By Ros Burton (Principal – The Real Estate People)
Understandably, my blog columns usually project a pretty strong ‘real estate’ vibe each month – so, instead of just talking bricks and mortar, this time I thought I’d focus on how wonderful a gorgeous garden can be for your property.
I’m not the best gardener, but I do like to have some colour and greenery around me come the warmer months; so here are some ideas to have your garden looking its best leading into summer.
Step 1: Clean your garden
Remove all the dead plants, fallen leaves, and other debris from your yard. This will not only make it look neat and tidy, but also prevent the growth of fungi and pests.
Step 2: Prepare the soil
Turn it over with a garden fork (or a tiller) to aerate it and break up any hard clods. Then, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will replenish the nutrients and improve its structure and drainage.
Step 3: Control weeds and pests
These guys can be a big threat to your garden. Therefore, it’s essential to control them before they get out of hand. Use a weeding tool to remove weeds from the root and apply a layer of mulch to prevent their regrowth. For pests, use natural remedies or eco-friendly pesticides to keep them at bay.
Step 4: Plan your garden
Once your garden is clean and your soil is prepared, it’s time to do some planning. Decide which plants you want to grow, considering their sunlight and soil requirements. Also, think about the layout of your garden. Do you want to create a border with flowering plants, or do you want to grow vegetables in raised beds? Planning ahead will make your planting work easier and more efficient.
Step 5: Plant your seeds and saplings
Now that your garden is prepared, follow the planting instructions provided with your plants, and make sure to water them regularly (something I don’t always do). With patience and care, you will soon see your garden come to life.
What you put in there is totally up to you of course, but here are some of the best ‘spring-friendly’ plants for Aussie gardens:
- Flowering plants: Azaleas, camellias, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths add colour and fragrance to your garden, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Fruit and vegies: Now is a great time to grow the likes of tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, strawberries and herbs. These plants love the warm spring weather and can provide you with a fresh and healthy harvest.