With the festive season fast approaching, for many, the burden of hosting Christmas is starting to set in! It’s too late to get a good trade-in to do any significant structural work, but if you are looking for a quick freshen up, these quick and practical tips will transform your outdoor space and wow your guests without a major overhaul!
1. Weed and Tidy Up
It’s not glamorous, but get started by clearing out any unwanted weeds that tend to make your garden look overgrown. To slow their regrowth, use Slasher Organic Weedkiller, a non-toxic, fast-acting solution that we find works well enough.
Pro tip: Apply weed spray in the early morning for the best results. This is because Herbicides rely on photosynthesis to work so this gives them the most amount of sunlight
2. Prune and Trim for Neatness
It’s time to tune into your inner Edward Scisso Hands! Give your garden a tidy look by trimming any overgrown plants and trees. Focus on obvious areas for guests such as around seating and pathways. Trim back to give nice clean lines or curved surfaces depending on your garden style and don’t go too crazy as you don’t want to put your plants under too much stress as the weather warms up! A great pair all rounder handheld pruning tools are the Wolf-Garten’s RR4000.
Pro tip: Give your plants a good water after pruning to help them recover from their operation!.
3. Mulch for a Polished Look
Once your beds are weed-free and you have cleared any trimmings from pruning, it’s time to finish your garden beds with Eucey Mulch. There are 3 great reasons to mulch…
- It helps prevent new weeds from joining the festive celebrations
- It gives a neat and professional appearance
- It helps to retain moisture in the soil so your plants stay hydrated over the warmer months.
Pro tip: Spread mulch so it is at least 5cm deep to prevent weeds pushing through easily and keep mulch away from plant stems to avoid rot.
4. Freshen Up the Lawn
A beautiful healthy green lawn takes some effort but boy does it make a garden pop! Start by mowing, don’t go too short as your grass needs length to retain water during the dryer months – we find around 7cm from root is optimal but if you like a crew cut then try not to go lower than 5cm. To address any patches in your grass, wait for a couple of days after you have mowed and punch some holes in the target areas to aerate the area. Apply Exceed Liquid Fertiliser from Lawn Solutions and then lightly water your lawn, this will help the fertiliser work it’s way into the soil and begin nourishing your lawn. Leave your lawn for around a week and then top-dress troubled areas with any white-washed sand to help protect grass from the sun, improve drainage and improve nutrient retention. We recommend no more than 1cm of sand spread evenly over the patch with either a rake or broom, when you have finished, you still want to be able to see the tips of the grass.
Pro tip: Invest in an automower – with a healthy lawn needing mowing weekly over the Summer months, this investment will save you hours! Aesthetically pleasing look
5. Pressure Wash for a Clean Slate
A good clean can make a world of difference! To quickly remove dirt and grime from your patios, paths, and driveways you can’t go wrong with a Kärcher Pressure Washer. A sparkling clean surface creates the perfect backdrop for any Christmas decorations.
Pro tip: Give yourself enough time to pressure wash surfaces as once you clean one surface suddenly everything looks dirty.
Pro tip: Give yourself enough time to pressure wash surfaces as once you clean one surface suddenly everything looks dirty.
6. Add Instant Colour with Potted Plants
Need a pop of colour fast? Potted plants are your go-to solution. Place vibrant heat-tolerant plants like Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Wallaby Yellow’ or ‘Wallaby Cherry’ in decorative pots around seating areas. For a practical touch, add aromatic herbs like basil or rosemary, which can be used in your Christmas cooking.
Pro tip: When grouping pot plants, use odd numbers and varying heights for a more natural, stylish look.
7. Illuminate Your Garden with Solar Lights
Create a magical evening atmosphere with outdoor lighting. You will need a solar option at this point as they are easy to install and require no wiring, we have found the Havit Eden 316 does the job and works well for highlighting pathways or accentuating feature plants.
Pro tip: Position lights strategically to create focal points, such as your dining area or a beautiful tree.
Want to Impress Next Year? By implementing these quick changes, your garden will be ready for Christmas in no time. But if you’re dreaming of a complete transformation that will impress year-round, why not plan ahead? Reach out for a custom garden design, and let us help you create the ultimate hosting paradise for next year’s gatherings.
Get Started on Your Dream Garden Today!
If you’re looking for expert guidance to bring your garden vision to life, we’re here to help. With expert guidance just a click away, schedule a call with us to discuss how our professional garden design services can support your project.