Gardening is a fascinating pastime and one that is particularly special as, unlike homes, which become faded and in need of renovation over time, gardens become increasingly vibrant and beautiful as the years pass by; that is as long as they are cared for. Winter gardens are also an amazing task to do this is really a very good experience to spend time in winter for doing gardening. Novelty value is a great push to start someone gardening, but once that’s worn off some hard work may be needed. Luckily, there are a few tips to help gardeners on their way and ensure that getting outside remains pleasurable and does not become a chore.

One of the most important ways to aid gardeners in their quest for the perfect oasis is design. A badly designed garden can get out of control quickly and takes significantly more looking after than a space that has been carefully planned and developed. Garden design incorporates many factors, including plant type, hard landscaping, color and functional use. If all of these are considered a garden can be created that provides the perfect fit for any family. For example, if time is at a premium, planting long term perennials and keeping lawns small is the way to go, thereby minimizing workload. Lots of vibrant annuals might look nice, but they take a lot of work to grow and keep looking healthy. Alternatively, if the aim is to grow vegetables, then this particular patch must take priority over the other borders to ensure plants can grow in a sunny position.

There is also a selection of essential tools and equipment that will make life that little bit easier when starting out. Firstly, a decent spade and fork are vital. When purchasing them it’s best not to cut corners and choose cheap ones as they will often break after only a short time. Instead, purchase stainless steel and industrial grade items, which will stand the test of time and lots of manual labor. A certain amount of powered equipment will make for an easier gardening life and companies such as Pat’s Small Engine Plus are ideal places to look for the equipment you will need. Lawns require lawnmowers and if gardens incorporate trees and hedges, it’s a good idea to have a trimmer and leaf blower to hand. Though people may not think they need such tools to begin with, they will make life far easier and allow more time to be spent on the more enjoyable aspects of gardening such as sowing and growing.

An important part of gardening is consistency; that is, little and often. In the growing season, lawns need to be cut at least once a fortnight, whilst flowers require continuous deadheading to encourage more blooms. There are seasonal jobs that have to be done too; for example, for veggie growers, there is no putting off sowing and germinating the first crops of the year. The great thing with gardening is that people really can reap what they sow; the more effort put into a garden the more likely the plants are to thrive.

When armed with the right tools, a few gardening books and the determination to succeed, building or refreshing a garden can be an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable pastime.