With the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather just around the corner, that can only mean one thing. Outdoor entertaining is upon us! Making the most of your backyard space is one of the joys of summer so why not get a head start on your landscaping projects now!
Install edging for a tidier look
If that spot where your garden ends and the lawn begins is beginning to look a bit blurred, it’s time to install a barrier between the two. That barrier is called “edging,” and it’s easier to install than you think.
There are so many options at your local hardware store it can be a bit confusing. Think about the look you are trying to achieve before deciding on material, wood or plastic? Which will last longer and which will compliment your backyard the best? Ask the helpful staff and they can show you the range and any extra tools you may need for this landscaping job ahead.
Using these edgings will give a nice sharp edge and make the lawns look more defined. If you have bark on your garden it will most certainly do a better job of containing it than what you previously had.
Create an outdoor dining area
When we think about outdoor dining as kiwis, we often imagine the image of a BBQ. What about indoor dining taken outside? If it’s a beautiful night make the most of it and have your meal outside in your garden or on the deck. It will only take a couple of minutes longer to carry things outside and will create a whole different ambiance to dining indoors. More relaxed and makes the most of the longer, warmer evenings.
If you don’t have any outdoor furniture consider trade me, second hand stores and the buy sell pages on Facebook for local deals. Rustic can look amazing and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. You may also want to give your current set a spruce up with a lick of paint or stain. Getting it out of the way now means you are ready to go on the first warm night.
Watering systems
There’s no more efficient method of delivering water to your landscape than with a drip irrigation system. The best part, it’s surprisingly easy to install and maintain. Nearly all gardening stores and home hardware stores have these systems to buy.
During the peak of summer when the garden need a little watering every one or two days, think of how much time you will save by not having to water by hand. It also saves on water as it is delivered exactly where you need it. Set a timer to alert you as to when to turn it off. The pricier models can come with built in timers if you feel like splashing out.
Mulch your garden beds
Garden mulch is undoubtedly the workhorse of the landscape. Not only does it help discourage weeds, but it helps the soil retain moisture, adds nutrients to the soil and acts as a temperature regulator for tender roots. Perfect when we live in an area that tends to have the odd water shortage for hand watering from time to time.
There is a large variety of materials and it comes in different textures and colours. Here are just a few of the types of mulch you’ll find in gardening centres:
- Bark – the most common
- Gravel
- Rock
- Straw
Some local suppliers to get mulch/bark/stones for your garden are:
Millers Firewood and Landscape Supplies
Bay Landscapes & Garden Centre
Most of these have a great selection on offer and some even have free trailers to use to get it home, perfect! All garden stores will have a selection and of course Mitre 10 and Bunnings too.
It’s also a great time to think about replacing any plants that have not made it through the winter or adding in something different to compliment your outdoor area.
Lighting
Adding in a few garden lights near your deck or outdoor dining area can add to the experience and extend the hours you can use it. Romantic dinner for two?
You don’t need to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on hooking up outdoor lights, think about solar powered garden lights to give just enough light. Or string lighting along the top of a fence.
Hanging lanterns are also a great idea. The light is a bit more elevated and brighter & you can get battery powered ones, solar powered ones or add in candles.
Adding in wired lighting can also be great option if you want to use the space more and have something a little more permanent. It doesn’t have to break the bank.
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Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant
About the Author: The above article on 5 Simple DIY Landscaping Projects was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.
He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.
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