With Spring fast approaching, it’s time to spruce up your outdoor space. Gardens are often neglected in winter, but there are a few easy steps you can take to maximise their potential in the warmer months.
Check out our guide to reviving your garden and making it an inviting space to relax and entertain.
Start by removing debris like dead plants and fallen leaves from your grass and garden beds. This cleanup prepares the soil for new growth while giving you a better idea of the condition of your garden.
Take this time to catch and dig out weeds. Opt for a hand fork instead of a trowel to dig out the roots. The soil can be moist in the Spring, so leaving any parts of the weeds in the ground can result in re-shooting.
Once you’ve tidied up, review your space and its current layout. Consider any additions you’d like to make, like furniture and new planting zones, and make a plan to ensure you don’t waste money.
Spring is a good time to prune deciduous plants like roses that have shed their leaves because they’ll have enough resources to regrow and balance their roots with top growth. If you leave it to the summer, you’ll remove food reserves in the green leaves.
Focus on removing dead or diseased branches from shrubs and trees to make space for new growth. You can also prune last year’s growth to two to three buds above healthy, thick stems to provide a solid foundation for the new growth.
Warmer temperatures mean you’ll be able to enjoy spending time in the evenings in your garden, so consider adding decorative lighting for a warm glow. LED spotlights are perfect for illuminating pathways or wrapping around hardscaping features like raised flower beds. Play around with different colours to complement your flowers and evergreens.
Festoon garden lights can create an inviting atmosphere for family and guests. They brighten up your outdoor space and are perfect for lining the roof of your pergola or veranda for a subtle, romantic glow.
Spring can be chilly, so consider cool-season vegetables if you’re wondering what to plant. As soon as the soil is workable, you can plant peas, lettuce, radishes, and spinach. These crops will thrive in milder spring temperatures and give your family an outdoor project to work on together.
With the right vegetables, you can look forward to a bountiful harvest in the summer.
To protect against late frosts, warm your more vulnerable plants with bubble wrap or old bedsheets. These materials act as a protective barrier, trapping heat and shielding plants from sudden temperature drops. You can also consider setting up a warm microclimate by placing cloches over individual plants you’re concerned about.
