Moving into a new household with a garden to match can be a lovely new milestone in life. It also means you can engage in gardening, or perhaps arrange flowerbeds. Perhaps you’ll even keep chickens as a side hobby.
But of course, owning a little slice of nature does require some upkeep. Without any intervention on your part the grass can become unkempt, trees can rot or branches can fall, access onto your property may be easier for wild animals or pets, or maybe it becomes an unsafe area for your children or elderly relatives.
This is also worth keeping in mind if you move into a household where the prior owner wouldn’t or couldn’t take care of the garden as they should. It might not be an indictment on their character, perhaps they were elderly and just couldn’t get to it. Regardless, resolving a poorly cared-for garden does take hard work, even if you did manage to secure more of a discount on the asking price thanks to its current state.
Where should you get started to resolve this issue? It’s not always clear, especially if this is your first garden. With the following advice, we hope to help you structure a poorly-managed garden with confidence and care:
Remove All Debris Safely
Clearing out a neglected garden starts with getting rid of anything that doesn’t belong, even if the prior owner had something sentimental they left behind, like child’s play equipment that is rusted over. You may see fallen branches, dead leaves, broken pots, and any lingering junk left by the previous owner, and it should all be gathered and disposed of properly. If the garden has been left alone for a long time, there’s a chance some areas have become home to small animals, so it’s best to check before moving anything too quickly or call in a professional wastage service to clear it all.
There may be old wooden structures, such as broken trellises or a dilapidated shed, that might need to go if they’ve started rotting. For safety, rusty nails, bits of glass, or other hazards should be handled with thick gloves and, if necessary, a sturdy rake. Green waste can often be composted or taken to a local collection point for obvious eco reasons, while anything dangerous should be disposed of according to local rules, call your housing authority if you’re unsure. Taking the time to do this carefully sets the stage for everything else.
Address Safety Concerns
Now your garden is a little clearer, you can easily see if there are any safety issues, but keep an observant eye out as if it’s not obvious. A few options are unstable fences, broken paving stones, or leaning trees, which might cause risks if left there, or might cover other issues like sharp debris or household waste. It’s not just man-made items to watch out for either, because loose or exposed roots can also become a tripping hazard, especially for children or older family members.
If there’s a pond or water feature, it’s worth checking that it hasn’t developed leaks or stagnant water issues. Any sharp-edged structures, rusted furniture, or wobbly decking should either be repaired or removed in kind. If there are concerns about security, reinforcing gates or replacing missing fence panels can also keep the wrong things out, like animals or pets..
Pressure Wash & Clean
Now is the time to see your garden in all its glory. We tend to think of nature being a law unto itself, but rarely that law includes cleaning and tidying up. Sorry mother nature, but you’re not a great homebody. As such, your garden paths, patios, and decking often develop a layer of grime that can make them slippery when wet or just look awful. Investing in the best electric pressure washer can easily help you strip that away, but be sure you use the correct strength nozzle or setting recommended for the right pressure, and never put yourself in the way of pressured water, which can be quite harmful if you’re not careful.
It’s not just grime either, as stone or brick surfaces might have weeds growing in between, which can be removed with a weeding tool or a natural weed killer if necessary. Moreover, your fences and outdoor furniture can benefit from a good clean, and you’ll notice the difference.
Invest in Garden Health
Now you can work on making your garden a touch healthier and more vibrant, which is easier in the warmer months. For example, testing the soil can help determine if it needs extra nutrients, especially if planting new flowers or vegetables is the goal. A layer of mulch can improve moisture retention and keep the weeds at bay.
If the garden has been neglected for a while, you might see that beneficial insects and pollinators (bees) might be in short supply. Adding plants that attract bees and butterflies can help and you’ll be doing your bit for the local are as well. A nice accessory like a bird feeder or a small water source can also encourage wildlife to return. It’s the ultimate compliment to your garden when a flock of birds finds it appealing.
With this advice, we hope you can more confidently resolve a poorly cared-for garden.
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