“Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.”
Imagine waking up from a relaxing sleep, walking to your balcony, and there it is, a beautiful yard full of colorful flowers and greenery, greeting you. Well, this is my definition of a ‘Good Morning’.
Some might not know it, but it is scientifically proven that spending even a few minutes in a garden, surrounded by greenery, reduces stress, anxiety, and calms your heart. (Source: National Library of Medicine)
And after months of trying, I’ve achieved it. I have successfully transformed my yard into a place that is not only my safe haven but also a space that puts a huge smile on others’ faces. Want to know how? Well, follow along this guide, and by the end of it, you will know it all!
Start with a Landscape Plan
Starting any home project without a vision is never a smart decision. Trust me, it will not only waste your time but money and resources too and you might even find yourself in an ocean of confusion, frustration and a whole mess of a garden.
To keep things organized and sorted, you can browse Pinterest for inspiration, create a mood board, ask yourself basic questions about what you are exactly looking for. If you are on the creative side, you can even sketch a basic layout yourself or for people like me, hiring a professional is also an option. Do whatever works best for you.
Work with a Trusted Local Partner
Not everyone is skilled enough to manage everything on their own, and this is when experienced professionals like BrightWater Irrigation and Lighting come to the rescue. I cannot stress enough the importance of hiring the right partner for this task.
Make sure you hire someone who specializes in outdoor solutions like sprinkler systems, turf installation, etc. And most importantly, find someone with ample experience in the aesthetic you are going for in your space.
Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System
This is not the 1980s and you don’t need those old garden hoses or sprinklers anymore. According to various studies, traditional irrigation systems are not-so-effective now and waste 40-50% water due to runoffs and deep percolation.
This is your sign to switch to smarter irrigation systems and leave this job to them. They are automatic and deliver the right amount of water to your plants, nothing more and nothing less.
Use Outdoor Lighting to Extend Enjoyment
Adding the right lighting to your yard is extremely important because:
- Lights shine bright and make your space visible at night, adding a layer of safety and depth to the whole setup.
- Your garden will boost the aesthetic appeal of your place.
- Who wouldn’t want to host small get-togethers in a cozy courtyard on weekend evenings, and the lights will help set the perfect vibes.
Your outdoor space should look 10/10 at every hour of the day (and night), and the right lights will help you achieve exactly that. Choose something that complements the decor and goes well with the whole setup.
IMPORTANT INSIGHTS
When it comes to choosing the right turf, it is not just about its looks, but maintenance and climate as well. The infographic discusses the type of turf you should go for, based on the climate.
Incorporate Native Plants for Low-Effort Beauty
“Plants thrive where they belong – Bring effortless beauty to your garden with native plants”
Native plants are already adapted to the local weather, air, soil, and water, and hence make an excellent choice to keep your outdoor space looking vibrant.
With minimal effort and just a little bit of planning, they can turn your yard from a lifeless land to a colorful, blooming one
Install a Drip Irrigation System for Garden Beds
If you plan to have garden beds, flower borders or a small landscaped area, installing a drip irrigation system is a no-brainer, add trust my word and add them to your garden project checklist without a second thought. They are automatic, low maintenance and easy to install. Invest in them without a second thought and just sit back and watch them sprinkle their magic.
PRO TIP
Adding a layer of mulch will give your space an aesthetically pleasing look and on top of that, help lock in moisture and keep the roots cool and healthy.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance Checks
If you think that your work ends once you install all the smart automatic devices, plant a bunch of flowers, and set the perfect lighting, well, sorry to disappoint you, but you’ve got it wrong. Your yard needs proper care to function properly.
Do not forget to regularly inspect the systems installed, check for leaks, broken fixtures, or clogged drips. Also, clean away the debris or fallen leaves at least once a week.
Set the Mood with Zoned Lighting Controls
If you ask about my favorite part of my yard, it would definitely be the zoning lights that let me control the outdoor lights of specific areas independently. These not just set the perfect mood for different occasions but also improve flexibility and help save energy. So, if you ask me, do not walk, but RUN to the stores to get these lights for your space.
How to transform your outdoor space?
To transform your outdoor space, you can add lights, place comfortable chairs, install smart irrigation systems, and plant numerous flowers and plants, especially the native ones.
What is the purpose of Mulch in a garden?
Mulch in a garden helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves the aesthetics.
Do you need any specific permit for a gardening project?
Not for small ones, but for some bigger projects, like building huge retaining walls, installing electrical lines, you might require a permit.
How to choose the right plants for a garden?
When it comes to choosing plants for a yard, the “right plant, right place” principle is the key. It means choose native plants, they are low-effort and already adapted to the local weather.
