The Gorgeous Garden Makeover Guide For DIYers

Good weather is coming, so it’s time to clear out that yard and make yourself a gorgeous garden for the summer. It may sound like a lot of work, and you may be wondering where on earth to start. Like with all good DIY projects, it’s best to start with a plan. First, you need to figure out what you want for your outdoor space. There are plenty of options.

Many of us love to entertain in the garden or yard. It doesn’t matter what size the space is, so long as it is level. It tends to be easier to add earth to bring a slope back up rather than digging away. You might choose your outdoor dining area based on the location of your flattest space. That’s OK. Just bear in mind your route from the kitchen to the dining table. You will need a good clear path. Next you might choose a play area for the dog or the kids. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a water feature in a flower garden?

Try sketching your dream garden ideas. This is a big DIY project to take on alone, so see if your friends and family fancy helping out a little bit with the heavy work. Even the kids could get involved with a little weeding and tidying up. It can be a great way to spend quality time together. Best of all, your friends and family could help you generate the best ideas for your new garden design.

If your yard has become a bit of a rubbish dump over the years, you will need to consider how you’re going to clear it out. There may be lots of green waste that you’ll want to remove, as well as the usual trash items that somehow find their way amongst the shrubs. Check websites like samedayrubbishremoval.com.au to see if you can order a skip or a pick up of your waste. It will also help you to determine exactly how much can go to a recycling center, and how much is just junk. Sorting the rubbish as you go will help you dispose of your waste responsibly.

In some places, you are permitted to burn your green waste during certain hours. This might help you clear some spaces as you go too. Trimming trees and shrubs can be quite tiring. If you’re digging as well, it might be worth planning your days of work carefully to avoid heat exhaustion or injury. Use your sketches to help you work out which areas can be tackled first. Now your yard is stripped bare and cleared out, you’re ready to start building up your dream garden. Often building requires hiring a tree service which can be found here: https://www.thelocaltreeexperts.com/wa/seattle/

Raised flower beds look really beautiful, but they can be more costly and time-consuming to create. Shaping a square lawn into a curvy shape can give you border edges that you can fill with bulbs, plants, shrubs and flowers. If you’re looking to grow vegetables and herbs in your garden, then raised flower beds or other containers could be ideal. It means you can bring in healthy, organic soil, and enjoy fresh produce from your own garden. Tomatoes, carrots and potatoes are some of the easiest foods you can grow.

If you’re hoping to create an outdoor kitchen-diner, then consider the covering overhead. You want something that is there for the long-term and won’t be a problem to grill under. Patio instead of decking is hardier, but wooden decking looks more attractive. A composite simulation wood could be the answer here if you find a hard wearing manufacturer. If you’re cooking with gas, always check the safety valves, and store the canister away from heat and direct light. Before buying a new propane burner don’t forget about its quality.

Placing a netted gazebo over your lounging or dining area can help reduce the number of insects attracted to your party food. It is also ideal for avoiding direct sunlight on the table and guests. A good quality gazebo will look attractive in your garden, but there are plenty of other options to explore too. If your patio area doesn’t tend to receive direct light, then you might not need a cover. Why not consider making some other shady areas in the garden? This can be done with clever planting, or some climbers and trellis.

You’ll need just a few good quality tools to get you going with your DIY garden project. The first is a power drill. You may need to drill into brickwork and masonry, so a high-power option is best. You’ll need a range of weather protected screws and nails as well. Any wood that you use for structures, decking or building will need regular treating with specialist paints and stains too. Check whether the first coat has already been done for you by the supplier.

If you’re looking to create a water feature or a zen garden, you might need to add a few more items to your shopping list. If you’re not a qualified electrician, try to stick to solar-powered pumps and lighting. These contain rechargeable batteries and lights may have a PIR to detect movement and activate after dark. You can install underwater lighting if you purchase specialist pond liners for that purpose. Always check the systems are safe for plants and fish if you intend to have them.

Sometimes it’s nice to play some gentle music in the garden, especially with a zen garden. Outdoor speakers are available, and some are battery powered. They need to be kept in a waterproof housing, though, so placement may be tricky. If you have a gravel, shale, pebble, or shell surface for your zen garden, take extra care raking if you are planning to run any cables underneath. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure.

Creating your own dream garden might take you longer than an afternoon, and it might be quite labor-intensive! But once it is done, and your last solar-powered light comes on at dusk, you’ll know it was worth it. Why not invite everyone over and have a wonderful garden party to celebrate?

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.