Pretty Useful Tips

GETTING STARTED: DIY FOR DUMMIES

Pretty Useful Tools in Hand? Ready to kick off your first DIY project with style and flair? Here's a practical checklist to make sure you've got what it takes to start (and finish) the job:

1. Do a mental overview of the project first (for bigger jobs, you might want to write down the steps). Make sure that you understand all that is required of you from start to finish. If you're not sure about anything, get advice from someone who's done it before or ask the smartest looking chap at your local DIY store. Make sure you have all the Pretty Useful Tools you require for the job along with anything you might need to clean up. You may want to book a manicure for afterwards too - just  a thought.

2. Start off small and be realistic about your expectations. If you've never 'DIY'ed before , consider completing a few small projects first (like mounting a shelf or painting a windowsill) before trying your hand at bigger ones. For bigger DIY projects, why not select an area where it will least affect your lifestyle if left unfinished or if it doesn't turn out the way you expect. Practice techniques first - if you need to mount brackets, try doing it on a piece of scrap wood before you attack the teak paneling in your study.

3. Make a list of materials you need - and buy them in sufficient quantities before you start the project. That way you'll minimise the need for additional trips to your local hardware store and you'll be more focused for the job. Ending up with more wall than paint is embarrassing, if you mixed the colour yourself - it's devastating!

4. Know where to seek help if needed and bribe friends and family to help out too if needed (sometimes two pairs of hands gets you three times as far). If there's any chance you could get hurt while on the job, having company (or at least a cell phone) with you while you work is a MUST.

5. Stay inspired. DIY books and magazines, relevant web sites, and DIY-savvy friends and relatives are all great places to get ideas for your next project. If you are about to venture into a completely new territory, you might find it helpful to hire a professional for a few hours and try to learn the essential techniques from them. You'll be surprised how inspired and empowered you'll feel as you become aware of what your new skills and all the creative projects you can use them on!

BACKYARD GARDENING: LITTLE IS LOVELY

Backyard gardening is a big trend internationally and is now (finally) catching on in South Africa too. Gardening is not just for the suburbs and offers a variety of benefits for the stressed urbanites amongst you too. It's hard to name them all, but relaxation and improved aesthetics are right up there. Gardening can also provide exercise from the “easy-does-it” to a full workout, depending on how hard you want to work. Another benefit is simply the excuse to be out in the fresh air and, of course, your plants will contribute to making the air even fresher. You're contributing to the environment and society in general. You deserve a reward, but for now accept reduced tension and fresh home-grown vegetables and herbs as your prize.

There's a natural sense of satisfaction in planting seeds and watching them grow, especially in built up urban environments where there's often a shortage of foliage. There's also something very satisfying about digging in the soil and getting your hands dirty. If you're a mum or dad, let your kids plant their own seeds and take care of them, choosing 'fun' fruit and veg like melons or pumpkins in addition to flowers or trees. Gardening is a great tool for teaching little ones about nature's cycle, as well as providing productive family time.

Here are some handy tips for you to follow to make backyard gardening a real pleasure

1. Plan your space carefully and take note of the broader situation, paying particular note of sunlight hours, average temperatures and pollution levels. For bigger spaces, you may want to draw up a plan to scale (Let 1CM = 1M for instance) using your Pretty Useful Tape Measure, a ruler, pencil and two sheets of paper (one white and one coloured). Next, find out how much space the plants you are considering will take up when fully grown. Cut these out to scale from a second sheet of coloured paper and try different positions and combinations on your plan until you find a layout that works in the space you have with plants that will respond well to the light conditions available.

2. Find out what soil you're dealing with. If you're planting in beds, take a sample of the soil to your local nursery and ask someone (preferably who looks wise and knowledgeable) whether it is appropriate for the seeds or seedlings you're looking to plant - if not ask them how to change the soil or to suggest suitable plants that would fit your plan and budget. If you're using planters then simple make sure that you get the correct type of soil to start off with.

3. Make sure you have your Pretty Useful Spade, Fork and Secateurs handy along with gloves and any other tools you might need to make planting and maintaining your garden easy and glamorous.

4. Don't forget to find out about watering and fertilising requirements. You might also want to consider an automatic sprinkler system, especially if you're often away on business or leisure trips. You may also want to invest in a mini compost bin to make your own compost and minimise your household waste.

5. Consider productive plants such as fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. Aside from the attractive addition to your courtyard or balcony, producing a dish with homegrown organic ingredients is sure to impress your the guests at your next dinner party.