Have you ever looked out at picturesque residential gardens and wished your garden looked the same? Chances are, it’s likely maintained by a regular gardener to keep the landscape looking lush and vibrant.
As seasoned landscapers who have upgraded hundreds of gardens, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to be an expert gardener to have a beautiful garden. All you need is some plant knowledge, time, and effort for your garden to be a lush display of flora.
If you’re looking to upgrade your garden, here are our tried and true tips on how to create a beautiful garden that you can be proud of.
- Understand Water Requirements
Plants vary in their need for water. Some can survive weeks without water, while others can last only days. For example, succulents can last without water for more than 3 weeks in winter, while begonias require weekly watering. You should learn about your plant's water needs when building your garden, including their watering frequency and quantity.
Consider also how much time you can (and will) spend watering your plants. If you have less time on your hands, then a good idea would be to grow a hardy plant that needs less watering and maintenance.
- Choose the Right Fertiliser
Fertilisers are like nutrient boosters for your plants, helping them to grow healthy and thrive in your garden. To ensure your garden maintains its lushness and colour, you should research and apply the right type of fertiliser based on your individual plant needs.
Fertilisers typically exist in liquid or granular forms. Liquid fertilisers are easier to apply, as you can spray them on your foliage and soil, while granular fertilisers have a slightly more complicated application process. However, granular fertilisers are slow-release, which promotes sustained plant health with minimal effort. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each fertiliser type for your garden needs.
- Invest in Irrigation Systems
If you’re prone to under or overwatering your plants, consider investing in an irrigation system to make watering your plants more efficient and consistent. By automating your watering cycle, irrigation systems can ensure your garden receives constant care, even when you’re busy.
Residential properties typically use drip irrigation or sprayer irrigation for their gardens. Drip irrigation waters your plants directly at their roots through drip emitter tubes, while sprayer irrigation uses sprinklers to water. Both irrigation systems work well in ensuring your plants are properly watered according to the season.
- Nurturing Young Plants
Just like babies, young plants need extra TLC to survive. When planting these young plants in your garden, you should dedicate time each week to nurture them.
If you’re growing a young plant, here are some ways you can care for it:
- • Water consistently and regularly. Some plants may require daily watering.
- • Ensure your soil is on an ideal pH level to stimulate growth.
- • Fertilise more frequently for plant health.
- • Prune plants and ensure dead leaves are removed
- • Place jute mats and level plants that are on sloped gardens
As your plant matures and its roots grow deep, it will require less intensive care. So adjust your plant-care routine as it grows and thrives.
- Weed and Prune Routinely
An overgrowth of weeds can kill your plants by taking away their nutrients. Hence, weeding is a necessary task that must be done to ensure your plants are healthy. There is no set rule on how often to prune and weed, as it depends on the plant itself. As a general rule, weeding should be done when you notice weeds sprouting in your garden.
You should also prune your plants proactively by cutting them at an angle just before the node (where the leaf's stalk joins the plant’s stem). Pruning encourages new growth and more flowering, and it also gives your plant that healthy bushy look.
- Get Monthly Professional Help
Sometimes, the biggest constraint to maintaining a beautiful garden is time. So, consider investing in a gardener's services once a month if you have trouble keeping your garden healthy and beautiful. A seasoned gardener will be able to manage the overall maintenance of your garden, which can be a considerable task if you have a big one!
Each garden is different and requires specialised care, so discuss with your gardener the specific tasks needed every month, like pruning, weeding, and mowing.
- Evolve Your Garden Routine
Your garden routine will naturally evolve with the seasons. For example, summer requires more watering and mulching, and you may want to prune spring-flowering plants right after spring ends. Meanwhile, winter is the best time to prune plants that flourish in summer, so try changing your routine as and when it’s needed.
It’s also important to acknowledge that as your garden matures, it requires less time and effort. So enjoy the evolving nature of your landscape and appreciate the lower demands of your plants as they establish themselves.
- Leverage a Landscape Gardner's Expertise
Sometimes, all you need is a seasoned landscaper to set your garden off on the right foot, and maintaining it will be infinitely easier. Consider hiring a professional landscape gardener to guide your decisions on plant selection, optimal use of space, and overall design aesthetics. This will allow you to benefit from the experience of a landscape expert to ensure your garden thrives with well-thought-out planning.
If you’re utilising the expertise of a landscape designer, ensure that you have a plan to simplify your gardening experience and ensure its long-term success. Ask your landscape designer for a personalised care guide with specific instructions on maintaining the health and beauty of your unique garden.
- Key Takeaway
Maintaining a lush garden can be done easily with time, effort, and a solid landscaping foundation. To set yourself up with a beautiful garden right from the start, consult our experts at Foliage Landscaping.
For more than two decades, Foliage Landscaping has helped homeowners in the Mornington Peninsula turn their gardens into sanctuaries for family and friends. To learn how we can improve your outdoors, request a free quote today.