With spring on the horizon, there is no better time to reawaken and rejuvenate the backyard in preparation for the warmer seasons ahead. Reviving the garden can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family. You can transform the outdoor space and inject a new lease of life over the course of a weekend, preparing the family’s favourite room for the upcoming barbecues and endless evenings of entertaining. Here’s seven tips for transforming your backyard in time for spring:
1. Build a veggie patch
Spring is the season of new life and marks the perfect time to raise and grow little ones of your own, herbs and veggies that is! Building your own raised veggie garden is simple; allocate space which will receive enough sun, mark out your area and then install a raised garden wall using dry retaining wall blocks. Bring in quality soil and then plant your favourite produce. A veggie patch is a great way to make use of forgotten corners of the garden to grow your own groceries.
2. Create a zoned garden
Zones in the backyard can create defined areas for eating, cooking, lounging or whatever is required. Define zones using fencing, plants or materials such as pavers, grass or gravel to help each area stand out on its own. A zoned garden will appear bigger and each area will have its own purpose.
3. Add furniture and accessorise
Selecting the right furniture is imperative to achieving the desired look and feel and maximising the time spent in the backyard. Start by considering your lifestyle and how you anticipate the room will be used. Lounges and deep seaters are perfect for those who like to relax whereas dining settings are best for those who love long family meals. Include some decorative elements to add personality to the space.
4. Enhance the look of the lawn
Replacing old or damaged turf is a quick way to enhance the look of your home. Healthy turf will bring a bright, fresh appearance to your outdoor space and this simple project gives a great finishing touch. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and remove any debris. Fertilise if required and sprinkle grass seed over any bare spots. For a more dramatic, neat finish, add garden edging.
5. Pressure clean paved areas
Transform old into new again in time for the entertaining season. Bring your driveway or any paved area back to life with a power wash. It’s quick and easy to do and will not only improve the appearance but with pressure cleaning you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.
6. Introduce a water feature
Adding a water feature to the outdoor room can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. There are some fantastic water feature options on the market today. Water features can also serve a functional purpose such as blocking out noise from traffic or neighbours and add a peaceful ambiance to the garden. A stone feature wall will add some texture and make a water feature pop, making the greatest impact.
7. Add creative lighting
With longer, warmer days around the corner, spring is the perfect time to start using the outdoor space into the evening. Lighting allows you to utilise the backyard all year round as well as after the sun goes down. With a huge variety of lighting options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to compliment the style of the backyard.
— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.
