Before you set up the ‘For Sale’ sign, it’s a good idea to make sure the garden is looking neat and presentable, ready for inspection. As the garden is one of the first things a buyer will see, you’ll want the outdoor space to really catch their eye and get them excited about what they’ll find inside.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of time and money to spruce up your garden. Here’s a list of five quick and easy gardening tips to transform your existing garden into something you’ll be proud to show off:
1. Keep it low maintenance
Having a high-maintenance garden is a sure-fire way to scare off potential buyers. But that doesn’t mean you need to settle for a plain and boring outdoor space. With a bit of planning and creativity, it’s easy to create a stylish and modern garden ideal for those who lead busy lives.
Master the art of reduction with these simple gardening tips:
- Reduce the lawn size: Smaller lawns require less time mowing and less grass clippings to deposit into landfill. If you want to trade in those long stretches of grass, perhaps for a private entertainment space or pathway, consider laying down some new decking, pavement or gravel
- Similar plant species: Choose a plant variety that’s easy to maintain and native to the Australian climate. Tastefully scatter them in different parts of the front and backyard to create a uniform look. By choosing plants of a similar species, they can be conveniently maintained at the same time to make your life easier
- Less is more: A minimal garden is a great way to draw attention to focal points in the outdoor space. You can arrange the plants in a precise manner that complements the existing architecture. For example, the front entrance could have two pot plants sitting adjacent from each other, which promotes a sense of balance and symmetry
2. Tidy up the garden
Regardless of the current state of your garden, you need to make sure the plants are well maintained and the general area is clean. Be sure to give the place a tidy and pull out the weeds, rake the leaves, hose down the driveway and footpaths, and prune your existing trees, plants and bushes.
If you have any plants or trees that have become aged, diseased, or they just don’t suit the area, get rid of them. Don’t worry, you can always make a fresh start by planting a new sapling.
3. Prune conservatively
Over pruning can sap plants and trees of their ability to retain nutrients, especially if the canopy has been pruned, and expose them to disease, pests and extreme weather. It can also destroy a plants’ natural shape and make them look artificial.
When pruning fully-established plants, take a moderate approach by following the 1/3 rule. By following this rule you only trim about 1/3 of the good wood. This amount is just enough to encourage the plant to heal itself and push new growth – without causing it to panic or go into shock.
If you’re unsure how to correctly prune your plant, bush or tree, don’t hesitate to leave this task to a professional arborist.
4. New mulch
Mulching is an easy and effective way to protect the soil from dehydration and keep weeds under control. It also comes in a variety of materials, styles and colours to give your outdoor space a personal touch.
Head to your local nursery and choose from a range of organic and non-organic mulch to complete your garden. Organic mulch like woodchips and bark are slightly cheaper and available in black, brown, red and other vibrant colours. While non-organic mulch like pebbles, rocks and gravel are more expensive, but they rarely need to be topped up or replaced.
5. Freshly laid turf
The benefits of natural looking turf lawn should not be understated. Turf looks and feels just like the real thing, it’s more environmentally friendly – by being able to trap air pollution and generate oxygen – and requires very little maintenance.
You can choose from a range of turf types to match your soil and the local climate. Each kind of turf is different based on the level of cost, drought resistance, shade tolerance and texture. To find out which kind of turf is right for you, head down to a local nursery and get a feel for each sample before you make the final choice.
Thinking of selling soon? Here are some great tips to help you prepare your home for a winter sale.
Created by All Green Nursery
