Gardening Tips

Is Landscaping a Smart Investment?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:56:01 GMT

We’ve always believed that the best investment isn’t found within your four walls—it’s growing right outside them. If you’ve been wondering, "Is investing in my garden actually worth it?" the answer is a resounding yes. And we might be a little biased, but it’s not just our green thumbs talking—the data proves it.

The appeciation factor.

Most home improvements, especially kitchens and bathrooms, start losing value the moment the contractor walks out the door. Interiors can date quickly; what’s trendy today might look tired in five years. Ten, if you're lucky.

Landscaping is one of the few home improvements that appreciates over time. While a new carpet wears down, a well-designed garden grows fuller, more established, and more beautiful year after year. A tree planted today is a beautiful focal point a decade from now. Your garden is quite literally a "living investment."

What the experts say.

The financial impact of a well-maintained yard is backed by research and economic data. Here is what the experts have found:

John Harris (Landscape Economist): “Good landscaping can add up to 28% to your home’s overall value.”
Mark S. Henry (Clemson University): “Improving landscaping from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ can increase property value by 6-7%.”
Domain’s Plant Value Report: (October 2025) found that homes featuring lush greenery achieved 17.4% higher sale prices and—crucially for those looking to move—sold significantly faster than those without.
Buyer perceptions: Research comparing buyer psychology found that homes with attractive gardens were valued 26% higher than identical homes with basic landscaping!

The data: curb appeal equals cash in your pocket.

First impressions are everything in the Australian property market. A recent study highlights just how much impact a professional landscape can have on your bottom line.

According to research shared by OpenAgent (April 2025), quality landscaping can add $15,000 or more to the value of your home. It’s not just about the price tag, either; a stunning garden increases curb appeal. This often leads to a faster sale and more competitive offers from buyers who value aesthetics and really want a home, not just a house to live in.

So, why does the garden have so much value?

Lifestyle expansion: Blended indoor-outdoor living has been a trend for a while now. Today, modern buyers view the garden as an "outdoor room." Whether it’s a deck for entertaining or a lush lawn for the kids, you're increasing the usable square footage of your home.
Environmental benefits: Strategic planting can provide natural shade, reducing cooling costs in the summer and protecting your home from the elements.
The "wow" factor: To put it simply, people enjoy good-looking gardens. And, a well-maintained garden suggests a well-maintained home. It creates an immediate emotional connection, sense of house-pride that potential buyers find hard to resist.

Let's grow your value.

Ready to start your garden transformation?

Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or you simply want to enjoy a more beautiful outdoor space for years to come, professional landscaping is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Contact the team at Two Gloves today and let’s grow your investment together.

When is the Right Time to Mow Your Grass?

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:17:34 GMT

Maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn requires regular mowing. However, mowing at the wrong time can cause damage to your grass and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. So, when is the right time to mow your grass? Let's take a look at the growth cycle of grass, the benefits of mowing at the right time, and the factors to consider when determining when to mow your lawn.

Understanding the Growth Cycle of Grass

Grass goes through a growth cycle that is influenced by several factors such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight. During the active growth phase, grass grows rapidly and needs to be mowed regularly to maintain its height and density. However, during the dormant phase, grass growth slows down, and mowing can cause damage to the roots and blades.

The active growth phase typically occurs during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warmer, and rainfall is more frequent. During this period, you should mow your lawn at least once a week to prevent it from becoming too tall and dense, which can lead to thatch build-up and nutrient deficiencies.

Benefits of Mowing Your Lawn at the Right Time

Mowing your lawn at the right time offers several benefits for maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. First, it promotes even growth, which helps to prevent bare spots and thinning. Regular mowing also encourages the development of a deep root system, which makes your grass more resistant to drought and heat stress.

Additionally, mowing at the right time helps to prevent the build-up of thatch, which is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface. Thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, which can lead to disease and pest problems.

Factors to Consider When Determining When to Mow Your Grass

Several factors can influence when to mow your grass, including the type of grass, the height of the grass, and the weather conditions. Different types of grass have different growth rates and require different mowing schedules. For instance, warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia typically require more frequent mowing during the active growth phase than cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass.

The height of your grass is also an important factor to consider when determining when to mow. You should never remove more than one-third of the grass height at once, as this can shock the roots and cause damage to the blades. So, if your grass is four inches tall, you should mow it when it reaches a height of around five or six inches.

Lastly, you should also consider the weather conditions when determining when to mow your lawn. It's best to mow when the grass is dry, as wet grass can clump and clog the mower deck, leading to uneven cutting and possible damage to the grass.

Tips for Achieving a Healthy Lawn through Proper Mowing

To achieve a healthy lawn through proper mowing, follow these tips:

Use a sharp mower blade: Dull blades can tear and shred the grass blades, leading to brown tips and a brownish cast on the lawn. Sharpen the mower blades at least once a year or after every 25 hours of use to ensure a clean, even cut.
Set the mower blade height to the appropriate level: The height at which you should mow your lawn in Perth depends on the type of grass you have. For example, buffalo grass should be mowed at a height of 2-4 centimetres, while couch grass should be mowed at a height of 1-2 centimetres. Mowing at the right height will help maintain healthy, dense grass and prevent scalping or overgrown patches.
Don't remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time: Removing too much grass at once can weaken the root system and cause stress to the plant. This can lead to yellow or brown patches and can even make the lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, it's important to mow frequently and only remove the top one-third of the grass blade at each mowing.
Mow when the grass is dry: Wet grass can cause clumping and clogging of the mower, resulting in uneven cutting and possible damage to the grass blades. It's best to mow when the grass is dry, preferably during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Alternate mowing patterns: Mowing in the same direction every time can cause the grass blades to lean in that direction, which can make the lawn look uneven. Alternating the mowing pattern can help prevent this and promote more even growth.

Smooth Agave: A hardy, striking plant for low-maintenance gardens

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Mon, 08 May 2023 03:22:37 GMT

In need of a low-maintenance, hardy plant that looks fantastic?

Common Weeds Found in Perth

An architecturally striking addition to any Australian garden, Agave Desmettiana (‘smooth agave’) is a hardy, succulent species native to Mexico. It’s known for its ability to thrive in sunny, arid conditions with very little maintenance. It’s simple to plant and grow, and difficult to kill.

Smooth agave is urn-shaped with soft, thick, spear-shaped leaves, which are bluish-green in colour, and together form a rosette. It grows up to 1m high and 1.5m wide.

Considered an architectural plant for its distinctive and interesting look, it works well in a feature pot or planter, or as an accent piece in a garden bed or landscape.

At Two Gloves, we often recommend agave for low-maintenance and sustainable gardens. Read on to learn a little more about this wonderful plant!

Infrequent, spectacular flowering.

One of the most notable features of the agave is its flowering. The agave is monocarpic, meaning it only flowers once in its lifetime, at the end of its life cycle at around 10-15 years, and then it dies. A thick, green, flowering stalk protrudes from the plant’s centre which can reach up to 4m in height and bears clusters of small, yellow flowers. The blooming process lasts about 4-5 months and produces an abundance of small bulbils which can be propagated into new plants. After flowering, agave will die and will need to be dug up and removed (we can help you there).

One for the bees.

There is some misinformation about whether the agave is harmful to bees. Many owners of the plant notice a lot of ‘dead’ or ‘paralysed’ bees at the base of the plant when it flowers. It’s often assumed the pollen is poisonous; however, it’s most likely the bees become intoxicated by the pollen after ingesting large volumes. In fact, agave can be an important source of nectar for some bee species during the dry season.

Low fuss!

Even amongst hardy plants, agave is a particularly strong survivor. Drought tolerant, minimal water needs and relatively resistant to pests and disease make it a winner for low-maintenance gardens or hard-to-reach areas. However, consider these tips to keep your agave at its healthiest:

Once established, only water occasionally. (This is more important to do in hot and dry conditions.)
Annual feeding with a controlled-release fertiliser (although not essential).
Minimal pruning. When leaves die or get badly damaged, cut them off close to the base.

Easy to plant & propagate.

Planting agave is as simple as digging a hole (in any type of soil) and placing it in. Add a small amount of compost if the soil is particularly sandy and if it’s hard or compacted, break it up to allow root penetration. When choosing a place to plant your agave, consider the following:

Full sun is optimal, but agave will tolerate partial shade.
Agave does best in well-draining soil.
Protection from frost is a must.

After agave flowers, the main plant dies but the bulbils produced in the process can be propagated. These bulbils that develop after flowering are essentially plantlets that can be removed and planted. Cut bulbils from the main plant and allow them to dry out and callous before planting them in a soilless medium. Wait for roots to develop (~2-3 weeks) then go ahead and plant in soil.

An impressive survivor, Agave Desmettiana or smooth agave is one of the easiest plants to establish and maintain. It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking to keep a low-maintenance or sustainable garden. Consider the tips above for planting and caring for your agave, but enjoy a hardy plant that's minimal fuss and looks great.

Need gardening advice?

For plant recommendations specific to your garden, consider a consult with Two Gloves. One of our experienced gardeners can help you pick out the perfect plants and offer advice on how to best take care of them. Get in touch today .

On Airtasker: Scott I from Mindarie

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 02:14:23 GMT

Two Gloves Gardening Services in Perth

We're a team of professional gardeners who take our job seriously. We offer weeding, lawn care, mulching, junk removal, window cleaning, and other outdoor yard services. We operate as a registered company, with tools, comprehensive insurance, and a caged 7x4 trailer. All quotes include GST, air tasker fees, and super for our staff. We believe these extra layers of professionalism result in a high quality and reliable service for you, the customer.

Airtasker services include weeding, lawn care, mulching, junk removal, and backyard clean-ups.

What our Airtasker clients are saying:

1 hour weed

Thanks again for a job well done.

- Sam S.

Mulching garden beds

Scott had great communication, got the job done professionally and on time. Highly recommend! Thanks Ben

- Ben G.

General garden maintenance

Fantastic job, will hire again!

- Lorna M.

Front yard makeover

The work Scott did to my yard with his team was outstanding. Punctual, accomodating and professional! I am very happy and will be recommending his work to many!!

- Kaz W.

Lawnmowing and remove garden waste

Scott arrived at the arranged time and was friendly and helpful. Good job, no issues, highly recommend.

- Tamara S.

Gardening maintenance for small courtyard every 8 weeks

Thanks to the team! Great communication and service. Booking in for maintenance every 8 weeks! Thanks again! Highly recommend

- Lauren H.

Remove garden beds + plants - remove soil and plants from site

Excellenct work and task carried out to spec

- Jesse L.

Garden maintenance

Scott communicated well and was punctual and kept me updated with the progress. I would definitely use them again.

- Anjani A.

Weeding and garden tidy in driveway and near pool.

Thanks Scott great job. Appreciate it

- Emma L.

Clean up, partially replant and mulch gardens

Super easy to deal with and got the job done ASAP, highly recommended!

- Emma W.

Spread 7.5m3 of chunky mulch (adjusted down from 12m3)

Scott and Sam were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Friendly, clear and timely communication, excellent work, and left our place nice and tidy. I highly recommend them.

- Fiona B .

Gardening services

Prompt, efficient, reliable, professional and really nice too! I highly recommend Scott and team. They did a fantastic job at our place in the heat of summer. Call them you won’t be disappointed.

- T H.

Gardening

Scot has been absolutely amazing from first point of contact to the service �� per cent professional…the job was massive and to job completed 10/10 he and the team are now a regular Hardin Gods…Thank you

- Robin L.

Garden Clean-Up / Waste Removal

Reliable & Did an amazing job on my garden, looks great. Would hire again

- Gemma A.

Gardening

Thank you to Scott and co for an excellent job. Quick, efficient and friendly. Will definitely book with them again

- Rachael B.

Mulch removal and disposal

I have absolutely zero reservations in recommending Scott & Tim— hard working & humble lads. They were efficient, easy to communicate with and very cooperative. It was a bit like having friends over to help out. All round genuine lads really! "Thanks again guys!"

- Nimityra (Nim) N.

Suburban residential land clearing 800m2, small to medium sized weeds

Scott communicated clearly and delivered the project as agreed and to a high standard. He even went above and beyond to ensure the vacant lot was fire hazard safe.

- Bryce P.

Collect, remove and dispose leaves and branches

Scott was an absolute pleasure to do business with. He is a great communicator and a true professional. Could not recommend him highly enough.

- Aydan D .

Waste and packaging pickup

Scott was determined to do a top job and was persistent until the end. 5 stars from us!

- Steve W .

Sweep and pick up leaves from garden, and all areas

Scott raked and picked up a huge amount of leaves , great job . Very efficient .

- Judi L .

Tree Trim & Garden Cleanup

Scott & his team were awesome. Will definitely use again!

- Andrew M.

Break down and get rid of cardboard boxes

Scott was responsive, professional and got the job done. Definitely recommend

- Olivia S.

Gardening

Scott was really efficient and friendly, am going to hire him again.

- Laura B .

End of lease window clean

Awesome job, very thorough window clean on windows that had not been cleaned in years. Look fantastic. Great communication too

- Travis J.

Backyard Tidy Up and Weeding

Did a great job! Highly recommended.

- Jerry L .

Clean up front and backyard

Easy to communicate with, turned up and time and straight into it.

- Kiah R.

Bug spray and clearing cob webs

Thanks Scott & team.

Great job as always.

Will book you guys in again for another task soon!

- Sam S.

Pool Area Cleanup

Scott tuned up on time and did a great job. Highly recommended.

- Russell H .

Clear Up a Empty Land To Be Bushfire Compliant.

Scott is very realible and very prompt to his word, even if that involves delaying his holiday to get the job done. Very hardworking and attention to detail. He completed the job after 2 other contractors bailed on me and had a council deadline to meet. Will definitely recommend anyone to use Scotts services.

- Nithin U .

Garden bed plant removal and disposal

Scott was great! Great communication, great price and did a thorough job. Highly recommend

- Beverly D .

Mulch front yard

Did an amazing job within my budget.

- Tamerin B .

Weeding/ Cutting all plants/ Watering on day - front & back. Thanks.

Thanks for making the job look easy.

Friendly, efficient & prompt.

- Sam S .

Weeding around home

Punctual, Helpful and Professional

- Dhruv N.

Wood moving

Very helpful. Great fellas

- Alan L.

Lightly scuff (sand) existing paint on my fence up so I can paint it

Nice people. Professional service. Would hire again

- Alan L.

Garden tidy up and weeding

Excellent work and communication

Highly recommended

- Alan S .

Gardening

Amazing work would highly recommend

- Emily V.

Weed problem in your backyard? We have you covered.

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:32:44 GMT

Perth Weeding

Undoubtedly, we are fortunate to reside in the stunning city of Perth. Such a warm and sunny climate is an absolute blessing MOST of the time, but unfortunately at Two Gloves we know all too well what comes with such weather…Weeds. The climate that most of us feel blessed to enjoy also happens to be the perfect one for weeds to grow and thrive. Weeds are those pesky plants that can quickly take over gardens, lawns, and other areas, competing with desirable flora for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Follow along and we will look at some of the most common weeds found in Perth, how they can negatively interact with other plants around them, and most importantly, the best ways to remove them.

Common Weeds Found in Perth

Bindii : Bindii, also known as jo-jo, is a small weed with prickly seed heads that can cause painful injuries to bare feet. It grows in lawns, gardens, and other open areas and is particularly common in sandy soil.
Wintergrass : Wintergrass is a grass-like weed that grows in clumps and spreads quickly. It can be identified by its narrow leaves and tall seed stalks, which grow up to 60cm high. Wintergrass thrives in moist soil and is most commonly found in lawns and gardens.
Clover : Clover is a perennial weed with leaves that resemble a shamrock. It grows in patches and spreads quickly, particularly in areas with high humidity and moisture. Clover is often found in lawns and gardens and can be difficult to control.
Dandelion : Dandelions are a common weed with a long taproot and a bright yellow flower. They grow in lawns, gardens, and other open areas and are particularly prevalent in areas with poor soil quality.

How Weeds Interact with Plants Around Them

One of the ways that weeds negatively affect the plants around them is by stealing valuable nutrients from the soil. Weeds have deep roots that can reach far into the soil and extract nutrients that other plants need to survive. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the surrounding plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death.

Weeds can also create a dense canopy that shades other plants, preventing them from receiving the sunlight they need for photosynthesis. This can cause the affected plants to become weak and more susceptible to diseases and pests.

In addition, weeds can harbour pests and diseases that can spread to other plants. For example, aphids and whiteflies are common pests that can be found on weeds and can easily move onto other plants. Weeds can also provide a shelter for fungal diseases, which can spread to other plants through rain splashes or wind.

Weeds can also compete with desirable plants for water. As a result, the surrounding plants can become dehydrated, which can lead to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death.

Best Ways to Remove Weeds in Perth

Hand Weeding : Hand weeding is the most effective way to remove weeds from a garden or lawn, particularly for small infestations. It involves pulling the entire plant, including the root system, out of the ground by hand. This method can be time-consuming, but it is the most eco-friendly and cost-effective method of weed removal.
Mulching : Mulching involves covering the soil around plants with a layer of organic material like straw, leaves, or bark. This method helps to prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight and providing a barrier between the weed seeds and the soil. Mulching is an effective method of weed control that also helps to retain moisture in the soil and provide nutrients for plants.
Herbicides : Herbicides are chemical weed killers that can be sprayed directly onto weeds to kill them. There are two main types of herbicides: selective and non-selective. Selective herbicides target specific types of weeds, while non-selective herbicides kill all plants they come into contact with. Herbicides can be an effective way to control weeds, but they should be used with caution as they can harm desirable plants and have environmental impacts.

Best Weed Killers Available in Perth

Glyphosate : Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that is commonly used to control weeds in gardens, lawns, and other open areas. It works by inhibiting the growth of a specific enzyme in plants, causing them to die. Glyphosate is highly effective and has a low environmental impact, but it should be used with caution as it can harm desirable plants.
Dicamba : Dicamba is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds like bindii and clover. It works by disrupting the growth of the plant, causing it to die. Dicamba is effective against many types of weeds but should be used with caution as it can harm desirable plants and can be harmful to wildlife.

Two Gloves

At Two Gloves, we understand that all the points mentioned above can often become overwhelming and at times extremely daunting when attempting to tackle the problem yourself. Two Gloves can provide comprehensive weed control solutions to ensure that your garden, lawn, or other open areas remain free of weeds.

Two Gloves is a professional weed control company based in Perth, Western Australia, that specialises in removing weeds and preventing their return. We have years of experience in weed control and use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that your property remains weed-free.

Our services include:

Weed identification : Two Gloves' team of experts can identify different types of weeds and determine the best method of control.
Herbicide application : Two Gloves uses herbicides that are safe and effective for controlling weeds. They can apply these herbicides to specific areas or across an entire property, depending on the extent of the weed infestation.
Mechanical weed control : Two Gloves can also use mechanical methods such as hand weeding, mulching, and hoeing to control weeds. These methods are often used in combination with herbicides to ensure that the weed infestation is completely eliminated.
Regular maintenance : Two Gloves can provide ongoing weed control services to ensure that your property remains weed-free. This can include regular herbicide applications, mechanical weed control, and monitoring for new weed growth.

By hiring a professional weed control company like Two Gloves, you can be sure that your property remains free of weeds and that your desirable plants are not harmed in the process. The Two Gloves team has the knowledge and experience to identify different types of weeds, determine the best method of control, and provide ongoing maintenance to keep your property looking its best.

Get in touch now.

Balcony Shade & Privacy Ideas

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:46:13 GMT

Balconies are a beautiful addition to any house or apartment.

They add a dynamic element to your living space, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Australian climate from the comfort of your home. However, they raise two issues for many people – lack of shade and lack of privacy.

If your balcony leaves you feeling exposed and overheated instead of relaxed, it might be time to consider adding elements to improve the shade and coverage. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable and practical ways to create shade and privacy in your outdoor living area.

Options for creating shade on a balcony:

Awnings

Awnings are a stylish and practical way of shading a balcony. Awnings can be attached to an exterior wall and positioned to overhand a balcony, creating shelter from the sun, rain, and wind. There are also UV-resistant options which not only create shade, but also protect your skin – which is absolutely vital for those of us living with the harsh Australian sun!

You can also choose awnings that can be retracted when not in use, opening up the living space and letting sunlight flow more easily into your home or apartment.

Pergola

These slatted roofs provide a good cover of shade without completely blocking the sun, giving you the best of the outdoors and the indoors!

When you install a pergola, you can also choose to grown vines or other climbing plants along the lattice-like structure. This creates more shade by filling in the gaps of the pergola, and it also creates a beautiful visual appeal.

Options for improving privacy on a balcony:

Trellis

Setting up a trellis wall is a great option for creating privacy on your balcony. A trellis is a lattice frame, around which you can grow vines and other plants. Climbing plants such as ivy will thrive in the outdoor setting, creating a natural green screen blocking your balcony from view.

You can choose from metal, bamboo, or plastic options for a trellis depending on your aesthetic tastes and budget.

Pot plants

Choose dense, evergreen plants potted in sturdy containers that won’t blow over. Bamboo and box hedge are both great, fast-growing options. You can choose to grown the plants yourself, or if you’re short on time you can buy mature plants from a nursery.

Bamboo screens

Bamboo screens an excellent option for creating immediate privacy on your balcony. They provide environmentally sustainable and robust protection, without compromising on aesthetics. Bamboo is famously hardy, so it can withstand sunny or rainy weather conditions.

Need a hand with your balcony?

If you want to introduce plants to your balcony but don’t know where to start, you can leave it to the professionals at Two Gloves. We provide gardening advice and services across the Perth region.

Contact us for a free quote!

How to Get Rid of Weeds in Pavers & Bricks

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 04:56:09 GMT

How to Get Rid of Weeds in Pavers & Bricks in Perth.

Weeds in any part of your garden are unsightly and annoying — and in Perth, weeds seem to thrive in the most unlikely places. Concrete cracks, gutters, decking, retaining wall crevices, and floor pavers are all weed favourites. Once they get into the cracks and gaps in your paving, they can become a real hassle to remove. Thankfully, there are a range of ways you can get the job done and remove weeds from bricks.

How to remove weeds from bricks and paving manually.

1. Hand pulling weeds.

In areas where there aren’t many weeds, or the weeds are particularly large, hand pulling can be most effective. Just be sure to remove the entire weed, including the roots. If roots are particularly deep and established, there’s a risk that you might not remove the entire root system, which could result in regrowth. Hand pulling can be labour-intensive, but it will save on you on weed spray costs and other associated equipment. When done incrementally, the task isn't so bad.

2. Handheld tools that remove weeds.

Another manual removal method for paving weeds involves using a tool such as a trowel (if the tip is small enough) or more effectively, a Weed Remover . These can even be bought from supermarkets, and kind of look like a two-pronged metal fork. You simply scrape along the paving or brick gaps to force the weeds out.

For both manual methods, hosing down the paving first to dampen the soil will make weed removal easier. This is particularly true for Perth weeds, where the hot sun dries out sand and dirt in-between pavers and makes our local weeds much harder to remove (especially in summer).

How to spray weeds in-between bricks and paving.

1. Organic weed killers.

When weeds are plentiful or very small (which they often are in paving cracks), manually pulling them isn’t always an option. Aside from limited places to actually grab onto the weeds, the weeds here tend to be so tightly packed that they won’t budge, even when pulled.

This is where sprays are handy; weed killer sprays are extremely effective for removing weeds in paving gaps. At Two Gloves, we always preference organic weed killers and herbicides. Organic weed killers still contain chemicals, but they’re considered “less harmful” for the environment and are still effective at killing the weeds between pavers. They are also safe for gardens where children and pets are running around.

If you opt for a synthetic poison, remember that these poisons are effective for weeds, but unfortunately work on humans and animals too. Gear up with gloves and an appropriate mask before you use a chemical poison, and ensure pets and children stay away from treated areas while the weeds are absorbing the application. This can be anywhere from 24 hours to one week. Check the label of the chemical solution you’ve chosen for specific timeframes.

2. Chemical-free weed removers.

Some weeds can be combatted with household items and homemade solutions. For example, the humble spray bottle can become a weed-removing tool when paired with pure vinegar. Simply spray vinegar onto the weeds — ideally on hot and sunny Perth day — and watch the weeds wither away. You may need to do this a few days in a row. As with chemical removers, you’ll still need to keep the spray away from any surrounding lawn and plants.

Another brilliant organic solution is water. Boiled water is very effective when poured directly over weed-riddled pavers. A pressure washer can also be used to remove weeds from pavers by simply blasting them out of the cracks. Just remember that the high-pressure may also remove some of the sand or dirt between the pavers. Additionally, it could spread weed seeds into other parts of the garden. We suggest following up with a vinegar spray over the pavers to ensure any lingering roots or seeds are killed.

Pay someone else to remove weeds for you…

Whichever method you choose, it's important to be consistent in your efforts. Weeds are famously persistent, so you have to be as well. You’ll probably need to repeat the process several times before they are completely gone, and even then, they’re bound to reappear next season.

This leads to our final method… Undoubtedly the easiest way to get rid of weeds is to pay a gardening professional to remove them for you! Not only are professional greenthumbs equipped with the best gear to remove weeds from cracks, they’re fast, neat, and thorough. If you need weeding done in your driveway, patio, or other brickwork, give Two Gloves a call. While we’re there, we can also remove weeds from garden beds and lawns (and do a bunch of other gardening maintenance, too!).

Get your free weeding quote now.

Pruning Gooseberry Bushes

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:53:14 GMT

Pruning is an essential part of the upkeep of numerous plants.

While pruning is often an aesthetic choice, it is a necessity for many edible plants — especially gooseberries. The good news is that pruning gooseberry bushes is very similar to pruning other soft fruit plants, so once you’ve got a handle on the gooseberries, the others should be a breeze!

Before we give you the tips and steps to pruning your gooseberry bush, you might be wondering why you have to do it at all. There are many benefits, including:

1. Avoid disease.

Pruning a bush allows airflow and sunlight into the center of the bush, preventing the build up of bacteria, mould and a range of plant diseases. This will keep your bush happier and healthier, for longer.

2. Promote healthy growth.

Plants take a lot of energy to grow, and you want that energy focused where it can be used best. When the dead and dying parts of a plant are cut away, the growth will be concentrated in the healthy shoots — which will give you fruit.

3. Easy access.

If the gooseberry bush is matted and congested, you’ll have difficulty accessing the fruit when it's ripe for the picking. When you open up the bush with a good pruning, gooseberries are much more accessible and you'll literally be able to taste the fruits of your labor.

Now that we’ve established the importance of pruning your gooseberry bush, it’s important to note that it should only be done at certain times.

Gooseberry bush pruning should be done in winter, from early June to mid-July. Fruit bushes are dormant during the winter, so this is when you want to prune. They only need to be pruned once a year to promote healthy growth.

To successfully prune, you’ll need three tools — secateurs, thick gloves, and a bucket. Since gooseberry bushes are incredibly thick and thorny, you’ll want to make sure your gloves don’t have any holes in them.

How to prune gooseberry bushes.

Step one for pruning is to pick out the branches that are dead, dry, or overly congested. Remove those parts of the bush with your secateurs to the point at which they are healthy. Try to ensure that the no parts of the shrub get too sparse — you want it to stay mostly even.
After that, remove any overgrowth in the centre of the bush. The ideal shape for a gooseberry bush is that of an open, upward facing palm. This lets the light into the centre of the bush, and makes for easy pickings come summer.
If there are any branches older than 3-4 years, you’ll also want to remove them. These are going to be less productive that younger branches, and removing them will promote the growth of new ones. If your plant is mature, you ultimately want to have around 10 main branches – of course, if you plant is younger it will probably have quite a few less.
After you've finished pruning you just need to collect your cuttings, dispose of them as green waste, and let your bush grow! There should be gooseberries ready to pick by early summer.

When in doubt, leave it to a professional Perth gardener.

Even if you know what to do, gooseberry pruning still isn’t top of the priority list for a lot of people. In any case, it’s unlikely that the only gardening you have to do is gooseberry pruning — there’s probably weeding, mulching, lawn care, and more. Sounds like you need Two Gloves...

Tell us about your gardening needs, and we’ll give you a free gardening quot e .

4 Tips to Read Before You Start Planting a Garden

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:11:41 GMT

Planting a garden in Perth? Here are four things to consider.

Planting and maintaining a garden in Perth is a year-round activity. Starting a garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to do some planning, research, and preparation before you get planting. Let’s look at four areas to go over before you start transforming your outdoor space.

1. Consider your space.

Look around your yard and consider what kind of environment you’ll be providing for your flower, bushes, trees, and so on. Is there much shade? Do you have a full-sun outdoor area? You’ll need to strategically choose plants that will survive in the conditions your backyard and front yard provide. If you have a north-facing garden, you'll need to choose plants that prefer shade. If your garden is east or west facing, it will get more sun and so plants that like full sun are best.

Additionally, is there retic in place already? Will you be adding this? If not, can you commit to regular hand watering to keep your garden healthy and thriving?

2. Choose plants that suit your climate.

Of course, you need to choose plants that can grow in Perth. Obviously, anything you can find at your local Bunnings or plant nursery will be suitable, but you may like to go further than that. For example, you might like to have a garden that exclusively features native Perth plants.

3. Think about what you want from your space.

A garden is a place where you can enjoy nature and unwind after a long day. It’s a space to entertain, play, garden, and spend time with family and friends. The type of garden you’ll keep will largely depend on the space you have available and the kind of lifestyle you have (or want to have).

For example, if you have young children, you might like an expansive lawn for them to run around on. If you have boisterous or curious pets, you’ll need to ensure the plants are a little hardier and non-toxic in case they get ingested. If you’re a fanatical gardener, you might want your yard bursting with florals, and if you’re a MasterChef, perhaps you’re keen to keep a huge veggie patch or herb garden. If you want to minimise your environmental footprint, you’ll want a native garden with plants that need very little water.

You get the idea — when designing a garden in Perth, you must consider what you want from your garden on top of what’ll look good.

4. Don't forget about garden maintenance and ongoing costs.

Homeowners often get caught up in the excitement of planning and starting a garden, but forget that a beautiful yard is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing maintenance. Of course, some gardens are low-maintenance (e.g. if you use artificial turf instead of real lawn), but basically no gardens are no-maintenance. Depending on the kind of space you create, garden maintenance and associated costs might include:

Watering.
Weeding.
Pruning and tree lopping.
Mulching.
Fertilising.
Mowing.
Green waste removal.
Pest control.
Reticulation repairs.

As you can see, there’s a lot of work that goes into keeping a beautiful garden. Garden maintenance is one type of upkeep many homeowners outsource so they can enjoy a beautiful Perth garden all year, without the hassle of personally taking on the task.

Need a hand? Or perhaps... Two Gloves?

Whether you want help planning a garden or need a hand with the maintenance part, we’re ready to pull on the gloves. Contact us for a free gardening quote and you’ll be enjoying your garden in no time.

6 Herbs You Can Plant in Perth That Will Grow Year-Round

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:11:21 GMT

Six different herbs you can plant in Perth that will grow all year.

The climate in Perth is famously hot and dry with the occasional cool change. Despite soaring temperatures, you can grow plants here. Of course, there are endless types of plants you can plant in Perth. Some only grow during certain seasons, while others will thrive throughout the year.

Whether you’re cultivating a herb garden to boost your culinary skills or just enjoy tending plants as a hobby, below are six different herbs that will grow year-round in Perth. These can be grown outdoors in a dedicated garden patch, a raised garden bed, or even indoors on your kitchen windowsill.

1. Basil

Basil is best known as a culinary herb with a sweet, aromatic flavour. Mainly used in savoury dishes, it’s particularly popular in Italian and Thai food. Basil prefers moist soil — not too wet and not too dry. Although basil loves warm weather, a hot midday sun can be rather harsh. If you see wilting during the peak hours for summer, you may need to add light shade over your basil plant. Water regularly and fertilise with an organic fertiliser to keep the plant healthy.

2. Sage

Sage is an enduring herb with a strong flavour that goes well in traditional western dishes, such as roasts. It’s a hardy plant that grows well in Perth's dry, sunny climate and is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. Plant sage in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and water regularly.

3. Lavender

Lavender might not be the first herb you think of when it comes to growing a herb garden, but it’s actually one of the most versatile herbs we have available to us. This flowering plant not only looks beautiful, but can be brewed as a tea, used in foods, used to make the home aromatic, and as a natural remedy for headaches, stress, and insomnia — people have been doing so for centuries! One of the most popular uses of lavender is aromatherapy where it can be inhaled or applied directly on the skin to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Many people make their own lavender oil, which can be diluted with water and sprayed on pillows before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.

Lavender can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing the roots of an established plant. When planting lavender from seeds, it’s important to use seeds no more than one year old and to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. After this, the soil can be well-draining and watered regularly (but not continually moist).

4. Rosemary

With a pleasant flavour and aroma, rosemary is a herb often used in cooking but has many other uses. It can be used to make tea for a calming effect, or you can use it to make your home smell nice by putting it in potpourri. Rosemary is also good at naturally repelling insects, so you could plant some strategically around your garden to keep pesky bugs away.

Plant rosemary in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and water regularly.

5. Oregano

Another perennial herb, oregano delivers a striking flavour and is often seen in pizzas and pasta sauce. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano is a great fit for Perth's climate and is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. Like most of our other herbs, oregano loves well-draining soil, a nice sunny position, and regular watering.

6. Thyme

Thyme has been used as a medicinal herb in the past, but now it’s a popular choice as a ground-covering plant. As a ground cover plant, thyme helps keep weeds from growing in the garden. It can also be planted around trees and shrubs to provide some root protection during the colder winter months. Of course, thyme is also great for cooking! With a pungent, aromatic flavour, it’s especially common in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

With either seeds or a transplant, thyme does best in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water it regularly, and you’ll have heaps of thyme on your hands in… well, no time!

Need great gardening advice?

We’ve got green thumbs and great gardening advice tailored to the Perth region. Whether you want to plant a herb garden or need general gardening maintenance, Two Gloves are ready! Contact us for a free gardening quote.

The Complete Guide to Pruning Roses in Perth, Western Australia

scott@twogloves.au (Scott Ingram) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 03:52:00 GMT

What is pruning and why is it important for roses?

Pruning is the art of removing dead or dying branches, shoots and leaves from a plant. Pruning can also include the removal of healthy flora to encourage new, fuller growth. Not all bushes and trees require pruning, but most do, and roses especially do.

Maintaining striking roses requires a lot of care and attention, but they can be very rewarding when you take care of them properly. A part of this care involves diligent pruning. Pruning is important for roses because it helps them to grow healthier by reducing (or removing) diseases, encouraging air circulation, and letting in more light. This all helps roots go deeper, which in turn helps the plant become more established, which in turn again encourages plentiful flower production. This is because the plant is focusing its energy on producing beautiful blooms for the next season, rather than trying to “feed” and repair damaged or diseased foliage.

Pruning roses also makes them more attractive by giving them a neat, tidy appearance. An established, unpruned rose bush will still bloom, but will have a messy unkempt appearance with lots of dead material throughout.

The best time to prune roses.

The best time to prune roses depends on the climate you live in. The best time to prune roses in Perth is during winter when roses go into hibernation and naturally stop producing new growth. As a result, roses are less likely to suffer from stress or shock when they’re cut back. This also gives them time to adjust and prepare for the spring-summer season when they’re most active.

The best time to prune roses in Perth is in July.

How much you should prune.

Before we jump into the “how”, let’s talk about “how much”. How much you should take off your roses depends on the type of rose plant you have as well as its age. For example, newly planted and young roses should be only lightly pruned to avoid shocking them to death — you may not need to prune them at all. For older, generally healthy roses, you can experiment with a few different methods (light, moderate, or severe).

After a few seasons, you’ll work out which method your plant enjoys best or what they need most for that specific season.

A light pruning removes less than a third of the plant. If your rosebush has a nice natural shape, healthy bloom, and little-to-no disease, you have the luxury of being very selective with your cuts. You’re really pruning out of maintenance as opposed to plant health.
A moderate pruning cuts the plant down to about 60cm high, with about 10 shoots coming from the base. Do this if you want to adjust the branching structure of your plant and help facilitate a different shape. Of course, this will also encourage new growth and better flowering.
A severe pruning is truly an overhaul and can leave your rose looking a little worse for wear once complete. Don’t be shocked by the plant's now-naked appearance, it’ll thank you for the severe pruning later! Here, you’ll want to take roses down to about 20cm in height with five shoots coming from the base. It’s ideal for very unruly roses or older ones that aren’t performing well. With this method, some varieties may not bloom well right away — this is normal as they may focus on growing new stems instead of flowering.

How to prune roses.

Roses have a reputation for being difficult to prune, and this can seem like an overwhelming task if you’ve never done it before. Don't let their thorns — and sometimes unruly growth — prevent you from giving your rosebushes a good haircut. It’s probably easier than you think, and very satisfying! Once people get the hang of it, many find it to be quite an enjoyable — and even relaxing — activity.

What gear you need to prune roses.

All you need to get prune your roses are a pair of thick gardening gloves, sharp pruning sheers, and a bucket for the pruned material (so you can easily transfer it to your bin).

General rose-pruning tips.

We’re almost at our handy step-by-step rose pruning guide, but here are three things to remember while you’re reading through that.

Wait until rosebushes are in hibernation. In Perth, this happens in winter, usually towards the end of July.
All final cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle.
You don’t need to seal the cuts as roses are wonderful self-healers. However, some Perth gardeners prefer to seal cuts with a dab of white glue to help prevent diseases and pest problems, such as rose cane borers . This is only really necessary if you have a garden prone to pests.

A step-by-step guide to pruning Perth roses.

Start by removing dead branches and canes. Cut back to live wood, which usually looks green on the outside.
Remove “woody growth”. This growth may not be dead or dying, but isn’t giving you much foliage either.
Prune diseased or damaged branches back to live wood. Diseased branches might look scraggly, weak, be overly bendy, or have foliage with spots, discolouration, or bug tracks/bites in them.
Clip away any branches that cross through the centre of the plant — you want to encourage roses to grow outwards, not inwards.
Remove any growth that is simply thinner or weaker than the rest. This will encourage the rose to focus on already strong branches.
If any remaining branches rub against each other, cut away the smaller ones.
Lastly, finish up the pruning by shaping the rosebush to your liking. You can shape it however you like, but shaping the top of the plant into more of a dome (as opposed to a flat top) will help the plant flower from top to bottom.

When in doubt, leave it to a professional Perth gardener.

Even if you know what to do, rose pruning still isn’t top of the priority list for a lot of people. In any case, it’s unlikely that the only gardening you have to do is rose pruning — there’s probably weeding , mulching , lawn care , and more. Sounds like you need Two Gloves...