Do you want to create a flourishing Garden of Eden this summer? Not sure where to get started? Don’t worry, setting up your own personal Secret Garden is much easier than you might think, and is a rewarding job which will encourage you to get outside. With just a little prep, your garden can be ready for parties, BBQs and lounging around in the sunshine.
There are so many benefits to having a beautiful garden. You can increase the value of your home, help out local wildlife, grow your own delicious veggies, herbs, and fruit, and get in some gentle cardiovascular exercise. Gardening is great for your mind, body and the planet too, so follow these tips to create an outdoor space that you can be proud of.
Clean your stone and woodwork
Patio, decking, and pathways can all get a bit grimy over the winter months. Due to bad weather, we rarely want to get outside and wash the sludge off the floor, meaning that by the time summer comes around, we’re slipping and sliding all over the place. A good way to do this is to invest in cold water pressure washers to clean the floors. This will ensure that you keep harsh chemicals away from your garden and saves you having to get down on your hands and knees to scrub!
Make a plan
It can be easy to get carried away with seeds (all of the seeds!), so it’s worthing taking a look at some landscaping books, having a think about what colors and foliage you want to plant and planning ahead. Decide whether you want perennials, which will grow back every year and save you the effort of planting anew, or if you will want to change the way the garden looks each time. Do you want vegetables, herbs, trees, or flowers?
Garden according to your location
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a newbie, some plants will struggle in certain conditions, and there is not much you can do about it. Plants have evolved to live in certain environments over the years, so it is best to choose plants which will thrive in your garden and in certain areas of your garden. For example, if you have a shady corner, you may want to plant some foxgloves or primroses. Have sandy soil? Try rosemary or lavender. There is a plant, shrub, or tree which will work in almost any part of the garden – all you need to do is a little bit of research.
Keep aggressive plants contained
If you have plants that tend to spread and invade other areas of your garden, take some steps to restrict their movements. One good way to do this is to plant it in a large pot, then cut the bottom out and plant the whole thing in the ground, pot and all. This will prevent your plant from growing sideways but will allow the roots to strengthen and grow down, gathering all the nutrients it needs from the soil.
