By Gen Bailey, research & development director at Evergreen Garden Care
Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with our gardens and start planting that personal style we’ve curated inside, but many Australians find themselves looking out at their backyards with a conflicting mix of dread and hope. After months of neglect, the question is: can these outdoor spaces reflect the aesthetic goals we’ve set for our homes?
Spring signals more than the awakening of plants – it marks the return of social moments and occasions spent outdoors – from alfresco dining, to garden parties, backyard cricket, to those slow Sunday afternoons where a book, a cold drink, and a sun-drenched deck, all of which become an essential part of the at-home experience. A well-designed garden frames the backdrop for these moments, creating a cohesive flow between inside and out.
And yet creating the perfect green space can feel daunting, especially if your garden has taken a bit of a beating over Winter. But with a little TLC now – replenishing soil, feeding plants, and styling spaces – you’ll reap the benefits and set the stage for a backyard that doesn’t just sit behind your home, but truly elevate it.
Gen shares a few easy tips to revive your garden and get thriving plants that elevate your backyard.
- Start with the soil, because soil matters: A vibrant garden can completely change the outdoor experience, however, all lush, radiant plants have one thing in common – great soil. Dig about 15 cm deep and see who’s living there – more worms, better soil vibes. Dry, lifeless soil won’t support thriving plants, and waterlogged, smelly soil means poor drainage. Healthy soil should smell earthy and alive. Ensuring the soil is balanced and has enough nutrients to support healthy plant growth will ensure your plants are omitting vibrant hues, over dull dry tones. Treat your soil (and your plants) with a dose of Scotts Organic Plant Food, injecting natural ingredients like fish, humic acid, and seaweed, into your soil, giving it the boost it needs to create happy plants.
- Prior planning prevents poor plants: Want an English-style garden with bundles of Lavendar? Well, the warmer months often don’t lend to success in planting this plant. Understanding what plant is best planted in Spring versus the cooler months will help you achieve the garden style you’re after. If you’re desperate to plant that Lavendar in the warmer season, just ensure you are ensuring the soil is healthy with adequate water and plant food, to give it the best chance of establishing and thriving.
- Go on the defence (pests & disease, that Is): Nothing ruins a beautifully styled garden faster than munched leaves or damaged blooms. Keep an eye out for common culprits like aphids or snails, remove affected leaves, and maintain good airflow around plants to reduce problems before they escalate. Plants that are healthy have greater resilience against pests, so getting the basics right – adequate sunlight, water and food – will give them the best chance of survival against pests.
- Treat your garden like your interior styling – not everything is meant to be styled together: Just like you style your home to create a harmonious living experience, gardens have the same principle. Gardening is the same as making sure your prints and colours don’t clash – you must make sure you plan your garden according to which plants work best with each other. Some plants, such as sunflowers and hydrangeas, will compete against each other and leave damaged flower beds. Plan ahead and be sure to rotate plant families to avoid disease build-up, manage nutrients better, and keep soil balance.
Beyond the plants, after the winter blues, a well-kept and beautiful garden boosts moods, encourages outdoor gatherings, and becomes the space in your home perfect for relaxation and entertaining, which Aussies love! Your backyard oasis is only a weekend away – get Scotts Organic now and use these tips to spread some Spring love into the garden.
