9 yard-saving tips after winter

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
homify Jardins modernos
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We all know how much fun spring cleaning can be, but usually that denotes design- and cleaning efforts inside the house. But of course your exteriors also deserve to strike a stylish pose, especially after the year-end winter holiday.

So, how do we spruce up our front- and back yards to make them more enticing and welcoming for the next spring and summer? Like this…   


1. Get your grass looking great again

Obviously your lawn is the first place you should start, seeing as it usually makes up the majority of front- and back yards. Survey your yards for any trouble spots, like heavy traffic and pet messes that ruined your grass. Simply sprinkle some soil over the troubled areas with a combination of grass seed and fertiliser. 

And be sure to keep the dirt moist until the seeds start sprouting into new grass. 


2. Remove all debris

Surely the winter season has resulted in numerous fallen branches, leftover pet messes, scattered leaves, and goodness-knows-what-else in your yards. So, best get a move on that debris cluttering up your lawns.

Keep in mind that, when raking leaves, raking over wet grass can result in grass tearing from the roots, resulting in bare patches. So, instead of raking and bagging up leaves and twigs, how about using them as the foundation of your new compost pile? 


3. Trees, shrubs, and perennials (part 1)

Clipping off any dead, dying or diseased branches can help put a fresh new spin on your lawn and garden. And while you’re busy, be sure to cut back any branches intruding on pathways or high-traffic areas. It’ll make your yard seem more inviting while also adding more sunlight and fresh air to the centre of your trees and shrubs.  

Let’s see how some well-known plants prefer to be pruned…

Ornamental grasses: Tie the grasses’ tops for quick cutting, then slice as close to the ground as you can. 

Semi-woody perennials: Cut back butterfly bushes and Russian sage to approximately 10 cm. 


4. Trees, shrubs, and perennials (part 2)

Broad-leaved evergreens: Any injured foliage from evergreens like boxwood or holly firethorn can be pruned, but wait until early summer to hedge.

Flowering trees: Before roses and hydrangeas reach their bloom stages, be sure to shape and/or cut back all dead, damaged and cluttered stems as needed. 

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5. Focus on garden beds

As flowers require room to grow, it’s vital that your garden beds be cleared of fallen leaves, dead branches, and unruly weeds before spring starts back up again. But don’t wait too long: start raking fallen leaves and digging up dead plants as soon as winter’s last frost has passed and the soil has thawed. 

Only then can you dig up your perennials and split them into three-stem groupings to fill up any sparse spots in your garden beds. 


6. Update your mulch

While you’re busy out in your garden beds, be sure to shovel out the old mulch. That’ll set up a nice new slate for a new layer, which you can add as soon as you’re done with your spring planting. 


7. Plan for more plants

But what if you want to add so many more plants and flowers to your garden this year? Then we recommend you make use of a garden tiller to break new ground, or build raised garden beds for a more striking appearance. 

As soon as spring has officially started (and your garden/yard have been properly cleaned and maintained), plant your new trees, shrubs, and hardy perennial flowers. But wait until winter’s last frost has passed before you move on to annuals and tender perennials. 


8. Clean your outdoor furniture

With warmer weather comes outdoor socialising, but is your post-winter yard ready for some entertaining? Not until you’ve cleaned dirty patio furniture, among other things! To do this properly after a long winter, first spray your outdoor furniture with the hose. Then, mix a liberal dose of dish liquid soap and warm water in a bucket and, with a nylon scrub brush, start scrubbing your metal or plastic outdoor furniture pieces. Rinse thoroughly when done, then cut your drying time in half by tipping the furnishings on their side to let them air (and sun-) dry. 

To give your wicker- and rattan furniture a fresh new look, dip a soft cloth in mild soap and water and start wiping off those surfaces. Any dirt stuck in quirky grooves and corners can easily be removed via a toothbrush. And, again, let your furniture dry properly in the sun before using them. 


9. Perfect your patio and deck

Discovering some mould on your deck (thanks to moisture trapped beneath planters and debris) after not using it for some time is nothing new. And to fix this issue is easier than ever. Just mix two cups of liquid chlorine bleach and 2 ½ tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent into 1 ½ quarts of warm water. Properly soak the area with the mixed solution and leave it to stand for about 10 – 15 minutes. Then simply scrub the stains with a brush or broom and rinse thoroughly when done. 

Have you heard what the Pantone colour of the year 2021 is? 


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