Live in a rental with limited opportunities or simply don’t have the time to completely overhaul your garden? Worry not; we have five easy tips that’ll make your garden feel more welcoming.
You can easily do each job without needing to bring in a gardener or landscaper. Whilst you can always opt for help if you need it, these garden ideas are so easy you can do them yourself.
It’s all in the furniture
A new garden furniture set will enliven most outdoor spaces. Not only will it make your space look refreshed, but a new furniture set will offer the perfect place to relax outside. By replacing it, you can also make sure your new furniture is perfectly suited to your needs. If you regularly lounge outside then consider how a comfortable sofa set would work in your garden. If your garden is for eating al fresco and entertaining then a spacious outdoor dining table may work for you. Got enough space? Then how about both?
However, not everyone is in the position to invest in new garden furniture and plenty of people are happy with their current set. In that case, a little sprucing up could be just the ticket. Sand down wooden furniture and give it a new lick of paint or varnish and it’ll soon be looking as good as new. Be sure to get the right type of paint for your wood. If you aren’t sure, get in touch with someone at your local hardware store to help.
Say goodbye to the garden lawn
If you’re finding caring for a lawn requires too much maintenance then why not plant your own wildflower meadow? Wildflower seeds are easy to find online and in most garden centres. Simply scatter them across your lawn and wait for them to grow. The best thing? You won’t need to tend to the lawn anymore. Let the grass and flowers grow tall to get the full effect. Plus, by replacing your manicured lawn with flowers you have the added benefit of attracting wildlife to your space.
Of course, this only works if you don’t use your lawn or if you have one, for that matter. There are other options if you’d like flowers but your outdoor space is gravelled over or dedicated to a miniature football pitch. Get creative and consider creating a wildflower boarder. Or, for extra flexibility in small or paved spaces, simply scatter some seeds in a pot of soil and wait for them to grow.
Clean the deck
Don’t underestimate the power of a pressure washer and a lick of varnish to revitalise your garden. The relatively simple task of pressure washing will spruce up paved patios, wooden terraces and concrete driveways.
There are plenty of companies who will do this for you and it really makes all the difference. Got all the gear as well as the know-how? Then do it yourself. As always, make sure any new varnishes, paints or cleaners you use are right for your surface. Top tip: take before and after pictures to really appreciate the satisfaction of pressure washing.
Garden Lighting
From fairy lights to solar-powered lamps and portable lights, there are endless opportunities when it comes to garden lighting. If you decide to fill your garden with fairy lights then make sure they are outdoor-suitable. You may need to invest in an external extension cable to make your you have electricity everywhere you need it. Festoon lights also offer a more sophisticated addition to fairy lights and can provide more light too.
Portable lights are particularly great because during cooler weather you can also use them inside. This allows you to choose a more cutting-edge design that wasn’t created just for the garden. It’s important to note that you should normally keep portable lights inside when they aren’t in use.
Time for a switch up?
If you’ve already got a nice outside space but are a little bored of it then it may be time for a switch up. Try moving your garden furniture to another corner. Mix up the benches to create a real space for relaxation. Reposition any plant pots or herbs to create a different, more inspiring layout.
If you still aren’t satisfied, consider planting bulbs and seeds with a different colour scheme. By the time the next flowering season comes around your garden will feel completely different and full of colour.
