The Dangers of a blocked gutter

 

A historic issue with the operation of guttering on a house is and has been the build-up of debris, moss and leaves in their gutters. The main cause of this has been the standard practise of roofing contractors or DIY people of fitting what is called a bell or balloon type strainer in the top of the downpipe to prevent debris, leaves, moss from going down the downpipe. This may be done with good intensions; however, the leaves and moss collect around the strainer and block it. This means someone must climb a ladder to clean it, with the inherent danger of falling off the ladder.

Dirt getting into your tanks and barrels leads to complications as it blocks up the flow of water leading to an inefficient and ineffective water harvesting system. This is where the Gutter Mate Diverter & Filter provides you with a simple yet effective solution.  Find out more today...

The new look is showcased via its website which brings together a variety of brands that work under the GM8 Group umbrella. It’s the perfect way to share resources and develop potential to reduce our impact on the environment and protect our planet’s finite natural resources. From ingenious composting and rain water harvesting to garden-based growing… the GM8 Group offers a range of cost-effective solutions for anyone who is interested in sustainable and smarter living, at home and at work.

Originally a family business, the GM8 Group actively designs, manufactures and sells products that help the environment and save money wherever possible. The group is keen to expand its range further: “We strive to provide more opportunities for smarter living and working,” says Mark Robinson, Managing Director of the GM8 Group. “We are excited about the flexibility that our new structure provides and our plans for the future.”

Mark adds: “Our product range is proactively increasing and we work hard to ensure that we offer consistently good customer service. The GM8 Group is a great source for anyone who is enthusiastic about living and working in a way that saves money wherever possible and helps to protect our environment.”

Existing customers already enjoy the increased range of products and the great offers available. To find out more, discover the range of brands within the GM8 Group and sign up for the regular savings and tips to save money and discover great tips for environmentally-friendly living.

Do you have a Passion for Plants?

Gardeners across the UK are getting ready for National Gardening Week, (30 April – 6 May). This annual celebration of all aspects of gardening was started by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 2011. This year, the theme is Passion for Plants.

National Gardening Week was created to raise awareness of gardening and horticulture, and to encourage more people to take part in the healthy and productive outdoor activity of gardening.

It’s a great opportunity to celebrate all things gardening. Every year individuals and businesses get involved, reaching millions of people across the country and encouraging them to get out and garden. Hundreds of gardens, cultural organisations, museums and heritage sites also take part.

4 Ways to celebrate National Gardening Week

1. Get Involved

There are lots of workshops, walks and activities taking place across the country. Find out what’s happening in your area and join in. The more the merrier!

National Gardening Week is a great opportunity to inspire your family and friends to get involved with gardening. From trying ‘grow your own’, to adding a splash of colour to your outside space or helping the environment and your budget by recycling rainwater… gardening is enjoyable and rewarding. You could even try composting with a wormery!

2. Get Gardening

Many of us know that there are jobs that we need to do outside – maybe sprucing up our flower beds, or tidying the lawn. National Gardening Week is the perfect incentive to get your outside space looking fabulous.



3. Try Something New

Whether it’s growing tomatoes, creating colourful window boxes, composting or harvesting rainwater for your garden... there are lots of tips and advice available during National Gardening Week to help you get started and make the most your garden. Plus – we can help with the extra garden tools you may need.

4. Host an Event

National Gardening Week aims to encourage gardeners of all ages to share their love of gardening. Get the family involved! Try a gardening gathering – you’ll be amazed at how much gardening know how your friends and family have! It’s also a great way to get the kids outdoors and involved.

The GM8 Group offers a range of different products to help you make the most of your garden. Take a look at our range of brands – and enjoy National Gardening Week.

Spring is a busy time in the garden! The weather is finally improving, so it’s a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. Here is a list of jobs to do – and enjoy – in your garden this April…

1. Lawn Care

Rake out any dead moss with a scarifier and then fork over to improve drainage. It’s also great to give your lawn a dose of lawn fertiliser. Mow your lawn more regularly as required, lowering your towards the end of the month. Remember - your grass cuttings are ideal for composting! (Try our award-winning compost converter.)

2. Flower Power

Now it the time to plant perennials, grasses and summer bulbs. Half-hardy flowers can be sown in trays and kept on a windowsill or in the greenhouse. Remove any faded flowers from early-flowering bulbs, especially daffodils. If you want them to naturalise, then leave flowers on snowdrops, crocus and other small bulbs. Try planters for a decorative wow-factor for your outside space.

3. Sowing Seeds

Early sowings outside may prove difficult due to the cold and wet soil at this time. Use cloches to warm up the soil of prepared areas, leaving them in place for at least two or three weeks. Then, the soil can be raked prior to seed sowing and planting out of young seedlings. Replace the cloches giving the young plants a good start.

4. Grow Your Own

Now is the time to sow direct carrots, peas, beetroot, winter cabbages, broccoli, salad crops and much more. Marrows, courgettes, pumpkins, squashes and tomatoes can all be sown in a heated greenhouse or propagator.

Plus, you can work at a comfortable height with our raised beds. Our Ergo raised bed can be flexibly expanded in height and length and can also be used as a composter.

5. Weeding

Keep on top of your weeding. Doing this regularly will mean a weed free plot, and nowhere for pests (especially slugs) to hide. Even better - our Easy Fill Bag Loader turns a standard bin liner into a rigid container that stands up on its own. It keeps your hands free for loading and your bin liner puncture-free!

6. Take Time Out!

Don’t forget to take a few moments to sit and relax after your hard work.
Enjoy watching your garden come to life this spring, spotting the early growth and colour of spring. Use our sturdy boot scraper and boot pull to ease off your boots and put your feet up!

The GM8 Group offers a range of products to help you to love your garden. Take a look at our online brands and see how our range of products can help you to live in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way.