Have you let things slide in the garden over winter? Have you moved and are thinking about creating a brand new outdoor space? If so, now is the time to get your hands dirty and start laying the foundations for a fun-filled summer in an incredible new garden. If you’re an amateur gardener, or you’re a complete novice, here are ten straightforward steps to guide you in the right direction.
- Start from scratch
If you’ve moved house and your garden is a bomb site or everything’s overgrown after the winter, it’s best to start from the beginning. Consider your garden a blank canvas, which needs you to stamp your inimitable style, and some design know-how on it to bring it to life. Before you get carried away with garden furniture and party planning, get the basics sorted. Create a plan and a rough timeframe. Prioritise the important jobs and determine which tasks you can do yourself. If you have the time and the inclination, it may be possible to save a significant amount of money by taking on some of the jobs.
Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/fiberon/3904268506
- Call in the experts
If you have major renovations in mind, rather than a little spring sprucing, it’s best to get some expert opinions. If you need help with preparing and mowing lawns, fertilising or planting, you can learn about services at Atkin Inc here. Once you’ve had some experienced professionals around, draw up a budget and start planning. Discuss layouts, features and materials and ensure you have a contingency plan, in case you end up spending a little more.
- Clear the garden
This is not a fun job, but it has to be done. Spring cleaning is essential for a prosperous summer garden, so get started now. Don your gardening gloves and remove any dead plants or shrubs, leaves and rubbish. Go through any existing beds and clear away dead roots. Prepare new soil ready for planting. Mow your lawns and tidy up patios and decking areas. Jet wash the surfaces to blast them clean. Give your furniture a thorough wipe down and coat wooden tables and chairs with varnish. If you have existing structures, which you’re eager to get rid of, it’s best to ask the professionals for advice. Decking areas and patios may have deep foundations, and the task of removing may not be as simple as it seems.
Image from https://pixabay.com/en/flower-garden-garden-flowers-634578/
- Search for ideas
Designing a new garden should be enjoyable, but it can be tricky. If you’re struggling to be imaginative, there’s no harm in looking elsewhere for inspiration. Search online and visit public gardens and country houses. Look out for design concepts, which work both inside and outside and peruse some gardening magazines. You may find that you like some ideas in one garden, but not others. Jot your ideas down and use images to form a mood board. You can mix and match elements to come up with a template, which reflects your style and space. If you’re using a landscape gardener, now is the time to share your ideas and see what they come up with. Bounce suggestions off each other and don’t be afraid to say you don’t like something. It’s important that your garden matches your vision.
- Sow your seeds
Once your beds are ready, and you have a firm idea of design plans, start the planting process. If you’re not an experienced gardener, read the instructions carefully or seek advice online. If you are planting lots of different types of flowers, the seeds may need to go in at different times. Try to ensure that your beds are located in a sheltered spot, which receives plenty of sunlight. Think about the kind of look you are going for in your garden. Are you aiming for perfectly manicured pots or unruly beds full of country-style flowers? If you are pushed for space, but you’re desperate for floral displays, pot plants are ideal.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardening
- Get all the hard labor out of the way
Once you have a clear interpretation of what you want your garden to look like, carry out all the hard labor. Arrange some dates with the gardening team and your landscape designer, if you have one. This is the time to sort decking, fencing and water features. Choose your materials and book appointments to lay the foundations and then place fittings and fixtures. You will need to liaise with builders and gardeners to make sure everyone knows what is happening and when. Once the main features are in place, your garden will start to take shape.
- Shop around
Once you know what you’re looking for, the process of shopping is much easier and less stressful. Search online, visit showrooms and don’t be afraid to meander into quirky independent shops. They often stock items, such as one-off accessories, which will make your garden unique. Take inspiration from interior design elements, which you like. Reflect themes in the kitchen and living room in your garden. You could use the same shades or mimic the era, for example. If you’ve got antique mirrors and a chaise lounge inside, why not add vintage touches to your garden? Use old suitcases as planters or distressed wooden crates to store trowels. If you fall in love with expensive items in magazines or online, it’s worth trying to find replicas. Often, you’ll be able to find very similar products for less.
Don’t worry if you can’t find exactly what you want. You don’t need to complete the entire transformation in a set period of time. You can always add finishing touches as you go. It’s likely that you’ll come across pieces or tiny little accessories for years to come, and your garden will grow and evolve with you.
- Put your plans into action
Now, it’s time to have fun and accessories, decorate and put an individual spin on your garden. Arrange your furniture, add decorative elements and finish the look off with carefully-selected accessories. Candles and lanterns create a pleasant atmosphere as the sun sets after a summer barbecue. Bunting complements a wildflower patch perfectly. Large marble vases add a touch of sophistication to a rattan table. Pay attention to detail and don’t panic if it doesn’t look exactly how you planned. You can always add accents as you go along.
Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/wicker-furniture/8387691278
- Keep up the good work
After all that hard work, time and effort, the last thing you want to do is ease off and let your stunning new garden fall into disrepair. Although maintenance jobs can be menial, it always pays to keep on top of chores. A weekly mowing and weeding session will save you hours at the end of a month. Take care to following mowing tips from experts and wait for a dry day. Keep an eye on your plants and remember to water them frequently. Keep outdoor toys and furniture in a garage or shed to prevent damage. If you don’t have time to carry out gardening tasks on a regular basis, arrange for a gardener to visit once or twice a week. Apply a coat of varnish to fence posts and wooden decking every summer to prolong their lifespan.
- Enjoy it!
It’s been tough, but you’ve made it. Your garden has evolved from a muddy mess to a stunning sight to behold and what better excuse to host a party? If you’ve got a birthday coming up or you fancy an old-fashioned garden knees-up, send out some invitations. Start planning in advance to ensure you put on the event of the summer. Choose a theme if you so desire and use SMS or email to save on postage costs. Ask guests to RSVP by a certain date, so that you have an idea of numbers for catering purposes. Give your lawn a once-over and wipe down outdoor furniture. Light your lanterns and put some music on to create a welcoming ambiance. If it gets a little chilly, hand out some blankets and throws and snuggle up on your rattan sofa set. Eat, drink and be merry with friends and family, and take a minute to appreciate the result of all that meticulous planning. Raise a toast to your new garden and enjoy it for years to come.
Image taken from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/barbeque/
Planning a complete overhaul of an exterior space can be daunting. But, it can also be fun. If you contact the right people, use your imagination and keep track of dates, deadlines and budgets, you’re bound to succeed. Think of your tired, redundant garden as a bright white canvas ready for paint splashes and patterns. Inject your personality and create a space, which caters for everyone in your household. Build a calm, relaxing space to retreat to with a book and a cup of tea. Or fashion a functional entertaining space to get friends and family round and enjoy a string of summer barbecues. Your garden should be a reflection of you. When all the hard graft is finished, sit back and enjoy. When the sun’s shining and everyone is having a great time, you’ll wonder why you made so much fuss! All that digging, preening and planting were worth it!
