garden

As the new year approaches, many homeowners are already thinking about ways to refresh their outdoor spaces. A well-planned garden can add beauty, functionality and value to your home, and 2026 is the perfect time to tackle some improvements that will make your garden more enjoyable all year round. Whether you are creating a relaxing retreat, designing a space for family activities or adding practical features, there are plenty of projects to consider that can transform your garden.

Upgrade Your Fencing and Boundaries

One of the most effective ways to improve your garden is by upgrading your fencing or boundary structures. Fresh fencing can provide privacy, define spaces and enhance the overall look of your garden. Wooden panels remain a popular choice for their natural aesthetic, and with the range of fencing available at Mill Timber Direct, it is easy to find options that suit your style and budget. You could also consider taller panels or trellis

A dull, drab garden may be a feature of the winter months, but as spring approaches, it's time to start sprucing up your outdoor space. There are plenty of creative ways that you can give your garden the makeover it deserves without breaking the bank or completely overhauling its current design. From upgrading shabby fencing to adding fun features, we'll share how you can get started on creating your dream garden.

Get Planning

Start by really scrutinising your space. Take a look at your current layout, the borders, paths, shrubs, plants and boundary fencing. Cast your eye over your pots, benches, paving slabs and patio area, and measure up those areas you'd like to improve.

Feature Fencing

Fixing up your fencing

Building a fence is not only about providing security and privacy but also enhancing the overall appearance of your property. Our collection of treated planed timber at Mill Timber Direct offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for constructing your fencing. From its versatility to its modern appearance, smooth edges and weather-resistant properties, treated timber provides homeowners with a durable and visually appealing option. In this post, we will explore the advantages of using treated and planed timber for making your own garden fencing.

Versatility and Flexibility

Treated timber offers versatility and flexibility, allowing you to customise your fencing to suit your specific needs. It can be easily cut and

Fencing panels are a common sight in many gardens and their primary purpose is to define the boundary of your property whilst providing privacy and security. They also have the benefit of making your garden look visually pleasing as you can choose to stain the panels in a range of different colours or add decorative elements and plants. However, as with any outdoor wooden structure, fence panels can be affected by the weather which can cause problems such as damage, rot and mould. In this post, we will explore how long fence panels can last and what factors can influence their lifespan.

How Long Should a Wooden Fence Last?

The average lifespan of a pressure-treated wooden fence panel is approximately 10 -15 years. This lifespan can be dependent on several factors, so it is not unusual for a fence to last only five years or, if conditions are right up to 30 years.

If you've had a traditional wooden fence in your garden for many years, the chances are it might have seen better days. There comes a point with wooden fencing at which, no matter how much time and treatment you put into looking after it, it will need replacing. So, what are the five signs that it's time to install a new fence?

Discolouration

Over time, your wooden fencing can become discoloured by the sun or rain and the growth of moss, lichen, or mould. Fences that were once stained brown, chestnut or grey can start to turn a murky or dusty green which both looks unsightly and can cause the structure of the wood to weaken and split. Regularly

As temperatures gradually decrease, leaves start to fall from the trees, and the days become shorter. The autumnal garden changes to an array of vibrant colours. Now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the coming year. Little changes can have a big impact later on, when the garden reawakens in the spring.

1. Lawn preparation

Small amounts of moss can be removed with a rake, and added to the compost heap. If your lawn has a significant amount of moss, consider applying a moss killer to the lawn first. Lawns that have a lot of moss will also need extra care in the spring. Add grass fertiliser to improve soil quality, to ensure better regrowth later on. If there are any bare patches, now is the time to put grass seed down, before the cold winter frosts appear.

2. Weed Control

As the plants start to die back, weeds will become more noticeable. Be sure to pull up all the roots to avoid them growing back next year.

Paving slabs are a great option for creating a long-lasting patio or path and are a good alternative to decking. There are plenty of different materials, colours, and styles available, meaning you can create a path or patio that will complement your home and landscape. But how do you make paving slabs look show-home good?

1.Start with a Solid Base

Paving slabs - particularly if you are building a patio - need to be placed on a solid, level base. Ideally, a professional would do this for you, however, it is possible to achieve a great looking finish with a lot of hard work and patience. You'll need to compact the ground underneath your future patio as well as compacting

As summertime approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to our gardens and how we can get them ready for the season. It can be easy to neglect the garden and then instantly regret it when the sun shines and we all want to head outside. From adding wooden garden furniture to painting your fences, here are five simple ways to give your garden a spruce-up.

1. Give Your Garden a Good Tidy

It may take a bit of work but a really good tidy up is going to work wonders in improving your garden. Prune overgrown bushes and trees and make sure there are no weeds spoiling the view. You may also want to give your shed and fencing a freshen-up with a new coat of paint or wood treatment. Ronseal Garden Paint 2.5l - Various Colours

You've made the decision to add decking to your garden, but another big decision now awaits: timber or composite? These two types of decking each have their own pros and cons. When planning a garden decking project, it is helpful to be aware of these and consider them alongside your own aesthetic goals, the size and shape of your garden, your budget and how much maintenance work you are prepared to commit to.

What are the main differences between timber and composite decking?