a kebab stick or knitting needle to help pass a string carefully through the centre of the mix.  Tie a knot at the base and allow the mix to set (place in a fridge for a few hours).

Gently remove mix from container and hang from tree branch and get ready to be entertained by the birds flocking to feast on the fat ball.

Other possible mixes to try with lard include breadcrumb, sultanas and oatmeal; crushed weetabix and sunflower seed.

Limestone Paving Dublin

Posted on December 22nd, 2011

Limestone paving offers a bolder drama and stronger contrast

Limestone patios a strong choice with a more striking impression

Seamless transition from house to patio

Limestone patios with darker tones means less maintenance required

Sweeping limestone pathway

Natural limestone is increasingly a popular choice when it comes to selecting a natural stone for garden patios and pathways. Traditionally limestone was and remains a strong choice for gardens where a distinct architectural style was preferred over the alternative warmer tones popular in more rustic styled gardens. Another reason behind the increasing popularity of limestone especially for Irish gardeners is that the darker tones of limestone are less prone to becoming green and therefore more resilient to coping with damp weather.

But of course the natural dark tones of limestone provides a neutral backdrop to the lush green foliage of lawn and planted areas. This neutral backdrop is enhanced during wet spells when the limestone paving becomes much darker and more striking.

Limestone setts offers an effective and distinct edge to the pebbled area

A structured layout to the working garden area

Limestone setts define the sweeping line of the planted border beautifully

Limestone pathway defines the boundary to ornamental garden area

December Gardening Tips

Posted on December 15th, 2011

Not surprising that at this time of year it is generally quiet in the garden, the winter weather is becoming prevalent, making general conditions difficult and the opportunities few for doing any work in the garden. However if conditions allow, some important garden chores are necessary.

Lawns can look a little off, a light clip on top and along edges will make a big difference (only mow lawn when ground is firm and during a dry spell)
Now is an ideal time to plant new bare rooted  hedging or trees (but avoid planting when the ground is very wet)
Winter storms and winds are very strong and can easily damage young trees, so check all tree ties and stakes to ensure trees are secured and firm in the ground
Prune any overhanging branches from trees or shrubs
For additional splash of winter colour in borders or containers, plant groups of colourful  cyclamens or winter pansies
Spruce up the planted borders with a fresh topdressing of bark mulch
Remember to leave out some feed (seed, nuts or fat balls) for the birds.

Thinking Garden for Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on December 12th, 2011

Everybody likes a nice garden but many are unclear about the what or when to do the work, whilst others might simply dread doing the work involved in order to get the garden neat, tidy and beautiful. However tackling common gardening tasks with good gardening tools is so much easier.

This Christmas why not consider an alternative ‘stocking filler’ to the regular gifts like books, music CD or DVD which invariably after not too long end up being tucked away in the back of a cupboard never to seen or rarely enjoyed again? Instead why not consider an alternative and much more useful practical gift?

Six essential gardening tools

  1. Garden Fork  – ideal for digging heavy soils, breaking down rough soil and preparing soil for cultivation (growing fruit and/or vegetables)
  2. Garden Hoe – a very useful gardening tool especially for removing any weeds growing around the flowers, shrubs and trees. Buy one with a long handle which saves much bending and back ache.
  3. Garden Spade – the ideal tool for digging and preparing ground for planting shrubs and trees. Medium and long handled spades are generally better for any heavy digging.
  4. Garden Rake – there are two different styles of rakes available one is used for levelling freshly prepared ground before sowing seed.  The other and very useful form of rake is the law rake. The latter is ideal for many tasks involved in keeping a lawn area fresh and healthy (removing dead grass, thatch, moss, fallen leaf).
  5. Garden trowel – an excellent hand tool for planting bulbs, bedding plants and small potted plants. Also very useful for tidying pots, containers and hanging baskets.
  6. Secateurs – most gardens involved some element of seasonal or occasional cutting. Secateurs are ideal for all general cutting but especially useful for cutting flowers which are intended for such purposes as table decoration/bouquets etc. For heavier or more regular cutting and pruning, a pruners or shears might be a better option.

Select tools which have been made with craft using robust materials. Avoid any bargain offers, these are usually sold on price not quality and are unlikely to last very long. Selecting well made quality tools will not only make a great gift idea but provide a lifetime of trouble free performance which is guaranteed to keep the gardener happy and the garden beautiful!

Urban Landscaping

Posted on December 9th, 2011

Limestone paved pathway

There are many obvious advantages to landscaping large urban gardens, spatial scope, design options and not least opportunities to create ‘journey layouts’ to provide subtle but leading pathways to link the various areas or compartments within the overall scheme. Similar to interior layouts, it is perhaps more effective to have some design strands to provide some discernible continuity as one travels from one room to the next, in other words a coherent design which links but still providing scope for developing individual layouts within each room and similarly within each area of the garden. This approach also relies more heavily on developing an uncongested and seemingly harmonious layout with good open aspect views to most areas. The more open uncongested layout also has an obvious advantage of maximising the sense of space which would otherwise appear reduced in busy fragmented layouts with restricted views.

Limestone paving is the preferred natural stone choice for patio and pathways and is also used as lawn edging as well as framing (edging) the palnetd border areas. Note the strong use of sweeping curves with limestone setts to complement the more softer look which the planting will provide. Some straightlines have also been used to good practical effect especially along the retained hedging. Using setts as an edging is very effective to provide permanence to the profile or layout, a good buffer to prevent unwelcomed migration of planting or weeds into neighbouring space as well as an excellent mowing edge to ensure easy to mow clean and crisp lines (or curves) without the need for any strimming.

In this large garden, good space allocation has been made for a number of important areas including patio, lawn, planted areas, garden storage facilities, vegetable growing  (raised beds) and plant propagation (greenhouse). The process of selecting surface finishes and ground preparation has also taken into consideration optimised performance and reducing the maintenance requirements.

Limestone setts as lawn/border edging

Curve appeal

Limestone setts used to enhance look and also define planted space

Horticultural liner provides an effective weed barrier under pebble surface

Limestone paving defines individual spaces and ground levels

The working garden area evolves and space allocated for newer elements

Form meets finish

Lawn edging and pathway make adjustments to lawn levels easy

Cutting the cost of garden growing wild

Posted on December 8th, 2011

For many and not just gardeners, the pleasure of owning and maintaining the garden area is rewarding and very satisfying. Whether one’s preference is for a lush lawn, a colourful planted border, a bountiful fruit and vegetable plot or an outdoor living retreat, the scope for enjoying the outdoor room is probably bounded by imagination and means. Perhaps like art, one man’s beauty might be unattractive to another. In contrast to the beauty debate, some homeowners also appreciate the importance of the garden and how it can enhance the property’s potential capital value. Gardens which fail to live up to the owner’s expectations can often lead to disappointment. On the other hand, gardens which are not maintained will quickly deteriorate and become wild looking. Occasionally the overgrown garden will also cause clear anger and frustration when the wild aspect impacts on neighbouring gardens. Leylandii trees would be a very good example of the many problems caused by trees which are planted near boundaries or trees which when not adequately maintained are a very common cause of many neighbour disputes. Common sense or good neighbourly spirit does and should prevail and gardens will be maintained for mutual benefit and satisfaction of owners and neighbours.

But gardens growing wild and out of control can be a cause for much disappointment and frustration. Fearing that his home was at risk of losing value, Mr Carroll, a concerned house owner living in the affluent suburb of Ballsbridge, Dublin, took legal action because his neighbour Ms Barry was allowing her garden to grow wild. Earlier this month, in the Circuit Civil Court, Mr Carroll said that briars and overgrowth from his neighbour’s garden had to be regularly cut back. Mr Justice Matthew Deery granted an order awarding Mr Carroll € 2,500 damages and legal costs and directed Ms Barry to cut back growth and prune trees.

Homeowners wishing to avoid the risk of a Court order should note this judgement and to also consider your neighbour’s expectations when determining your garden’s maintenance requirements. Apart from the immediate satisfaction a great looking garden, well maintained garden areas optimises the individual plant’s performance and remain trouble free for many years. Homeowners requiring  assistance on planting options or plants, should consult with a professional garden designer who will  provide valuable advice to determine an optimum planting scheme for your garden.

More details

Urban garden renovations – limestone patio and pathway

Posted on December 3rd, 2011

Sweeping profiles - more difficult cutting but more interesting shapes

Although patios and pathways come in all shapes and sizes, space permitting sweeping curves can make patio and pathway profiles more gentle, smoother and  probably much more appealing than simple straight lines. However in gardens where space is perhaps more limited, straight line or linear layouts are more space efficient. Ideally patio lines should be defined as to be consistent with the overall garden design and almost informally leading the eye from one element to the next. Another important point when designing pathways, is to avoid at all possible dissecting the lawn into smaller segments which will mak ethe overall lawn area appear smaller. Also by positioning the pathway to one side can offer many possibilities for a more interesting shape to lawn and border planting areas. By all means the pathway is offer access  from one area to another but it can also be used to profile a more interesting shape to the lawn. Pathwaysbeing a firm and levelled surface  is a very useful means of determining lawn level and providing a simple but effective mowing edge.

Construction of new limestone patio

Storm channel provides a neat and effective solution to controlling run-off

The sweeping aspect and distinctive appeal of pathway begins to emerge

Croagh Patrick plenty of pain but little gain

Posted on November 29th, 2011

Croagh Patrick viewed from the Basecamp

At over 2,600 ft (almost 700+m) the Croagh Patrick peak dominates the landscape of the local and wonderful scenery surrounding the local village of Murrisk. Nearby Clew Bay is wonderful to observe, but spectacular when seen from the summit of Croagh Patrick. The latter enjoys fame, glory and plenty of reverence in Irish folklore and I’m pretty sure that the many sacrifices, pain and suffering endured by all visitors and walkers are true. Tragedy struck on last Friday when a regular walker/climber (twice weekly) of Croagh Patrick suffered a heart attack and died at the summit.

In the strictest meaning of the term, Croagh Patrick is a gruelling walk and not a climb (as one would climb a mountain).  That said, some level of fitness, discipline and persistence are all required in varying levels and at different stages. For many, myself included, Croagh Patrick is reminiscent of a bygone era and closely associated with pain and suffering endured by many walkers over the years.

So on a mild weathered Sunday in late November, I was determined to set out and accomplish this dorment ambition. More astonishing was the fact that there were so many other walkers like me wanting to do the same as I,  including Irish but mostly from other countries including USA, UK, Germany and Spain. Men and women across all age groups were all well represented.

Apart from a short section of level ground approximately mid way through the climb, much of the climb is often over difficult and steep ground conditions. It is estimated that on average one should allow approx 2 hours each way, but I believe that this is probably accurate for reasonably fit walkers/climbers during good weather conditions. On Croagh Patrick, weather conditions can and do change quite rapidly and frequently. During my climb, despite much sunshine and frequent showers, some of which were heavy, there was also a chilling and persistent wind. This made conditions cold and the climb slow but the descent treacherous.  By the time I returned to Base camp, I had endured almost five hours of a gruelling, energy sapping experience.

Pleasure was the satisfaction of having reached the summit and returned safely. Yes the views from the top are impressive, but so too are the physical distress and discomfort resulting from such a torturous walking experience. Would I do it again? Life’s too short so probably not.

'Path' is hardly an accurate description of the ground conditions

Quite early on in the ascent, ground conditions become rather rocky

Near midway some level ground provides much needed relief

Mid way also offers a good vantage point from which to admire local scenery

A novel form of grafitti using stones to display names

Rugged walking boots are essential for the walking conditions

Hard to believe how anyone could walk in bare feet

By the final third the ground becomes loose and very steep

View westwards of surrounding forestry and bog

First view of the chapel at the summit

I would also add a prayer for a safe descent

The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside

The setting sun reflects a glorious light

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