Time for the Spring Tidy Up
Now the weather is improving and the garden is growing again, it is time to get out and tidy the garden to get it looking good again (as time and weather allows of course).
Create a checklist tailored to your garden, your energy levels and to what is important to you to have looking good.
Break areas or your garden down into jobs that can be achieved in the amount of time you can spare on that day.
1. Declutter and Remove Debris
Start by removing fallen leaves, twigs, and dead plants from flower beds, lawns, and pathways.
Pick up any rubbish, including any pots and garden ornaments or lights that are past their best.
Pick up and put away or relocate items like pots, tools, or toys. Some of these may have been moved to a sheltered place over winter.
Prune dead or overgrown branches from shrubs and trees.
2. Mow and Edge the Lawn
Mow the lawn when the turf is dry enough. (A newly mowed lawn instantly makes a garden look tidier).
Edge the lawn along pathways, driveways, and garden beds to give a crisp finish.
3. Weed Control
Pull weeds from flower beds, lawns, and paved areas.
Mulch flower beds to suppress future weed growth and give a neat appearance.
4. Tidy Flower Beds and Borders
Trim back overgrown plants to encourage bushier growth.
Deadhead spent flowers and remove any growth damaged by winter cold to encourage new growth and freshen up plants.
Trim overgrown hedges.
5. Clean Pathways and Patios
Sweep and/or pressure-wash pathways, patios, and decks to remove dirt and grime.
Remove moss or algae from paved areas.
Straighten paving stones if any have shifted out of place.
6. Organise Garden Furniture and Decorations
Clean, repair and arrange outdoor furniture.
A fresh coat of paint or stain may be needed.
Add decorative elements like lanterns, or potted plants
7. Add Colour
Add fresh plants or flowers in pots or hanging baskets for a pop of colour.
8. Water Features or Ponds
Clean and ensure they’re functioning properly.
And here are some tips on making a garden look tidier than it is:
Edging: - edge garden beds to prevent them spilling out onto lawns and pathways. An edge will help to reign in the chaos and prevent soil or mulch falling onto paths or lawns. Also it will help prevent grass from creeping into the beds.
Clipped Bushes: - many garden plants have a loose freeform habit creating sprawling shrubs, or plants that grow tall then tip over. Add in a few well behaved plants and clip them into tight little balls or neat little shapes amid the chaos. A small amount of work creates a great contrast and helps make the garden bed look tidier.
Contrast Foliage and Flowers: - gardens tend to look messier and more chaotic when you can’t see the individual plants. Place distinct plants with contrasting foliage next to each other.
Weeds: - unfortunately a garden bed full of weeds just looks messy. Remove the weeds, often while they are actively growing, and prevent them from going to seed. Dispose of all the plant material rather than leaving it on the ground. Not only does it look tidier but it will prevent pests and diseases taking hold in decaying plant material.
Clean Paths:- a path covered with leaves, moss, or mulch that has escaped a garden bed, looks messy.
Mulch: - will give a bed an instant tidy as well as help shade roots, maintain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
Deadhead: - remove spent flowers, harvest produce, and remove plants that have reached the end of their life cycle to help keep garden beds looking their best.
Empty Spaces: - will naturally be filled with weeds unless you fill them first.
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