A Guide to Improving the Overall Look of your Garden

    A garden is a living canvas, a personal sanctuary where the nature's splendour meets the creative touch of human hands. If you’re yearning to elevate your garden's aesthetic and turn it into a verdant paradise, there are some key areas to focus on. By following these tips, your garden will not only look stunning but will also become a source of pride and joy.

1. The Art of Tidying Up

    While you may roll your eyes at this title, I believe all those monks and nuns are onto something when it comes to menial work. The first step in any garden transformation is a good, thorough clean-up. Imagine your garden as a cluttered artist's studio; before you can create a masterpiece, you need to clear the space. Start by removing debris, dead plants, and any other clutter that has accumulated. This will give you a clear view of the space you have to work with and can even inspire new ideas for layout and design. Of course, you can hire someone to do this for you, but sometimes doing this kind of work yourself is beneficial for both the mind and body.

• Clean and Organise: Gather tools, hoses, and garden ornaments and store them neatly. This not only declutters but also makes your garden look more spacious and orderly.

• Weed Control: Remove weeds from flower beds and borders to give your plants room to breathe and grow. For persistent weeds, consider using a combination of manual weeding and mulching. Mulch helps suppress weeds by blocking light and providing a barrier.

• Prune and Trim: Cut back any overgrown shrubs or trees to keep them healthy and shapely. Pruning is crucial for plant health, as it removes dead or diseased branches, encourages new growth, and maintains the desired shape. I find espalier to be the most visually attractive technique.

  How to Prune Properly:

  • Use sharp, disinfected tools to make clean cuts.
  • For shrubs and trees, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Cut just above a bud that faces the direction you want the plant to grow.
  • Remove any crossing branches to prevent rubbing and damage.

2. A Lush Lawn

    A vibrant lawn acts as a green carpet, inviting you to walk barefoot and enjoy the outdoors. Here are some steps to ensure your grass is green, healthy, and inviting.

• Regular Mowing: Keep your grass at a consistent height. This not only looks neat but also promotes healthy growth. Regular mowing encourages grass to grow thicker and prevents weeds from taking over.

  The One-Third Rule 

  • Cutting more than one-third of the grass height at once can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to disease and pests.
  • Taller grass helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and weed growth.
  • Gradual cutting encourages deeper root growth, leading to a healthier and more resilient lawn.

• Feeding and Watering: Use a high-quality organic lawn fertiliser to keep your grass lush. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Watering in the early morning is best to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.

• Aeration: Aerate your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting stronger, healthier grass.

  How to Aerate Your Lawn:

  • Use a lawn aerator, either a manual one for small areas or a power aerator for larger lawns.
  • Aerate in the spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
  • Make multiple passes over the lawn in different directions to ensure thorough coverage.

• Reseeding: Address bare or patchy areas by reseeding. Choose a grass type that suits your climate and soil conditions for the best results. After reseeding, keep the soil moist until the new grass is established.

If you're a perfectionist, you might consider calling in some lawn care services to help you out.

3. The Joy of New Plants

    Adding new plants can bring fresh life and colour to your garden. Whether you prefer bold, bright blooms or a subtle palette of greens and pastels, new plants can transform your garden’s look.

• Seasonal Blooms: Plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure your garden always has something to offer. For a dramatic and less obvious choice, consider some of these striking options:

  • Gladiolus: Known for their tall spikes and vibrant colors, gladiolus flowers add vertical interest and a burst of color to summer gardens. Plant them in groups for a striking display.
  • Amaryllis: Typically associated with winter blooms, amaryllis can also be planted outdoors in warmer climates. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bold reds, pinks, and whites create a stunning focal point.
  • Dahlia: With their diverse range of colors and intricate flower forms, dahlias can bring a dramatic flair to your garden from mid-summer to autumn.
  • Canna Lily: These tropical-looking plants have bold foliage and bright, exotic flowers that add a dramatic touch throughout the summer.
  • Helenium: Offering warm, rich tones of yellow, orange, and red, heleniums bloom in late summer to early autumn, adding vibrant color when many other flowers are fading.
  • Crocosmia: With their arching stems and vibrant, fiery blooms, crocosmias provide a splash of color in late summer and attract hummingbirds.
  • Liatris (Blazing Star): These plants produce tall, spiky blooms that range from purple to white and are excellent for adding vertical interest and attracting pollinators.
  • Colchicum (Autumn Crocus): Blooming in the fall, these bulbs produce large, goblet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, offering unexpected color late in the season.

• Diverse Textures: Mix plants with different textures, from feathery grasses to broad-leafed perennials, to add visual interest.

• Edible Plants: Incorporate herbs, vegetables, and fruit-bearing plants. They provide beauty and the added joy of homegrown produce.

When selecting plants, consider their mature size and growth habits to ensure they fit well in your garden.

4. Perennial Care

    Perennials are the backbone of many gardens, providing structure and longevity. However, they need regular maintenance to stay healthy and attractive.

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plants from going to seed. This helps direct the plant's energy towards new growth and flowering.
• Dividing: Divide overcrowded perennials to rejuvenate them and create new plants for other areas of your garden. This is usually done in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.
• Pruning: Trim back perennials after their blooming season to promote a tidy appearance and healthy growth. Cut back to a healthy set of leaves or just above the crown of the plant.

5. Incorporate Garden Art and Features

    Garden art and features can add personality and charm to your outdoor space. Consider adding elements that reflect your style and interests.

• Pathways and Patios: Create inviting walkways or a cozy patio with natural stone or brick. These areas can serve as focal points and enhance the overall design.
• Water Features: A pond, fountain, or birdbath can add a sense of tranquility and attract wildlife. Running water can also provide a soothing background sound. 
• Sculptures and Ornaments: Choose garden sculptures, trellises, or ornaments that complement your plants and overall theme. 

6. Lighting for Ambiance

    Garden lighting can transform your garden into a magical place, especially after the sun sets. Thoughtful lighting adds depth, highlights key features, and creates a cosy atmosphere.

• Path Lights: Illuminate walkways to guide guests safely and add a welcoming glow. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option.
• Accent Lights: Highlight trees, sculptures, or water features to create dramatic focal points. Uplighting can create striking shadows and add drama.
• String Lights: Use string lights to add a festive touch to patios, pergolas, or trees. They can create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.

    Remember, your garden is a reflection of your personality and creativity. This process is not just about improving aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where you can relax, entertain, and connect with nature. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and watch as your garden flourishes into a captivating retreat. 

P.S. If the above tasks seem too daunting, I'm here to help. Whether you need advice on plant selection, assistance with pruning, or someone to handle the heavy lifting, Studio Haustor is here to make the process easier and more enjoyable for you. Feel free to reach out for any gardening support you need.