I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Clara Matthews, an experienced horticulturist and passionate gardener whose tidy garden is the epitome of elegance and serenity. Clara shared with me the secrets behind maintaining such a tranquil outdoor space, revealing the eight habits she swears by for a garden that’s always in shipshape.
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1. Plan in Smart Storage and Think Vertically
Clara believes that effective storage solutions are the backbone of a tidy garden. “It’s all about decluttering and making the most out of the space you have,” she explained. Clara advocates for conducting regular audits of garden tools and equipment, particularly at the end of the gardening season. “Be ruthless,” she advised. “If it’s broken or worn out, let it go.”
For smaller gardens, Clara recommends thinking vertically. “Incorporate vertical garden walls or use built-in benches with hidden compartments,” she suggested. This not only optimises space but also adds an interesting architectural element to the garden. Clara has ingeniously used the space beneath her deck for storage, enclosing it with elegant latticework that blends seamlessly with her garden’s aesthetic.
2. Sharpen Up Lawn and Border Edges
The precision of lawn and border edges is crucial, Clara told me. “Sharp edges give your garden a polished look,” she said. Clara uses metal edging and gravel pathways to define sections of her garden, creating a seamless transition between different areas. “It’s the little details that make a big difference,” she added, emphasising the importance of planning the layout to incorporate these finishing touches.
3. Finesse the Lawn
A lush lawn is often the centrepiece of any garden, and Clara maintains hers with regular care. “I mow at the right height and make sure to water deeply but not too often,” she shared. Clara also employs a balanced fertiliser in the spring and autumn to keep her grass healthy. For those struggling with a less-than-perfect lawn, Clara suggests exploring grass alternatives like clover, which require less maintenance and provide a lovely carpet of green.
4. Screen Everyday Essentials
Every garden has its necessary but unsightly elements, such as bins and air conditioning units. Clara’s solution? “Screen them off,” she advised. She uses a combination of evergreen hedges and decorative screens to conceal these eyesores. “Not only does it tidy up the view, but it also adds extra greenery to my space,” she explained.
5. Choose the Right Compact and Groundcover Plants
Clara has a knack for selecting plants that suit her garden’s conditions and design. “Compact cultivars and groundcovers are your best friends,” she noted. These plants help fill in gaps and create a cohesive look without overwhelming the space. Additionally, they act as living mulch, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
6. Fall in Love with Structure
“Structure is essential,” Clara told me, referring to both the physical layout and the plants themselves. She uses natural elements like trellises and arbors to guide climbing plants, adding vertical interest. “I also clip evergreen shrubs into clean shapes. They look stunning all year round and give the garden a sense of order,” she explained.
7. Enhance Your Borders
When it comes to garden beds, Clara is meticulous with her planting strategy. “I plant in height order—tall at the back, medium in the middle, and short at the front,” she said. This arrangement prevents plants from flopping over paths and maintains an orderly appearance. Clara also mulches her borders with organic materials, which not only tidies the appearance but enriches the soil over time.
8. Spruce Up Surfaces
Finally, Clara emphasised the importance of maintaining hard surfaces in the garden. “A quick jet wash can do wonders,” she said, referring to her routine of cleaning paths, decks, and patios to remove grime and algae. This not only keeps her garden looking fresh but also ensures surfaces remain safe and slip-free.
Clara’s advice is both practical and inspirational, rooted in her years of gardening experience. Her approach is a testament to how a few thoughtful habits can transform any garden into a serene retreat. As I left Clara’s garden, I felt a renewed sense of motivation to apply her strategies to my own outdoor space, confident that these small changes could yield remarkable results.
Elaine Cooper
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