The season of Spring and the cleaning of one’s home have gone hand-in-hand for countless years. A thorough – or spring – clean is a great way to see in the new season and all the bounty it has to offer. And of course, Springtime is also the ideal opportunity to show your garden some love and attention.
Regular garden maintenance and updates are an essential part of a healthy, flourishing garden and a garden that’s neat, colourful and inviting immediately makes an impression on potential buyers, and adds significant value to your property. It’s also something that can be enjoyed daily, in all seasons.
Take stock
Assess the state of the garden after the winter, paying particular attention to:
- Which plants have survived the cold and which haven’t
- Areas that need to be cleaned, filled or spruced up
- Parts of the garden in which you’d like to try something new
Clean and clear
Once you know what needs to be done, the next step is cleaning and clearing. Rake up leaves, trim trees, shrubs and bushes and clean garden pots and accessories. You may even want to clean the gutters or hose down the walls.
Starting with a clean – or rather cleared – slate is an important first step in both maintaining and creating a pleasing and vibrant springtime garden.
Sort out the soil
Soil is the lifeblood of any garden, which is why good soil is essential. After the winter it is helpful to assess the condition of the soil by conducting a soil test to determine which nutrients are missing from the soil.
Always opt for natural and organic fertilisers, and use grass clipping as compost and/or mulch, as this can help to promote the natural equilibrium of the soil. It also will improve water drainage.
Plant anew
Once the groundwork has been done, decide what to plant and where. Think about the layout in terms of the form and colour of the plants and their flowers. Just like an interior, a garden needs to have a sense of story, style and symmetry.
Water wise
Opt for water-wise plants as far as possible. South Africa overall is a dry country, and indigenous plants will always do better (in their natural habitat) because they typically require less water. They are cultivated for our climate, and our gardens are their preferred homes.
