Transform Your Garden In 5 Easy Steps
As the months get hotter and the days get longer there is no doubt that we would love to spend more time in our garden, therefore we want it to look the best it ever has. If you feel as though your garden could do with some improvements to add personality and life then follow these five easy steps.
Flower Beds
Not only do flowerbeds add colour to your garden they will also attract butterflies and create a beautiful smell that surrounds you. If you’re not a hot handed gardener then building a flowerbed may seem like a chore and you may think it will create a great deal of maintenance tasks. If the flowers and plants in your garden are chosen carefully they will generally look after their self and all you will need to do is make sure they get enough water. With advice from your local garden centre select easy maintenance flowers that give off a beautiful aroma and ones that will maintain their colour all year round.
Begin by choosing where you want your flower bed; you can combine this with a rockery that tends to work well in the corner of the garden. Remove the turf and turn the soil with high quality compost. Transfer your selected plants from their pots to the soil. Once all plants have been planted water the area generously to ensure that the new plants settle. Place large rocks around the bed and then scatter bark chips around on the exposed soil.
Ponds and Water Features
Ponds are a great way to add life to your garden – especially if they have a water feature. If you are building your own pond then there are many factors to take into consideration. Placement of your pond is crucial – if it is under a tree this could cause a build-up of algae which could look unattractive and could affect the fish. If you are having a water feature you may want to hire an expert to ensure that it is all plumbed in properly.
Attract the Wildlife
There is nothing more pleasant than having wildlife such as birds and squirrels enjoying your garden. To attract this wildlife you will need to provide a food supply, hang fat balls around your garden for the birds to feed on and fix a bird box to the fence or in the tree. You may also want to consider having a bird bath where they can drink and bathe. Squirrels generally tend to follow the birds and so will feed off the bird food. Squirrels also love nuts in their shells so place some around your garden for them to find.
Archways
If you’re lucky enough to have a large garden you may have chosen to separate it in two with the lawn closest to the house and a patio area at the bottom or vice-versa. If so, trellis panels with climbing plants will set a clear divide between the two areas without having a brick wall or fence panels.
Patio Furniture
The choice of patio furniture you use can make a great difference in your garden. Think about the purpose of your furniture. Is it so you can relax alone, for dining or a comfy social area? Whichever you decide choose garden furniture that is durable and appealing to the eye.
Article written by home improvement blogger Yasmin Holloway. For more of Yasmin’s articles and top tips follow her on twitter @YasminHolloway
Further Reading
