It can be disheartening when you purchase a property with a small backyard. Especially if you are a keen gardener, who likes to be outside in the backyard during the summer. However, a small garden doesn’t have to be a disaster. You can bring your small garden to life with these easy steps.

[Photo courtesy of  Jasper33/ en.wikipedia]

Use pots to grow a perfect fruit vegetable garden

One easy step to bring your small garden to life is you can use pots to grow a perfect vegetable garden. You don’t need to have a lot of space in your garden to put your vegetable pots. You could get a hanging pot which you can use to grow some beautiful strawberries or even some delicious tomatoes. You can grow herbs in small pots which you can dot around the garden. Your garden will be full of growing vegetables without having to use much of the space.

Get a landscaper in to utilize the space

Another easy step to bring your small garden to life is you can hire a landscaper to utilize the space properly. They will be able to help your ideas come to life in your backyard. They will be able to think of great ways to utilize the space properly, so you and your family can enjoy it for years to come. You can get a free quotation from them so that you know you can afford to have them in. It’s also an excellent way to add value to your home if you have a professional landscaper in to make your garden look fantastic.

Use the vertical space in your garden

You can also bring your small garden to life by using the vertical space in your garden. You want to get some plants which grow upwards, rather than out. A lot of people don’t use that space, but it’s an excellent way to utilize your small back garden. You can get planters which you hang anywhere in the backyard to create a vertical garden. And as this article says, you could even use a shoe organizer from your home to create a vertical garden. Don’t be afraid to try some espaliering on the walls outside to make your garden look great!

Bring in bright colored plants

Another easy step to bring your small garden to life is to add some brightly colored plants to the garden. They will make the backyard look beautiful and bigger. As this feature explains, you should put them at the front, so the rest of the garden will seem to recede, making it look longer.

Add a decking area to the garden

You can also build a decking area in your small garden. It can make the garden seem grand and beautiful. It also separates the garden into different zones, making it look deceptively bigger. It’s also an ideal area to add a table and chairs, so that you can sit outside in the sunshine!

Hopefully, these easy steps will lead to lots of compliments for your small garden!

We all know how demanding do the gardening can be on our time and our bodies. So it’s great when new tools come along and make the job easier. Here are some tools that will revolutionize your gardening experience.

Self-Watering Container

If you’ve got a plant nursery in your backyard, you know how much effort it can take to maintain. You have to remember to get up and water it every day, depending on the weather. And it can take up a lot of time. Sure, it might be a labor of love, but why not make that labor a little easier? Earthbox has started making a product that does just that. It’s a self-watering container that waters plants throughout the day through a reservoir. What’s more, it makes sure that the soil remains evenly moist throughout, preventing roots from getting soggy.

Compost Tumbler

Do you lament the fact that you have to wait for months to get great compost from your compost bin? You’re not alone. The reason it takes so long is that there’s nothing to speed up the reaction. It takes a while for worms and bacteria to penetrate all the material, and it can be frustrating.

[Photo courtesy of Bev Wagar/flickr.com]

But there’s a rather ingenious solution: compost tumblers. These are essentially big barrels on stilts, with a handle for turning. Put the compost in the barrel and turn it every few days to mix up all the material inside. Now you’ll only have to wait a couple of weeks to get rich, beautiful compost.

Seated Lawn Mower

Unless you’ve used a seated lawn mower, you won’t fully appreciate the difference that it can make to your gardening. If you’ve got a big yard, seated lawn mowers are practically an essential. But they’re also perfect for people who have health issues or find it difficult to get around. There are many different manufacturers to choose from. And there are loads of suppliers who provide Schluter, Honda, and John Deere mower parts to keep them running.

[Photo courtesy of SeppVei/wikipedia.org]

Easybloom Plant Sensor

If you’re just starting out with gardening, a great tool is the Easybloom plant sensor. This little device looks a bit like a stake. All you have to do is push it into the ground and leave it in your garden for a few days. During that time, it’ll collect lots of data about the environment. It will measure the amount of sunlight and moisture in that part of the garden.

[Photo courtesy of Alvesgaspar/wikipedia.org]

You can then upload all those data onto your PC via USB. Once you’ve got the data, you can then go to the Easybloom website to find out what plants are suitable for those conditions. In other words, get science to tell you what to plant!

Gardening Apron

Perhaps the most useful tool in your arsenal is the gardening apron. This is usually a little apron you can wear around your middle to store all your tools and whatever else you might need. It’s a great timesaver because it stops all those trips back and forth across the garden to collect various implements. Now you can take your trowel, pruners, seeds and camera wherever you go.

A garden is often our sanctuary. It’s our own little bit of private outside space in a world so full of people. It’s somewhere you can relax on your own, or share with friends when you are entertaining. It can bring joy when you see things you have planted flourish and grow. It may be a space where you read, write or paint. Or perhaps it’s where your children play in the fresh air. It’s important to put as much care into your garden as you do into the interior of your home. Below are some tips on how to make your garden a sanctuary for all seasons.

[Photo courtesy of Torsten Dettlaff/pexels.com]

Lighting

No matter how small or large your garden you’ll need a few different lighting options. In the summer you can bask in the glory of natural daylight and blissful summer sun. But as dusk falls you’ll still want to enjoy that outside space. Illuminate your garden with some elegant outdoor solar lighting. Solar lights work by generating daylight as their energy source and then storing that power until night falls. You’ll then be blessed with warm light until the sun rises again. You can buy solar wall lights, lanterns and stake lights to create all different styles in your garden. They are great if you are entertaining outside in the evening and are also useful if you have pets that need to be let outside at night. If you have decking, you may want to install lighting into the foot of the decking for a glamorous look in your garden. You can also consider LED lighting for the prettiest of twinkling white lights. While you are designing your garden also think about whether you want to install a security light too. Your aim is to create an enchanting ambience in your garden through the power of lighting.

[Photo courtesy of Pezibear/pixabay.com]

Chiminea

While your garden is ultimately a peaceful refuge, there may also be times that you want to entertain. Having friends over for barbeques and outdoor get togethers is a great way to get back to nature. Having a pretty chiminea in your garden works well both in the summer and winter. Check out this great guide on how to buy chiminea. A chiminea is not only a super heat source but also a delightful focal point for your garden. They add glowing embers and ambience and create much-needed warmth as night falls on your garden. The word chiminea originates from the Spanish word for chimney. Not only are they used to be aesthetically pleasing in your garden, but they are also wonderful for cooking! If you buy a cast-iron chiminea, you will be able to cook pizzas, bake bread and sizzle up steaks and chops. Adding a chiminea to your garden is the perfect accessory for the ultimate in outdoor dining.

Flowers and Plants

You’ll also want to add colour and texture to your garden by planting flowers and shrubs. Before you start planting why not read my post on how to keep bugs at bay. Your choice of flowers and plants will be dependent on the season. For summer choose easy, colourful flowers such as Aster, Gloriosa Daisy and Dahlias. Make your garden a vivid sanctuary of beautiful blooms. You can also use plants and flowers to create much-needed shade in the summer. In the winter choose plants such as Winter Aconite, Heavenly Bamboo and Red-Barked Dogwood. Think about the colours you want to create. Greens and reds look magical in the winter and yellows and pinks look beautiful in the summer.

[Photo courtesy of Unsplash/pixabay.com]

Now all that’s left to do is bask in your blissful outside sanctuary, no matter what the season.

Spending time in the garden and relaxing is what summer is all about. But it can be annoying when your garden is overlooked and you don’t have privacy, when all you want to do is prance about in your bikini and sunbathe. Luckily there are a few things you can do to stop your garden being so easy to peer into!

Add Higher Fencing

If you currently only have low fences and hedges in your garden, adding taller fencing will immediately make it more private. Go with a fence that’s at least six feet tall, you can then add trellis along the top to heighten it further. Alternatively you could go with custom screen fencing from reputable fencing contractors for a more decorative and aesthetically pleasing look. If you only have one area which you need to block for privacy, you could opt for some lattice panels. They’re inexpensive, and climbing plants like ivy will soon cover them over if you carefully place some nearby.

Screens covered in climbing plants can be useful for privacy

Grow Trees and Plants

Trees, plants and hedges can be a good way to make your garden more private while still maintaining a very natural look in the garden. If privacy is an issue that you want sorting as soon as possible you’ll want to choose fast growing plants- bamboo, cypress and thuja are good options. They can grow a matter of several feet in the space of a year so can quickly grow into a great privacy screen. You could opt to buy fast growing plants that are already established, so that way you have less time to wait for them to grow as tall as you need.

Utilize ‘Blind Spots’

If only part of your garden is overlooked, consider moving the main seating area or garden furniture to a more private spot. That way when you’re sitting out there you have peace of mind that people can’t see in. You could even create a second patio or seating area if you have a ‘blind spot’ in the garden, and choose to sit there when you want more privacy.

Make Use of Furniture

Having a big parasol put up over your seating area will block the view from anyone looking down from the first floor windows. Alternatively you could opt to put up a gazebo or pergola and encourage climbing plants to grow around it, which will obscure the view for people looking into your garden. You could even go a step further and use bamboo screens or cleverly place tall pots of flowers or potted trees to give you even more privacy.

Try a gazebo for privacy

Next time you’re having a family barbeque, sunbathing or just relaxing outside there will be no need to worry about nosy neighbours using these tricks! Having a garden that’s secluded and not overlooked can even add value to your property too, so have a think about what you’re able to do in the space you have.

Do you have any tips for making your back garden more private?

Whether you want to add value to your home or want to grow your own produce, gardening is a fantastic hobby to have. It helps to make your backyard look amazing, and it can be an excellent stress reliever. Gardening has also been found to help strengthen and tone our bodies because of the physical activity it involves. But if you suffer from a bad back that causes you pain, you may find it difficult to complete a number of gardening tasks. Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce your back pain while still helping your garden to flourish. Read through these tips to get started.

Buy specialist tools

There are a number of specialist tools you can buy to make gardening work easier on your back. Trowels with long handles allow you to remain standing while still tending to your plants and flowers. The tools you currently use may have extension pieces you can buy that prevent you from bending or stretching too. Gardening stools that are portable and provide cushioning are another item you should buy.

As well as stretching you also need to be careful of lifting heavy loads, which can cause further back complaints. Trade in your watering can for a hosepipe to water your plants and invest in a lightweight wheelbarrow. Just remember not to put too many items inside the wheelbarrow at once and make multiple lighter trips instead.

[Photo courtesy of Ofer El-Hashahar/flickr.com]

Install raised flower beds

To prevent you from bending awkwardly or overstretching, install raised flower beds into your garden. These can enhance the look of your garden by making your plants and flowers more prominent. But more importantly, they allow you easy access to plant and weed from a seated position. This can give your back a much-needed rest, as well as being more gentle on your joints. There are many ways in which you can raise your flower beds and ensure they still compliment your yard. Head to your local gardening center and ask them for advice on how to get started. They may be able to build and install your new raised beds for you too.

Ask for help

If you find that certain gardening tasks such as mowing the lawn or weeding cause you significant pain, you should always ask for help. Even though you will want your yard to look its best, it’s not worth making your condition worse. Ask friends and family to assist you with these jobs while you continue you something less strenuous. Your neighbors might also be willing to do some gardening for you. Another option is to hire gardening or lawn services to help you with these difficult tasks. You can tell them which jobs you enjoy doing and which ones you would like them to complete for you. That way you can still enjoy spending time outside practicing your hobby.

So don’t let your bad back stop you from creating the garden of your dreams. You just need to be safe and smart about the tasks you can and cannot do. For more guidance and advice, talk to your doctor about how to control your condition more effectively.

Making your garden look as good as it should can take a lot of effort. If you aren’t a natural gardener, it can take a lot of persuasion to get you out in the garden working on bringing it up to muster. The more effort you put in, though, the better it will look. And the better your garden looks, the more ready you will be to go out there and keep it in fine condition. When you have a garden to be proud of, things flow from there.

[Photo courtesy of  Karen Arnold/publicdomainpictures.net]

One of the most important things about getting your garden in check is having a plan. Sometimes, when you move in to a new place, your garden needs a bit of work just to make it tidy. In doing so, you can keep it simple, or you can be ambitious with it and create something you’re proud to call your own. It should be something that fits where you live, as well. Picking the right things to put there will make a real difference.

Growing Something Beautiful

[Photo courtesy of  Roland zh/wikipedia.org]

A garden isn’t really a garden without at least a spray of natural beauty. What you’re aiming for is something that gives a burst of color. That will make it a pleasure to sit out in the garden and take in the view while chatting, eating and drinking. Flowers that suit the soil, whether they be roses, poppies or anything you like the look of, will be a pleasure to look at.

Growing Something Useful

[Photo courtesy of  Gab997/wikipedia.org]

Plants that have a utility beyond just looking pretty can be a sound addition to a garden. Not least because they themselves can be beautiful too, but also because they create a working garden. If you plant tomatoes, sweetcorn, chilli peppers or similar, you can then pick them when they’ve grown and use them. There’s something nice about eating food that you have grown yourself from native Australian seeds.

Creating An Ornamental Display

Not everything that you put in your garden has to be something that grows. Indeed, it can be efficient for you to put things there that don’t require planting and watering. Some decking or decorative gravel can create a walkway that looks good in the garden and is useful to you. Additionally, ornamental touches such as parasols and garden furniture can make the garden a more pleasant place to sit.

Add A Water Feature

[Photo courtesy of  Tama66/pixabay.com]

Making use of water in your garden can make it a more relaxing place to be. The sight and sound of running water, against a backdrop of an interesting sculpture, is an excellent finishing touch to a garden. It attaches to your home water supply – so it might be a good idea to go for something small if you don’t want higher bills. It does, though, make a wonderful conversation piece and a touch of class.

You may well have your own ideas for what to do with your garden – it’s certainly something that is easier to do when you have had a look. Picking the right things to add to a garden takes some thought, but is well worth the effort.

Gardening isn’t for everyone. Not all of us are naturally green fingered. I think it is one of those hobbies that you either love or hate. But having said that, many of us still like to be outside and enjoy our gardens for different reasons. Which is why I thought it would be a great idea to share with you some tips and tricks to create a space that works with you. You will be please to know they all require minimal effort on your part, so will suit the most laziest of gardeners amongst us. I hope these tips inspire you to make more use of your outside space.

[Photo courtesy of public-domain-image.com]

Clear the space

The first thing you should do is try and clear the space you have. Perhaps you have let your garden become overgrown over some time. It happens to the best of us. This will probably take up some effort from yourself so you could decide to get in a gardener to do the hard work for you. Once everything is cleared up, you will know what garden space you have to work with. This will also help you determine if you need to have certain trees, shrubs or garden areas removed. This is where you will need to call the professionals in. Especially for things like trees. You could consider calling Thornleys Tree Service, who could help you out. Clearing your garden space will give you a clearer idea of what you have to work with, and potentially what you can do with your garden.

Opt for plants that are low maintenance

If you want to look into adding plants and color to your garden then why not add some low maintenance plants. These tend to be plants that require little watering or attention from yourself. If you are unsure about which plants these may be you could look at many websites online or speak to an expert at a local garden centre. This is where you could add an element design without needing to be an expert in all things gardening.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

Consider how you want to use the garden

The one thing you need to determine, when it comes to your garden, is how you want to use it. Do you have children who want to play in it? Do you like to sit there in a morning drinking coffee and reading a book? Perhaps you like to unwind in your garden after a hard day’s work? Think about how you want to use it then tailor your garden to match. So create a space that you can use. A tip for keeping things low maintenance is to consider installing a decked area.

Look into storage options to keep it neat

Finally, the best thing you can do is make it easy to keep your garden clear and tidy. So a great solution to this would be to look at your storage options. If you have space, you could opt for a shed, or think about storage boxes to keep things safe and tidy. A clear garden will always entice you to make the most of it. So make it easy on yourself and put the solution in place before it becomes a problem.

I hope these tips help you to create a low maintenance garden that you use time and time again.

Do you have a garden that you wish to make more unique? You can create a beautiful gardenthat isn’t a cookie-cutter copy of the one next door. Or of all the gardens in that street! Learn how to stand out from your neighbors and make your garden look more unique with this very guide. Just read on to find out more!

Experiment with levels

A fantastic way to make your garden looking more unique is to add in levels! Who says a garden has to be all on one level anyway! How about building up a patio, and then you can step down onto your garden. Or raise the far end of your garden, so it slopes down into a curve. Doing this also allows to you install a free-flowing miniature river here also!

‘Just add water’!

Even if you don’t make a new level or two in your garden, you can still add water.How about a pond full a fish and frogs? Or you could even dig out a little river with a stepping stone or miniature bridge to step over it! Not only will this look great, but it will also attract more wildlife and animals to your garden! Plus, who doesn’t love the peaceful sound of trickling water in their garden!

[Photo courtesy of LadyDragonflyCC – >;</flickr.com]

Get creative with a fire-based feature!

While having water in your garden is brilliant in making it more unique, there is another natural element that can look stunning. Fire, of course. Chimineas, Fire Pits and other such items of this nature are a great investment for a variety of reasons. Sure, they look great, and will make your garden look more unique. But they can also act as a focal point, and a centerpiece; something that draws the whole garden together. Also, bear in mind their practical uses. They add light and heat to your garden. As for how they look, you can change that season to season by using different shades and colors of fire glass! Look for Fire glass for sale online for the best deals.

[Photo courtesy of jimthompson/flickr.com]

Use unique items for pots and plant holders

Sure, ceramic and glass pots hold plants really well. But there are loads of other things you can use for a more unique look. Got an old pair of walking boots or wellington boots you don’t use anymore? Nail them to your garden fence and use them as planters. Or get creative with other things you find around the house. If you use strong glue to bond a tea-cup and saucer, you can make hanging bird feeders!

[Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Kinghorn/flickr.com]

Go for a metal shed rather than a wooden one

Wooden sheds are great, but they can sometimes look a bit outdated. There are also a number of experts who also say that they are easier to penetrate and break into that metal sheds. The other benefit of metal sheds is that they look contemporary. They add a level of sophistication to your garden, while also keeping your belongings safe. If you want a neat-looking garden, having a place to put garden tools and equipment will help.

Gardening in the summertime is one of life’s little pleasures. You can escape the usual stress and strain of your day-to-day existence, working happily on creating your own touch of Eden. It’s easy to while away hours, enjoying the blooming flowers and perhaps even tending to your vegetables.

Then, it happens. You know it’s a possibility, but somehow, in the pleasure of tending to your crops, you forget. You go back indoors, back aching pleasantly, hands covered with dirt. You head for the shower, shrug off your shirt, and then you see them. Bites. Circular, red blobs where some bug has had itself a feast of your delicious blood. As soon as you see them, they begin to itch. The itch, pain and discomfort continue for days, long past the point your calm happiness from gardening has evaporated.

It’s a fact of life that being outside means that you’re going to get bitten. Try and see it as a compliment – these bugs are saying you’re tasty! Well, it’s a nice idea if you can see it like that, but it more likely just makes you murderous. The bugs, flies, wasps, mosquitoes and everything else have got to go.

1. Bug Spray

[Photo courtesy of Clker-Free-Vector-Images/pixabay.com]

These have a dual purpose. First, they can make you a less attractive feast. Secondly, you can bring about violent revenge should anything try and bite you anyway, as they are instantly poisoned.

If possible, try and find sprays that do not include a chemical compound known as DEET. This has been shown to cause a whole host of problems. If you would rather keep things as natural as possible, diluted neem oil is a good idea.

2. Stay Above Ground Level

If you tend to sit down to weed a particularly stubborn flower bed, you’re putting yourself at a level most insects can find you. At least give them a fight. Stay upright as much as possible, or use something to kneel on when working at ground height. A large tarpaulin can put a protective layer between you and the things that fancy a nibble.

3. Go All In

[Photo courtesy of Jim Gathany/wikimedia.org]

If you’re covered in bug spray and crouching on a tarpaulin, but still ending the day covers in bites, it’s time to think bigger. Companies that specialise in mosquito control can help eradicate the idea garden of the issue, through a variety of methods. If you’ve young children, this is particularly worth thinking about. You don’t want to discourage them from going outside.

4. An Old Wives Tale

It’s not possible to say if this really works or why, but there’s plenty of evidence on a colloquial level that people swear by it. If you fill a plastic bag with water and hang it around where you’re working, bugs may well leave you alone. There’re theories that the water disrupts the many-eyed insects and confuses them. Or perhaps it does nothing- no one knows for sure. It is, however, an easy and inexpensive idea if you’re at the point where you’re trying anything.

Employing the above can help reduce the discomfort creepy crawlies may be unleashing on you. After all, your garden should be a place of pleasure, not pain!

A lot of effort goes into gardening. We cut back, mow, weed, and prune. We water and fertilize plants, and then we repeat and do it all again. We nurture tiny seedlings until they bloom into sturdy flowers and vegetables. We put down bark to keep weeds at bay. And we put up netting and pellets to detract birds and pests.

[Photo courtesy of stux/pixabay.com]

When it all dies away in the winter, the garden can look bare and dull. But there are several steps you can take to make the most of your garden throughout the year.

1. Plan

The trick for planting an all-year-round garden is to plan. You need to carry out a little research. Look for plants that bloom at different times of the year. Perennial plants work well because they don’t die after one season. The flowers die away, but the roots remain active under the soil. They regrow year after year.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

2. Cultivate All Weather Plants

Not all plants and flowers bloom only in the spring and summer months. Some do well in all weather, such as foxgloves, verbenas, and geraniums.

3. Winter Blooming Plants

When choosing your plants, include some that bloom in the winter months. Examples are snowdrops, winter flowering pansies, and crocuses. In that lull after Christmas, it’s always cheery to see the first snowdrops and crocuses poking through the frozen earth.

[Photo courtesy of sunflair/pixabay.com]

4. Prepare Your Garden For The Next Season

Gardening is a year-long commitment. It’s not something that is confined to the spring and summer months. There is work to be done throughout the year, even in winter. Make sure you keep on top of maintenance tasks. Prune trees and dig over beds. Keep on top of weeds. Get your garden in good shape for the coming season.

[Photo courtesy of icon0.com//pexels.com]

5. Look For Inspiration

Visit public gardens and greenhouses for inspiration. Learn from the professionals by reading descriptions of the varieties of flowers that are growing. Ask for suggestions for your own garden. Most gardeners are only too willing to share their knowledge and advice.

Garden centers will also be able to offer advice. Their trade slows down during the winter months. They are always seeking ways to attract buyers during autumn and winter.

[Photo courtesy of markusspiske/pixabay.com]

6. Create Shelter

Make the most of your garden throughout the year by building a shelter. This could be a simple canopy attached to your home. Or, it could be a more complex structure such as a gazebo. This will allow you to enjoy the garden throughout the year, despite the weather. You may need to wrap up and take a blanket. But there’s nothing nicer than sitting in the garden on a brisk autumn morning with a warm mug of tea. Canopies and gazebos are also useful during the summer months, as they provide some shade.

Gardens are not just for summer. With a little thought and planning, you can create a cheery space for all year. Don’t be ruled by the weather. Stagger your planting and opt for varieties that bloom at different times. Look for hardy perennials and enjoy the explosion of color during the long winter months.