Category: Garden

While we all want a gorgeous garden, something that we actually need is a versatile garden. Having one allows for much greater and more regular use of this precious piece of outdoor space. Versatile gardens mean that you can use them winter, spring, summer or fall. When it is raining, or during a heatwave. When you have children visiting, friends socializing, or the elderly relaxing.

With this in mind, let’s consider a few ways that you can make your space more versatile.

A Hidden Swimming Pool

Not many people know that these exist outside of sci-fi movies and doctored Pinterest images, but they really do. A number of companies right across the world have developed, and are now selling and installing, hidden swimming pools. The concept is simple. The swimming pool is built and installed in such a way that with the flick of a switch, it sinks deeper into the ground. Once it is away, the space where it used to be is then covered by a patio or even faux grass. While an expensive option, installing a swimming pool like this gives you incredible versatility. After all, while pools can be fun for adults, they can be hazardous to the elderly and children. This solution allows you to get two entirely different types of usage out of just one area of your garden.

Retractable Shade Options

One thing you cannot control in your garden or outdoor space is the weather. However, what you can control is how you deal with it. A rather more affordable option for your garden is the installation of retractable awnings or roof systems. When it’s pleasantly hot and sunny, you put it away. Or, if you want to stay cooler and protect from harmful rays, you put it out. Similarly, in the winter months, you can either utilize it or not. Because it’s retractable, it doesn’t take up hardly any space when not in use. This is ideal if you have a small garden and not a lot of room. It is also an appealing option if you want to make your garden as attractive as possible. Being able to pop it away keeps everything neat and tidy. Plus it means it stays clean during rain, snow or sleet.

Create An Extra Living Space

Finally, a versatile garden is also about what additional features you put in it. If you have extra space to spare, how about installing an outdoor structure. First off, it gives you more space for living, working or socializing. Secondly, it could actually add significant value to your home if you ever come to sell. And, third, of course, it makes your garden more versatile. If you work from home, how about working from a home office in the garden instead? It will be more peaceful and provides segregation from home. Or, you could treat teenagers to some privacy in their own den! Finally, you could make it into a room that you can use for socializing in when you have friends over in the cooler months.

Gardeners everywhere are working to create their own individual paradise, and like fashion, there are in’s and out’s. This year has some refreshing new arrivals, and container gardens are catching on in a big way, as recycled ideas provide unique platforms. Of course, these are generalisations, there will be folks that deviate due to personal taste, but, as long as the garden is pleasing to the eye, and its creator is happy, all is well.

Indoor gardens

The trends this year very much follow the previous season, with indoor gardening becoming prominent, probably due to the large amount of conservatories that are sprouting up all over. With hanging baskets and plenty of dried grass, the ambience is amazon style, with lots of lush evergreens.

Container gardening

Fuelled by recycling, creativity abounds as people design, and make, amazing pots and bowls for their plants. Perhaps another reason is that people are constantly on the move. With career development comes relocation, and in small inner city dwellings, often a container garden is the only way to be surrounded by a bit of nature.

Portable garden

A container garden has several benefits, one being that it can be moved. Either the entire collection, to a new location, or individual plants and shrubs. Sometimes a plant takes a while to acclimatise to the sunlight hours, and if one noticed a particular shrub was not doing well, simply move it to a location where one thinks it will thrive. At the end of the first year, all plants will be in their optimum settings, and that will be reflected in the healthy blooms seen in the late spring.

Manageable maintenance

Trees are centre stage this year, with everyone concerned for their well-being. The avid gardener would call in the tree surgeon at the end of winter, and have the lopping and pruning done, so if one lives in Western Australia, Tree Surgeons WA are a Tree Lopper with years of experience in all types of tree care. By taking care of the larger trees early in the year, the garden can be easily maintained, and there’s nothing major to do.

Lighting

Definitely a big hit this summer, LED solutions, combined with solar power, enable the garden designer to really utilise light. Floor lighting around pool areas, and alongside driveways and paths, give a totally new dimension to any landscape, and with a range of colours and effects, the creative side can really get to work. Strong floodlight type of lighting has given way to the softer look, and with remote technology, adjustment is a breeze.

Natural grey concrete

Very impressive when done correctly, walls and pathways can be enhanced with darker timbers, creating a modern look.

Tropical plants

They have always been popular, yet this year has seen an explosion of small exotic trees, which hold the interest all year round. Evergreens are here to stay, with a fickle climate such as Western Australia, year round green is ideal.

The trend this year is for less cluttered gardens, with striking fauna, and the emphasis is on simplicity, which every gardener will be happy to hear.

When it comes to taking care of our properties, doing so effectively is naturally a high priority for us. However, as the seasons change and the weather and temperature changes with it, the care the house needs changes.

So, let’s take a look some key maintenance tasks for winter, spring, summer and fall.

Winter

A key task in the winter is to keep your winter tools and equipment maintained. It’s all very well stocking up on everything you might need. However, it isn’t going to be very useful if it doesn’t actually work. Preparing for snow is wise. A lack of preparation can cause anything from mild annoyance to total chaos. You don’t want anyone to fall and hurt themselves, or to not be able to get your car out to go to work! Snowshifts have a helpful review on some of the best snow blowers on the market. You may also want to store salt and sand, and a shovel will always come in handy if it snows too. Keep them all in a dry, clean and safe place. Check they are working as soon as weather warnings appear. This way, if adverse weather comes, you will be prepared and can help neighbors and friends out also.

Spring

Sometimes, when we can’t see dirt, we kind of forget that it’s there! This is often what happens when dirt and debris builds up over the winter. On your windows, for example, you might not even notice it for a number of months it there isn’t much sunlight. However- trust us on this one- the dirt is there. Plus, letting it harbor and increase can cause real damage, and actually reduce the life of your windows and exterior fixtures. So, get the cleaned. We’re talking about a deep and thorough clean here, not a surface one. Hire a professional if you can’t face doing it yourself!

On the topic of hiring professionals, also get someone to check any in spring air conditioning units. Fixing issues and ordering replacement parts in advance of actually needing the unit- as you will in summer- is smart.

Summer

Once summer arrives, you will likely be spending more time in the great outdoors! This will, therefore, mean spending time in your garden and outdoor space. That’s why now is the time to make sure these areas are safe. First up you’ll need to throw out clutter, rubbish and other mess that has built up over the months of less use. Have it take away by professionals who will ensure it is responsibly disposed of or even better, recycled.

Fall

Just as you need to check your air conditioning in spring, check your heating systems are working in Fall. This allows you to get any issues fixed well in advance of the coldest weather in winter. Now is also the best time to ‘weatherize’ your home. So, things like wall insulation and window replacements should be done now. The more work you can do in Fall, the more comfortable and cozy you will be in winter

When it comes to gardens, we practically live in them during the summer months! But what about when the weather cools off in the winter? How can we make our wonderful gardens useable even then? Then are certainly ways to do exactly this- you just have to know how!

One idea is to build a sheltered patio; another is to build a summerhouse, or log cabin. Both of these options allows you to be in the garden without actually being exposed. Another option of this nature is a balcony which overlooks your outdoor space. Alternatively, back down on the ground, how about making your swimming pool usable all year round by heating it? Read on for more on each of these suggestions…

Build a patio

Whether you want a detached or attached patio, it is certainly worth building one. They give you a dedicated space to sit in your garden. Go for one that has a cover, and you can continue using it right through the year. These patio designs by Great Aussie Patios will give you some initial inspiration. Compare each to the space you have available, and decide which you think will fit the best. Hire professionals to come and install it for an efficient and smart job. Doing it yourself could take you months, and if you get anything wrong? Disaster!

Heat your pool

If you have a pool that you use loads when it’s warm but not at all in the winter? Then have it heated? There are a few options that allow you to do this, a couple of which don’t have to break the bank! That way you can continue to use your pool for socializing, exercising or just relaxing at any time of the year! Be energy efficient and environmentally friendly by using solar panels! Insulating and sheltering the pool will also help it retain the heat it has.

Construct a summer house

Summer houses might have the word summer in the name, but the idea should be that you create something suitable for all seasons! When constructing it, be prepared to invest in a few worthwhile extras. While you won’t necessarily use these when it’s hot and sunny, their inclusion will mean usage in winter is possible. So, be sure to insulate the walls, and also install electricity points. Not only will these allow you to have lighting and music inside, but you can also pop a heating system in their when it’s cold!

Add a balcony to your home

How about building a balcony on your home that overlooks your garden. This gives you yet another way to enjoy your outdoor space! You can also use your balcony to grow plants and flowers. This will make it blend more seamlessly with the garden below. Glass balconies look brilliant, as there is nothing to block your view. Balconies are not just great to make more use of your outdoor space or garden. They are also fantastic for adding value to your property. If you do come to sell in the future, the balcony could even be the thing that seals the deal for a viewer!

Is your garden in need of some serious TLC? Are you a novice looking to become a green-fingered expert? Do you dream of designing a heavenly outdoor haven to escape to after busy days at work? If so, look no further. No matter your level of gardening expertise, it is possible to make your dreams come true. Here’s how to design and create the garden of your dreams in twelve easy steps.

#1. Clear the space

Is your garden overgrown? Has it become a dumping ground over the spring? If so, the first step to take towards your dream garden is a good clear out. To do this, all you’ll need is some gardening gloves, some trash bags, and some elbow grease. Use secateurs to cut down long grass and put weed killer down. Use a hoe to collect dead leaves, and pick up branches and twigs. The aim of this stage to ascertain just what kind of blank canvas you have to work with. If your garden is in a real state, ask friends and family to come over and help you out. Many hands make light work.

#2. Look for ideas and inspiration

Even the most creative and imaginative people can struggle to envision what their garden could look like when it’s just an empty area. Thankfully, there are loads of places you can look for inspiration. The Internet is a fantastic resource. Search online for gardening blogs and design ideas. You’ll find many design companies have their own websites, which may provide you with ideas. You can also browse sites like Instagram and Pinterest. It’s also beneficial to flick through some home and garden magazines and have a look around some garden centres. Sometimes, visiting Oriental parks, luxury hotels, and country gardens can also get you thinking. You may find that you like aspects of different designs and you enjoy a variety of styles. Write down your ideas, and take cuttings from magazines and websites. You can use the information you gather to create a mood board.

#3. Plan your new garden

Once you have some ideas about styles, themes, and layouts, you can start planning your garden. What does your dream garden look like? What kinds of styles do you prefer? Are you going for a simple design? Or are aiming to create a collection of different areas or add eye-catching features? Many people think about lawns and flower beds when they hear the word garden. But gardens come in all different shapes and sizes. If you don’t want a traditional lawned garden, there’s no rule saying you have to have one. Choose styles and themes that you like. It’s your garden after all. If you want a modern backyard with gravel, pebbles and bark chippings, that’s fine. If you want an overgrown country garden with a mini wildflower meadow, turn your vision into a reality.

To plan your garden, it’s wise to take measurements and to seek advice from experts if you have grand designs in mind. Discuss your ideas with a landscape gardener and work on plans together.

#4. Carry out any construction work

Do your garden designs include construction work? If so, it’s best to do this first before you start planting seeds or making your lawn pristine. Are you hoping to create a decking area? Are you erecting fencing or adding a water feature? Are you eager to produce a multi-level space with distinguished areas? Do you dream of glass walls or waterfalls? Once your plans are in place, you can contact local building or gardening firms to get quotes and set out timeframes. Make sure you have a full breakdown of costs before you sign any contracts.

#5. Lay and mow the lawn

If you have an empty backyard, and you’d like a lawn, order your turf and lay it. You’ll find local firms online. Ring around for some quotes and make sure you have measurements to hand. You’ll find that many companies will offer to lay the turf, as well as supplying it.

If you already have a lawn, now is the time to mow it. Mowing the lawn may seem like a simple task, but there’s a knack to it. Wait for a dry, warm day and stick to a pattern. If you mow randomly, there’s a risk of going over the same patch of turf again and again or missing an entire area. If you don’t already have a modern lawnmower, it’s wise to invest in one. If you have a large lawn, or you don’t have time to keep on top of mowing duties, consider hiring a gardening maintenance firm. Enlisting professional help ensures excellent results, and it’ll also save you time.

#6. Prepare planters and beds

Before you can start planting and scattering seeds, you’ll need to make sure your beds are ready. Remove any weeds and dead leaves or flowers and add compost to the soil. Water the soil.

#7. Choose your plants and sow your seeds

If you’re going for a traditional garden with a neat lawn and colorful planters and flower beds, now is the time to get planting. You can sow your own seeds, or buy ready-filled planters. If you prefer something a little different, replace traditional tubs and pots with barrels, trunks or vases. If you are planting, follow the instructions carefully. You’ll also find loads of helpful tips online. Once your flower beds are ready, don’t forget to water your plants regularly.

#8. Think about furniture

Most of us like to have furniture out in the garden so that we can relax in the sun and have friends and family around. Think about the type of furniture you want and how it will fit into your garden. If you’ve designed a modern space, you may be thinking about a rattan sofa set or a trendy hanging teardrop chair. If you’ve gone for a vintage look, you may be toying with the idea of a rustic wrought iron table and chairs set. Have a look around and see what styles you like best.

#9. Make your garden bespoke

Designing a new garden gives you the opportunity to put your stamp on it and create a bespoke space. Let your garden show off your personality and style. Use your experiences to shape your designs, or add personal touches. If you’ve traveled extensively, showcase your souvenirs or use them as inspiration. Jewel colors, hanging lamps, and opulent floor cushions could catapult you back to holidays in Morocco. Pristine white decking, whitewashed wooden furniture, and nautical themed prints may remind you of trips to the sea. Add a personalized plaque to the shed, or a custom-designed bar sign.

#10. Invest in outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting is an effective way to bring your garden to life and add ambiance. There are all kinds of options out there. Create a romantic, relaxing space with twinkling fairy lights. Use lanterns or uplighters to illuminate entertaining areas. Hang strings of mini bulbs on decking to create a party atmosphere. Line paths with tiny LED lights to showcase your garden in all its glory. Add portal style lamps to fencing to channel a nautical theme.

#11. Weatherproof your garden

The last thing you want when you’ve spent time, money and effort building a beautiful garden is the weather to rain on your parade. Take some time to weatherproof your garden by coating wooden furniture, decking and fencing with varnish. It’s also a good idea to buy some furniture covers if you don’t have room to store your furniture in the garage.

Once you’ve varnished wooden features in the garden, make sure you keep on top of maintenance. Follow the usage instructions on the tin. In most cases, you’ll need to apply a coat once or twice a year.

#12. Go shopping and add the finishing touches

This is the fun part! Your garden is probably looking incredible by now, but it may be lacking those all-important finishing touches. Take a trip to homeware and garden stores. Browse online and visit yard sales, street stalls and markets. You can often find unique features and accessories in quirky independent shops and outdoor markets. If you have an idea of what you want, search online. You can compare prices, and many companies offer next day delivery for a fee. It’s also a good idea to have a look for bargains on online auction sites.

Have you recently moved house? Or have you let gardening slide over the winter? If you’re determined to create a dream garden this summer, this simple guide will help to make your dreams a reality. Do some research and make some plans. Inject your taste, style, and personality. Look around for inspiration, but use your own ideas as well. Don’t be afraid to stray from the traditional garden template. This is your canvas, and you can do what you like. Stick to a timeline and get the major jobs sorted first. Once you have a basic framework in place, you can focus on decoration and finishing touches.

In summer, we often spend a lot of time in the garden. There might be barbeques, garden parties and just relaxing in the sun. You might be looking around your garden at the moment and wishing it looked a little different. Gardens can easily get a little-worn looking, and they do need to be taken care of; just like the rest of the house. Gardens often get neglected, but they should be treated like any other room in the home. With that in mind, here are some great ways that you can update your garden easily. A few changes can make the world of difference!

First of all, you might want to change the layout of the garden. You might have an uneven garden and want to make it level. You might have a pond that is no longer used, or you might want to create a focus, using a water feature. If there are some big changes that you want to make, they can still be easily changed. It might just be worth consulting with a landscaper first. You don’t want to start knocking down walls or steps in the garden to make it level if there are other ways to do it.

If you are looking to make changes, it is a good idea to be ruthless about what is in your garden. Are your borders quite large and overgrown? Are they full of plants? I’m not suggesting getting rid of all the plants in the borders, but you can afford to be more selective. A garden will look much cleaner and crisp if there are only a select amount of flowers in it. Summer is one of the best times to check on this too as most of them will be in bloom. If it looks a little overgrown, then get pulling! You can plant more later if needed but starting afresh will give your garden a new lease of life. Along the same lines, pruning trees and bushes is a quick and easy way to improve the state of things. You don’t want to just pull up a tree necessarily, so pruning is the way to go. You can shape them and ‘train’ them in the way that you want them to look.

Do you have lots of plants or shrubs in planters and containers? If you do, it might be a good idea to get rid of a few. They can overtake the garden if there are too many. On the flip side, if you don’t have any, getting a few can make such a difference. It adds a new dimension to the garden as well as a bit of color. Just don’t go crazy with the number of planters or pots.

Can you get bird feeders or a small water feature to add something new to your garden? They are such an easy way to add something new to your garden. Have you got any plans to update or improve your garden this summer? I’d love to hear what you have planned.

When you’re at home, it’s likely that you’ll spend a large part of your time in the garden. During the summer months, you’ll no doubt be relaxing and perhaps reading a good book. You may even invite friends and family over for a BBQ.

And when it’s colder, you can look out at your garden from indoors and watch as your plants begin to flower and bloom. There’s no denying that many homeowners are proud of their gardens. Of course, there are a few of us that look at our gardens in despair!

Why? Because we haven’t thought of any inspirational ways to improve them! If your garden is looking a bit unloved, today’s blog post has come to your aid! The following are nine ways to use reclaimed materials to brighten up your outdoor space.

1. Old watering cans

It’s likely that you’ll have some old watering cans lying around your garden. We often lose track of things in our garden, only to discover them hidden away in some far-flung corner! Old watering cans serve as decorative ways to grow small plants and flowers.

To some people, they are the epitome of shabby chic. And, to others, they are just a unique way to grow things!

2. Railway sleepers

Did you know that it’s possible to buy used railway sleepers? When I say “used” I mean previously used by a railroad company! You can repurpose them in a variety of ways in your garden. For example, they can make attractive feature flower beds.

You could also use them to build some borders around your garden. Or you might wish to adapt them into a unique bench.

3. Pallets

In case you didn’t know, pallets are strong bases for companies to store and ship dozens of products. When they are no longer needed, they end up getting destroyed.

You could save some pallets and use them in your garden! They offer a variety of interesting uses. For instance, some people have converted them into vertical growing areas for walls. Others use them as chairs!

4. Tires

Have you spotted some discarded tires lying around somewhere? If so, don’t just leave them there: take them home with you! I’m not suggesting you use the tires on your car.

Instead, give them a coat of paint and repurpose them as unique flower beds! The great thing about tires is they are durable enough to hold soil. But, they are light enough to move to different locations in your garden.

5. Food tins

It’s likely that you will recycle your food tins once you’re done with them. You should consider setting some of them aside and using them in your garden.

With the addition of some cheap chains or rope, you can convert them into hanging baskets! Or, should I say, hanging tins! They are ideal for growing small plants and herbs.

6. Bicycle wheels

The sad truth is that a lot of old, unused bicycles end up rusting or going to landfill. Did you know that you can make many creative items out of ordinary bicycle wheels?

For instance, you can use some to build a dome! They are perfect for climbing plants. Once those plants grow, they’ll cover the dome and hide the wheels themselves. They can make for an interesting talking point whenever you have guests visit your home!

7. Rubber boots

We all know how useful rubber boots are. They allow us to work in damp or muddy areas outdoors without getting our feet wet! But, as with most things in life, they have a limited lifespan.

You might think about throwing your old boots out in the trash or recycling them. One thing you could do is keep them at home and grow some plants in them!

8. Ladders

We all seem to have a few old ladders lying around the house. The truth is, we only need one set of ladders! Consider using some of the unused ones as attractive garden features.

You could put some small plant pots on them, for example. The creative person in you might even use old paint pots to grow plants in, and put those pots on the ladder. How cool is that?

9. 2-liter plastic bottles

Plastic bottles are another type of household item that we usually recycle. Keep some of them aside and convert them into nifty planters! All you have to do is cut a hole on the side of them and fill the bottle up with soil and plant seeds.

You could attach some chains or rope to them and hang them up from a wall!