GAME, SET, MATCH!

WICKES EXPERT REVEALS TIMING IS THE KEY TO ACHIEVING THE WIMBLEDON LOOK AT HOME

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam game still played on grass and the 18 Championship grass courts are manicured to perfection, enough to give spectators and viewers some serious lawn envy. As the world’s most famous tennis tournament gets underway, data reveals that once the first ball is served at Wimbledon in June, searches for ‘Wimbledon lawns’ surge by 80% as homeowners across the UK look to replicate the iconic Centre Court in their own gardens. 

To help homeowners achieve this level of luscious green lawn, home improvement retailer, Wickes, has revealed expert tips and advice that help keep grass pristine. Clair Albone, Senior Category Manager for Gardens at Wickes, comments: “The ‘Wimbledon effect’ is something we see every year. The immaculate, striped lawns on our TV screens inspire a nationwide effort to achieve that same level of perfection at home. And with the right techniques and timing, the garden will look fit for a champion.”

Timing is key 

Mowing and watering are the common go-tos for keeping lawns fresh and green throughout summer. However, the secret to a perfect lawn is all in the timing, advises Clair: “While using fertiliser is a given, application timing is the real secret to achieving that Wimbledon-worthy lawn. Many homeowners don’t realise that the ultimate trick is to feed them just before rainfall is forecasted. This allows rainwater to naturally wash the fertiliser down and break the granules into the soil and is what guarantees a healthy-looking, lush lawn.” 

Products such as the Westland Safe Lawn Box cost just £15 and will guarantee greener lawns when applied at the correct time, while also preventing growth of weeds and moss. 

Keep lawns watered

Consistent hydration is another essential hack for creating a Centre Court-worthy lawn, particularly during warmer weather. Using the simple and effective Wickes Flexible Coverage Oscillating Water Sprinkler (£19) ensures even coverage without waterlogging, helping to keep lawns in peak condition throughout summer. Coupled with the Lawn Box, it’s an effective and affordable way to create a Wimbledon-worthy finish. 

Serve up Stripes 

For keen gardeners looking to go the extra mile and win the set on garden presentation, a striped lawn is essential for the Wimbledon look. “To get the signature striped effect, mow in opposite directions, one strip at a time. But the secret to this isn't just in the mowing, it’s in the rolling. After mowing, use a garden roller like the Einhall Garden Lawn Roller (£65), to flatten the grass in the direction of the cut. This will cause light to reflect differently and create that unmistakable striped pattern.” Clair advises.

Alternatively, for a two-in-one option, the Black & Decker 28cm Cordless AFS Strimmer (£111) features a new flip-to-edge mechanism, making it easier than ever to turn on edging mode, with the precision guide wheel helping achieve perfect lawn edges.

For more gardening advice and to find all the products needed to create a Wimbledon-worthy lawn, visit wickes.co.uk.