Graaff-Reinet Advertiser

Fresh Fresh Why not weatherpru­fe your home this spring!

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birdsong, so make sure your garden is one birds would like to visit. Provide a large shallow basin, raised off the ground, for them to drink from and splash about in. Add a bird feeder and stock it with seeds and fruit to keep them coming back. Birds are crucial to our environmen­t and assist in controllin­g pests.

If you can, provide nesting boxes to encourage your feathered friends to settle in and raise a family.

Freshen up your ornamental beds and water features Start by removing all debris such as dead leaves, weeds, rocks and branches. Keep an eye out for blooming bulbs peeking from the ground and build your ornamental garden around them. Add manure or compost to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow well. Wash your water fountain and remove all dirt, moss and dust before placing it in your ornamental garden and connecting it to a water source.

Regular cleaning and proper maintenanc­e of the pump will help keep algae from building up in your water feature.

Spring means it’s time to unpack the braai (was it ever put away??) and head for the pool. Make sure your outside entertainm­ent area is as appealing as possible by washing your patio furniture thoroughly and if your budget allows, replace the cushions. At the very least, run the old covers through the washing machine to make sure they look fresh and clean. If your furniture has metal parts, coat these with a thin film of oil to prevent rusting. Wash down the patio floor with disinfecta­nt.

Place some insect repellent candles in pretty containers and dot them around your entertainm­ent area.

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Perk up your patio furniture
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