Page 29 - Garden News

WHAT TO DO WEEK!
THIS

Meet Ian Hodgson Karen Murphy Martin Fish
the Kew-trained horticulturist and A keen all-round Former head
garden designer. Previously
gardener, Karen has
gardener, TV and
team with the RHS, Ian is interested RHS qualifications radio broadcaster
and RHS judge.
in all aspects of gardening.
and also loves wildlife.
just one job...
If you do

Repair

wooden

structures

Take the time to do it now
while it’s quiet in the garden

any features and structures in the garden, such as
fences, trellis, pergolas, sheds and summer houses,
M are made from wood, and to keep them in good
condition they need a little attention occasionally.
The majority tend to be made from pressure-treated
timber, where the preservative has been forced under
pressure into the centre of the timber, and is often referred to
as tanalised. If you’re buying new fencing or other wooden
features, always go for treated timber, which will last for
many years, as untreated wood will soon rot in damp
conditions. In theory, pressure-treated timber doesn’t need
any additional preservatives painting on, but you can stain or Make sure any wooden
paint the structures in a colour of your choice and this is a
good job to do in winter, as long as what you’re treating is dry. uprights are sturdy after
Winter winds can also cause damage to structures and
these need fixing as soon as possible. While it’s quiet in the winter weather strikes
garden check sheds and other wooden structures and carry Photos: Martin Fish, unless stated
out repairs. This might be as simple as nailing or screwing a
loose board, to replacing rotten or damaged wood with new.

Top Tips

Check trellis panels Fences also need checking Check fence posts and the In dry weather freshen up
1supporting climbers and if 2over and any loose panels or 3supports of arches and 4painted or treated structures
some of them are loose, fix with boards should be nailed or pergolas to make sure they’re with a fresh coat, after sanding
small nails. screwed tight. not roing at soil level. any rough edges first.

Subscribe and get 4 issues for just £1! Go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk/gn January 27 2018 /Garden News29