ALL HANDS ON DECK

Decking for the garden is still a popular option in Inishowen, and it can be built on the steepest of slopes or the wettest of ground. Putting decking in the garden can increase your living area considerably and young children enjoy playing on the soft,warm surface. The major complaint is that the surface can become very slippery in winter. This week I visited Brian Timmins from Inishowen Garden Equipment in Shandrum to find out the best way to keep your decking up to scratch.


Prevent algae build up

“There are simple steps that can be taken to prevent algae building up” says Brian, who clearly is passionate about decking and feels that preventative maintenance is the way to go. “To start with remove any debris such as fallen leaves from the deck, I use a leaf blower myself and it only takes five minutes! The deck can then be swept with a good stiff brush. Go with the grain for the best results.”


This process can get the bulk of the algae off of the wood but if the garden is shady or really wet you may need better protection throughout the winter. “Try treating the area with decking reviver and protector.” Brian suggests. “This kills of the algae and prevents it from coming back for at least a year. After brushing and when the weather is dry, treat with a good quality oil or wood stain that will soak into the wood. Remember to read the instructions as the right application is crucial!”


Brian throws me a grin and wraps up our chat with this bit of worldly wisdom “There is no such thing as maintenance free in the garden, you have to put in a little work, but …..with a bit of care your decking can look good and be safe to walk on for many years to come”

Photo: “Annual care for your decking needen’t be a chore” says Brian Timmins from Inishowen Garden Equipment in Shandrum



Is this the way to amaryllis?

Having an amaryllis in the house is a real treat. These gracious tropical flowers hint at a more exotic climate, yet they are not too difficult to care for. Colm Grant, the founder of the Swilly Gardening Club in Buncrana is an avid houseplant collector and has a beautiful amaryllis specimen which is about 4 years old (and has even had a few babies). So what is the best way to care for this graceful blossom.

“Overwatering is the biggest problem these bulbs face” Colm tells me with an air of confidentiality. “Water sparingly throughout the year from the bottom of the pot. This plant grows all year round. It has lost its dormant period and actually flowers twice a year now! When the flower dies and the stem rots back, I cut it off before the dieback reaches the bulb” Colm also explains the importance of feeding the bulb. “I use a general purpose houseplant fertiliser in the summer months so the bulb can build up it’s strength.”

I asked Colm if the bulbs have any other common problems we should know about “Apart from watering the other problem we have had was with the woolly aphid. They would settle on the bottom of the stem. I used a spray bottle with diluted methylated spirits in it. It got rid of the sticky pests and the plant was none the worse for the ordeal.”

Freshen up houseplants

Colm also has some advice for the care of houseplants in general. “Over the year dirt and grime from the house has settled on the leaves of our plants, so we put all of our houseplants outside in the summer months, the amaryllis goes out too. I choose a damp muggy day and this freshens them up really well.”

Mind you, I tried that with our housplants last year… They are still out there. Well the pots are, the frost has turned the plants into green sludge!