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Everyone wants their backyard to look it’s absolute best but if you’re like most Aussies, you don’t want to spend a fortune. Nor do you want to carry out an enormous and time consuming overhaul.
We say, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Spruce it instead with these great ideas. From projects and suggestions to smart hacks there’s lots you can do to your garden that won’t break the bank. Let’s get sprucing!
1. Lay a stone path
A stone path is an inviting and practical addition to your backyard. It gets you and your guests from one place to another without traipsing through the garden and it’s a lovely, organic touch that looks more expensive and luxurious than it really is. And its a great way to minimise traffic on a lawn area - which, especially during a winter dormancy period where your lawn is inactive will prevent wear patches through higher traffic areas which cop daily repetitive wear - like the route to the clothes line for example.
2. Install a fire pit
Be it a handmade masterpiece or a store bought beauty, installing a fire pit is one of the hottest trends for backyard entertaining (no pun intended). An outdoor fire pit will have you hosting flaming parties or toasting marshmallows with the kids. It will provide warmth to your outdoor area for usage all-year round and give your garden ambience. It can even keep the mozzies away!
3. Fix the lawn
Spring is a crucial time for lawn care and will determine whether you have a lush green grass in summer or not. Rake the grass deeply to remove dead blades and thatch, so that any new seed or fertiliser can penetrate properly. Once cultivated, make sure the area is firmed and level ready for sowing. Before you seed, talk to us at Coolabah Turf about how you plan to use your lawn so that we can provide the best seasonal care tips.
4. Lay new turf
For quicker results, you can lay new turf, leaving it undisturbed for a few weeks to allow the new roots to establish. New turf is one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest investments you can make for your garden, instantly transforming your backyard into a lush green haven. If you’re time poor, and like low maintenance solutions or keen to do your bit for the environment and want a water smart landscape option, we suggest laying Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Lawn. It’s perfect for residential yards with kids and dogs and is the ideal feature lawn around garden beds, courtyards and pools. It performs well in both sun and lightly shaded areas and it’s soft underfoot.
5. Fix the fence
An old fence will still serve its purpose as long as it’s stable but a little sprucing up makes it look a whole lot better. A touched-up fence will improve the whole look and feel of your landscaping so your entire outdoor area looks up-to-date. Clear unwanted vegetation along the fence line and remove overgrown shrubs that make the fence look older or unkempt. Use a power washer to clear away grime and look for damage or repairs. Sand rough areas on the fence to smooth out the wood and then stain or paint the fence to give it a new look.
6. Patch up the paintwork
While you’ve got your paint brushes at hand, address tired paintwork on walls, sheds and doors. Consider introducing pops of colour or do the opposite and paint match the colour of sheds, walls and doors with your home. This way they’ll blend into the background making your garden the showstopper piece.
7. Invest in new furniture
If you don’t have any patio furniture or your furniture is looking old and tired, invest in some new outdoor furniture. Buying new will instantly breath fresh life into your backyard and will give you somewhere to sit to enjoy your updated space. If you can’t afford new furniture, consider updating the cushions or rearranging your patio furniture. Sometimes simply rearranging the layout can give your backyard a stylish new look.
8. Concrete cover up
If you have an existing concrete patio with little life, consider coating it in a masonry stain. You can choose any colour you like or even opt for a checkerboard pattern. Another option is to lay slate tiles over the concrete with a thin-set mortar, which will give your patio an instant and elegant appearance without the cost.
9. Add texture
We love a beautiful big expansive lush lawn but texture in the garden is important. Plant textures run the gamut from delicate and fine to coarse and bold and can change with the play of light and shadow. Too much of any one texture can be inharmonious to the eye - jarring even. A nice balance will cover from choosing lots of different plant varieties.
10. Mulch
If your lawn is the carpet of your garden, then mulch is the icing on the cake. Simply laying like coloured mulch on all flowerbeds and exposed soil in your backyard can give your space a finished and unified look. As an added benefit, mulch blocks weeds and holds much-needed nutrients for your plants.
Want more tips and tricks for sprucing up the backyard on a budget? Get in touch with us at Coolabah Turf and let us help you bring your lawn to life. It’s what we do!
