19 Ways To Improve Your Garden

Is your garden more neglected jungle than relaxing outdoor room? Too scared to let the children out to play in case you lose them in the long grass? There are some easy ways to get your garden back under control and transform it into a space you can enjoy with your family. 

1. Start with a clean slate. If your patio has seen better days, pay it some attention first so you have an enjoyable place to sit. Check the slabs for damage. Are any broken or wobbly? Replace any with cracks and reset any that have come loose to avoid trips and accidents. Weed between the paving stones, and refill the gaps between them. If it’s looking grubby, hire a pressure washer or hire a pressure washing company like Propel Pressure Cleaning to blast the slabs clean again. 
2. Create borders. Create planter beds around the edge of your garden, or use them to create borders between the patio and the lawn, or between different areas of the garden. Choose bright, hardly plants that will frame your spaces and bring some cheeriness to the garden. 
3. Choose beautiful garden furniture. Pick the right pieces for your family. A mix of furniture options will let you use your garden for different things, whether it’s snoozing in a hammock, relaxing with a book in a lounger, or sitting round a picnic table with friends for alfresco dining. 
4. Dress up your furniture. Choose bright or patterned cushions for your garden chairs to bring some more color and add comfort to your patio. 
5. Add storage. A large waterproof storage bench is a great place to store outdoor soft furnishings, extra folding chairs or garden toys when they’re not in use. They’ll be protected from the weather and kept tidy until you need them. 
6. Light it up. Lights make your garden a space you can use in the evening too, and can create a cosy atmosphere. Choose lights at a range of levels to create different moods. Lamps light up a patio, and use citronella candles to keep bugs at bay while you sit outside. Low level solar lights can show off pretty flower beds. Add wall lights next to doors to the house to properly light entranceways. 
7. If you have decking, check the condition. A neglected deck can begin to rot, so make sure you check the wood thoroughly. Replace any planks that have signs of rot, and clean the rest. Restain the deck to make it look smart again. 
8. Add potted plants. Potted plants cheer up a deck or a patio instantly, and are easier to maintain than a full flowerbed. Use a mix of plants that will look good at different times of the year so you have some color on the patio all year round. Hanging baskets by the back door will do the same thing. 
9. Build a barbecue. A brick barbecue will be a fantastic addition to any garden. Say goodbye to foil disposables and add a permanent feature grill or pizza oven. You’ll be hosting amazing garden dinner parties in no time. 
10. Add an outdoor bar. You could build your own tiki bar cheaply with materials from the DIY store. An outdoor bar means you can stay outside if you’re hosting guests, and won’t have to vanish inside the kitchen every time somebody wants a refill. Stock the bar with spirits, mixers and an ice bucket for everyone arrives, and make the most of your evening. 
11. Create a vegetable garden. Growing your own food is rewarding and enjoyable. Plant a few vegetables you enjoy eating and enjoy getting to add home grown ingredients to your cooking. A vegetable garden is also a great way to encourage children to get involved in growing things, eating more greens and to learn about healthy foods. 
12. Make your shed into an outdoor room. If you’re not using your shed for much storage, make it work as something else based on what you do use your garden for. Add a potting table and make a traditional potting shed if you’re a keen gardener. Seal it to make it properly waterproof and make it into an undercover sitting area, a playhouse for the kids or a work space for you. 
13. Feed the birds. A bird feeder or bird table can be used to get the children interested in nature and learning about helping animals. Make your garden attractive to winged life by putting out leftovers and bird seed. 
14. Sort out the fences. Falling down fence panels will bring down the whole look of your garden. Replace or repair any panels that need it. Restain the wood, or paint the fence a bright shade for a fun feel. Who says fences have to be natural looking? Make sure whatever paint your choose is outdoor safe and can stand up to the weather. 
15. Think about shade. Not everybody wants to sit in direct sunlight all day, and if you have children, it’s important to offer a way to get out of the sun at the height of the day. Invest in a parasol, or for a space saving option, hang a length of sail fabric above the patio. Stylish, cheap and it takes up less floor space than an umbrella.
16. Add a mural. If you have an empty wall in your garden, and want a modern, trendy look, think about adding a mural. You could paint one yourself as a family, or hire a professional to create a beautiful, bespoke piece. 
17. Revive the lawn. Is the lawn looking patchy? Scarify it to get rid of moss and weeds, and then add lawn food to help the grass grow back fully. Invest in a good lawnmower to keep it under control and looking smart. 
18. Disguise an ugly fence or wall with climbing plants. A climbing rose or clematis can make an otherwise unsightly feature look beautiful. 
19. Maintain it. When you’ve got the garden looking gorgeous, make sure you keep on top of the maintenance. Care for your plants, mow the lawn and keep the patio clean. Tidy away clutter and keep things looking fabulous so you can enjoy your garden all year round. 

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