Improving your Garden
Get Rid of Old, Tired Plants
Be ruthless if you have plants that aren’t pulling their weight. If you have old shrubs that lack vigour and have been limping along in the garden, bite the bullet and dig them up and you will have improved your garden instantly. Every plant has a sell-by date and when you’ve replaced it with a healthy new plant, you’ll wonder why you put up with the old one for so long!
Give your Plants a Lift
Removing lower branches from trees and shrubs (sometimes called ‘crown lifting’) can make them look a million dollars. It can improve their shape, make them look ‘cleaner’ and also help air circulate around the plant as well as creating opportunities to plant underneath them. Target branches that are touching the ground or spoiling the shape of the plant and remove them back to their source. Make sure your cutting tools are sharp and leave a clean cut.
Make a New Flowerbed
Most gardens have a bit of lawn to spare so dig some out and add some new plants to improve your garden. Cut into the area of turf you wish to remove, using a spade. Then insert a turfing iron or a spade horizontally into the turf to lift it up. Make cuts along the length of the area you are lifting, so that you move manageable pieces of turf at a time. Dig over the ground to loosen it up, and then add some new plants. Check the heights and spreads on the labels to make sure you will have enough room for the plants once they have matured.
Install a Patio
A good quality paved patio is easy to maintain and should be built to last a lifetime. Patios work well with all sorts of properties, both period and new build.
When thinking about patios, most people will immediately think of block paving or larger paving slabs, but there are more options out there to consider. Different sized slabs, colours, styles, and options can all be considered when looking for a new patio, giving you the freedom, you need to discover a design you will love for years to come.
From traditional to contemporary designs, there is no limit to what you can achieve with your new patio design, taking into consideration patterns and borders too. Tarmac driveways are another great way to improve your outside space.
Fire Features
Whether indoors or outdoors, fireplaces and fire features are a definite must-have for 2019. These features can serve as a cosy nook or focal point for a large room or outside entertainment area. They can be composed of any fire-proof material, but brick has been the overwhelming choice for fireplaces for many centuries.
Give your Lawn a Crisp Edge
Cut into the edges of your lawn to make them an attractive shape and your borders will instantly look better too. Run a string line or a garden hose along the edges of your lawn to mark out the shape you want them to be. Then cut along the line with a half-moon edger or if you don’t have one, a spade will do the job. Then use a fork to flick soil away from the grass edge. This will make trimming the edges easier in the future and give your lawn a classy finish!
Include the Wildlife
Birds, butterflies, squirrels, bees and other wildlife are always a part of gardens and there are many things on the market that will encourage these creatures to come to your garden. However, remember that there is nothing like a great design and clever planting to encourage wildlife. Birds, butterflies, bees, and other creatures, not only pretty up a garden, but also eliminate pests and do other good stuff for it.
Add a Pond or Fountain
Water is essential in every garden and you need to make sure that you have it in your garden. A Japanese pond with stones of different sizes will look amazing. You can also make a little pool with an old washing-up bowl. Fountains add beauty while giving your garden the water, it always needs. It is important to make sure that your garden has water features, so think of a great way to get one that looks beautiful and works at the same time.
Think About Surfaces
The surfaces in a garden play a role in how it looks, so it is important to think about them. It may be easy to get cheap concrete paving but getting good surface is important as it can alter the quality completely. Decking is a poignant option and you can also go for patterned concrete tiles or encaustic ones. Gravel is another top option, especially if you have uneven ground and want to avoid large amounts of levelling.
It does not have to be a gruelling task to improve your garden. A few simple ideas can help you obtain a wonderful garden that looks beautiful. With intelligent planning and a bit of creativity, you can have an outdoor space that you can be proud of.