How to make a large garden easier to manage
Spring is fast approaching, and it could soon be warm enough to get back out in the garden, but is your once spacious and immaculate larger garden looking a little overgrown? Not sure where to begin to bring your garden back to its former glory? With longer days and milder nights on the horizon, you may be thinking about what to tackle first…
Consider the purpose of your garden. Does it currently bring you joy? If you want to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying it, a low-maintenance, easier to manage space could be the way forward.
There are a few key changes you could make to your larger garden to make it easier to manage this spring. Try these 3 simple steps to help you achieve a beautiful, low-maintenance garden you can enjoy all year round.
Step 1. Understand your space
Take a good look at the space you have available, perhaps even draw it out or have someone do this for you. Understanding the area available, as well as your goals for the garden, will help you make key decisions when it comes to managing your large garden.
Separating your space into different areas could reduce how much time you spend maintaining your garden and bring more options for enjoying the outdoor space. You could divide the space into areas by use, like natural habitats, vegetable growing and entertaining for example - the options are entirely up to you!
If you have a large lawn area that requires regular tending and mowing, have you considered replacing with artificial grass?
Turf is great way to get healthy-looking, green grass all year round, without the effort of spending long hours mowing, fertilizing or any upkeep at all! Turf is easy to purchase online, but it’s best to have it installed by professionals to make sure it’s done properly and there are no problems in the future.
Having a patio or decking area not only reduces the size of your lawn so you have less to maintain, but also gives you an even surface to create an outdoor living area.
By adding a stylish Rattan seating area, dining table or even a barbeque, you could give your garden that bit of extra personality and comfort it’s been missing and make great use of the available space. This could be the perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining all year round!
Like to entertain? Learn how you can create the perfect evening garden for you and your guests to enjoy this year in our blog.
Step 2. Get creative with your plants
Making your large garden easier to manage doesn’t mean it’ll look bland and boring. By carefully choosing the right plants for your space you’ll be able to control the level of maintenance and still boost a creative outdoor environment.
If you want to add bursts of colour to your garden, a wildflower area could be the perfect option! Wildflowers like ox-eye daisies will require very little maintenance. They only need sun and water to grow so you can just sit back, relax and watch your garden come to life!
Also consider how your plants are stored and presented. Keeping plants in big pots can add more colour to your garden and stop the plants from growing too big, so they’ll be easier to take care of and be easier to move around when you want a change. The more pots you have, the more you’ll need to water so, the bigger the better! You’ll only need one or two large pots to fill the available space.
Buying the right plants is an important part of having a low-maintenance garden. Choosing seasonal plants is a good way to make sure they last longer, thrive in the natural environment, and be easier to manage.
Step 3. Simplify your flower beds
Making creative choices with your plant can help make your garden easier to manage, but you’ll also want to consider the upkeep of your flower beds when planning for the future.
Weeding can be one of the most time-consuming and tiring jobs in the garden. Putting a layer of mulch on your flower beds prevents weeds from growing and can make your large garden easier to manage. Mulch also comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose the one that suits your garden style the best!
Could you reduce the amount of flower beds in your garden? Shrubs and hedges require a lot less maintenance than flowers and can offer a tidy, organised appearance. Having a hedge that runs around the edge of your garden or separated areas can make your garden feel less expansive, and more manageable. Plus, colourful shrubs like lavender are not only very low-maintenance, but they also repel bugs and have a wonderful, relaxing scent!
Use these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a low-maintenance garden in no time.
Have you downsized your garden or have a smaller space to work with already? Small gardens require careful thought too, so read our 6 easy tips to help you create a haven in your small garden and enjoy a stunning smaller space.
Not got much outdoor space at all? No problem, bring the outdoors in and create your own indoor garden! You’ll instantly feel energised and be able to enjoy all the benefits of a garden in one place.
If you’re over 60 years old and thinking about moving home, did you know you could benefit from the Home for Life Plan? Learn how the Home for Life Plan works and how our team could help you find the perfect property for your retirement.
In the meantime, you can use our online Budget Booster! It's simple, quick and could provide you with a better understanding of your potential budget.
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