One key consideration in your home and garden that can really make a difference to the planet is your choice of materials. Timber is a popular choice of sustainable material for a whole heap of reasons. In this blog post, we look at what makes timber so sustainable, and how you can embrace it in your garden.
What is sustainable timber?
Sustainable timber comes from sustainably managed forests certified by reputable organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
FSC certification involves rigorous standards that cover a range of criteria, including forest management planning, conservation of biodiversity, protection of indigenous peoples' rights, and adherence to workers rights.
These certifications ensure that the timber is harvested in a way that promotes responsible forestry practices, including reforestation and wildlife conservation.
A considerable proportion of the materials we use originates from Scandinavia. The distinct climate of this region results in slower timber growth, which produces wood with denser characteristics and smaller growth rings. This is good for two reasons – not only does it facilitate easier planing and machining, but it also results in a higher grade compared to alternative options available in the market.
Scandinavia boasts plentiful reserves of responsibly harvested timber, adhering to the rigorous standards set by either the FSC or PEFC schemes. This not only ensures the quality of the timber but also underscores its sustainability.
How to embrace timber in your garden
Timber is versatile and can be used on a range of features in your garden. Timber makes a great material for:
Salvaged or recycled timber can be a good option for some of the less hard-wearing parts of your garden, such as beds and planters, compost heaps etc. This can add a bit of rustic charm to your garden, and also mean you are saving wood from ending up in landfills.
Treating and caring for timber
Sustainable wood treatment is an important step in protecting timber from the elements and extended its lifespan.
All the timber we use for our bin, bike and log stores is treated with TANALITH E, a timber preservative which does not contain chromium or arsenic. The organic biocides in combination with copper have been specially selected to give optimum performance. The selection of the biocides takes into account the ultimate fate and disposal of the treated timber with minimum environmental impact.
So it would seem timber is the perfect choice of material when looking to spruce up your garden or solve your garden storage needs. Rustic charm plus it's good for the planter – what's not to like!
]]>In this blog post, we have a look at ways you can embrace vertical gardening in your life, and some top tips for installing and keeping on top of it.
Why vertical?
A trend that is being embraced across the globe, vertical gardening isn't just about aesthetics, though that is a massive plus. It's the perfect solution if you have limited space, either inside or out. When you discover your garden isn't just limited to the ground, you open up so many more opportunities. If the outdoor (or indoor) space you have is small, such as a balcony or a small hallway, utilising the wall space for planting means you don't need to use up any floor space for plants but can still embrace greenery in your home.
Living walls are also surprisingly easy to maintain. Our PlantBox vertical living wall planters are suitable for both internal or external use, and come with a built-in watering system. This holds 1.8L of water per trough in a reservoir, and the included capillary wicking felt helps distribute water to plants evenly and keep your living wall planter thriving. A water level indicator will show you when to top-up, but watering is generally only needed every 1-2 weeks under normal conditions. Ideal!
How to embrace vertical gardening
Living wall planters are a very easy and practical solution for creating a live green wall, either inside or outside the house.
Once you've decided to opt for living green wall space, you then get to explore what kind of plants you'd like to give a new home to. If cooking is your bag, you can plant yourself a luscious herb garden, giving you a plenty of fresh supplies. If colour and vibrancy are your thing, you can plant perennials outside that will reappear every year and give you great colour. If you're not very green-fingered, or perhaps you have to travel a lot for work, succulents are a great low-maintenance option for you. Trailing vines also work well in hanging environments and the trailing nature of them just gives an incredible look.
Invest in a high-quality potting mix that provides proper drainage and nutrients for your plants.
All you then need to do is make sure the plants can access light, top up the water reservoir when needed, and prune back occasionally.
All in all, vertical gardening just seems to make perfect sense. When you're maximising space, giving your home a luscious, green lease of life and giving the environment a helping hand, you'll wonder why you didn't embrace it sooner.
Click here to see our range of living wall planting systems.
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Protect your bike from the elements
Rain, snow, dust and dirt can all wear your bike down over time. Too much exposure to rain will cause your bike to start to rust, so it's very important to protect your bike from the elements whenever you can. A covered, purpose built bike shelter a for your bike is the best way to protect your bike from damage. Plus, you'll save yourself getting a wet bum when you next take your bike out.
Store bikes in the right place
A floor rack or mount may be more suitable for a bulky or oversized bike than a wall or ceiling mount. Walls in your house may not be ideal for supporting heavy items without specific precautions. Additionally, wall mounting a bike has the potential to inflict damage on both the wall and the bike in the event of a fall. This means outdoor bike storage can often be a lot more practical.
Think secure
If storing bikes in a shared space or outdoors, ensure the storage area is secure. Use locks to prevent theft, and consider installing security measures like cameras or alarms.
Always lock your bike to a fixed and immovable object, such as a bike rack, a sturdy post, or a fixed metal structure. Avoid locking to temporary or weak structures that can be easily compromised.
Many of our customers install ground anchors in to their living roof bike sheds, which is an effective and safe way of securing your bike when keeping it outside.
Ensure regular maintenance
Maintaining your bike is just as important as having somewhere safe to store it. Cleaning it regularly is important to help prevent rust and damage.
Check your tyre pressure regularly, and inflate them to the recommended levels. Inspect your tyres for cuts, bulges, or excessive wear, and replace them if necessary.
If you aren't confident with bikes and what it takes to maintain them, schedule a regular service to keep on top of maintenance. A bike mechanic will also be able to flag any more serious issue with your cycle. Bike servicing is available at most cycle shops.
So whether you cycle for commuting, pleasure or both, there are several measures you can take to keep your bike in tip top condition, ready to roll when you use it next.
Our collection of bike storage products can be seen here.
]]>Founder and creator of Bluum, Dave Morgan, shares his journey to building a business combining sustainability, aesthetics and practicality.
What gave you the idea/inspiration to start Bluum?
I came up with the concept for Bluum’s green roof garden stores when I was working on a new house construction project. The council required a bin store in the front garden to conceal unsightly bins, and I was tasked with finding a visually appealing solution. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything suitable on the market.
Despite the availability of various wheelie bin stores, recycling bin stores, log stores, garden sheds, and garden tool storage options, none of them were aesthetically pleasing. I took matters into my own hands and designed the first store in 2013 - a triple bin store with a living green roof. To my delight, it's still standing strong, garnering compliments from neighbours and passers-by. It even withstood the challenges of a new house being built nearby, temporarily housing an electricity supply, and serving as a storage and charging point for tradespeople's tools.
What goes in to the making of your products?
In our workshop here in Bristol, I take pride in crafting unique and personalised products for your garden. From the initial design to the final assembly, each piece is crafted by hand, a process that begins with sourcing quality timber from local suppliers.
I am dedicated to creating custom products that cater to your specific needs, collaborating closely with you to ensure the end result is the perfect addition to your garden. The entire production is carried out using specialist tools, with a particular emphasis on precision achieved through renowned power tool brands such as Festool.
Before reaching your doorstep, each item undergoes a thorough pre-assembly in my workshop to guarantee a flawless fit. The products are then carefully dismantled and sent to you in convenient flat-packed panels, designed for straightforward self-assembly. Most items can be put together in less than 30 minutes, thanks to the full-colour instructions that make the process easy and enjoyable.
To ensure the safe and prompt delivery of your bespoke creation, I employ a private courier service. This commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service is what sets my workshop apart, and I am delighted to bring your garden vision to life.
Where do you get your passion for creating well-designed and functional products?
My passion for DIY, house renovations, and all things creative has been a driving force behind my work. It's not just a job for me; it's an expression of my genuine love for crafting and creating. Being a perfectionist with a keen eye for detail, I pour my heart into every project, ensuring that each item meets the highest standards.
I absolutely love the satisfaction of delivering exceptional service and hearing positive feedback from customers. We've achieved a 100% 5-star rating on Google reviews so far, a testament to the commitment I have to ensuring every customer has an outstanding experience.
Having been on the receiving end of frustrating online purchases that didn't quite live up to expectations, I understand the disappointment all too well. That personal experience fuelled my determination to go above and beyond, exceeding customers' expectations and providing them with products and service that truly stand out.
Tell us a bit about sustainability and where you source your materials?
When it comes to timber, I make it a point to buy from local yards, supporting businesses in my community. The timber I choose is carefully selected from sources accredited by either FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), ensuring that it meets stringent environmental and ethical standards.
A significant portion of the materials we use are actually grown in Scandinavia. The unique climate in that region results in slower timber growth. This leads to denser wood with smaller growth rings. The benefits are twofold – not only is the timber easier to plane and machine, but it also boasts a higher grade compared to other types available in the market.
Scandinavia is abundant with responsibly harvested timber, overseen by the meticulous standards of either the FSC or PEFC schemes. This ensures not only the quality of the timber but also its sustainability. By choosing materials from these sources, I contribute to the responsible and ethical practices that align with my values.
And what about your enthusiasm for wildlife, nature and the great outdoors? How did that become a big part of Bluum's ethos?
I had the privilege of growing up in the countryside, surrounded by a family of avid gardeners.
Now, I find myself living in a tranquil rural area, and I've carried my love for the outdoors into adulthood, embracing the role of a keen walker and gardener.
What's your favourite part about running Bluum? Any highlights?
I'm incredibly proud to share that we've achieved a remarkable record of 100% 5-star Google reviews to date, reflecting the satisfaction and positive experiences of my valued customers. What began as a small venture run from my own garage has evolved into becoming the premier producer of green roof garden storage products.
The recognition doesn't stop there – my products have been featured on Gardeners' World, BBC Breakfast and even found their way into an RHS book and several magazines.
]]>When it comes to making your garden more eco-friendly, small changes can make a big difference. Here are some places to start.
Green roof storage
In a world where we are all rightly becoming much more eco-conscious, green roofs are an innovative way to blend functionality, environmental benefits and aesthetics. As well as fulfilling the primary purpose of storage, there are a whole heap of other benefits to having some extra luscious greenery in your outdoor space.
Green roofs on bin stores serve as natural odour filters, helping to reduce unpleasant smells that often seep out from waste bins. Planting fragrant plants such as herbs or flowers will go the extra mile to really help your outdoor space stay smelling fresh. Have a look at what plants suit a green roof.
The green roof layer acts as insulation, helping to regulate temperatures within the bin store, thereby reducing the likelihood of odours intensifying due to the summer heat.
Plants and vegetation act to absorb noise, so the more you have in your garden, the better. Particularly in urban areas, green roofs can help to contribute towards reducing the noise from road traffic and the general hustle and bustle of city life.
The vegetation on green roofs helps towards biodiversity, attracting a variety of important pollinators including insects, bees and birds.
A green roof on top of your log store protects your firewood from excessive moisture, preserving the quality of the wood by preventing rot. At the same time, having an outdoor log store makes sure your logs get adequate air flow, also helping to prevent rot and mould.
Sustainably-sourced timber also adds an aesthetic touch, offering a much more attractive option than plastic products available.
Indigenous plants
Choose native plants indigenous to your region wherever you can. They are adapted to the local climate and soil, helping biodiversity and providing habitats for local wildlife.
Composting
Creating your own compost is a great way to efficiently reuse kitchen waste. You will then have organic soil to use in the garden and will save yourself some pennies by having to buy less fertiliser and soil from the garden centre. Our beehive style compost bins offer a very cute way to make your own compost.
Chemical-free pest control
There are several natural techniques to use that repel pests and help preserve your plants but still don't harm other wildlife. For instance, planting marigolds alongside vegetables can deter certain insects. Copper strips around your vegetation can help prevent slugs from eating your plants.
With some simple changes, it's easy to see how you can turn your garden in to an even friendlier place for wildlife and the environment.
]]>Here are some ideas for plants that only need a shallow planting area of 50mm or less, and will therefore have a lovely time nestled in your green roof. Each Bluum green roof planter has up to 90mm of planting depth available.
Sedum and moss
Mat-forming species of sedum, sempervivum (or 'houseleeks') and moss suit a green roof well. Common sedum species used include sedum acre, sedum rupestre, and sedum album. Planting sedums and moss is an excellent a way of having evergreen plants as a feature covering your living roof - making it green in name and in nature.
Sedum acre, also known as golden moss, produces lovely yellow flowers through the summer, giving a nice splash of colour to your roof. It also can look pretty spilling over the roof and down the sides, for an even more natural look.
Sedum makinoi, also known as golden Japanese stonecrop, also flowers in summer adding a splash of colour, and all year round. Its attractive small, rounded leaves make a nice addition to your garden for an element of that Japanese style.
Crocus
Crocuses are perennials and will flower every spring. They suit being planted in a shallow planting area. They also provide a good early flowering food source for our good friend the bee. What's not to like?! There are a few variations to choose from, including pickwick, snowbunting and albus, allowing you to choose from a selection of colours. Their short-stemmed, elegant flowers add great colour to any living roof.
Freesia
These lovely perennials flower from June to September. They will flower about 12 to 14 weeks after planting so get them planted in the spring. They are a bit trickier to grow so can be best to buy them cut, or check out the Royal Horticultural Society website for tips on how to grow them from bulbs.
Aromatic Herbs
Famous for thriving in arid and stony environments, fragrant herbs are an ideal pick for your green roof, bringing scents to your outdoor space and offering a ready stash for keen cooks. Varieties like Common Thyme and Greek Oregano serve superbly as ground-hugging plants in sunny spots, typically reaching heights between 10 and 30cm.
Sisyrinchium
Also known as yellow-eyed grass, blue-eyed grass or golden-eyed grass, these stunning plants from the iris family are very easy to grow. Its tall stems with cluster-flowers make it an extremely cheery addition to your garden when the flowers are in bloom. All year-round, the foliage is green and it’s a perennial and will flower every year.
There are plenty of options to get your green roof looking, bright, colourful and full of life. Read more about the benefits of a green roof.
]]>In the blog we'll have a look at some ways you can lend a helping hand this winter.
Leave your compost heap as undisturbed as possible
Bees that go overground during winter like to find little nooks and crannies to nest it and they might set up shop in your compost heap. As a result, it's best not to disturb your compost as much as possible. Better still, you could even poke holes in it to allow for little bee nesting places.
Our beehive style compost bin makes a great shelter for bees in the winter, complete with little holes they can use to fly in and out. Plus, it's a lovely-looking addition to your garden.
Plants and flowers
Having a diverse range of plants in your garden is really important to make sure you have something flowering at different times of the year. Crocus works especially well with our green roofs as it only needs a shallow planting area and flowers in the winter. In fact, a green roof on your bin, bike or log store is a great way to provide for wildlife all year round.
You could also consider honeysuckle and winter aconite, snowdrop, bluebell, hyacinth, which are all bee-friendly during winter time. Winter-flowering fruit trees are also great for bees if you can fit them in to your garden.
Minimise weeding
Early spring is when bees need to feed most, and they can get nectar from some of the earliest flowering weeds, like dandelions, before other plants have flowered. You can do bees a big favour and leave your weeding as long as you can until spring has truly sprung - this allows them more options to get much-needed nectar.
Create shelter
Some ways you can create shelter for bees during winter include:
Bee vigilant
Don't forget, some bees that are out of the hive during winter, particularly Queens, might need a bit of support. If you find a bee during winter, move it to a nearby flower if you can, or give it a mixture of sugar mixed with water to drink from. This will help give it enough energy to fly to a more suitable nesting place.
So with some simple steps in the garden, there are lots of things we can do to support our winged friends during the winter months.
]]>In this post we look at some ways to maximize space through effective organisation for your bins and bikes.
Optimise vertical space
In many cases, vertical space is underutlised. Shelving for your bin store can really help make the most of vertical space. Having a green roof on your bin or bike storage also means that you don't lose space for plants and greenery in your outdoor area, a two in one!
Help with organisation
Proper storage for your bins not only looks a lot neater and tidier outside your house, it also makes it really easy to see what goes where when it comes to taking the rubbish out. If you're feeling super organised, you can even add labels to the shelves on your bin store to make sure everyone in your household can easily tell what goes where.
Think secure
A bike shelter with ground anchor can be a more secure option than chaining it up to a fence or railing. It's important to make sure you have somewhere secure to lock your bike to at night.
Make use of the space you have
In urban living, many of us have small gardens if a garden at all. A purpose-built bike store is often easier to squeeze into a space than a shed. An open-backed bike shelter means you can have it up against a wall or a fence, making even better use of precious space whilst saving on materials costs.
Protect against the elements
We've all had a recycling bin go walkies in the blustery British weather. Having a dedicated bin store helps prevent your bins being taken by a gale and having to hunt for it the next day! Equally, having a shelter for your bikes is important to help prevent rust and keep your bike in good condition.
So with a few easy adjustments and additions, it's easy to get your outdoor space looking neater, more organised and also helping you free up valuable space.
]]>E.O. Jones & Sons took home the top prize in the Central Sustainability category for their work on a pair of 19th century semi-detached properties.
A key part of the development included making sure the external features were also eco-friendly which is where Bluum came in.
All of our products are built using high quality timber from a sustainable source.
But crucially, a green living roof provides a heap of other environmental benefits.
We all need to play our part in creating a better habitat for wildlife in our outdoor spaces, and green roof helps do just that by attracting bees, birds and insects.
Not to mention the benefits having a green roof makes towards combating climate change in maximising the amount of green space you can create and helping to absorb pollutants.
The bin store in E.O Jones & Sons' development also makes a prominent feature of the recycling store, encouraging people to remember to recycle their household waste.
The award judges called the project a 'very well-executed EnerPhit project that succeeded in its aims and should inspire others to follow its low-carbon, energy-efficient principles.'
Check out our most popular product collections, of green roof garden stores:
]]>Selecting the right location for your log storage is important. It should be well-drained and away from direct contact with the ground. You should store logs on a raised platform or special log store to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
Wooden logs should ideally have a moisture content of around 20% for optimal burning. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels periodically. If the logs are too wet, allow them to dry further before using them as fuel.
You can prevent mould and decay of your logs by ensuring they get adequate airflow. Stack logs in a way that allows some air to circulate between them. An open-sided log store can help make sure your logs get the right amount of air.
Stacking logs neatly not only looks nicer but also makes it easier to access them. Create stable, straight stacks to prevent any movement or falling.
Protect your logs from rain and snow by covering the stack with a specially designed log store. A live, green roof on your log store will help protect it from the elements and gives lots of other benefits too.
If you've recently cut or acquired green logs, it's essential to allow them to season properly. This means drying the logs for an extended period, typically six months to a year, depending on the wood species. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote when used in stoves and fireplaces.
Logs can attract insects and pests, so you should take measures to deter them. Consider using natural, environmentally friendly methods like planting insect-repelling plants around your log storage area.
Check your log stacks regularly for signs of damage, decay, or rot. Remove any affected logs promptly to prevent the problem from spreading to the rest of the stack.
Make sure you use the oldest logs first and prevent any waste from decay by rotating your log stack. Putting new logs at the back and ensuring the oldest ones are at the front can help make sure you use your stock up in the right order.
Taking steps to store logs properly helps keep your logs in good condition, regardless of what you use them for. By following these tips, you can ensure that you take good care of your logs so they are ready to go whenever you fancy a night curled up by the fire.
]]>A ginnel running between houses in Moss Side, Manchester, now showcases the thoughtfully designed garden display which includes many planters, upcycled garden items and an array of different plants. The whole project has turned a messy, poorly used alleyway into a fantastic community gardening project that can be enjoyed by all of its residents.
Our full range of Wheelie Bin & Recycling Bin Stores can be seen here, and examples of custom-built wheelie bin and recycling bin storage solutions can be seen here.
]]>The vertical wall planters can be used indoors or outdoors, to showcase your houseplants or outdoor plants (or even grow small fruits and vegetables), with an option for the internal or external version. The indoor vertical planter option includes a plug, to prevent overspill from watering.
Each living wall vertical planter trough contains a built-in 1.8L water reservoir, for simple watering; you should only normally need to add any water once every 1-2 weeks. They feature a water level indicator to show you clearly how much water remains in the planter's reservoir.
These living wall vertical planters are made in the UK from 100% recycled materials.
Installation is quick and easy, as the vertical planting modules simply stack on top of each other, and just need fixing to the wall behind every 3 layers. They can sit side-by-side too, enabling you to create a visually stunning and biodiverse display of plants in your home or garden, across a large wall if needed.
Many people use the living wall planters to cover an unsightly wall or fence, adding a beautiful vertical planting area instead.
Please go to the following link to see the current range of living wall planters: https://www.bluum.co.uk/collections/living-wall-planters
]]>We were also delighted to see Coronation Street royalty Barbara Knox, taking a tour of the stunning garden.
Our Bluum Triple Wheelie Bin Store with green roof planter was beautifully planted up by Jason and his team, and was shown in detail at the start of the segment.
Photo credits: Gardeners' World
Cloud Gardener UK: www.cloudgardeneruk.co.uk
]]>The RHS and Manchester Evening News partnered to create this garden designed by Jason, which shows how a community can work together to create a functional joint green space.
After being shown at RHS Tatton Park 2023, the Ginnel Garden has now been relocated to its permanent home in Moss Side, Manchester. Jason is mentoring the community for the next 12 months, to ensure the long term success of the garden.
Our Bluum Triple Wheelie Bin Store was superbly planted by Jason and his team, and was noted by Manchester Urban Gardener (@mcrurbangardener) as a "showstopper". It highlights how simple objects such as wheelie bin storage can be turned into attractive, biodiverse additions to a garden, ginnel, alleyway or snicket.
Photo credits: @cloudgardeneruk
Take a look at the Triple Wheelie Bin Store and other bin and recycling bin storage items in this section of our online shop:
]]>After the success of our other standard Wheelie Bin Stores, and due to regular custom requests for Four Wheelie Bin Stores, we have launched the Quadruple Wheelie Bin Store with Green Roof Planter - available now!
This Quadruple Wheelie Bin Store tidily holds up to four wheelie bins, each up to 600mm width. Lower cost options are also available, with the choice to have an open base or a minimally clad back panel.
As with all of our products, the Quadruple Wheelie Bin Store is hand-made to order in our Bristol, UK workshop. Delivery is via a private courier, and the Quadruple / Four Wheelie Bin Store arrives in panels for extremely quick assembly (this should take around 30 minutes).
Please also see our other Wheelie Bin & Recycling Bin Stores, Log Stores and Bike & Scooter Shelters.
]]>In order to offer a lower-cost alternative, we now give the option to leave the back panel open with minimal cladding. The back panel is reinforced to maintain its strength, and cladding is only added to each end (where the back panel meets the side panels).
An example of a large Bin Store, made to house 5 wheelie bins, with an open back panel:
We can offer this for all of the following collections of Log Stores (with or without kindling shelf), Wheelie Bin & Recycling Bin Stores, Bike Shelters and Scooter Shelters:
Products are sent with free delivery, in very easy-to-assemble panels. All Bluum Stores Log, Wheelie Bin, Recycling Bin, Bike and Scooter storage products are hand made to order from our Bristol, UK workshop.
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Looking for more than one Log Store, Wheelie Bin & Recycling Bin Store, Bike Shelter or Scooter Shelter?
Use the code SAVE40 at the checkout, to receive a discount of £40 from your total order value, when purchasing two or more items at the same time.
This discount code applies to all Wheelie Bin & Recycling Bin Stores, Log Stores (with or without Kindling Shelf), Bike Shelters and Scooter Shelters shown in the following collections:
Not to be combined with any other offers. All items will be delivered together. Offer may be withdrawn or amended at any time.
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