| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Simon J McArdle is still waiting for you to join Twitter...
Saturday, 2 November 2013
Simon J McArdle is still waiting for you to join Twitter...
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Simon J McArdle is still waiting for you to join Twitter...
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Simon J McArdle is still waiting for you to join Twitter...
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday, 18 October 2013
Simon J McArdle sent you an invitation
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Garden Expo Cancelled
Clarion Events announces today the cancellation of Garden Expo 2010 – a new exhibition it had hoped to launch for the gardening industry. Although there was wide-spread industry support for a new and alternative event for the sector, sadly the support was not strong enough to sustain the launch, and the difficult decision has been made to cancel the event. The event’s sponsors and exhibitors have been informed of the decision this morning.
Andy Baxter, Managing Director of Clarion Retail commented, “It is with regret that Clarion Events have taken this decision. I am very proud of the work the team have done in securing the support of some of the industry’s leading businesses, however we believe to continue any further would not serve the best interests of these customers and the market in general. Clarion Events would like to extend their thanks to all those involved in the event to this point, and in particular to the HTA for their support throughout - we wish them all the very best for the future”.
The HTA National Plant Show remains unaffected and will take place as scheduled at Stoneleigh Park on 29 and 30 June.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Cars blasted clean with new Hozelock Pressure Washers
The winter has left many cars in need of a thorough makeover, not least to wash away the potentially harmful corrosive road salt which has been splashed up onto the car. This is when a pressure washer with its effortless cleaning power is worth its weight in gold – so a feature-rich new range from hose, car brush and pump specialists, Hozelock at prices which start from under £60 (available from all branches of B & Q) is worth a look.
The new, easy-to-use Compact Pressure Washer 100, High Pressure Washer 130 and Heavy Duty Pressure Washer 150 will take all the hard work out of shifting caked on dirt from large expanses of paintwork and from otherwise hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Moreover, they will eliminate the risk of paint scratches and swirls on either paintwork or alloy wheels which can result from manual pre-washing when dirt particles can easily be trapped under a sponge or cloth and dragged across the surface.
Surprisingly, given their cleaning power, the new Hozelock pressure washers use up to 60% less water than a hosepipe* thanks to a built-in pump which pressurises the restricted flow into a focused jet which can quickly remove salt, dirt, tar, oil, insects, bird droppings and brake dust.
Neither water or power is wasted as these machines all feature Hozelock's Total Stop System which effectively puts the pressure washer into standby mode whenever the gun trigger is released. The motor responds to dynamic pressure and restarts automatically when the trigger is depressed again.
For extra cleaning efficiency each model includes a detergent dispenser and comes with interchangeable variable spray turbo and rotary lances to provide the most effective spray pattern and intensity for different sizes of work area and for a wide variety of cleaning tasks.
The Hozelock Compact Pressure Washer 100 model (£59.98, B & Q) is a small, lightweight (7kg) machine with a 1200w motor, 100 bar maximum pressure and a flow rate of 6 litres per minute – making it ideal for cleaning small cars, motorbikes and bicycles, as well as garage floors, small patios, decks, paths, garden furniture, barbecues, etc.
With a unique towing and onboard storage system it is exceptionally easy to move and store. All lances and accessories clip neatly into the back of the machine where the supplied cable can also be stored, tangle-free. The 3m high-pressure reinforced hose also stows neatly into a large cubby hole in the side of the casing. Thanks to Hozelock's time-saving quick-connect hose and gun system, preparing the pressure washer for storage, or for use, takes only a few seconds.
This machine with its useful carry handle is light enough to pick up but can also be easily manoeuvred on any surface thanks to its large wheels. And when it's time to put it away, the gun simply clicks into position on top of the compact moulded casing to form an extension handle, making it easy to pull or push the pressure washer to the shed or garage – without any trailing cables or hoses to foul the wheels. Once there, the gun can be detached and stowed neatly in a recessed park point on the side of the casing. And if there's no space in an outbuilding, this unit is small enough to keep under the stairs.
For larger cleaning jobs, the Hozelock High Pressure Washer 130 model (£129.98, B & Q) has a powerful 1700w motor giving 130 bar maximum pressure. This 9kg medium duty machine with an increased flow rate of 6.2 litres per minute works faster to get any job done more quickly and has the extra jet power to clean a large car, trailer, caravan, small boat or average sized patio or deck, lifting stubborn dirt with ease. The 130 has the same convenience features as the smaller model but benefits from a fixed raised handle for instant manoeuvrability. For optimum comfort the towing handle height can be extended by clicking the gun into position vertically.
Major clean-up jobs, such as motor homes, commercial vehicles, big boats and large areas of hard landscaping will benefit from the extra power of Hozelock's top-of-the-range Heavy Duty Pressure Washer 150 model (£179.98, B & Q) which is driven by an industrial strength long life 2100w brushless induction motor. With a maximum pressure of 150 bar and a flow rate of 7 litres per minute, this is a stylish workhorse which will easily remove the heaviest soiling from any surface at impressive speed. Alternatively, use it to do smaller jobs more quickly.
It comes with an extended 8 metres of top quality steel armoured high-pressure hose, which would normally run the risk of becoming tangled but Hozelock have adapted the Thru-Flow concept of their popular garden hose systems to provide an ingenious built-in pressure hose storage reel with rewind handle at the rear of this machine. Only the required length of hose need be unwound at any time, thus saving the time and effort of unwinding the full 8 metres for every use; and if required, more hose will feed out simply by pulling on it. A screw connection ensures that the hose stays securely attached to the gun, even under maximum pressure. For those who don’t want to spend time and effort moving a pressure washer around when cleaning the car, the 8 metre hose of the Heavy Duty Pressure Washer 150 means that all sides of the car can be cleaned without moving the machine.
Unique to this model is a professional grade metal variable spray lance which is interchangeable with the supplied turbo power rotary spray lance for the widest possible range of cleaning applications. Designed for prolonged use on large areas, this model also offers the extra convenience of two integral detergent chambers which can be filled with different detergent solutions if required. The translucent tanks make it easy to monitor the detergent levels and a simple dial switches instantly from one tank to the other, reducing down time and hence shortening the job. With either tank, the rate of detergent usage can be varied to suit the task at hand.
When storing the pressure washer away, the two lances slot neatly into onboard storage channels while the gun appropriately slides into a rigid side holster. If extended, the 8m high pressure hose can be coiled easily onto its reel using the convenient rewind handle while the 5m power cable has its own cubby hole below the reel. A strong moulded extension handle with comfortable soft-touch grip and tough ribbed wheels make it easy to manoeuvre.
Complete with a Hozelock Hose Connector in the box, these new pressure washers come ready to use and they require very little maintenance. The occasional blocked jet nozzle can be instantly cleared using the supplied cleaning pin while a unique transparent input filter lets you see at a glance whether there is any build-up of scale or impurities from the water supply which needs to be removed.
For faster, splash-free cleaning of garage floors and other large flat areas, Hozelock have also introduced a Heavy Duty Patio Cleaner accessory (£49.98, B & Q) with integral detergent chamber and a water-restraining hood.
For further information about the new Hozelock pressure washer range, contact the company's Helpline on 0121 313 1122 or visit www.hozelock.com to see the range of spares and accessories available.
The winter has left many paths, driveways, patios and decking dirty and dangerously slippery with moss, mould and mildew so it's time for a thorough clean-up. This is when a pressure washer with its powerful cleaning ability is worth its weight in gold – so a feature-rich new range from garden watering and pump specialists, Hozelock at prices which start from under £60 (available from all branches of B & Q) is worth a look.
The new, easy-to-use Compact Pressure Washer 100, High Pressure Washer 130 and Heavy Duty Pressure Washer 150 will take all the hard work out of onerous outdoor cleaning jobs. Surprisingly, given their cleaning power, the new Hozelock pressure washers use up to 60% less water than a hosepipe* thanks to a built-in pump which pressurises the restricted flow into a focused jet which can quickly remove dirt, moss, fungal growth and even weeds from hard landscaped areas.
Neither water or power is wasted as these machines all feature Hozelock's Total Stop System which effectively puts the pressure washer into standby mode whenever the gun trigger is released. The motor responds to dynamic pressure and restarts automatically when the trigger is depressed again.
For extra cleaning efficiency each model includes a detergent dispenser and comes with interchangeable variable spray turbo and rotary lances to provide the most effective spray pattern and intensity for different sizes of work area and for a wide variety of cleaning tasks.
The Hozelock Compact Pressure Washer 100 model (£59.98, B & Q) is a small, lightweight (7kg) machine with a 1200w motor, 100 bar maximum pressure and a flow rate of 6 litres per minute – making it ideal for cleaning small patios, paths, steps, tools, lawnmowers, barbecues, garden furniture, rubbish bins and similar tasks.
With a unique towing facility and all-embracing onboard storage system it is exceptionally easy to move and store. All lances and accessories clip neatly into the back of the machine where the supplied cable can also be stored, tangle-free. The 3m high-pressure reinforced hose also stows neatly into a large cubby hole in the side of the casing. Thanks to Hozelock's time-saving quick-connect hose and gun system, preparing the pressure washer for storage, or for use, takes only a few seconds.
This machine with its useful carry handle is light enough to pick up but can also be easily manoeuvred on any surface thanks to its large wheels. And when it's time to put it away, the gun simply clicks into position on top of the compact moulded casing to form an extension handle, making it easy to pull or push the pressure washer to the shed – without any trailing cables or hoses to foul the wheels. Once there, the gun can be detached and stowed neatly in a recessed park point on the side of the casing. And if there's no space in the shed or garage, this unit is small enough to keep under the stairs.
For larger cleaning jobs, the Hozelock High Pressure Washer 130 model (£129.98, B & Q) has a powerful 1700w motor giving 130 bar maximum pressure. This 9kg medium duty machine with an increased flow rate of 6.2 litres per minute works faster to get any job done more quickly and has the extra jet power to clean an average sized patio or deck and lift stubborn dirt from any outdoor surface.
The 130 has the same convenience features as the 100 model but benefits from a fixed raised handle for instant manoeuvrability. For optimum comfort the towing handle height can be extended by clicking the gun into position vertically.
Large patios and major clean-up jobs will benefit from the extra power of Hozelock's top-of-the-range Heavy Duty Pressure Washer 150 model (£179.98, B & Q) which is driven by an industrial strength long life 2100w brushless induction motor. With a maximum pressure of 150 bar and a flow rate of 7 litres per minute, this is a stylish workhorse which will easily remove the heaviest soiling from bricks, concrete, asphalt, paving, tiles, metal, wood or glass at impressive speed.
It comes with an extended 8 metres of top quality steel armoured high-pressure hose, which would normally run the risk of becoming tangled but Hozelock have adapted the Thru-Flow concept of their popular garden hose systems to provide an ingenious built-in pressure hose storage reel with rewind handle at the rear of this machine. Only the required length of hose need be unwound at any time, thus saving the time and effort of unwinding the full 8 metres for every use; and if required, more hose will feed out simply by pulling on it. A screw connection ensures that the hose stays securely attached to the gun, even under maximum pressure. Unique to the Heavy Duty 150 model is a professional grade metal variable spray lance which is interchangeable with the supplied turbo power rotary spray lance for the widest possible range of cleaning applications.
Designed for prolonged use on large areas, this model also offers the extra convenience of two integral detergent chambers which can be filled with different detergent solutions if required. The translucent tanks make it easy to monitor the detergent levels and a simple dial switches instantly from one tank to the other, reducing down time and hence shortening the job. With either tank, the rate of detergent usage can be varied to suit the task at hand.
When storing the pressure washer away, the two lances slot neatly into onboard storage channels while the gun appropriately slides into a rigid side holster. If extended, the 8m high pressure hose can be coiled easily onto its reel using the convenient rewind handle while the 5m power cable has its own cubby hole below the reel. A strong moulded extension handle with comfortable soft-touch grip and tough ribbed wheels make it easy to manoeuvre.
Complete with a Hozelock Hose Connector in the box, these new pressure washers come ready to use and they require very little maintenance. The occasional blocked jet nozzle can be instantly cleared using the supplied cleaning pin while a unique transparent input filter lets you see at a glance whether there is any build-up of scale or impurities from the water supply which needs to be removed.
For faster, splash-free cleaning of patios and other large flat areas, Hozelock have also introduced a Heavy Duty Patio Cleaner accessory (£49.98, B & Q) with integral detergent chamber and a water-restraining hood. For further information about the new Hozelock pressure washer range, contact the company's Helpline on 0121 313 1122 or visit www.hozelock.com to see the range of spares and accessories available.
Hozelock Launch Spring TV Campaign
Hozelock is mounting a major spring TV and national press advertising campaign for four of its key watering products - the Auto Reel, Compact Reel, Aquapod holiday watering system and new High Pressure Washers. Only the self-winding Auto Reel has been advertised on TV before.
The £1.1m TV campaign begins on March 26 and extends until the end of June, covering the key Easter and May Bank Holiday gardening peaks.
Featuring the strapline, "Gardening for Life", a mix of 30-second and 10-second commercials will be seen on ITV1, ITV3, ITV4 and GMTV as well as on the Dave, Home and Discovery channels, giving 13.5m adults multiple opportunities to see the campaign.
Supporting half-page national press ads will appear over Easter.
"We know that TV advertising works for us because we saw a dramatic increase in consumer demand for the Auto Reel when we first tested the medium," said Hozelock Marketing Director, Simon McArdle. "All the indicators, including the long-range weather forecast, are telling us that we can replicate that success in 2010 - and our message about saving time, effort and water resonates well with focus groups."
The commercials were produced by Molinare and the media planning was conducted by Frontline Media.
An integrated internet campaign will see the TV ads streamed from Hozelock’s website and e-marketing mailshots to the company’s huge database of website visitors.
At the same time, a heavyweight PR campaign will include large space editorial promotions in regional newspapers featuring the TV-advertised products.
Hozelock has also announced that it will be exhibiting at 12 big consumer gardening shows throughout the spring and summer, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
For further trade information, contact Hozelock's Birmingham sales office on 0121 313 4096, or e-mailinfo@hozelock.com.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Hozelock is the Manufacturer of the Year!
HOZELOCK IS NAMED MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
Birmingham-based Hozelock has been named Manufacturer of the Year in
the prestigious annual awards sponsored by The Manufacturer magazine.
The market-leading garden watering, spraying and aquatics company also
scooped the awards for Design & Innovation (sponsored by Technology
Strategy Board) and Supply Chain & Logistics (sponsored by KPMG) at a
glittering awards ceremony last night (Thursday 12 November) at The
Tower hotel in London.
These awards come hot on the heels of a Manufacturing Excellence Award
in June from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers which was the
third MX Award bestowed on the company in the past three years.
So the company's 250 employees find themselves not only the toast of
Birmingham but also the most decorated workforce in Britain.
What's more, Hozelock has beaten the recession in 2009 by notching up
strong sales growth and increased market share as a result of
extensive marketing and promotional activity. Industry analysts, GfK
reported that the garden watering business grew by 14.8% in 2009 with
Hozelock increasing its market share to almost 70%.
And it is looking to grow further in 2010 having invested £1.5m this
year in new tooling and moulding for a raft of new products including
metal hose fittings, a metal hose cart and an Aquaforce range of pond
pumps. It is also in the process of establishing a nationwide network
of retail Centres of Excellence and has committed a further £2m to
advertising and promotion of its innovative Auto Reel and other
products in the spring, including a TV campaign.
"It has been a fantastic year for the company," said Managing
Director, Peter Rush, "and to cap it all by being voted Manufacturer
of the Year is a tremendous result for everybody in the business."
Other well-known companies on the awards shortlists included Glen
Dimplex, Michelin Tyres, Morgan Motor Company, Linpac Packaging and
Kerrygold Foods.
"All of our employees have worked their socks off this year and it is
a credit to them that we have received this wonderful accolade, in the
face of stiff competition from some of Britain's biggest and most
successful companies," said Mr Rush.
"Our volatile, seasonal business makes for exceptional demands from
our trade customers and from consumers," he went on. "We always have
to work hard to get everything right and on time – from product design
and testing through to manufacturing and distribution. We are thrilled
that it is proving to be such a successful formula."
Hozelock, who have also celebrated their 50th anniversary this year,
operate from a huge, state-of-the-art 33,400 sq m manufacturing and
distribution facility in Midpoint Park, Sutton Coldfield.
Birmingham-based Hozelock has been named Manufacturer of the Year in
the prestigious annual awards sponsored by The Manufacturer magazine.
The market-leading garden watering, spraying and aquatics company also
scooped the awards for Design & Innovation (sponsored by Technology
Strategy Board) and Supply Chain & Logistics (sponsored by KPMG) at a
glittering awards ceremony last night (Thursday 12 November) at The
Tower hotel in London.
These awards come hot on the heels of a Manufacturing Excellence Award
in June from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers which was the
third MX Award bestowed on the company in the past three years.
So the company's 250 employees find themselves not only the toast of
Birmingham but also the most decorated workforce in Britain.
What's more, Hozelock has beaten the recession in 2009 by notching up
strong sales growth and increased market share as a result of
extensive marketing and promotional activity. Industry analysts, GfK
reported that the garden watering business grew by 14.8% in 2009 with
Hozelock increasing its market share to almost 70%.
And it is looking to grow further in 2010 having invested £1.5m this
year in new tooling and moulding for a raft of new products including
metal hose fittings, a metal hose cart and an Aquaforce range of pond
pumps. It is also in the process of establishing a nationwide network
of retail Centres of Excellence and has committed a further £2m to
advertising and promotion of its innovative Auto Reel and other
products in the spring, including a TV campaign.
"It has been a fantastic year for the company," said Managing
Director, Peter Rush, "and to cap it all by being voted Manufacturer
of the Year is a tremendous result for everybody in the business."
Other well-known companies on the awards shortlists included Glen
Dimplex, Michelin Tyres, Morgan Motor Company, Linpac Packaging and
Kerrygold Foods.
"All of our employees have worked their socks off this year and it is
a credit to them that we have received this wonderful accolade, in the
face of stiff competition from some of Britain's biggest and most
successful companies," said Mr Rush.
"Our volatile, seasonal business makes for exceptional demands from
our trade customers and from consumers," he went on. "We always have
to work hard to get everything right and on time – from product design
and testing through to manufacturing and distribution. We are thrilled
that it is proving to be such a successful formula."
Hozelock, who have also celebrated their 50th anniversary this year,
operate from a huge, state-of-the-art 33,400 sq m manufacturing and
distribution facility in Midpoint Park, Sutton Coldfield.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
GIMA confirms unanimous support for Glee
GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturers Association) has announced that its members have unanimously voted to confirm their support for Glee and vowed to place their full weight behind the September event both now and long into the future. GIMA has subsequently agreed beneficial pricing for members exhibiting at the show.
Following the GIMA Business Meeting on 7th October, seventy five attending Full Members unanimously confirmed, in a closed session, their preference for one key garden trade exhibition - Glee. The show’s September timing, size, accessibility and facilities at the NEC, coupled with the show’s heritage, expertise and focus on developing a profitable, effective and valuable show for the industries it represents has cemented its position as the show for GIMA members.
Neil Gow, Director of GIMA said:
“GIMA has been a supporting trade association of Glee for many years, and having consulted with our members in a democratic process we have reconfirmed our commitment to this event. Our members have given a clear mandate for one, effective trade exhibition where both supplier budgets and buyer’s time can be put to best effect. In other words, Glee is the show for us. It’s Glee that is the right show at the right time to fit production and buying cycles, and it is in the right place.
Our industry has had a tough few years, primarily thanks to the weather and the economic situation, however as Glee 2009 clearly proved it can adapt to these changes.
But importantly, Glee also has critical mass, great networking opportunities, and a proven track record as the strongest show of its kind and that is what our industry needs. We have talked to many of the suppliers who exhibited at this years show, and some of those who didn’t. We have also used our detailed industry knowledge and network to feel the pulse of buyers and exhibitors who are united in their view. GIMA’s new, exclusive agreement with Glee acts on our members’ wishes, and supports them with the best package, ensuring buyers will get the show they need and want.”
In response to GIMA’s unwavering support of Glee, an exclusive package has been put together to ensure that GIMA members exhibiting at Glee will be guaranteed an additional return on their investment – which combined with Glee’s established ability to deliver thousands of quality buyers from home and abroad, will ensure optimum exhibiting value.
Glee show director Daniel Thurlow commented:
“We are delighted to have GIMA’s exclusive support, as well as the positive feedback of so many exhibitors and buyers since September. There are many common goals between Glee and GIMA and we will continue working together closely to deliver a show that works hard for the industry, as well as ultimately channelling energies towards getting the public gardening. Brands and buyers alike see the business sense of ‘one show, one industry’ and more people are backing that proposition every day.”
GIMA member Westland Horticulture who were represented at the Business Meeting by their Sales Manager Ken Evans, echoes the views of both Neil Gow and Glee show director, Daniel Thurlow. He said:
Following the GIMA Business Meeting on 7th October, seventy five attending Full Members unanimously confirmed, in a closed session, their preference for one key garden trade exhibition - Glee. The show’s September timing, size, accessibility and facilities at the NEC, coupled with the show’s heritage, expertise and focus on developing a profitable, effective and valuable show for the industries it represents has cemented its position as the show for GIMA members.
Neil Gow, Director of GIMA said:
“GIMA has been a supporting trade association of Glee for many years, and having consulted with our members in a democratic process we have reconfirmed our commitment to this event. Our members have given a clear mandate for one, effective trade exhibition where both supplier budgets and buyer’s time can be put to best effect. In other words, Glee is the show for us. It’s Glee that is the right show at the right time to fit production and buying cycles, and it is in the right place.
Our industry has had a tough few years, primarily thanks to the weather and the economic situation, however as Glee 2009 clearly proved it can adapt to these changes.
But importantly, Glee also has critical mass, great networking opportunities, and a proven track record as the strongest show of its kind and that is what our industry needs. We have talked to many of the suppliers who exhibited at this years show, and some of those who didn’t. We have also used our detailed industry knowledge and network to feel the pulse of buyers and exhibitors who are united in their view. GIMA’s new, exclusive agreement with Glee acts on our members’ wishes, and supports them with the best package, ensuring buyers will get the show they need and want.”
In response to GIMA’s unwavering support of Glee, an exclusive package has been put together to ensure that GIMA members exhibiting at Glee will be guaranteed an additional return on their investment – which combined with Glee’s established ability to deliver thousands of quality buyers from home and abroad, will ensure optimum exhibiting value.
Glee show director Daniel Thurlow commented:
“We are delighted to have GIMA’s exclusive support, as well as the positive feedback of so many exhibitors and buyers since September. There are many common goals between Glee and GIMA and we will continue working together closely to deliver a show that works hard for the industry, as well as ultimately channelling energies towards getting the public gardening. Brands and buyers alike see the business sense of ‘one show, one industry’ and more people are backing that proposition every day.”
GIMA member Westland Horticulture who were represented at the Business Meeting by their Sales Manager Ken Evans, echoes the views of both Neil Gow and Glee show director, Daniel Thurlow. He said:
“Westland believe that GLEE should be the premier gardening show in Europe, our main concern with the possibility of having two shows is that the industry should be pulling together not fragmenting, especially in times of difficult trading. GLEE in our opinion has the best venue and facilities to put on a show of this calibre. GLEE are working harder to make the show more affordable and support exhibitors to improve the return on their investment in attending and hopefully by doing this, it will entice back the companies that have moved away from the show . The retailers we have spoken to also want a strong GLEE but have to do their bit to support the manufacturers that invest in the event.”
GIMA represents suppliers to the garden retail industry from all supply sectors including gifts, compost, plants, indoor and outdoor furniture, machinery and foodstuffs. The membership includes the biggest names and brands of UK and EU based companies, as well as very many smaller businesses, and represents the major share of all the key sectors in the market. The combined total turnover of members' businesses at retail selling level is now in excess of £1.5 billion annually. For more information visit http://www.gima.org.uk/ or email info@gima.org.uk
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Go Organic & Reap the Fruits of your Labour
Eat greens and be green!
From Dobbies
By growing plants free from artificial chemicals we can produce fruit and vegetables without worrying about the negatives effects to ourselves or the environment. The health benefits of eating ‘5-a-day’ are undisputed and many believe that going organic means even fresher, more nutritious fruit and vegetables.
Saving the earth can save money too! Growing your own fruit and vegetables is cheaper than buying expensive, often imported organic food. It also reduces environmental pollution caused by ‘food miles’. Home-made compost cuts out expense at the same time as recycling household waste. And there are many DIY ways to conserve water such as collecting rainwater in a water butt or recycling your waste water, an increasingly essential practice in our world today.
Perfect Ponds Made Simple
Whether you’re an avid fish keeper or are simply looking to add an interesting feature to your garden, these are the first steps to achieving the ideal garden pond.
Firstly, you will need to decide what size you want your pond to be and where to position it. Once you have decided on this – you’ll need to start digging!
Dobbies would recommend a two inch layer of sand in the bottom of the hole, followed by a good layer of pond fleece, such as that made by Oase. This will help to protect your pond liner from any sharp stones that may pierce the bottom of your pond, due to the pressure of the water when full.
Once you have your sand and fleece in place, it’s time to install the liner. A handy tip is to keep the liner taut when you start filling the pond with water as this will reduce the likelihood of creases if you have an informal shaped pond. Dobbies would recommend using a good quality liner such as Oase Alfafol or Firestone Butyl liner, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Once the pond is full you will need to add a dechlorinator such as Fresh Start by Interpet or Water Safe by Tetra, both of which are specially formulated for garden ponds.
If you intend to keep fish in your pond, the next step is to install a pump and filter. Try to choose a filter which has an ultra violet clarifier incorporated into it, as this will guarantee clear water. As the water passes through the quartz tube it is exposed to an ultra violet light which kills any water borne algae. We would recommend using one of the Bioforce UVC filter from Hozelock Cyprio. Using these filters in conjunction with one of the Aquaforce from Hozelock would be a good combination, as both of these are solids handling pumps, which means they can pump small particles through without getting blocked with debris.
Finally, to complete your garden pond there is a wide range of pond plants available, from under water oxygenators; to beautiful pond lilies for the surface .
Firstly, you will need to decide what size you want your pond to be and where to position it. Once you have decided on this – you’ll need to start digging!
Dobbies would recommend a two inch layer of sand in the bottom of the hole, followed by a good layer of pond fleece, such as that made by Oase. This will help to protect your pond liner from any sharp stones that may pierce the bottom of your pond, due to the pressure of the water when full.
Once you have your sand and fleece in place, it’s time to install the liner. A handy tip is to keep the liner taut when you start filling the pond with water as this will reduce the likelihood of creases if you have an informal shaped pond. Dobbies would recommend using a good quality liner such as Oase Alfafol or Firestone Butyl liner, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Once the pond is full you will need to add a dechlorinator such as Fresh Start by Interpet or Water Safe by Tetra, both of which are specially formulated for garden ponds.
If you intend to keep fish in your pond, the next step is to install a pump and filter. Try to choose a filter which has an ultra violet clarifier incorporated into it, as this will guarantee clear water. As the water passes through the quartz tube it is exposed to an ultra violet light which kills any water borne algae. We would recommend using one of the Bioforce UVC filter from Hozelock Cyprio. Using these filters in conjunction with one of the Aquaforce from Hozelock would be a good combination, as both of these are solids handling pumps, which means they can pump small particles through without getting blocked with debris.
Finally, to complete your garden pond there is a wide range of pond plants available, from under water oxygenators; to beautiful pond lilies for the surface .
Watering Industry Exhibition Schedule
All this information is sourced from Irrigazette
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| |||
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)