Little Tweaks To Jazz Up Your Backyard

Is your winter-weary garden in need of some love?‍

Fortunately, getting your backyard looking its best again doesn’t necessarily require months of work or a massive budget

‍1. Tidy up

‍Weed, thin out your garden beds, prune back leggy branches, deadhead any flowers that have faded out of bloom and remove overgrown plants. You’ll be surprised at how much better your garden will look after a little tidying up – and how it can give you a fresh perspective on what to do next with the space.

‍2. Mulch

‍Mulch will provide a nice dark, uniform background for your vegetation and make the green foliage stand out. The best option for your soil and plants is a bio or composted mulch. Not only does it keep moisture in the soil, but it provides nutrients and improves the soil’s water-holding capacity. Tip: Avoid coloured mulches as they will visually compete for attention with the rest of your garden. Mulch should settle into the background – not be a feature.

‍3. Update your planting

‍Adding a few new plants to your garden is a great way to revitalise the space – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. When choosing new plants, it’s important to pick a theme so the garden doesn’t look visually chaotic and disconnected. Soil preparation is also key. Cultivate the soil before planting and make sure it’s fluffy. This will give your new plants a great start. Also be sure to purchase quality plants from a reputable nursery. Check the plant stock looks healthy and that roots are not pot-bound. And from a visual perspective, remember that less is more.

‍4. Sharpen those lines

Clean lines will instantly modernise your garden. Trim hedges flat using an electric trimmer or manual shears, rather than letting them undulate naturally.Sharp lines will add a contemporary look to your lawn too, he says. .If you have an organically shaped grass area, use grass sods cut with a square spade to give the area a more rectangular shape.

‍5. Update your outdoor furniture

‍A dated outdoor furniture setting or one that’s in poor condition can detract from your garden’s good looks. And with many of us using our outdoor ‘rooms’ as additional living spaces for months at a time, a contemporary new sofa or dining table could be a practical investment. You’ll find so many styles nowadays – take your pick from furniture in all-weather wicker, aluminium, recycled plastics and mixed timber and upholstery. Look for quality, water-resistant pieces that will cope with the weather. Seek out simple and timeless shapes and neutral colours such as black or white that will go with most architectural styles.Article thanks to Houzz