With the new year in full swing and the hopes of warm sunny days on the horizon, many homeowners are considering how to get their gardens ready for the Spring. And as with most resolutions, often big ideas make what would be a simple garden facelift an entire overhaul, causing us to be overwhelmed before we ever even get started.
Whether you plan to finally install some decking or you’ve been dying to update your flower beds, there are plenty of practical projects that don’t take up too much time or resources to help refresh your garden space for the warmer months ahead.
If you’re unsure of where to begin, consider these four practical garden project ideas to get you motivated and moving to transform your backyard space for 2025.
Remove junk and old materials
One of the obvious and possibly best-starting places to get your outdoor space to feel better is simply by removing any refuse or junk lying around. This can be anything from old wooden planks to piles of dead leaves to garden toys your children no longer use.
But it’s important not to be unrealistic or think you can handle bigger messes yourself. If you have larger pieces or vessels of metal, like oil tanks, that are sitting somewhere on your property, it’s best to call a certified professional to decommission and remove them.
These containers can have dangerous chemicals, rust, or leftover oil that are a fire and safety hazard and can easily spread to other surfaces in your garden. Leave it to the pros to get rid of the larger tanks and handle the toxic cleanup properly.
Replace old furniture
Old furniture can easily leave an outdoor entertaining space feeling drab or dated. If you have water-damaged wicker chairs or rusted metal benches, it’s time for an upgrade.
You can choose to purchase an all-new patio furniture set if you want to, but this isn’t the only way to update your seating. Look for furniture that’s minimally damaged and potentially needs minor repairs.
Are there wooden chairs with chipped paint that just need a little sanding, fresh coat, and sealant? Would new waterproof cushions bring that old Adirondack chair back to life? Take a realistic look at what pieces you have the time and resources to fix and which ones should be replaced on a budget.
Give your lawn some TLC
If your grass is dying, it will drain the life out of any backyard design. The best and most preventative way to keep your garden looking full and vibrant is by taking care of the lawn regularly.
Weeding your grass, watering down your lawn regularly, and checking the soil from time to time are all great preventative measures that help control damage from the elements and keep things looking fresh.
Still, if your lawn has severe browning, big empty patches, or an infestation of weeds, talk with a professional. They will be able to inform you properly of the overall health of your lawn and whether or not reseeding is necessary.
Plant a native flower or vegetable garden
While grand ideas of massive rose bushes, colourful hibiscus, and towering sunflowers sound like a dream, it certainly isn’t practical if you’re just starting to grow your own garden.
Keep things simple and practical by using flower beds to designate space for your botanicals. Use locally growing vegetables or flowers rather than expensive exotics. This ensures your plants will thrive in their environment, getting all the important nutrients they need from the soil and conditions in your community.
It’s important before starting this feat, however, to do careful research before heading to your local nursery. Consider buying already blooming plants and transferring them to a bed rather than waiting for seedlings to emerge from ones planted yourself. Even native plants can be difficult to maintain or sprout.
Conclusion
Having DIY resolutions is both fun and exciting, but it’s important to remain balanced, count the cost, and honestly consider the time and energy involved in renewing your space, especially outdoors. With a little bit of patience and realistic planning, these four projects can be a solid starting foundation for an even grander garden transformation in the future.
If you enjoyed this read, be sure to check out our other DIY project posts here!
