Transform your Garden in a Weekend

You’ve been putting it off for a while. You can never find the time. You look out of the window and think ‘if only my garden was a wealth of vibrant colour’.
Don’t hesitate any longer. With one weekend’s dedication and hard work you can transform your garden into a pleasurable area to relax in.

Plan

Planning will be the key to your success. Pick a weekend when you can afford to devote the time to creating your work of art and hope for good weather!

In the days and weeks before your big garden transformation collect pictures and notes from magazines of how you want your garden to look. Then spend an evening or two drawing up a plan. You don’t have to be a garden designer to do this; just have the inspiration and ideas. Ensure you measure spaces accurately and select the areas you want to focus on. Depending on the time of year you might want to go for bright groups of spring bulbs, a host of summer annuals, autumn colour or winter interest. Work to a budget (unless money is no object!) Time spent pricing plants and enhancements such as ornaments and furniture will benefit you.

Buy and Prepare

If you can afford the time try buy any new plants, containers, furniture and tools for the job before the big weekend.

Try and do any preparation work such as digging, weeding and pruning before the weekend so you have as much time as possible available to work on your transformation. Have a general tidy up and if you can, cut the lawn and trim the edges the day before you start work. Ensure you’ve got all the tools you’ll need and they’re all in working order. A wheelbarrow and plenty of garden bags to dispose of rubbish will be invaluable.

Action

The weekend arrives, the sun’s out and it’s time to start work on your quick fix makeover.

To save planting time shrubs and plants that you’ve bought can be placed around the garden still in their pots. This isn’t a long term solution as the roots will soon grow and the plants will eventually need to be put in the ground, however, in the short term clever positioning will help create your idyllic retreat. This also gives you the chance to review if you’re happy with their location.

Select a focal point and use either furniture, containers or ornaments to make a feature. A single metal sculpture or bronze or terracotta garden ornament can be a stunning addition to any garden. What about a bird table or bath? Or how about a couple of grand topiary trees on your patio? Consider a water feature – there are many on the market that are quick and easy to install.

You won’t have time to lay a whole new patio but you could put down some paving stones, pebbles or rocks and intersperse them with some alpines.

Willow and hurdle fencing is a quick option for hiding unsightly areas.

Enjoy
Now relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Nothing can be more satisfying than taking in the sights and smells of a newly transformed oasis of pleasure – your garden.