GARDEN DESIGN
PUTTING YOUR GARDEN
TO BED FOR WINTER
BY HUDSON LAMBERT , GARDEN & CLEANING EXPERT AT ROXIL
As the colder months set in and the festive season approaches , many homeowners forget the importance of preparing their gardens for winter . Preparing your garden for the cold not only shields your tools and outdoor winter furniture from the elements but also keeps your outdoor space in prime condition for spring . It ’ s all about keeping your outdoor space in great shape during the holiday season and beyond .
Here ’ s a comprehensive guide on getting your garden ready for winter , especially if you have wooden furniture that requires more attention to handle the cold and damp .
Protecting garden furniture If you want to leave your wooden furniture outside during winter , correct waterproofing and treatment techniques are essential . While most types of wood can handle a little rain , in winter the rain is heavier and lasts longer , which could cause problems .
To protect and waterproof your wooden furniture , follow these simple steps :
• Remove loose debris – Use a bristled brush in the direction of the wood grain , to get rid of leaves , twigs , and dust , as well as stubborn dirt and algae .
• Gently clean your wood – For wood coated in biological growth , like green algae , you ’ ll need to clean the surface more thoroughly before painting . This is typical of horizontal surfaces , decking in particular . For furniture you ’ ll need to apply a biocidal cleaner and use a pumpaction pressure sprayer for even coverage . Wait at least an hour for the cleaner to work effectively before rinsing with a gentle garden hose .
If the wood is particularly discoloured after at least a year or so of exposure , you can also use a wood scrub such as Roxil Wood Scrub Gel . Using a brush or a roller , apply this
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