BACK TO GARDEN

 

2 Weeks to Achieve a Beautiful New Garden

You wouldn't think it would be possible to establish a garden in two weeks, but if you start the planning now, you can have a beautiful garden by spring.

05/07/2022

 

 

 

 

It's true that you can have a beautiful, new garden in two weeks. How? Well, take a look at how garden landscapers transform any garden almost overnight and you will soon understand that it is all about the planning and preparation beforehand. Starting the planning work now gives you plenty of time to make sure that everything is ready by the time spring rolls around in a couple of months. Here's how to plan and prepare so that you have everything you need for the perfect garden to entertain family and friends in time for spring.

 

 

 

Put Together a Collection of Images or Ideas

Almost everyone has an idea of their dream garden. It is possible to spend hours on the Web searching for new and unique solutions that you would like to see in your own garden, and this is the best way to create a collection of images or ideas that you can work with to see what would be best for your particular situation. Yes, some of those ideas will be a bit grand for your small garden, but as you look through what you have collected, you will see for yourself what you like and what is possible.

 

 

 

Draw up Sketch of the Garden

The easiest way to plan a garden design is to work with a sketch or drawing. If you are not using a garden designer or landscaper, working from a sketch will tell you what areas a shady or full sun and the best times of the day for both, the best position for an entertainment area if you want to incorporate this, or many other features that you want to incorporate into the garden. Having a sketch will also help you to define problem areas, where water is located, whether you need electrical supply, and so on. This is important if you are adding an entertainment area that will require access to power.

 

 

 

 

Take a week or two to look through your collection of ideas and incorporate these into the sketch. Include items such as seating for relaxing or dining (whether you will buy or make), any fixtures you want to incorporate such as a gazebo or pergola, as well as features such as a waterfall, pond or other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble or Install any Fixtures or Structures

If you have decided on features or structures such as a pergola, privacy fencing, paved areas, or areas where you are placing a concrete slab, or perhaps you intend to make your own concrete furniture, do these projects in advance. Spending the time now to build these features means that they are already in place when it comes time to landscape the garden. With a couple of months to go until spring arrives, you will have plenty of time to decide on a design, order the materials you need and assemble or build anything. Don't forget that your local Builders store offer a delivery service which means you can have everything delivered direct to your door.

 

 

 

Not yet made up your mind what you want? Consider that adding features will create an attractive focal point in a garden and will provide far more interest than if you have a lawn and flower beds. Even a small pergola or garden arch will attract attention. And something just as important is to install any trellises where you want to grow climbers or creepers - before you plant these in the garden.

 

 

Consider any work that needs to be done for irrigating the garden and water supply, installing electricity for lighting and equipment, and any other services that need to be buried or hidden out of sight.

 

 

 

 

Layout the Lawn

Establishing a lawn is easy if you go the instant lawn route. All you need to do is make sure that the ground is level and clear from stones or debris. If you prepare beforehand all that needs to be done is to lay the instant lawn, water and fertilise so that you have everything ready when the rains arrive.

 

 

 

 

Choosing the right grass is important, especially if there are shady areas, spaces where children will play, or high-traffic areas. Kikuyu is the most popular grass species, but it is also high-maintenance, so keep this in mind and do some research before you settle. There are suppliers of instant lawn around the country and there are various grass species available that might be better suited to your location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Wise from the Start

After laying the lawn but before any planting is the best time to set up an irrigation system. The pipes can be laid or set up depending on the type of irrigation and you can install a timer if you wish.

 

 

 

 

Planting up Beds and Borders

The final step and the one that will now only take you a couple of weeks leading up the spring is to add the plants, shrubs, and trees. Granted, you won't have a mature garden but if the beds are dug and compost added, your new plants will soon establish themselves. Shop for plant varieties of differing heights with tall at the back and low-growing at the front and this will immediately set the framework in place. Purchasing a mature shrub or two will also help the give the new garden a more established look and feel and the rest can be younger varieties.

 

 

 

 

Filling up blank spaces and gaps with colourful annuals and perennials will bring a splash of colour to the new garden and you don't need to spend a fortune with a selection of colourful flowers. Also, consider the option to plant grasses throughout the beds for interest, or consider plants such as New Zealand Flax or Daylilies for contrasting foliage, height and spread.

 

 

Even if you have a small garden, having a plan beforehand will make sure you don't overlook anything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

back to top