| Many people see spring as the beginning of the | | | | a place for a pink plastic flowerpot in the garden, but |
| gardening year, and it's the perfect time for a garden | | | | it probably isn't next to an antique stone urn. If you |
| makeover. Any improvements you make now will get | | | | don't want to buy a complete set of new containers |
| the new season off to a great start. | | | | try rearranging the ones you already have into |
| Here are a few ideas that can give a tired garden a | | | | groups that do look good together. You can paint |
| quick facelift: | | | | wooden planters in the same or toning colours, and |
| De-clutter: Resolve to get rid of anything you no | | | | instead of trying to hide a single ‘odd' pot you |
| longer want or need, but think green and recycle as | | | | could make a feature of it. |
| much as possible. You might be able to sell or give | | | | Be ruthless: Unfortunately, plants don't last forever. If |
| away play equipment that your children have | | | | some of yours are past their prime they might not |
| outgrown, building materials left over from DIY | | | | be worth cosseting for another year. Try taking |
| projects, even that wheelbarrow with a wonky | | | | cuttings from a favourite plant so you can replace it |
| wheel … Your junk could be someone else's | | | | with a vigorous new offspring. Otherwise, get rid of |
| treasure and just think of the extra space you'll have! | | | | mediocre plants that are taking up valuable space and |
| Make a new lawn: Most lawns can withstand a lotof | | | | treat yourself to something different that you'll really |
| wear and tear but eventually the damage takes its | | | | be proud of. |
| toll. If your ‘lawn' has become a rutted patch of | | | | Add a focal point: If the first word that springs to |
| weeds replace it with fresh, top quality turf for an | | | | mind when looking at part of your garden is |
| instant green carpet. | | | | ‘boring' give it some interest in the shape of a |
| Coordinate your containers: Most keen gardeners | | | | statue, sundial or water feature. |
| have a collection of assorted plant containers that | | | | When you start improving your garden one idea will |
| they have acquired over the years. Pots, tubs, boxes | | | | often lead to another, but tackling all those jobs is a |
| and troughs in a variety of different shapes, sizes, | | | | different matter. If you need advice and help with |
| colours, styles and materials can all be useful, but | | | | some of the bigger projects, ask for a free, no |
| when clustered together on the patio they might not | | | | obligation consultation from a professional landscape |
| give the overall effect you were hoping for. There is | | | | gardener who can turn those ideas into reality. |