Who doesn’t dream of flaunting a lush garden to family, friends, and neighbors? But it’s no surprise that building a garden from scratch can be daunting, especially if you’re new to gardening and don’t know where to start.
This guide caters to all questions you may have before taking on this labor, from best practices to selecting equipment, the best flora options, and handy tips and tricks, which will all help ensure you end up with the garden of your dreams. Here is all you need to know to embark on your gardening journey:
Dream Big, Start Small
When taking on a new household project, it is natural to bite off more than we can chew, leaving us with a long list of tasks that need tending to simultaneously and demotivating us from the project as a whole in the long run. To avoid this as you begin your gardening project, be patient and think about the first small step you can take.
The wisest choice is to start with a few planters and pots of manageable plants. You can plant multiple species to understand each species’ requirements better. Once you’re comfortable with dealing with this new responsibility, gradually expand the scope of your project by planting a small bed full of grass bordered by trim hedges. Doing so will give you more experience by simulating a miniature lawn. You’ll soon be well-prepared to take on a more generous lawn space.
Choose Flora for Your Style
Everyone has a different aesthetic in mind for their garden, depending on their style. Some might wish for a cosy cottage feel every time they step outside, while others may have a more rustic taste. Thus, choosing appropriate greenery and plants that fit your preferred aesthetic is essential. Here are some examples:
- Fragrant roses, soothing lavender, and delicate sweet peas are excellent choices for a cozy cottage vibe.
- If rustic is your style, choose thyme and other herbs, along with vibrant sunflowers and cornflowers.
- Are you planning to maintain a formal garden to host parties? Pastel tea roses, colorful tulips, and sophisticated boxwood are the plants for you.
- You can also convert your garden into a tropical island by planting lush banana trees, large hibiscus, and the ever-attractive birds of paradise.
However, choosing the right plants comes down to another critical factor: local climate. Climate change has affected the growth and requirements of various plant species, so always consult a professional before bringing plants home to understand better how to care for them according to your climate.
Invest in Good-Quality Gardening Equipment
A good gardening schedule and equipment can do wonders for your garden! Essential equipment includes pruning shears, gardening gloves, a hand trowel, and a gardening hose. As you advance in your gardening journey, you can invest in various hoeing equipment for different tasks, such as a draw hoe for preparing seed beds and a stirrup hoe for weeding. A compact wheelbarrow will also be handy to make fertilizing and plantation easy.
Garden grass needs special attention since it is the outdoors’s most noticeable and fundamental component. Good-quality fertilizers and regular lawn-mowing are crucial to ensure your grass stays healthy and looks fresh all year round. Do a quick “mowers for sale near me” Google search and invest in a suitable device that will last you a long time.
Add a Personal Touch
Personalizing your garden is one of the most engaging household activities. With a sprinkle of creativity, the sky is the limit regarding landscaping. Start with easy DIY projects like painted plant pots and gradually move on to trickier ones like homemade wooden bird feeders. If you are down for a challenge, you can also DIY a park bench with reclaimed wood or craft cute garden signs and quotes with the same. If DIY differs from your thing, invest in a cobblestone path or a quaint wooden table and seating space.
Be Eco-Friendly
Having a garden is a favor to your home’s splendor and nature. You can make it even more eco-friendly by adopting certain sustainable practices. If you face a pest problem, opt for organic pest control options, such as neem oil or pest-repellant soaps. Plant different varieties of flowers to attract bees, small birds, and butterflies, and set up a bird feeder and water source. These practices help boost local biodiversity and heal the environment. Implement water conservation practices, such as not overwatering the garden and investing in modern irrigation equipment like sprinklers or drip irrigation equipment.
Conclusion
Starting a garden might seem like a lot of work – but it doesn’t have to be. Like any other household project or renovation, all you should know is where to start and work your way up from there. First, jot down a plan for your garden, including sowing the grass, buying your favorite plants, what tools you need, and making a weekly itinerary for watering. The next thing you know, your front yard will be a green haven, perfect for relaxing on sunny weekends or hosting garden parties for the family!
