How to Revive a Forgotten Garden

Over time, our gardens usually gain their charm, but when faced with the combination of a brutal winter, a scorching summer and the general day-to-day busyness of our lives, they can easily go the other way and start to feel a little ‘forgotten’.

If your garden’s looking a bit lost, don't fear, a comeback is always possible. With just some time, a bit of hard work and our expert guidance, you can get your outdoor space looking itself again, or completely reinvent it!

Clearing the Canvas

The first step in reviving a forgotten garden is to clear away any debris and overgrowth. Trim back overgrown bushes and trees, remove weeds, and rake up fallen leaves. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also allows you to assess the current state and potential of your garden more clearly.

Smart Design Choices

If you’re thinking about switching up your garden design, it's essential to strike a balance between visual appeal and functionality. Whilst you should consider your own lifestyle and how your household will use your garden, avoid the temptation to cram too much into the space trying to cater to every family member's needs. It’s an approach that can result in an unused and cluttered garden - taking you back to square one. Instead, adopt a well-thought-out design, creating defined areas like a cosy seating nook, a flourishing flower bed, or a patch of grass to fit your space.

Hardscaping

When defining the structure of your garden, hardscaping is a great place to start. From patios and stabilised gravel to elaborate water features there are an array of materials and designs out there to match your personal style that you can incorporate into your outdoor space. To help you pick and keep your hardscaping materials in top shape, be sure to research the level and frequency of care they need.

Soil Enrichment

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. If your plants are looking a little worse for wear, assess the soil to determine its condition and composition. Based on the results, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will provide essential nutrients for your plants, ensuring they have the best possible environment to thrive again.

Strategic Planting

If your plants are beyond rescue, now that your soil is enriched, seize the opportunity to breathe new life into your garden with some strategic planting. Choose a mix of shrubs and perennials to add some character to your space, but remember to consider the climate to make sure you pick the most suitable plants for the conditions.

Regular Maintenance

Once your garden is back on track, regular maintenance is crucial to keep it looking its best. Develop a routine for watering, pruning, and weeding as well as occasional cleaning and maintenance of your hardscaping materials to expand their lifetime.

If the task of reviving your forgotten garden seems a little too daunting, or you lack the time, seeking the expertise of a professional landscape gardening company might be the answer for you.

At Haywood landscapes, our garden landscapers have been reviving forgotten gardens for over thirty years across Kent and the South East.

If you’re interested in transforming your outdoor space, contact us here or call 01227 733447 for more information.