Four Simple Steps to Turn Your Garden Into an Urban Paradise
While homes are intended to serve decidedly functional purposes, we need to remember that comfort goes a long way to enjoying such long-term investments. There are many ways in which you can transform your property, and some of these will not cost a significant amount of money.
Whether you are hoping to increase the resale value of your property, or you instead hope to create a true haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, there are plenty of options to consider. Let's examine four innovative strategies which can be used to transform an existing garden, and how each can add a personal touch that might have been lacking in the past.
Smart Lighting Solutions
There is no reason why a garden should only be enjoyed during the daylight hours. With the help of intelligent lighting fixtures, this area can now be accessed when the sun goes down.
Modern light fixtures employ LED bulbs, and these offer several benefits. Not only will they last longer than traditional incandescent alternatives, but they consume significantly less energy. This is obviously a concern for those who are monitoring their monthly expenditures. Furthermore, a growing number of units can be installed remotely thanks to batteries that are charged during the day with the help of miniature solar panels.
All About Creature Comforts
Are you hoping to entertain guests in the near future? Might you instead be curious to equip your garden with the latest furniture? Either way, quality counts. Those who wish relax in the lap of luxury should consider numerous options; one practical possibility involving the use of a high-quality sun lounger. Note that the materials selected can also be used to accentuate the existing exterior of your home. Examples include acacia, teak, pine, and powder-coated steel (a great choice in terms of longevity).
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Those who live within urban areas will often be concerned about privacy when enjoying any garden. While it might indeed be possible to install high fencing, this is not always the most practical choice in terms of aesthetics. It could be better to invest in bushes that can be used to keep prying eyes at bay. Here are some common species to keep in mind:
- Cherry laurel
- Thuja
- Cypress
- Boxwood
- Viburnum
Another interesting ancillary benefit involves the shade that these bushes will provide. This is obviously welcome when staving off the temperatures associated with warmer months of the year. If cared for properly, bushes can last for decades with relatively few maintenance concerns.
Maintaining a Healthy Lawn
Nothing beats a well-manicured garden lawn. Still, we are not only referring to visual beauty in this sense. Grass can help to eliminate pooling water, it will prevent erosion if you happen to live in a low-lying area, and homeowners can enjoy better air quality. Lawn maintenance is therefore a logical concern. Although it may be possible to hire a professional landscaping service, there are other do-it-yourself techniques to employ that do not require a "green thumb". Here are three suggestions:
- Make it a point to remove any weeds as soon as they appear.
- Do not cut the grass too short during the summer; this can damage the underlying roots.
- Aerate your lawn, as grass requires oxygen to thrive.
- Use fast-release fertilisers to provide your lawn with the nutrients that it requires.
Having said this, there is still nothing wrong with obtaining the advice of an expert when in doubt. Transforming your garden from a plot of land into a veritable paradise is easier than it may appear!