In the last year, we’ve endured a lot. From cinemas closing and parents becoming homeschoolers to the loss of travel privileges, it’s been a long and miserable winter. But spring is here, which means it’s time to think about ways to enjoy your garden.
There’s never been a better time to revamp your garden and inject some life into it. In this post, we’ll look at some quick gardening ideas during the lockdown. Ideal to pass the time and a lot more fun than exercise, these cost-effective ways to spruce up your garden will get you ready for summer.
General Maintenance
Sometimes all you need is to have a good clear out, so why not make use of your free time during the lockdown? Cleaning and tidying your garden will make it look better, and you’re more likely to spend time in it when the sun finally comes out.
General garden maintenance doesn’t cost a lot of money, but it can breathe life into your outdoor space. It’s especially a good idea to clean and trim your lawn if you have pets or children because it allows them to play outside and enjoy themselves.
Mow the Lawn
Mowing the lawn isn’t exactly an exciting task, but it is essential if you want to enjoy your garden. Long grass doesn’t look nice, and it’s more likely to put you off spending time in your backyard, so make an effort to keep it trim.
Most people mow their lawn around once a week, but be careful not to cut it too short as it will damage the grass.
Deep Clean the Patio
Your patio is a space to enjoy BBQs with family and friends, but people often forget that it needs regular maintenance. During the winter months, dirt, snow, rain and other materials can gather on your patio, which creates a slime.
The easiest way to clean your patio or decking is with a pressure washer which will get rid of slime and dirt. Not only does it brighten up your patio, but it also makes your garden a more inviting space.
Freshen Up Your Fences and Buildings
If you have fences or a shed, it’s good to make sure you repair any cracks or missing panels. Ventilating your shed will prepare it for summer, and a lick of paint goes a long way.
Instead of buying a new shed or painting it the same colour, you can choose a theme for your garden, making a huge difference. Moroccan blues are ideal if you like bold and bright colours, but you can also select earthy greens or browns for a more rustic look.
Plants & Furniture
Plants and furniture make a garden unique, and there’s so much you can do with your outdoor space. Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary themes, a few plants can brighten up your garden. Here are some ideas of how you can use plants and furniture to prepare for summer.
Use a Container as a Planter
If you don’t have space or the thought of getting on your hands and knees to plant seeds fills you with horror, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a colourful garden. Container planting is an easy way to add some colour to your garden without spending a lot of money.
You can use any container you have lying around, including recycling old plastic containers to contribute to the environment. Order your seeds online, or find a local garden centre that offers delivery, then you can have attractive flowers that make your garden more inviting.
Zone Your Garden
This idea works better for larger gardens, but you can still use it if you have a small garden. If you have children, then garden zoning is a great way to allow them to play while protecting your plants.
The play area should have a fun theme, and you can incorporate a wendy house or treehouse (if you’re feeling brave). Allocate a cooking and dining section and an area for your plants. Not only does it look nice, but it also means everyone can enjoy the garden together.
Attract Wildlife
Nothing beats the sound of birds chirping in the morning, and you can attract more birds to your garden by installing a feeder. All you need to do is purchase a feeder and hang it in the location of your choice.
If you have indoor cats, then try to place the feeder near a window. Your feline friend will have hours of entertainment, so it’s a winning situation for all involved.
Put it on Paper
Maybe you want to completely redesign your garden and have some big ideas about the theme and landscaping. To make your vision come to life, you should write your thoughts down and sketch a basic plan of how you want the finished garden to look.
Once lockdown is over, you can go to a specialist landscaping company and ask them to turn your ideas into a bespoke design that suits the shape of your garden and your budget.
Grow Herbs
Having fresh herbs on hand is an excellent way to eat healthier because seasoned food means you’re less likely to spend money on processed sauces. In the UK, you can grow a range of delicious herbs that are also beneficial for holistic purposes.
Mint, coriander and dill are all popular options, and most herbs will flourish as long as the soil has the right nutrients. However, they also need plenty of sunlight, so make sure you place them in a location that gets a lot of light.
For the best herbs to grow in your garden, you can view this article from Country Living.
The Takeaway
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your garden for it to become a welcoming space. The ideas we’ve shared above can transform your backyard and allow you to enjoy the summer. Remember to think about the state of your soil before planting anything and consider where your children would like to play.
Don’t forget to check out our post on the best three-tier garden ideas. It contains tips and techniques to layer your small garden and turn it into a space everyone can enjoy.
