With the Summer finally upon us, now is the perfect time to work on your backyard. After all, the generally nice weather conditions create the perfect environment for outdoor work, no matter the scope of the project you are working on.
However, whether it has been several years since you last worked on your garden or you’re a notoriously terrible gardener, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, that’s exactly where this guide comes in!
With that in mind, here are ten easy steps you can follow to transform your backyard.
- Start by ‘cleaning up’ the space. The first step to a successful garden makeover is giving yourself a blank slate to work with, which likely means that you’ll need to spend a bit of time cleaning up the space. For example, this could include basic gardening tasks such as jetwashing your decking and paving, mowing the lawn, and removing debris. Depending on the current state of your garden, this can become a time-consuming task. However, it is an incredibly worthwhile one, especially if it turns your garden into a more functional space.
- Draw up some plans for how you’d like your garden to look. Once you’ve cleaned up your garden, it’s time to think about how you’d like this space to look when you’re done. This will inform you of many of your decisions moving forward, providing you with a little more guidance throughout the project. For example, if you’re hoping to host numerous garden parties or BBQs in the future, then you need to think about designing an outdoor.
- Set yourself a budget. Budgeting is also key when it comes to carrying out a successful garden makeover, no matter your vision for the project. After this, it is much easier to rein in your spending so that you’re not spending more money on this task than you can afford to do. Remember, there are plenty of ways in which you can cut down on spending during this process. For example, you could take a DIY approach to the majority of tasks, as opposed to hiring someone to carry them out on your behalf.
- Carry out necessary maintenance tasks. You should also be sure to carry out any necessary maintenance tasks before getting started on your backyard makeover. For example, if your patio is looking a little worse for wear, you may want to look into patio door replacement. Not only will this make it easier for you to access your garden or outdoor spaces, but it could also add considerable value to your home.
- Draw up some plans for how you’d like your garden to look. Once you’ve cleaned up your garden, it’s time to think about how you’d like this space to look when you’re done. This will inform you of many of your decisions moving forward, providing you with a little more guidance throughout the project. For example, if you’re hoping to host numerous garden parties or BBQs in the future, then you need to think about designing an outdoor entertainment area– unless you plan to have your guests sit on the grass while eating!
- Put together a timeline for the project. The chances are you’ll be unable to complete your entire garden makeover in a single day, no matter how quickly you work! Furthermore, if you’re bringing in additional help, such as landscapers or gardeners, you’ll need to ensure they aren’t trying to work at the same time. As such, putting together a timeline is key! It also means that you’re able to manage your expectations somewhat.
- Brush up on your gardening skills. While you may be planning to hire a gardener/landscaper to help you stay on top of your backyard moving forward, it’s always worthwhile to brush up on some basic gardening skills. Not only will this help you to keep your backyard in top shape, but it can also work wonders for your mental health. As such, if you struggle with high levels of stress or anxiety, you may find great comfort in gardening.
- Keep it low maintenance. Though you may be willing to dedicate a lot of your time to keeping your garden at its best moving forward, it’s better to keep it as low maintenance as possible. This way, your garden will not fall into disrepair should your schedule fill up unexpectedly. For example, if you’re considering setting up your own fruit and vegetable patch, it’s generally advised that you focus on seasonal, local produce – as this means that they require very little intervention on your end to thrive. The same can be said for flowers and plants!
- Spruce up your furniture. Buying new garden furniture may seem like an essential step, especially if you are hoping to turn your backyard into a social space, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, you may find that you are able to bring new life to your current garden furniture through upcycling. For example, you’d be surprised about the difference a coat of paint or varnish can have on wooden furniture, often making outdoor furniture look as good as new. However, be sure to purchase paint/varnish that is safe for us on outdoor products so that your hard work is not washed away alongside he next rainfall. Alternatively, you could save money on garden furniture by buying these items second-hand!
- Keep on top of things. Once your garden makeover is complete, you may feel as though you can sit back and relax indefinitely. However, while you shouldensure that you enjoy the benefits of your hard work, don’t let this make you complacent. Your garden will change a little every day, and you need to stay on top of outdoor maintenance in order to keep it looking its best. As such, you may find it useful to put together a weekly or monthly maintenance schedule so that you know exactly what you need to do moving forward!
