As we move further into the Spring Season, now is the perfect time to give your garden a much-needed makeover. After all, whether you’re looking to host a series of garden parties during the warmer months or want to start your days with some outdoor yoga – there are plenty of benefits associated with a garden makeover!
This guide will provide you with all of the tips and tricks you need to revamp your garden this spring so that you’re able to make the most out of your outdoor spaces.
What are the benefits of a garden makeover?
As outlined above, there are many benefits associated with carrying out a garden makeover. Firstly, it means that you’re able to make better use of the space, whether you’re hoping to entertain friends or relax in the sunshine. This, in turn, means that you’re able to spend more time outdoors, which is scientifically proven to be good for both your physical and mental health.
Furthermore, showing your garden some love can add significant value to your property, with a recent study finding that “a landscaped garden could add up to 77% to the value of your property.” As a result, it’s a particularly worthwhile task for those who may be looking to sell their home in the near future.
Not only will a garden makeover transform your property for the better, but it could also help you to take better care of your mind, with “nearly two-thirds of adults (63%) stating that spending time gardening or in nature helps their mental health.”
How to revamp your garden this spring.
There are various ways in which you can revamp your garden this spring, even if you do not know the first thing about gardening!
Get rid of the weeds.
Getting rid of weeds and debris such as leaves, sticks, and twigs is the perfect way to kickstart your garden makeover. This ensures that you have a “blank slate” to work with moving forward while also helping to better the overall health of your garden. After all, weeds will “compete” with any of your plants and flowers for resources, such as light, water, and food – which could mean that your garden fails to thrive year-round.
Invest in the right tools.
Investing in the right gardening tools is also crucial during this time, especially when it comes to getting the job done quickly and efficiently. For example,
electric lawnmowers can help you to keep your front and backyard in order and often provide a more precise, clean cut than a manual lawn mower (or shears). As a result, this means that you’re able to complete your garden maintenance tasks at a much quicker rate, saving you valuable time and energy.
Clean out your garage/shed.
If you have a garden shed, now is also the perfect time to clear it out. This will allow you to make more use of the space, as opposed to simply leaving it full of clutter (and cobwebs). Depending on the size of the shed, you could even turn it into a functional space, such as a home office or sunroom.
Start planting.
Once you’ve carried out some of the basic home maintenance tasks outlined above, you can get started on the more fun aspects of the garden makeover – such as planting fresh flowers.
In order to better your chances of success when gardening, try to opt for local, seasonal flowers. This is because they’re more likely to thrive within your garden, as they have adapted to regional factors such as weather conditions and rainfall patterns. While it is possible to care for non-local plants and flowers, they will likely require a lot more of your time and attention.
If you do not consider yourself to be a green thumb, focus on planting low-maintenance flowers that will help you get to grips with all things gardening. This could include:
- Marigolds
- Perennials
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Lavender
Set up a fruit and vegetable patch.
Now is also the perfect time to get started with your own kitchen garden by setting up a fruit and vegetable patch within your garden. There are many benefits associated with growing your own fruit and veg! After all, it can help you save a lot of money on your weekly grocery bills while still ensuring that you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
When setting up a fruit and vegetable patch in your backyard, try to place it in the area that receives the most direct sunlight. You should also ensure that you avoid areas with poor drainage or those that are likely to flood, as this could undo a lot of your hard work. In some cases, it may be worth building an elevated platform for your fruit and veg patch in order to avoid this altogether.
Again, first-timers may want to focus their attention on low-maintenance fruits and vegetables. This could include:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Radishes
- Herbs (Oregano, parsley and thyme)
The more experienced you get, the more you can expand your fruit and vegetable patch in accordance with both your skillset and your taste preferences! This is a gardening task that the whole family can get involved in, especially if you use the fruit and vegetables you care for to make delicious dishes for dinner!
Use the right fertilizer.
Fertilizers can help you to turn your garden from “blah” to “brilliant.” This is because they ensure that your flowers and plants receive all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to thrive, even if you’ve been dealing with bad weather. Pesticides can work to a similar effect.
However, both products can contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous not only for your plants/flowers but also for the environment at large. As a result, you should carefully research any products before purchasing them and try to use
use organic fertilizer on your yard where possible. This ensures that your garden makeover remains as sustainable as possible!
Upcycle your outdoor furniture.
You do not need to toss out your old garden furniture in order to revamp the space for spring (and summer). However, you may need to show them some TLC so that they are in the best shape possible.
For example, you could apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish to any wooden furniture. This makes them look good as new and also means they’re protected against adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall. In some cases, this can even work to prevent pest damage.
If you aren’t sure where to get started when it comes to upcycling your outdoor furniture, there are plenty of guides you can follow online that will take you through every step of the process.
Install a water feature.
Installing a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, is a great way to breathe new life into your backyard. After all, this will serve as a focal point within your garden. Water features are particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy neighborhood or close to a main road – as the sound of running water can mask this noise somewhat. As a result, you’ll find it much easier to relax and unwind in your garden!
Put together a rota for garden maintenance.
In order to make the most of your garden, you must ensure that you keep on top of it. After all, it only takes a matter of weeks for things to become messy and overgrown again! As such, you should also be sure to put together a garden maintenance schedule and ensure that you stick to it moving forward.
For example, you should split the tasks into several different categories: daily tasks, weekly tasks, and monthly tasks. Daily tasks include watering plants and carrying out quick inspections for any signs of damage. Weekly tasks include weeding, pruning, and loosening the soil, and monthly tasks include mowing the lawn and laying down fertilizer.
These tasks should be distributed fairly among every member of your household. For example, children can help with age-appropriate tasks such as removing weeds.
If you’re too busy to complete all of these tasks on a regular basis, you may want to consider hiring a gardener who can take on this work on your behalf. While this does come at an additional expense, it means that your garden will be in tip-top shape all year round, and that you do not need to lift a single finger in order to make it happen!
Final Thoughts
While it may seem like a mammoth task, especially if your garden is currently a mess of weeds, and overgrown plants – revamping your garden is relatively easy, providing that you follow the guidance outlined above. And, as spring is the time of new beginnings, it’s also the perfect time to get this job done!
Try to set aside a day or two in your schedule that you can dedicate to transforming your garden – starting with deweeding and mowing your lawn. The sooner you get around to these tasks, the better, as it means that you can start using your garden right away!
