8 Little Tweaks To Jazz Up Your Backyard
Four landscaping experts reveal some simple things you can do to give a tired garden some pizzazz
Georgia Madden
3 August 2019
Is your winter-weary garden in need of some love? Fortunately, getting your backyard looking its best again doesn’t necessarily require months of work or a massive budget. We’ve asked four landscaping experts to share some relatively easy and affordable things you can do to get your backyard looking beautiful in time for spring.
These four landscaping experts will be exhibiting at the Backyard and Garden Show in Melbourne on 10 and 11 August 2019.
These four landscaping experts will be exhibiting at the Backyard and Garden Show in Melbourne on 10 and 11 August 2019.
1. Tidy up
“Weed, thin out your garden beds, prune back leggy branches, deadhead any flowers that have faded out of bloom and remove overgrown plants,” says Pat Pezzimenti, director at Urban Horticultural Solutions. “You’ll be surprised at how much better your garden will look after a little tidying up – and how it can give you a fresh perspective on what to do next with the space.
“Depending on the size of your garden, you can generally tidy it up over a few weekends,” he says.
“Having the right tools to hand will make the job quicker and easier. Equip yourself with secateurs, hand shears, loppers or a pruning saw, a rake and a waste bin. And make sure your tools are sharp – blunt equipment can damage plants and open up the possibility of pests and plant disease.”
Find a landscape contractor or gardener on Houzz to help update your garden for spring
“Weed, thin out your garden beds, prune back leggy branches, deadhead any flowers that have faded out of bloom and remove overgrown plants,” says Pat Pezzimenti, director at Urban Horticultural Solutions. “You’ll be surprised at how much better your garden will look after a little tidying up – and how it can give you a fresh perspective on what to do next with the space.
“Depending on the size of your garden, you can generally tidy it up over a few weekends,” he says.
“Having the right tools to hand will make the job quicker and easier. Equip yourself with secateurs, hand shears, loppers or a pruning saw, a rake and a waste bin. And make sure your tools are sharp – blunt equipment can damage plants and open up the possibility of pests and plant disease.”
Find a landscape contractor or gardener on Houzz to help update your garden for spring
2. Paint your paling fences
“The rule of thumb here is the darker the better,” says Darin Bradbury, director of MINT Pool + Landscape Design. “The first thing we do on all our projects is paint the boundary fences black or off-black, such as Colorbond Monument. Not only does the dark colour give those vertical surfaces around the garden a uniform finish, but it creates the perfect backdrop for all that green foliage.
“Apply two coats of good-quality, outdoor-grade paint,” he says. “Using a sprayer will save you a lot of time. Add a little water to the paint to make it easier to spray and avoid windy days – your neighbour won’t appreciate the spray drift.”
Bradbury says this job can be done relatively inexpensively. “You can hire a sprayer from Kennards for around $150 a day,” he says. “Buying 10 litres of good-quality, outdoor-grade paint will set you back around $200. Depending on the length of fences you have to paint, this upgrade will generally cost around $600 to $700 for a couple of days’ work. That’s fantastic bang for your buck.”
“The rule of thumb here is the darker the better,” says Darin Bradbury, director of MINT Pool + Landscape Design. “The first thing we do on all our projects is paint the boundary fences black or off-black, such as Colorbond Monument. Not only does the dark colour give those vertical surfaces around the garden a uniform finish, but it creates the perfect backdrop for all that green foliage.
“Apply two coats of good-quality, outdoor-grade paint,” he says. “Using a sprayer will save you a lot of time. Add a little water to the paint to make it easier to spray and avoid windy days – your neighbour won’t appreciate the spray drift.”
Bradbury says this job can be done relatively inexpensively. “You can hire a sprayer from Kennards for around $150 a day,” he says. “Buying 10 litres of good-quality, outdoor-grade paint will set you back around $200. Depending on the length of fences you have to paint, this upgrade will generally cost around $600 to $700 for a couple of days’ work. That’s fantastic bang for your buck.”
3. Mulch
“Mulch will provide a nice dark, uniform background for your vegetation and make the green foliage stand out,” says Bradbury. “Choose a mulch with a rich brown colour. The best option for your soil and plants is a bio or composted mulch. Not only does it keep moisture in the soil, but it provides nutrients and improves the soil’s water-holding capacity.
“Using a wheelbarrow and a wide-headed shovel, apply a layer of around 80 to 100 millimetres of composted mulch (which costs around $120 per cubic metre) across all your garden beds. Be careful not to push mulch right up to the stems of plants. Leave around 100 millimetres of clear space around them.
“An average-sized garden will generally take around four to six hours to mulch completely,” he says.
Tip: Avoid coloured mulches as they will visually compete for attention with the rest of your garden. Mulch should settle into the background – not be a feature.
Top 10 Things to Do in the Garden in August
“Mulch will provide a nice dark, uniform background for your vegetation and make the green foliage stand out,” says Bradbury. “Choose a mulch with a rich brown colour. The best option for your soil and plants is a bio or composted mulch. Not only does it keep moisture in the soil, but it provides nutrients and improves the soil’s water-holding capacity.
“Using a wheelbarrow and a wide-headed shovel, apply a layer of around 80 to 100 millimetres of composted mulch (which costs around $120 per cubic metre) across all your garden beds. Be careful not to push mulch right up to the stems of plants. Leave around 100 millimetres of clear space around them.
“An average-sized garden will generally take around four to six hours to mulch completely,” he says.
Tip: Avoid coloured mulches as they will visually compete for attention with the rest of your garden. Mulch should settle into the background – not be a feature.
Top 10 Things to Do in the Garden in August
4. Update your planting
Adding a few new plants to your garden is a great way to revitalise the space – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth, says Wayne De Klijn, owner of AQL Landscape Design. When choosing new plants, it’s important to pick a theme so the garden doesn’t look visually chaotic and disconnected, he says. “Australian native, European, exotic and tropical are just some of the themes you can choose for your garden. Or you might choose a theme based on colour, such as all-white flowering plants.”
When choosing plants, consider your backyard’s conditions, says Pezzimenti. “The right plant in the right position will thrive,” he says.
Soil preparation is also key. “Cultivate the soil before planting and make sure it’s fluffy. This will give your new plants a great start,” says Pezzimenti.
“Also be sure to purchase quality plants from a reputable nursery. Check the plant stock looks healthy and that roots are not pot-bound. And from a visual perspective, remember that less is more. Keep your planting simple – it will make a far better visual impression,” he says.
Prices for plants vary greatly, he adds. “For an affordable option, purchase plants in seed form, cuttings, bulbs, tubes or small container sizes. These can cost you under $12. More advanced plants range from around $150 to $2,000.”
Plants for Free: How You Can Propagate Your Own
Adding a few new plants to your garden is a great way to revitalise the space – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth, says Wayne De Klijn, owner of AQL Landscape Design. When choosing new plants, it’s important to pick a theme so the garden doesn’t look visually chaotic and disconnected, he says. “Australian native, European, exotic and tropical are just some of the themes you can choose for your garden. Or you might choose a theme based on colour, such as all-white flowering plants.”
When choosing plants, consider your backyard’s conditions, says Pezzimenti. “The right plant in the right position will thrive,” he says.
Soil preparation is also key. “Cultivate the soil before planting and make sure it’s fluffy. This will give your new plants a great start,” says Pezzimenti.
“Also be sure to purchase quality plants from a reputable nursery. Check the plant stock looks healthy and that roots are not pot-bound. And from a visual perspective, remember that less is more. Keep your planting simple – it will make a far better visual impression,” he says.
Prices for plants vary greatly, he adds. “For an affordable option, purchase plants in seed form, cuttings, bulbs, tubes or small container sizes. These can cost you under $12. More advanced plants range from around $150 to $2,000.”
Plants for Free: How You Can Propagate Your Own
5. Sharpen those lines
Clean lines will instantly modernise your garden, says Andrew Whyte, managing director at Whyte Gardens. “Trim hedges flat using an electric trimmer or manual shears, rather than letting them undulate naturally,” he says.
Sharp lines will add a contemporary look to your lawn too, he says. “If you have an organically shaped grass area, use grass sods cut with a square spade to give the area a more rectangular shape.”
Clean lines will instantly modernise your garden, says Andrew Whyte, managing director at Whyte Gardens. “Trim hedges flat using an electric trimmer or manual shears, rather than letting them undulate naturally,” he says.
Sharp lines will add a contemporary look to your lawn too, he says. “If you have an organically shaped grass area, use grass sods cut with a square spade to give the area a more rectangular shape.”
6. Think pocket power
Introducing a pocket of interest is a great way to add character and flair to your garden, says Whyte.
“It could be a small paved area with seating and a fire pit or a garden bed with plants such as Miscanthus, Achillea, Verbena ‘Polaris’ and Echinacea that create an eye-catching feature,” he says. “This ‘pocket-planting’ technique is also a clever way to make it look as though you have replanted the entire garden when in fact you may have only redone one or two small areas.”
Introducing a pocket of interest is a great way to add character and flair to your garden, says Whyte.
“It could be a small paved area with seating and a fire pit or a garden bed with plants such as Miscanthus, Achillea, Verbena ‘Polaris’ and Echinacea that create an eye-catching feature,” he says. “This ‘pocket-planting’ technique is also a clever way to make it look as though you have replanted the entire garden when in fact you may have only redone one or two small areas.”
7. Update your outdoor furniture
A dated outdoor furniture setting or one that’s in poor condition can detract from your garden’s good looks. And with many of us using our outdoor ‘rooms’ as additional living spaces for months at a time, a contemporary new sofa or dining table could be a practical investment.
“Good outdoor furniture can be a real feature in a garden,” says Bradbury. “It draws the eye and makes for an inviting spot to spend time. It’s worth investing in quality pieces that will survive outdoors for years, in a style you love.”
You’ll find so many styles nowadays – take your pick from furniture in all-weather wicker, aluminium, recycled plastics and mixed timber and upholstery – at different price points, says Bradbury. Prices vary: “Expect to pay anything from $500 for a small outdoor setting to $10,000 or more for large sofas or dining settings,” he says.
“Look for quality, water-resistant pieces that will cope with the weather. Seek out simple and timeless shapes and neutral colours such as black or white that will go with most architectural styles.”
8 Hottest Outdoor Design Trends for 2019
A dated outdoor furniture setting or one that’s in poor condition can detract from your garden’s good looks. And with many of us using our outdoor ‘rooms’ as additional living spaces for months at a time, a contemporary new sofa or dining table could be a practical investment.
“Good outdoor furniture can be a real feature in a garden,” says Bradbury. “It draws the eye and makes for an inviting spot to spend time. It’s worth investing in quality pieces that will survive outdoors for years, in a style you love.”
You’ll find so many styles nowadays – take your pick from furniture in all-weather wicker, aluminium, recycled plastics and mixed timber and upholstery – at different price points, says Bradbury. Prices vary: “Expect to pay anything from $500 for a small outdoor setting to $10,000 or more for large sofas or dining settings,” he says.
“Look for quality, water-resistant pieces that will cope with the weather. Seek out simple and timeless shapes and neutral colours such as black or white that will go with most architectural styles.”
8 Hottest Outdoor Design Trends for 2019
8. Create a focal point
“A focal point in the garden is something that draws the eye. It can be anything from a specimen tree, a beautiful pot or a water feature,” says Pezzimenti. As you’re only working on a small area, it can also be a genius way to refresh your backyard without blowing the budget.
For De Klijn, it’s hard to beat a water feature as a focal point. “It can be visually appealing and the sound of trickling water is incredibly soothing,” he says. “Plus, it can look stunning at night when lit.”
Choose from a more affordable off-the-shelf design or consider having a design custom-made for your garden. The right size for a water feature will depend on the dimensions of your garden, installation costs and your budget, he adds.
Everything You Need to Know About Garden Lighting
“A focal point in the garden is something that draws the eye. It can be anything from a specimen tree, a beautiful pot or a water feature,” says Pezzimenti. As you’re only working on a small area, it can also be a genius way to refresh your backyard without blowing the budget.
For De Klijn, it’s hard to beat a water feature as a focal point. “It can be visually appealing and the sound of trickling water is incredibly soothing,” he says. “Plus, it can look stunning at night when lit.”
Choose from a more affordable off-the-shelf design or consider having a design custom-made for your garden. The right size for a water feature will depend on the dimensions of your garden, installation costs and your budget, he adds.
Everything You Need to Know About Garden Lighting
Your turn
How have you refreshed your backyard in time for spring? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more garden design ideas? Don’t miss How Do I… Breathe New Life Into My Backyard on a Budget?
How have you refreshed your backyard in time for spring? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want more garden design ideas? Don’t miss How Do I… Breathe New Life Into My Backyard on a Budget?
Related Stories
Quizzes
What’s Your Dream Garden Style?
Answer seven questions in our fun quiz to reveal your perfect style of garden
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Steps to Finding the Right Landscape Designer for Your Home
If you dream of a green retreat but your reality is more backyard bungle, knowing how to choose a landscaper is key
Full Story
Gardening
Heritage to Modern: Which Garden Style Suits Your House?
Selecting the right garden style may come down to personal taste, but you should factor in your home's architecture too
Full Story
Garden Design
8 Common Landscaping Challenges and How Experts Solved Them
These USA landscape pros tackled everything from steep slopes to poor drainage in homeowners’ projects – here's how
Full Story
Garden Design
7 Ways Your Garden Design Can Boost Wellbeing
Support your physical and mental health with these garden design ideas spotted at the UK's RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
Spain Garden Tour: A Mediterranean Makeover With Colour & Texture
Once neglected, this naturalistic garden is now a series of outdoor rooms with idyllic spots to swim, dine and relax
Full Story
Garden Design
Winning Gardens: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Inspo alert! Don't miss the award-winning show gardens at Australia's biggest and best annual garden design fair
Full Story
Garden Design
Fabulous Ideas to Borrow From Achievable Garden Entries at MIFGS
Tertiary students led the way with their achievable garden ideas at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Full Story
Picture Perfect
18 Beautiful Japanese-Style Gardens, Indoors and Out
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Garden Design
Pro Panel: How Do I Design a Garden Layout?
By Kate Burt
Stumped about where to start with the layout of your garden? Let our three UK landscape design experts guide you
Full Story
Beautiful. Clean and useful.
Added a new front seating area to capture warm sunny dinners in the spring and fall since the front yard sees more sun than the back. Wired in power for a light as well. Shelving across the bottom allows for liquor bottles and the Sonos Roam speaker.
I added a small koi pond and a hammock in my garden. It was a huge improvement! Kids loved it.