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How to Win Tug of War
Although it may seem simple, winning a game of tug of war is down to strategy and not just strength. Behind a winning team, there’s often technique, thoughtful formation, and synchronisation. Learn the basic rules, how to win a match, top tips, and how to choose the right rope in our comprehensive guide.
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How to Make a Hanging Basket
If you want an easy way to inject some colour into your outdoor space this year, a hanging basket is an excellent way to customise your garden while putting your green fingers to use. Read on as we break down our simple step-by-step guide and how Garden Ropes can help. What you’ll need If you want to make a hanging basket, you’ll need the following: A basket made of wire or wicker Liner Water-retaining gel Peat-free compost Chosen plants A rope To ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible, beneficial extras can also include gloves, scissors, a trowel, a watering can, and sturdy hooks or brackets. Choosing the right rope Choosing a high-quality rope is essential to make sure that your hanging basket remains functional and aesthetic. Synthetic Hemp or Polyhemp ropes are outstanding options that are often chosen for their hardwearing and long-lasting properties. They are resistant to UV rays, shrinking, and rotting, allowing for a premium and natural look with minimal maintenance. Or if you would prefer natural ropes, then consider Flax Hemp, Sisal, or Manila ropes. A step-by-step guide Prepare the basket Fit the liner in the basket, making sure that it’s snug before trimming any excess. If you need the basket to remain steady, pop it on a bucket or pot. This step is also a great time to cut holes in the basket if needed to prevent waterlogged compost, which can lead to root rot and dying flowers and plants. Add compost and feed Next, add your compost to the basket. Using a high-quality peat-free or multi-purpose compost is best. For optimal results, mixing slow-release feed and water-retaining gel into the basket compost will help to prevent dryness. Choosing your plants When filling your hanging basket, you receive freedom to select whichever plants you wish, whether you’re considering herbs or flowers, bright colours or neutrals. Some popular hanging basket plants include: Fuschias Petunias Lobelias Geraniums You may also wish to vary your basket depending on the seasons, with colourful foliage in spring and summer and warmer hues towards autumn. Many gardeners opt for a combination of upright plants, bushy plants, and trailing plants. Hang it securely A sunny, sheltered, and easily accessible spot is a prime location when finding somewhere suitable for your hanging basket, protecting it from winds but ensuring that it can photosynthesise. Hanging baskets can bear a reasonable amount of weight, especially after watering. So it's important that you use tough and strong rope, chains, hooks, and brackets to properly secure the basket in place. Maintenance Watering can depend on your personalised plants and flowers, but checking daily is a good way to keep soil moist and flowers in top health. Removing dead flowers (deadheading) when necessary and feeding your plants regularly can make sure your flowers bloom as well as possible. How Garden Ropes can help Here at Garden Ropes, we supply first-class ropes that offer a number of benefits, so you can access expert utensils to create a hanging basket that aligns with your vision. Our team are also here to provide custom recommendations and advice based on your needs. So, if you’re still unsure as to which product meets your project’s requirements, get in touch.
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Garden ideas for kids
It can be tricky to find inventive ways to consistently keep your kids entertained. Especially with sunny days right around the corner, it’s a great time to turn your outdoor space into an imaginative play area. Discover fun, easy, and safe garden ideas for kids with the help of Garden Ropes. The best child-friendly garden ideas Swing Rope swings offer safe and endless fun for all ages. Easy to install and promises a wealth of enjoyment without ever encountering boredom. There are also many types out there, including monkey and seat swings for ultimate customisation for your garden space. You can also choose between wooden, plastic, or rubber depending on your needs and style. Looking for more information on how to install rope swings? Take a look at our installation guide. Climbing rope If you’re looking for a simple but beneficial addition to your garden, a climbing rope is an excellent way for your little one to develop confidence and awareness during challenges while accessing an enhanced level of fun. If you want to make adventurous play a little more user-friendly, opt for a climbing rope with knots or a rope ladder. These installations are also brilliant for improving upper body, core, and grip strength, coordination, and teaching children risk awareness. Weaving wall A weaving wall involves both horizontal and vertical pieces of rope which cross over. The weaving wall is an excellent way for children to bring their creativity to life. What’s more, it provides a calming activity that keeps little ones occupied. Whether they want to use leaves, fabric, ribbons, or flowers, they can also practice dexterity, fine motor skills, grip, and hand-eye coordination. A weaving wall can easily be used by tying rope in a grid, using two fence posts as a frame. They're easy to make using synthetic hemp rope or polypropylene rope, which we stock in a range of colours and sizes. It's resistant to UV and is weatherproof – ideal for outdoor use. Den building If your little one prefers a quiet space, maybe for reading, drawing, or bringing their imagination to life. An outdoor den or reading nook is a simple DIY project to create a portal to a new world. Simply attach a rope between two posts, trees, or pieces of garden furniture. Next, just hang a sheet of lightweight fabric or tarpaulin and secure it in place. For optimal results, choosing polypropylene or synthetic hemp rope offers resistance to outdoor conditions. It’s important to ensure that tight ropes are not kept at neck height for safety reasons. How Garden Ropes can help Here at Garden Ropes, we’re home to an assortment of ropes for a multitude of purposes to transform your child’s garden. What’s more, our team are experts in what they do. We've worked in ropes for almost 100 years, meaning we’re equipped to provide comprehensive advice and solutions. Browse through our products today, or if you’re looking for more ideas or unsure as to what rope’s best for you, get in touch today.
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How to create rope fencing for gardens
If you’re looking to improve your outdoor space but are unsure how, rope fencing is an outstanding way to start. They’re also easy to make! Read on as we look at how to build rope fencing for gardens and how Garden Ropes can help.
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Five ideas for the garden this summer
With longer days and lighter nights fast approaching, you may be wondering how to make the most of your garden this summer. Find inspiration with five ideas for the garden this summer that are easy and can massively enhance your space using products from Garden Ropes.
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How to make a cat scratching post
Keep your cat happy (and your furniture safe!)Discover how to make a beautiful, durable cat scratching post using natural jute, sisal or hemp rope. A simple DIY project with a lovely natural look for your home or garden.
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Natural or synthetic rope for my garden?
Natural or synthetic rope for my garden? It's your choice, and here we help you choose!
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Rope rails bring your project to life
Our rope makes fantastic rails, on decking, along beds, around lawns - and in the house too!
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Give your garden decking a makeover!
Use our top quality rope to give your garden a makeover.
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Make this clever rose tripod for your garden!
You can use our rope to support garden plants in lots of different ways.
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Flax hemp – a timeless choice for furniture renovations
Flax hemp is a lovely, tactile natural rope, made of plant fibres. It is strong yet beautifully flexible and perfect for lots of uses!
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