Shane

Hi Sophie, To be honest there are a number of methods for laying lawns especially new ones. Preparation is the key in terms of establishing levels and also to ensure that there are no stones/rocks that could tear the turfs. However, I use a sledge hammer and plank along all the joints after I have laid a new lawn. Sorts out the levels, knocks out any air pockets and also helps to butt the joins together. Happy Gardening Shane Dulwich Gardening Company

Had dinner with my neighbours this evening and was amazed at their pond which is not only awash with frog spawn but also perfect for attracting wildlife. Now I know it's not everyone's dream to have a pond especially in smaller gardens, but if done right they are a mini-oasis. The success to a wildlife pond is all about a balanced ecosystem and what you plant goes a long way in achieving this. Basically, a pond should have 3 types of plant, oxygenating which grow mainly under the water, floating and marginal. Any good garden centre should be able to help with varities such as crowfoot, water voilet, arrowhead and flowering rush. Happy Gardening Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Many thanks for the link HAL. Indoor plants not really my thing so good to learn some new techniques. Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Peckham Rose, Well my advise with regards using cat or dog poop as a fertiliser is to stay well clear. The only poop that can really be used for fertiliser comes from herbivores - cows, sheep, etc. There's too many chemicals, parasites and too much bacteria in carnivore poop. Hal, I've heard of 'grey' water being used for watering during hose pipe bans but never used it personally. Perfer to stock up on water butts as and where I have the space. Happy Gardening Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Me again everyone, Already I have messed-up as I'm repsonding to questions from page 1 - never even saw the posts on page 2 - apologies! No doubt I'll be on heavy digging for a week. Mic Mac, I have read all your past posts and really thought you were our lawn champion but hopefully my handy tips might help. With regards the bumps in the lawn, yes a roller would be helpful to even them out. But, you could also try cutting the lawn around the bump, flip it back dig out some of the excess soil and then flip the piece of lawn back in to position. But remember to water in well after you have done this. Very much depends on how many bumps there are. And lawn mowers - I have a number of them petrol and electric and yes a cylinder mower does give a good cut but have found that the Bosch Rotak range with combined rollers can do the job just as well. At the end of the day, like most things it really depends on how much you want to pay. Happy Gardeing Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Hi, David is up to his eyes with design projects for Chelsea at the moment, so as his trusty side kick that manages his maintenance business the Dulwich Garden Company - I hope I'm worthy enough to follow in his footsteps for a while. With regards trimming and pruning it really depends on how bad the bush looks. If you can't stand it, then give it a light trim at the momen just for shape. However, I know the hot weather has us all out and about in the garden but let's give the weather a bit more time to kick start what has been a late season so far. Happy Gardening! Shane Hickey Dulwich Gardening Company

Great selection of sheds to choose from there