Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to give your garden a quick seasonal refresh. A few small tweaks now – from adding fresh colour to updating your planting – can instantly brighten your outdoor space and get it ready for longer, sunnier days ahead.
As the first buds begin to appear, take it as your cue to wake your garden from its winter slumber. With a handful of simple updates, you can bring beds, borders and patios back to life before the season properly begins. Here are six easy tweaks to try now to get your garden looking its best for spring.
1. Clean debris
Start by wiping the slate clean. Windswept twigs, leaves and other debris can quickly accumulate over the winter months – now is the time to clean them up. ‘Aside from looking untidy, this can trap moisture and create slippery patches on stone or decking,’ says Michael Scott, founder of Lazy Susan Furniture. ‘A thorough sweep instantly brightens the space and gives lawns and plants the light and air they need as they begin growing again.’
Photos by R A Kearton – Getty Images
2. Tackle weeds early
Now is also the perfect time to deal with pesky weeds before they spread and take over your garden. ‘Removing them early prevents spreading and saves time later in the season when you want to be outside enjoying your patio,’ says Abbie Betts, buyer of garden maintenance and garden care products at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
Weeds are easiest to remove when the soil is damp. After rainfall, simply pull them by hand and they should come away easily. For cracks and gaps between between slabs, a wire brush is recommended. Once cleared, apply weed preventer to slow regrowth.
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3. Clean and refresh outdoor furniture
After months in storage, garden furniture is likely to have gathered a layer of dust. Rather than using a pressure washer, gently wipe down chairs and tables with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. ‘Wooden furniture may benefit from a light oil treatment, while metal frames should be checked for any early signs of rust,’ advises Josh Branigan, furniture and home interiors expert at Bed Kingdom.
Yana Iskayeva – Getty Images
You may want to give your furniture an even bigger refresh with some fresh colour. Jimmy Englezos, Ronseal’s senior brand manager and DIY expert, recommends using garden paint. ‘When painting wooden furniture, start by sanding down the surface to remove loose paint and create a smooth surface, ensuring any mould or algae is cleaned off,’ he advises. ‘For metal furniture, don’t forget primer so the paint can stick to the surface.’
4. Update outdoor accessories
Once your furniture is clean, arrange your seating and tables on the terrace or patio and think about refreshing the surrounding space. Adding new outdoor cushions or a rug can instantly lift the area, while a lantern or string lights will quickly transform the look and feel of your garden.
5. Refresh pots and add new plants
Rosmarie Wirz – Getty Images
No garden refresh is complete without updating your containers. ‘Remove tired winter bedding plants, empty out old compost and give containers a proper clean,’ says Michael. ‘Pots can accumulate algae, dirt and residue over the colder months, so wiping them down before replanting helps them look fresher and prevents mould from developing.’
Then, add fresh soil and seasonal blooms. ‘Flower like pansies or primroses can instantly brighten patios, balconies and doorsteps,’ he adds. ‘It’s a simple update that makes the whole garden feel more alive without committing to a full redesign.’
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6. Change your fence colour
If you’re ready to take on a slightly bigger DIY job with maximum impact, consider repainting your fence. After a wet start to the year, your barriers may benefit from a fresh coat of paint.
When choosing a colour, think about the overall atmosphere. ‘Darker tones absorb light to create a cosier atmosphere by making a garden space feel more intimate,’ says Jimmy. ‘Lighter tones reflect light, making the garden appear bigger by blurring the outer boundaries.’
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