Versatile, easy to install and simple to cut to size, railway sleepers are becoming an increasingly popular feature for garden decoration.

Available in a variety of styles and textures, these simple rectangles of sawn timber were originally designed for use on railway tracks (hence the name).

However, creative landscapers have been able to utilise railway sleepers for a wide variety of garden projects, providing a clean yet rustic aesthetic appeal in a range of applications.

Let’s explore 5 of the most effective uses for railway sleepers in your garden.

Garden Steps

 A beautiful alternative to traditional concrete steps, railway sleepers offer a more natural look whilst maintaining durability.

New oak railway sleepers are well suited for building sturdy garden steps, their dense and robust nature means that they do not require pretreatment before use as they are naturally resistant to weathering, rot and insect damage.

Deep steps built with railway sleepers can be enhanced further by filling them with stones or bark chippings, this not only increases visual appeal, it also limits the risk of your steps becoming slippery.

Filling railway sleeper garden steps is a simple process, apply your chosen stones, shale or bark chippings, ensure that all materials are tightly compacted into the steps and level with the top of the sleeper to provide a solid surface.

Raised Flower Beds

Add more growing areas to your garden with cost effective railway sleeper raised beds, perfect for getting the most out of your space.

If your garden is predominantly paved, utilising raised beds means that you can still grow stunning flowers, fruits or vegetables.
Raised beds also offer a greater range of options in terms of the soil or compost you wish to use, the height you want your beds to sit at and allow any area of the garden to become a flourishing growing area.

Softwood railway sleepers are perfect for constructing your raised flower beds, pressure treated to provide added protection from fungal decay or wood rot, softwood rail sleepers maintain their structural integrity even when exposed to the elements.

Edges and Borders

Create a beautiful rustic divide between lawns and flowered areas with railway sleeper edges.

Providing a simple yet effective way of bordering your space, railway sleepers can even be used to create a curb effect around a driveway, protecting your lawn and flowers.

Simply dig a shallow trench into the soil to lay your railway sleepers into, considering whether you want your railway sleepers to be flush with the ground or slightly raised.

Ensure that the ground is level before securing your railway sleepers with a wooden stake or metal spike to prevent it from moving or becoming loose over time.

When your sleeper is in place, make sure to fill any small gaps around the railway sleeper to improve the final appearance.

Benches or Tables

Add additional seating space to your garden that retains a natural rustic look.

Using railway sleepers to build garden furniture is relatively simple too and only requires –

• Circular or bandsaw
• Drill and screws
• Sandpaper
• Wood preservative

Simply cut your railway sleepers to your desired size, sand the edges and surfaces to remove any rough areas or splinters and lay your cut sleepers into the configuration of your bench or table.

You will then need to drill holes in the areas of the sleepers that will be joined and attach the railway sleepers using screws, you may also want to use metal brackets for added support.

Once your chosen structure has taken shape, sand the whole surface to ensure a smooth surface and apply a wood preserver to protect against weathering.

 Children’s Sandpit

Bring a piece of the beach garden with a cost effective sandpit made from railway sleepers.

A quick and easy build that will supply endless hours of fun, the process is essentially the same as the one used to create our raised flower beds.

The difference is that this time, the sandpit will be at ground level, and rather than drilling holes for drainage, we will be creating a tightly sealed unit, lined with a plastic membrane to ensure sand is not able to leak out.

Once your sandpit structure is fasted together and sanded down, apply your desired wood stain or preserver and fill with sand, it really is that easy!

High Quality Railway Sleepers

At Grangewood Fencing, we stock a range of hardwood and softwood railway sleepers to suit all applications.

We even stock authentic reclaimed railway sleepers to provide a truly classic look.

For more information about our range of railway sleepers, contact us today!

Or for more inspiring ideas for your next garden project, visit our blog for handy tips.

Easy to install, versatile and designed to suit all garden styles. A garden trellis is a simple, yet attractive addition to your garden that can maximise space, improve privacy and at the same time enhance aesthetic appeal.

 

What is a Trellis?

Trellises are a multi-purpose framework structure available in a range of sizes, shapes and designs meaning they can be seamlessly incorporated into any outdoor space.

Able to not only add a privacy-enhancing barrier, a garden trellis can be used to support climbing plants such as vines, flowers and even vegetables, offering greater airflow and exposure to sunlight.

Garden Trellises typically have three main applications –

• Fence Top Trellis: Serving to add height and privacy, whilst not blocking out natural light, a trellis can be easily installed to existing fencing and is simple to remove if required. Maximising your vertical space and also providing increased security as a general deterrent for anyone who would attempt to climb over.
• Freestanding Trellis: A freestanding trellis is often applied when flexibility is needed in that it can be installed anywhere within the garden, and moved or adapted to suit your changing needs. With the addition of climbing vines or plants, a freestanding trellis can be used as a natural divider to create a relaxing secluded area or in your garden with the added benefit of creating some shade on those hotter days.
• Wall-Mounted Trellis: In gardens where space can be limited a wall-mounted trellis adds an eye-catching decorative touch and can even be used to hide any unsightly walls or structures. Whilst being effective at saving ground space, a wall-mounted trellis is a practical and attractive feature that can be used to increase the visual appeal of any garden, balcony or patio.

If you are considering adding a trellis to your garden, we have put together a list of 5 amazing garden trellises to provide you with some inspiration and ensure that you pick the correct trellis for your requirements, whether that be simple decoration or adding privacy/security.

Dome Top Diamond Trellis

Made from the highest quality pressure-treated wood, the Dome Top Diamond Trellis serves as the perfect support for climbing plants due to its sturdy and intricate diamond lattice.

The distinctive dome shape adds a unique and eye-catching element to your garden thanks to its smoothly planed rounded corners whilst the diamond-shaped grids provide pattern and texture.

Due to its size, the Dome Top Diamond Trellis is perfect for use as either freestanding or wall-mounted applications to add a touch of simple elegance to your outdoor space.

Dome Top Diamond Trellis Topper

With all of the aesthetic appeal of its larger counterpart just refined into a more compact design, the Dome Top Diamond Trellis Topper provides the same level of visual interest but in a size perfectly suited to being attached to the top of an existing fence or wall.

Offering the same climbing plant support properties and subtle structural intricacy as its full-sized variation, the topper is perfect for creating a stunning natural privacy screen that is pleasant to look at for both you and your neighbour, allowing you to get the most out of your vertical space.

Bow Top Diamond Trellis Topper

Another addition to our lineup of Trellis Topper products, the Bow Top Diamond Trellis Topper makes for an easy-to-install decorative feature for your current fence or wall.

With a sharper design to its dome-shaped alternative, this stunning topper offers a more traditional aesthetic to your garden space.

Its bow-shaped design also allows for more natural light.   

Flat Top Square Trellis

Available in a range of height options, the Flat Top Square Trellis gives you greater versatility in terms of its applications, depending on the size of trellis you choose, the square trellis can serve as a freestanding, wall-mounted or fence-topping trellis.

A popular choice for contemporary garden designs, the flat top of the trellis provides a sleek and modern appearance offering a stunning visual focal point.

Given the wider, square-shaped lattice, this design makes an ideal living wall of foliage and flowers, providing a natural privacy wall.

Omega Screen

Add a touch of luxury and character to your garden space with the Omega Screen Trellis.

The Omega Screen can be applied to existing walls and fences, or serve as a freestanding divider or decorative privacy feature.

This eye-catching design offers a more premium feel than typical trellises due to its elegant curved top which acts in contrast to the straight symmetrical lattices.

Suitable for a range of applications to provide privacy, decorations or both. The Omega Screen Trellis is sure to be a worthy addition to your garden design.

Trellises From Grangewood

At Grangewood Fencing, our 20+ years of experience means that we have the knowledge and expertise to align you with your ideal fencing solution.

Our extensive range of products covers everything from garden decking to decorative fencing.

To learn more about any of our fencing products, including our range of trellises, contact us here.

Summertime is not far away, meaning that inevitably we will all be out in our gardens far more to enjoy the sunshine. BBQs with family, tending to flowers and plant beds or just relaxing on your favourite deck chair, for most your garden becomes a lively activity hub throughout the summer months, meaning that you want it to look its absolute best.

Typically this means mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges and jet-washing the patio.

Whilst this all goes a long way towards perfecting your plot, people often forget all about their fencing.

Why would my fence need a refresh?

Consider this; throughout the autumn and winter seasons your garden fencing is being relentlessly worn by the elements, meaning when spring and summer come around your once fresh wooden fencing can be left looking weathered.   

A reinvigorated fence can uplift the entire aesthetic of your outdoor space.

Whether this means a complete panel replacement or just a refresh, Grangewood Fencing has everything you need to take your fencing from drab to divine.

For a complete fencing overhaul, we stock an extensive selection of high-quality Wooden Fence Panels available in a range of heights.

Alternatively, if you just want to breathe new life into your existing fencing, follow the steps below and we’ll have you summer ready in no time.

What Will You Need?

Refreshing or painting a fence can seem like a daunting task, especially for larger gardens, but the correct tools and accessories will make the whole process far more easy and efficient.

Before you get started, here are the essentials:

• Exterior wood primer
• Exterior wood paint or stain
• Plastic sheets
• A stiff brush for removing dirt.
• Fence spray gun or Ronseal Fence Life Brush.
• Protective face mask

Step 1 – Preparation

Before applying any primer, paint or stain to your fencing you will first need to protect the area; any nearby grass, plants or garden furniture using plastic sheets and moving any obstructions.

For overhanging branches or hedges, fencing solutions can be harmful so you will need to either trim these back from your fence or pin/tie them back until everything is dry and the work is complete.

Step 2 – Optimise the surface

To ensure the best overall coverage and that the wooden panels properly absorb any stain or primer you will need to rid your panels of any dirt, old nails and mildew. This can be done either manually or by using a power washer for any stubborn areas (bear in mind if you are using a washer, you will need to allow adequate time for the panels to dry).

If you are painting a fence that has been painted previously but is now flaking and untidy, you will want to sand your panels to ensure an even surface with a professional-level finish.

Step 3 – Apply your first coat

Best check the weather forecast beforehand as you will need a warm, dry day with no rain or wind.

If you plan on applying paint to your fence, you will first need to apply a primer using a brush or roller. This will serve as an adhesive for your paint and also help to prevent any mould growth. Allow any primer to dry for as long as the tin recommends, which is typically a few hours.

You can then begin either spraying or brushing your chosen exterior wood paint.

If you are using a fence treatment solution to provide protection and colour you can begin either spraying or brushing on your chosen stain.

It is important to remember that when using a brush, apply a good amount of stain to your brush and apply a thick coat that isn’t stretched too far. 

Ronseal Fence Life Plus from Grangewood Fencing is:

 

• Suitable for both spraying and brushing application on either rough-sawn or smooth-planed fences
• Rainproof in just one hour
• Offers up to 5 years of protection     

All done!

And there we have it, a beautiful garden border that you can be proud of!

All that is left to do now is clean up, remove any plastic sheets, return your garden furniture to its original location and clean any brushes using warm, soapy water.

Top 5 Garden Trends for 2023

With each passing year, gardening trends come and go. Some are fleeting, while others stick around for decades at a time. We’re going to look at five of the most popular trends in gardening right now and how they might impact your garden design plans for the future. From vertical gardens to modern features made from natural materials (like stone or wood), these ideas are sure to make an impact on your garden for years to come!

Vertical gardening

Vertical gardens are a great way to maximise space, whether you’re trying to fit a garden into an urban environment or just want to make the most of a small garden. Vertical gardens can be used indoors or outdoors, so they’re perfect for people who want to grow plants but don’t have access to any natural sunlight.

There are so many different ways to incorporate vertical elements into your garden. Trellis has long been used to grow climbing plants, however, we’re seeing increasing creativity as this trend grows. With people using horizontally slatted fencing and structures built from pallets to hang smaller plants, to complex irrigation systems being installed on walls for growing fruit and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Outdoor kitchens and lounges

Outdoor kitchens and lounges have become a popular addition to home gardens. These spaces can be used for cooking, dining and entertaining guests. Outdoor kitchens can be designed to fit into any space and can be customised based on the needs of your family or guests. Many people choose to erect a pergola to really turn the space into a feature. Pergolas are ideal for adorning with climbing plants, outdoor lighting and a multitude of other accessories.

Common features of an outdoor kitchen include a barbeque or pizza oven, countertop with seating, sink and bar area. Outdoor kitchens and lounges aren’t just great in the summer – they can also make a fun entertaining area in cooler months! With the simple addition of a fire pit or patio heater, you’ll really be able to make the most of this space for much of the year.

Modern features made of natural materials, such as stone and wood

As sustainability continues to gain momentum in so many aspects of our lives, 2023 will see an increase in sustainable, natural materials used in gardening. The use of hard landscaping and the materials involved can come with heavy carbon footprints.

“Cement – used to make concrete – contributes almost 1kg of carbon dioxide for every 1kg produced, although some is reabsorbed as concrete is exposed to the air. Bricks add 250g per 1kg, and every square metre of stone patio adds about 47.5kg of carbon dioxide, depending on the stone.”

– RHS website

As well as their environmentally friendly nature, the versatility of natural materials also makes them a popular choice. Used for everything from seating and tables, to stepping stones and raised beds, you can really get creative./

Container gardens

Whether you’re working with a small or large garden, or even just a patio or balcony, container gardening offers great flexibility when it comes to growing opportunities.

Container gardens are an excellent way to add colour and texture to your garden space. They’re also very easy to maintain as they don’t require much watering or pruning unlike other types of gardens.

A whole host of plants can be grown in containers, from hardy bedding plants to bulbs, herbs, fruit and vegetables and even shrubs and trees.

Pops of colour

Adding a pop of colour to your garden can really give it some personality. After all, gardens are meant to be colourful!

With Pantone naming Viva Magenta as their colour of the year 2023, why not add a splash to your garden? There are so many places to add colour, such as:

• Flowers and plants
• Containers and accessories
• Furniture
• A feature fence

Which 2023 trend will you incorporate into your garden?

Now we’ve given you some inspiration to take into Spring, which one will you be incorporating in your garden? The trend we’re most excited about is vertical gardening as it allows you to grow more plants in less space, and adds levels to your garden as they’re visible from above ground level. This can be done with trellis, or even just poles stuck into the ground with netting attached so that they support climbing vines like cucumbers or tomatoes.