In the past week ClearitWaste discovered a 2100% increase in searches for ‘can garden centres reopen’, indicating that Brits are eager to redecorate their outdoor spaces – however, they also found that 1 in 5 Brits don’t know where to begin!
Making your garden presentable for the summer months can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of these quick tips, your garden will look fresh and tidy in no time.
1. Getting rid of weeds:
Getting rid of weeds helps your outdoor area look neat, but where do you start?
Firstly, you need to identify the weeds in your garden so you can choose the most effective method to begin removing them. You can search online and look at images to identify weeds. Annual weeds need weed killer to get rid of them (ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines), and perennial weeds need to be dug out by hand weekly.
2. Overgrown bushes:
Cutting back overgrown bushes and shrubs is next on the list.
You may need to dig around for some tools to help you with this! Using a saw, secateurs or something similar will cut through the shrub you have. Cut the oldest, thickest stem from the bottom to get rid of the overgrown bushes in order to leave your garden looking presentable. Additionally, removing the old wood each winter will help stimulate new growth.
3. Cleaning your outdoor furniture:
Cleaning garden furniture is a quick and easy task that is sure to revamp any garden.
In a bucket, mix soap (washing-up liquid is suitable) with warm water, and use a sponge (or brush) to scrub the excess dirt away. Once your furniture is clean, use a hose to rinse away any excess soap. Now that the surface is clean, it’s perfect for use during the upcoming mini-heatwave weekends!
4. Cleaning your BBQ:
Getting your BBQ ready is a must to ensure hygienic cooking and can be easily accomplished with some vinegar and water.
Mix 500ml of water and 50ml of vinegar, then apply on to the grill and interior of the BBQ. Following this, you simply leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes, then clean it off with a damp cloth or sponge to leave your surfaces looking good and clean.
5. Redecorating:
Adding garden decorations is a simple way to create a unique outdoor space and add personality to your home.
Some quick and easy ideas include hanging fairy lights to fences or trees, buying solar lights to brighten up your flower beds or you can even purchase outdoor rugs to zone off a sitting area. All of these simple redecorating ideas come very cheap and can transform your garden and make it perfect for small gatherings (when it is safe).
6. Cleaning your patio:
Over time patios can get very dirty and deter far from their original colour, leaving residents confused and in need of a helping hand.
To clean a patio area, all you need is a mix of vinegar and water. Once you have your mix, you simply apply it to the patio with a brush and sweep away any dirt or debris. Once this has been done, you can wash the leftover mix away with a garden hose to create a newly clean patio.
7. Repainting the outdoor walls and fence:
The best painting equipment depends on the type of finish required and what kind of wall you’re painting. Generally speaking, the best equipment for every situation include:
- Edging paint brush – If you want perfect edges, purchasing a paintbrush exclusively for edging is a must.
- Roller – This is the traditional painting tool that’s been around for generations because it does the job so well.
- Miniature roller – These smaller rollers can help with smaller wall spaces and edging.
- Long roller – If your walls are high, or you’re painting a ceiling, a long roller can help you reach those high places.
- Paint pads – This pad can make painting effortless and leave your walls with a smooth finish. They do need more loading than a roller, but still a great addition to your painting equipment collection.
- Masking tape – Masking tape is essential if you want straight, clean lines.
- Paint tray – Paint trays to prevent potential mess and are for more efficient than trying to use a paint tin.
And while we understand it’s a difficult time to purchase non-essential items, here are some alternative ideas:
- If you don’t have a paint tray to hand, try using scrap pieces of wood. Foil trays or baking trays are also great alternatives. Wrapping them in cling film or a plastic bag can stop them from getting ruined.
- Bath sponges are a great way to paint walls and leave a striking effect on your walls.
- Custom-made paint brushes can be fashioned from old toothbrushes, cotton wool or foam can also be used.”
Image: Removing-weeds-shutterstock-simon-kadula
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