Recently the media has been full of stories about our carbon footprint. We all need to work together in reducing each one in order to reduce the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

What is your carbon footprint?
Essentially a carbon footprint is the measurement of all of our activities which have an impact on the environment. It measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced throughout our day to day lives when we burn fossil fuels for heating, electricity and transportation.It is measured in units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

There are two parts to your carbon foot print:
The primary footprint – which measures our direct emissions of CO2 produced by our energy consumption and transportation choices. All of these areas by which we use fossil fuel are area’s that we have direct control over.

The secondary footprint – This measures our indirect CO2 emissions created via the things that we buy, their manufacture and eventual breakdown. Many sites now offer carbon footprint calculators where by you can view your own footprint. Here you will see that in essence the more that you buy the larger your footprint and negative effect on the environment.

There are many ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Your garden can help hold the key to your success.

• Planting trees – Trees not only absorb CO2 but also provide fantastic shelter and food for local wildlife.

• Composting – Installing a composter in your garden and filling it with your food and garden waste will reduce the amount of waste going into landfill and also the journeys taken buy the refuse collectors in order to get it there. It will also provide you with organic rich nutrients for your garden. Jack’s garden store offers a wonderful range of composters and wormeries which will enable you to get started immediately.

• Growing your own fruit and veg – Think of all of the food miles saved if every fruit and vegetable you needed was at the bottom of your garden. Even the smallest of gardens can have pots and planters filled with yummy seasonal delights that should keep you going all year round.Visit my range of herb and vegetable starter kits to get you off to a great start. If space or time is an issue and you feel unable to grow all of your own vegetables try using a local farm shop or market instead of the supermarket to buy your vegetables which will help keep the food miles down. Also buy only seasonal fruit and vegetables.

• Washing Line - Invest in a washing line! Each time you turn on your tumble drier CO2 emissions are being pumped out of your home.

• Swing and climbing frame – Think of the hours of emission free fun your children can have using play equipment in your back garden.Creating more activities to do at home will help you spend less time in the car travelling to the park or to other events such as bowling or the cinema. Save events such as these for special occasions. Getting you children to play outdoors instead of sat at a computer console will not only be beneficial to the environment but also to your children’s well being as it will enable them to get the exercise that so many children are now lacking.

• Recycle – Recycling reduces the amount of waste that goes into our landfill sites. Although recycling bins can often seem rather unsightly,there are now a wide range of recycling bin stores available to keep your garden looking neat and tidy whilst you do your bit for the environment.

• Water barrel – Collect rain water and use this to water your garden.

Good luck

Gardener Jack!

Today our children are spending more and more time indoors sat in front of the television or a computer game which is not a healthy habit to start developing at such an early age. As parents we must look to encourage a more active lifestyle and this must start from a young age.

A climbing frame in your back garden offers a safe and secure environment for your children to be active and stimulated at home and allows them to use their pent up energy .  Playing outdoors on a climbing frame will improve your child’s fitness, strength and confidence. It has been proven that active children are healthier and happier in the long run.

When you begin looking for the right play set or climbing frame for your garden you will soon see there is a huge range to choose from. Some structures have been designed solely for climbing whilst others are far more elaborate and feature forts, turrets, swings and slides. Obviously the bigger and more detailed the climbing frame the more expensive the price.

Space
Before you decide which features you are looking to have on your children’s new outdoor toy, measure the space you are planning to erect the climbing frame otherwise you may fall in love with a structure that simply won’t fit into your garden. You don’t want the delivery truck to arrive only to have to send it away again because of such a silly mistake!

Budget
Once you have a size in mind the next thing to do is to decide on your budget. Remember by spending that little bit more on a quality item will ensure that your climbing frame lasts an entire childhood. When researching the price of various play sets take into consideration that many have one price for the frame and then will charge additional fees for add-ons, whilst others will simply be one flat price. This can sometimes make comparing various play sets time consuming, however a little extra time spent in the planning stages always pays off in the long run. If you are working within a tight budget don’t fret, even the simplest of frames will still provide your children with a base to begin their outdoor adventures, let their own imaginations take over.

Age Range
Up to 5 years old
For toddlers and smaller children plastic play sets are available. These are lower to the ground and are far safer. Plastic climbing frames are available in bright colours and have smaller slides and climbing ladders. These play sets are portable so can be moved around the garden allowing you to constantly keep an eye on your children whilst they play outdoors. These are great if you have a small garden as they do not take up too much room.

5+ years old
Wooden and metal play sets are better suited for older children, they can include baby swings and other accessories for smaller children but they will require more parental participation and supervision.

Metal climbing frames and play sets are usually made from thick gauge galvanized steel that is strong and rust resistant. They are cheaper than wooden structures but unfortunately less durable and will eventually weather.

Wooden climbing frames may be the most expensive of the three options but you can guarantee it will look better, last longer and see your children through to their early teens. If you can choose a wooden frame that has been pressure treated this will improve longevity and make the structure waterproof.

Jacks Top tip – For a growing young family investing in a play set which can include add on’s and accessories will pay off in the long run. It means that as your children grow you can add and replace various accessories allowing your frame to grow with your children and benefit your pocket!

Good Luck

Gardener Jack!

Trampolines are a fantastic fun addition to any garden that the whole family can enjoy. Your children will benefit from exercise and the fresh air of being outdoors. As well as the countless benefits having a trampoline brings, there is also a safety element that must be considered. As you may have seen in the papers, if used incorrectly, trampolines can cause accidents and this is why it is crucial to get the basics right in order to ensure you family gets the most out of your new trampoline.

The Basics

1. Choose the location for your trampoline.

• What is the size of this space?
• Is the ground level?
• Is the area clear of hanging branches?

Ideally you want to position your trampoline on an area of soft grassy level ground within your garden, where all feet of the trampoline frame have equal contact with the ground. If one of the legs does not quite reach the ground the frame will twist as the jumper lands and may even cause the springs to over stretch.

If you can avoid putting your trampoline on concrete as this will cause the leg bases to gradually wear away and shorten the life of your trampoline. If you have to put your trampoline onto a concrete base you can buy rubber floor guards to protect the leg bases.

2. Who will be using it?

Each trampoline has a weight limit, so check this beforehand to ensure the one that you buy can withstand the weight that will be shortly bouncing on it!
Also think about the longevity of the trampoline, if for instance your child is 8, would it not be better to purchase a trampoline suitable for a 12 year old or maybe one for all ages as he/she will soon grow out of that trampoline and have you digging deep into your pocket once more for a replacement.

3. Rectangular of Circular?

Rectangular frames are better suited to the more experienced jumper as the springs operate in a different way meaning that you need to be in full control of your balance and technique at all times to stay in control. Circular trampolines work in a different way and allow you to bounce far more gently which will suit people new to trampolines and also small children.

4. Trampoline frame
The thickness of a trampoline frames is measured in gauges. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal and the better quality the trampoline.

You really do get what you pay for. The higher the cost of your trampoline the longer it will last and the more enjoyment you will get from it. Think carefully about how often it will be used and also which accessories you will also have to budget for in order for your children to use it safely.

Trampoline Accessories

• Safety Nets/Trampoline Enclosures – this makes falling off a trampoline impossible
• Tents – turns your trampoline into a play house or den for the children.
• Access ladders – better access for small children and elderly bouncers
• Safety skirts – prevents any person/ pet going underneath the trampoline.
• Spring padding – For protection. Closed cell polyethylene foam ones are best.
• Bounce board – board which straps to your feet with Velcro great for practicing skateboard moves.
• Anchor kits – to keep your trampoline in one place and to prevent it from blowing away.

A full range of trampolines will soon feature in my store. Watch this space

Happy bouncing

Gardener Jack

Your children have been nagging you for a climbing frame for the past couple of months, you have gradually been putting a little by each month in order to treat the little darlings and now the time has finally arrived for you to start researching what type of climbing frame you want in your garden.

Depending on the size and style of your garden there are a huge range of climbing frames currently available. Some are modern and contemporary, others more traditional in look and feel. For instance, a traditional climbing frame is usually wooden, simplistic and can be a lovely feature to look at in your garden. A modern frame can also be pleasing on the eye and made from either wood or metal. The modern frame can include a range of swings, slides, ropes, beams, climbing walls, trampolines, bridges, tunnels and ladders.

Please remember that the more gadgets and features your frame has the higher the price is likely to be. A child’s greatest tool is his or her imagination; they will not require a huge fortress to entertain themselves; even the simplest of climbing frames can bring hours of joy to any child.

Wooden climbing frames

Wooden frames will need to be treated as wood naturally expands and contracts throughout the year, this will affect the colour of your frame. The natural colour of wood will blend into your garden rather than stand out. I advise to look out for a pre-treated (ideally pressure treated) climbing frame which will usually give you 15 years of service life. Some manufacturers guarantee their products. Also, look out for the FSC logo. This means the wood has been sourced from a sustainable forest that is properly managed.

Metal climbing frames

This is generally the cheaper option and has less maintenance issues. However please check which type of metal is used as steel, the cheaper but heavier option, tends to rust after 4-5 years where as an aluminium frame which costs a little more lasts a great deal longer.

Choosing the correct sized climbing frame is another important consideration. When planning your purchase, measure the space in your garden where you plan to put the frame. Make sure any frame you are looking to buy will fit comfortably into that area. Allow room around the frame for your children to run freely. Also take into consideration your child’s age, size, current capabilities and requirements for the next few years.

Note from Jack– in the UK the specified height restriction for a climbing frame is 13ft. If you do however wish to erect a larger structure you can do so but you will need to contact your local council to seek planning permission.

Check out my range of climbing frames in store.

Good Luck

Gardener Jack

Playhouses may have moved on since our childhood but they still remain one of the most popular features our garden can offer our little ones! Hours and hours can pass as they live out their fantasy games or simply run riot outdoors in our gardens. Today playhouses no longer need to be the simple wendy house structures of our youth, it’s common to see pirate ships or medieval wooden towers over your neighbour’s fence.

Now thanks to prefabricated kits, every parent can easily follow instructions and create an amazing outdoor play area for their child.

Before you begin to consider which style of playhouse to buy please take a moment to consider the following:

Playhouse Location

Where in your garden do you want the playhouse to go? It must be in a spot which is visible from your home and where it gets plenty of sunshine. Also, as children love to run around their playhouse make sure the surrounding area is safe with no tight corners or dangerous areas such as ponds nearby. Once you have picked the spot you will then be able to think about what size playhouse you can get.

The ground
After the location has been chosen, you must prepare the ground. Please ensure the area is perfectly level and if budget permits I would recommend laying a concrete foundation (If cost is an issue, laying concrete blocks with sand is a cheaper alternative).

Wood Preservative
Treat the wood of the playhouse. By treating the wood you will help to protect the wood and delay rotting and flaking of the structural parts. Most playhouses now come already pressure treated and some manufacturers offer a 15yr guarantee against rot. Make sure you look into this .. it could save you a fortune in wood treatment each year, plus the back-breaking task of application!

That’s the boring considerations over with – now the fun bit! Choosing and buying the playhouse becomes much easier once you know what you are looking for. There is currently a huge range of different playhouses on the market that come in all shapes and sizes. Most come flat packed ready to be built at home. Most will come with the option of adding a variety of attachments including swings, ladders, tunnels, monkey bars, slides, picnic tables or even a rock wall!!

Having a play house in your garden is great for kids of all ages and as your brood grow up so can the attachments. The toddler swing can be replaced by a more grown-up swing and there are lots of additions that can ‘evolve’ through the years alongside your kids.

When you have decided the size and style of playhouse and what attachments, if any, you want, as a parent it is vital that you choose a playhouse that has been produced correctly and each item is of an exceptional standard to ensure your children’s safety. Look out for reputable companies with guarantees on safety for your children. Make sure it comes with a set of full instructions so you can be confident when erecting the house.

Good luck finding your perfect outdoor playhouse!!

Gardener Jack