Preparing Your Garden for Winter

Although the Winters in the South of Spain are pretty mild it is a good idea to prepare your garden for the winter so that it can bloom again in spring.

Putting the garden to bed for the winter is mostly a matter of cleaning up and covering up. As fall progresses and temperatures drop, those plants that aren't killed outright by frost prepare for dormancy. Clear out the blackened stems and foliage of annual flowers and vegetables to prevent the possibility of their harboring disease pathogens and insect eggs over the winter. The cool weather is a good time to make a cold frame, dig and box in raised beds, and make general repairs.

While it appears as if all activity in the garden has stopped, there's a lot going on under the soil until it freezes. Newly transplanted trees and shrubs, divisions of perennials, and hardy bulbs are all growing roots, drawing on soil nutrients and moisture around them. Earthworms and various microbes in the soil are still processing the organic material they're finding. Most likely, the organic mulch you spread to protect the soil during the summer months has substantially decomposed. It's important to spread new mulch now -- a thicker winter layer -- to protect plants and soil over the winter months. The idea is not so much to keep the soil warm as it is to keep the temperature even. Once the soil is frozen, mulch keeps it frozen. So if you have shade trees, convert the fallen leaves to mulch and use it throughout your property.

Weather Snow both protects and endangers plants. A good snow cover insulates the soil like a mulch. However, snow piled on evergreen branches weights them down, risking breakage. Knock snow from the bottom branches first, then work upward. This way snow from above will not add weight to the already burdened lower branches. If branches are bowed by ice, don't try to free them. Instead let the ice melt and release them gradually.

• Cut back dry stems of perennials to soil level after frost to neaten the garden and remove pest eggs and disease spores that may linger. Leave stems with attractive seed heads for winter interest.

• Compost dead plant debris to create an organic soil conditioner. Hot, active piles kill weed seeds and disease pathogens; passive, inactive piles do not. Throw questionable plant material in the trash. 

• Cut off diseased foliage from evergreen plants and shrubs and discard it in the trash. Rake up and discard the old, disease-bearing mulch, too.

• To prevent rodents from nesting in the soil, wait until the ground freezes before adding a 6-inch layer of organic material as winter mulch.

• Mulch perennial and shrub beds with pine needles or chopped leaves. This protects both plant roots and the soil and moderates the effects of extreme temperature changes during winter freezes and thaws. 

• Mulch bulb beds with evergreen boughs to protect the soil from shifting and cracking during the winter. Otherwise plants, especially small, shallowly planted bulbs, can be heaved to the surface.

• Protect the tender bark of young trees from gnawing critters by wrapping stems or trunks with wire or commercial tree-guard products.

• Screen evergreens, particularly exposed broad-leaved types, from drying winter wind and sun by setting up burlap screens or shade cloth shelters.

Roses are so beautiful that it's difficult to begrudge them the extra attention they require over the growing season. As cool fall weather brings on their dormant period, one final job remains for you: preparing them for winter. As a group, hybrid tea roses are the most vulnerable to winter cold and need the most preparation. The complexity of this job depends on how severe the winters typically are in your part of the country.

It's important to stop fertilizing in late summer in most areas. Make the last feeding of the season two months before you expect the first frost. Also refrain from major pruning, and stop cutting blossoms. This avoids stimulating any more new, tender growth, which will be killed by the first frost anyway.

Remove all old mulch from under and around the roses; it might harbor insect eggs or disease spores from infected fallen leaves. Just before the first hard, or killing, frost of the season, spread fresh mulch of wood chips, shredded bark, or chopped leaves around the base of the plant, extending as far out as the branch tips. Wait until after the ground freezes to spread the mulch if rodents are a problem in the yard. Mice, especially, like to build their nests in mulch. Water the rose well, especially if it's been through a dry summer.

Once the ground freezes, it's time to add more mulch. If you live in an area with relatively mild winters, simply mound the mulch over the plant crown 6 to 12 inches up the canes. This insulates the soil to maintain an even temperature in spite of the normal alternating winter freezes and thaws. This thick mulch is especially important when there is no reliable snow cover to protect plants. If winter temperatures often drop well below zero, build the mount of mulch, then add more material after every freeze to make the mound higher. Eventually the mulch should virtually cover the bush. Sometimes it's easier to enclose the shrub in a cylinder and fill it with mulch.

 

For Professional Garden and pool Maintenance as well as advice contact a reputable Garden and Pool company. 

Natural gas for the Marina Alta

MARINA ALTA residents can expect natural gas by 2014.
Teulada-Moraira Mayor Antoni Joan Bertomeu, Regional Director General for Energy Antonio Cejalvo and representatives from Endesa Gas recently visited the site of the Teulada pipeline.
The 21kilometre Marina II project will cost an estimated €6.6 million and extend from Javea to Calpe. Teulada’s section of pipeline will also supply natural gas to Moraira, Benitachell and Benissa.
If the Regional Government hits its targets, 83 per cent of the Valencian Community will have access to natural gas within two years.
Natural gas will bring benefits to private individuals and above all to businesses, the director general added: “It is cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than other fossil fuels.”

Why use a professional Javea pool maintenance Company ?

This is one thing we hear as a professional company on a regular basis, mainly because at first glance pool maintenance appears easy with a minimal amount of skill or equipment!

Which is why so many people end up coming to us after experiencing the “uncle bob approach” this is our friendly generic name we give to all those pool men out there from family friends living locally to the next door neighbors or just untrained so called professionals?
This is normally the first option as people believe it’s the cheapest option! Where in reality the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is normally nearer to the truth, as in the longer term you may find that in reality many of the following points are or should be matter of concern as a pool not maintained correctly can cost you real money ! And in the worst cases of long standing maintenance neglect, the pool may need refurbishment.
Keep reading to understand how this can happen and the real cost of incorrect pool maintenance.
See below some the regular issues new customers come to us with after using an “uncle Bob”.

• The pool maintenance is not being maintained in their absence at agreed intervals.
• Chlorine levels are not kept in correct check! Ph levels not being maintained!
• Pool water levels not maintained at proper levels!
• Complaints from tenants or family friend’s eyes and nose burning.
• Skin gets dry and itchy, hair goes green or Swimwear and pool toys fade.
• Tenants or friends getting sick or ear infections due to lack of correct pool maintenance.

Your home pool and garden require and deserve correct maintenance and as the property is a significant investment and skimping as with most things is actually a false economy!
Ask for a quote today, you may be surprised how little a truly professional pool maintenance company cost!
Read more  to understand how and why regular professional help is so important for the health or the pool and your loved ones whilst actually saving money!

5 of the Best Household Investments to Make

For a lot of us a home is an investment, as much as it is a place to live. Even though house prices have at best remained stagnant in some countries, in the UK and other parts of Europe at least it seems that things are picking up again somewhat. So, for those with some extra cash lying about we take a look at some of the best household investments to make and how they can not only enhance your lifestyle but also your property’s worth.

Kitchen

Kitchens are the best place to put your money, unless there is another part of the home in dire need of

repair. When people come to look at homes, generally the first port of call is the kitchen – after all that’s where the magic happens. A well placed, logically planned kitchen made from quality materials that look great and will last, will really help sell a home. For a lot of people the kitchen is the main living area of the home and so the desirability factor here is huge. In short, it’s the first port of call if you’re looking to invest.

Attic/ Basement

With land prices as high as they are in so many countries, it only makes sense to add extra space to the land you already have. An attic or basement renovation can add a lot more room to the home and add instant square foot and equity to your property as an investment. It is added living space that you would pay a lot more for if you extended out of the house. All you have to do is make sure that it’s well insulated and that all property planning and codes are met. It’s the ideal place for a playroom, extra bedroom and bathroom or just a chill out area and it adds notable value and a decent return.

Bathroom

The bathroom is also a desirable current area of the home where renovation pays. Adding some new fixtures, modernising and making the room look a little more sophisticated can go a long way. Bathrooms can repay investment significantly and a little texture and a few improvements can go a long way in monetary terms.

Garage

If you own a home with a connected garage, then this is the place to build onto to provide that extra room. Garages are generally full of junk and stuff that’s not needed in the home and seldom used for much more. As the structure is already there, you just have to make it inhabitable and adding insulation, interior walls and decoration is only the start of making the most of this extra space and provide the most bang for your buck when looking to increase property worth and add desirability for when you wish to sell your home.

Curb Appeal

The curb appeal is the appeal your home has from the first impression from the side of the road. If a

home looks like a junk yard people will tend to give it no more than a look. However, if it looks great from outdoors then it’s far more desirable and so worth more. A decent landscaper, some paint and some other little tweaks can add a lot to your home’s exterior and also its price.

These are just some of the best home improvements to make when looking to increase a home’s price. So, take heed and invest to improve quality of life and also home value. 

Author: Cormac Reynolds

BANK REPOSSESSION PROPERTY IN SPAIN

Exceptional Investemnt opportunity

 

 

A Stylish New Look For Your Home

How often do many of us look around at the curtains in our homes and think they need changing or they look so    and old? Curtains certainly do look good when they are first purchased but do tend to need refreshing or changing every so often. Maybe you have considered having some window shutters fitted? The latest interior craze from the last couple of years has been interior window shutters, with many homes and businesses now turning to traditional window shutters for dressing their windows, both on a practical and decorative level. Whilst this can be a costly outlay to begin with, you'll find that your window shutters will last many years, with little maintenance required to keep these looking great. Window shutters, if purchased from a reputable company, will also come with a guarantee of some kind so if there are any problems with your shutters, they can be easily resolved and repaired, possibly free of charge.

Making a Decision

When deciding whether to have window shutters installed, one point to remember is it doesn't matter what shape windows you have or how large or small they may be, you will find that a professional window shutters company will be able to create bespoke window shutters to suit your needs. Even patio doors or full length windows can have bespoke window shutters fitted. Window shutters will afford the privacy you need if you are overlooked or your property is in a busy town or street. They will also give you the daylight that you need, whilst keeping the heat of the sun out of the room. So what are the pros and cons?

• They keep in the heat
• They look stylish
• Adjustable to allow sun in without compromising privacy
• Lasts year’s, if well maintained 

Get a Recommendation from a Trusted Source

You will find that there are many local companies that offer window shutters and you only need to look in your local newspapers or interior decorating magazines to find a local company offering window shutters. When making your choice, it's always best to go with the company that has the most positive reviews online or by recommendation from a friend or colleague as they can generally vouch for the company better than anyone if they have been a customer themselves. Many people are often put off purchasing window shutters because of the initial price, however, bfor the high quality materials used and the cost efficiency of window shutters over a period of time you will find that they are in fact a very affordable option for window dressing.

Great for All Purposes

Plantation window shutters are very popular both on commercial or residential properties. The shutters are fixed to the interior of the windows, ensuring that the life of the wood is extended. The wood can last for many years and should not need any renewing for up to a century, if looked after and maintained as said. Wooden shutters that are placed on the exterior of the windows may of course need more maintenance and need replacing after a few years as they are exposed to all weathers and climate change. You will be directed on how best to look after your new shutters by the company that have installed them, the experts themselves!

Author: Nicola Cobain

Factors to Consider While Choosing Cleaning Service Providers

Chicago is a massive metropolis and has a lot of industries and homes. Industries concern themselves with core areas and do not like to concern themselves with extensive cleaning of the buildings and offices that hire them. Skyscrapers in the downtown area require professional cleaners. They are both utilitarian and symbolic. The symbols have to be clean!

Cleaning services Chicago provider’s housekeepers ensures that the domestic and commercial properties are clean, sanitized, and presentable. 

There are a few factors to consider while hiring or choosing cleaning services.

First and the foremost specific needs of the establishments have to be considered. Companies provide initial consultations on what sort of services would be needed. It would be prudent to hire them before getting into contractual obligation with a cleaning firm who cannot cater to your needs.

Secondly, experience is an important thing to consider while scouting for janitorial service provider.

Then, check if the cleaners can give you references of the past clients. This is the easiest way to check their credentials. 

Lastly make sure that the cleaners you hire have insurance. It is essential to only hire companies who are insured so that you can protect your finances from potential damages and lawsuits.  

Frequency of cleaning is an important thing to consider when contracting somebody.

A wide variety of cleaning methods is used in cleaning. Chemicals and equipment are used to facilitate and expedite the cleaning process. Special care is required to clean IT and other equipment.

Most companies who have a cleaning contract are supposed to provide consumables such as paper towels, toilet rolls, liquid soap, bin liners etc.

Cleaning services generally offer to clean:

·         Shops

·         High Rises

·         Function Centres

·         Data Centres

·         Restaurants

·         Offices

·         Showrooms

·         Warehouses

·         Factories

·         Schools

·         Medical Facilities

·         Government Facilities

·         Airports

·         Dormitories

·         Housing Estates

·         Public Roadways  

Cleanliness, hygiene, and presentability are very important. Besides the obvious sanitary-safety reasons, a clean environment get the mind focussed and clears the clutter. That is essential for the well being of the populace and their productivity.

General services provided by cleaning companies:

·         Carpet Cleaning

·         Window Cleaning

·         General Cleaning (Vacuuming/Dusting/Mopping)

·         Providing Consumables

·         Rubbish Collection

·         Cleaning Common Areas

·         Removing Graffiti

·         Cleaning Bathrooms

·         Hard Floor Maintenance (Sealing, Polishing, Buffing etc.)

·         Lawn Maintenance

·         Garden Maintenance

·         Recycling

·         Securing disposing of documents

Cleaning is an important part of a civilised society; it is the foundation public hygiene. This is one reason that apart from the health and aesthetic reason, the law mandates and enforces cleaning codes. 

Author:Robbie Foster