Getting your Garden Ready for Spring
*This is a collaborative post
It has felt like a very long winter so far, hasn’t it? Well, fear not, as the nights are slowly starting to get lighter, and before we know it, spring will be here. For many, this is a time of year where we begin to make the most of the space that we have outdoors, perhaps going out and having a coffee in the peace and quiet of the early morning on the patio, or sipping on a gin and tonic in the evening.
To really get the best out of your space and make it somewhere that every member of your family can enjoy, you will need to spend a little time smartening it up. Here, we look at a few things that you can do to get your garden ready for spring and summer. Ready? Let’s go!
Lay down some artificial grass
As lovely as a real lawn can be, it can also be reasonably high-maintenance. When it rains, you are often left with a big patch of sodden, wet mud, which, if you have children or pets, can be a nightmare. When we have a rare heatwave in the summer, it can end up a patch of yellow, dried up straw. You also have to spend time mowing it! If you want something a little more low-maintenance and can be used all year round, artificial grass may be an option for you. You can even vacuum it with your usual vacuum cleaner!
Add some storage
Sometimes, gardens can be used as storage yards for garden equipment, bikes and scooters, rubbish and recycling containers, and everything else that does not quite have a home. While you might not have any choice but to store it in your garden, you can hide it away. Look at some cute storage solutions – you can get some really pretty sheds and garden tubs to hide away the clutter.
Add some pots
If you do not have space, the time, or the energy to start planting rows of seeds and flowers in beds, you could add a splash of colour and interest to your garden with pots. They are generally super easy to maintain and can be moved about easily – handy if you have children who like to have a kick about with a football! You can buy pots relatively cheaply from most DOY and garden centres, or you can have fun repurposing things you have lying about your garden or shed – old wheelbarrows and welly boots are always cute!
Add a few ornaments
While you do not want a cluttered garden, a few cute ornaments and decorations dotted here, and there can make it a warm and welcoming place to spend time. Maybe add some bunting or even fairy lights around the fences and walls, or sweet little bird ornaments from this site. You never know, you might even attract a few real birds into the garden!
Attract nature
Talking of attracting birds, why not look at ways of encouraging other forms of wildlife into your garden? Birdbaths and bird feeders are the usual ones, but you could also have fun with the kids building bug hotels and see what turns up!
Water features
Water features are particularly relaxing. If you have young children or pets, you do obviously need to be careful and avoid any open bodies of water that could pose a drowning hazard. However, covered ponds and solar fountains and waterfalls can make a lovely centrepiece to any garden.
Treat yourself to some new furniture
There is little point in spending time and money on doing your garden up to look lovely if you do not have somewhere to sit and enjoy it. Invest in some decent garden furniture – perhaps a dining table and chairs that the whole family can sit on and enjoy an al-fresco meal, or a little bistro table to enjoy that quiet morning coffee at. You could even look at swinging hammocks and egg chairs for the ultimate in luxury and relaxing outdoors!
Give the patio a clean
Our outdoor patio and paths are areas which aside from giving it a quick sweep now and then are neglected. Dig out or hire a pressure washer and spend some time giving it a good clean. It might not look particularly dirty, but once you get going, you will see just how much dirt and grime builds up over the autumn and winter. It will make a massive difference to the way your garden looks!
