Last updated on January 20th, 2024 at 06:55 am
As we creep closer to summer the weather is already warming up. Luckily for us, this means we can spend more time outdoors and make use of our gardens once again. For some, the harsh winter weather will have left the garden in a condition that isn’t so inviting after all. We’ve put together a few simple steps to help you revitalize your outdoor space, and leave you with an area in which the whole family will want to relax and enjoy.
Nurture Your Lawn
Your lawn is likely looking a little sorry for itself after the cold winter months. You should think about getting rid of any weeds, and any thin patches, aerating them to stimulate growth and raking them to ensure light and water can get to the soil. To get your lush green grass back once again, you may need to use a little lawn feed that is full of the nutrients needed to nurse it back to health. You could also raise the level of the blades on your lawnmower so that it doesn’t cut the grass shorter than about an inch and a half. This will reduce the stress put on the grass and give it the boost it needs to be thick and healthy again. Finally, the key to maintaining your lawn during the summer months is to water it regularly.
Smarten Things Up
Now that your lawn is looking luscious, you need to smarten up the rest of your garden to match. Start by having a clear-out, unwanted items lying around can make the place look messy. Once you’ve decluttered the whole yard (including the shed and garage), it’s time to give everything a deep clean. Using a jet wash on any tired-looking flagstones or brick can make a huge difference and really bring them back to life. You should also wash down any furniture or other accessories that have been left over the winter, such as the barbecue or chiminea. Once everything is clean, check the condition of and wooden fencing or the shed. A lick of paint may be just what they need to spruce them up and get them looking brand new again.
Find The Perfect Garden Furniture
It’s likely that your garden furniture will be the main focal point in your garden, after all, it is probably where you will spend most of your time entertaining guests or simply relaxing as a family. For this reason, it is important to get it right. If yours is looking a little tired and run down beyond repair, it may be time to invest in some new outdoor furniture. As you’ll spend so much time using it, not only needs to look good but needs to be comfortable too. Other points to consider are the quality and how easy it is to care for.
Finishing Touches
After all of the basics are complete for your garden, you are free to add your personal touches that will bring it to life and make it feel like somewhere you want to relax. Lighting can make all the difference to a garden, especially as night falls.
There’s a wide range to choose from, from solar lights and fairy lights to lanterns and even tea lights dropped into jam jars. Wind spinners and wind chimes can add a magical touch to your safe haven.
In addition, introducing hanging baskets full of bright flowers can brighten up any garden and add that pop of color. Finally, it may be an idea to think about installing a birdbath (if you have space) or bird feeders if you want to encourage wildlife.
How To Get Your Garden Summer Ready
This is a guest post by Saskia Johnson – outdoor furniture
Author Bio: With several years of experience writing in exterior design, Saskia delves deep into the world of outdoor styles and arrangements. She spends her time reviewing the latest trends to deliver the current concepts that are taking the gardens of the nation by storm.
Greenhouse Manager, Master Gardener, and Webmaster.
Paul.
Thanks for the newsletter.I love growing vegetables but every year its a war trying to fight the burmuda grass that finds it way to my plants.I want to try raised beds as a altenative but I cant find anything on the subject in the internet its.mostly from the Midwes.t but nothing here in the southwest.I know we have different issues here.any information on this subject would really help
Yes, Bermuda grass is invasive. You could plant vegetables in containers. There is a product called “Over the top grass killer” it prevents ornamental grasses such a Bermuda from germinating. It also kills grass but it does it slowly. Read the instructions thoroughly before applying this herbicide…it does work!