The Ultimate Guide To Transforming Your Fixer Upper’s Garden

Buying a home that needs work is an exciting opportunity to transform a dated space into something revitalised and beautiful. Indoor renovations are usually straightforward and have a basic layout for each room. Outdoor projects, however, can seem like an overwhelming blank canvas that can go in any direction.

With a little guidance and inspiration, you can create a fantastic back garden space that’s functional and exciting to be in. Try these top tips for your new fixer-upper’s garden makeover.

Clear away stored junk

Back gardens can have all sorts of old appliances and trash that’s piled up over the years from previous owners. It’s common for many homes to have old trash bins, scrap metal, and more.

Be sure to remove all unwanted debris before beginning any yard work. If you have an old oil or septic tank,  ensure you hire a professional decommissioning service to clean and remove the tank safely from your property. You’ll only be able to plan your landscaping once all refuse is removed.

Assess and correct your lawn

Sometimes, homes that need a bit more work have not had proper lawn care in a long time. After removing all trash, trim and assess the health of your lawn.

Does your grass need continued care to grow back in some areas? Are there signs of disease or poor soil quality? Should you replant new grass or use loose stone and mulch to clean up damaged areas?

Understanding your problem areas helps you know where to begin with correcting your garden. Always be sure to consult a professional before making major changes, and use native grass seed when replanting your lawn.

Install decking

Decking is an awesome way to break up large green areas and designate space for entertaining. A cosy seating lounge with warm lighting and weather protection is ideal for any season.

Create a layout of where your lawn and decking will be. Do your research and decide on the design and style. Do you prefer a concrete slab installed as a back patio, or do you prefer PVC boards? Take time to pick how you want your deck to look, and then you can decide on the outdoor accents you want to include.

Add an outdoor water element

Creating a balance of natural elements not only makes a space more inviting, it is also a cohesive tactic that adds a tranquil vibe to your outdoor space. There are tons of directions you can go when considering how to add water to your garden. Explore some of the following suggestions below:

• Pool – Whether above-ground or in-ground, a family pool is a fantastic addition to large back gardens that get plenty of sun in the summertime. It’s important to note that pools require the most maintenance out of any water element.

• Pond – You can host large fish like coi for a backyard aquarium or just support beautiful aquatic plants as a centrepiece for your yard.

• Fountains –  Artistic bird bathes, miniature waterfall backdrops, or even decorative sprinklers make stunning additions to accent flowerbeds on your lawn.

Create lush foliage

Another natural element to include in your garden is greenery and foliage. Richly green plant life makes a garden space more vibrant. You can use some of what’s already on your property or add entirely new plants and saplings of your own.

Does your yard have fern bushes that just need a good trim? Is there a big oak tree that’s a focal point in your yard? Or is your space bare and in need of more plant life?

Add native plants and flowers that thrive effortlessly into flowerbeds and along the perimeter of your property for a floral touch with added privacy.

Decide on entertainment

Deciding how you want to entertain your guests will help you complete your renovation.

Will you have a kitchen area? Consider adding a barbecue or cooktops and counter space. Even a simple fire pit will do. Consider your space for children. Will you add a playground or trampoline for your kids or family?

Make sure the entertainment you choose is something that is inviting to you and will get the most use in your back garden space.

Finish with your decorative touch

The final phase of completing your garden reno is adding decor and a colour palette.

If you’re into lawn gnomes or artsy statues, get creative and shop around for cool stone figures. Lay footstones and trim around flower beds for charming pathways. Pick your lawn furniture, add cosy cushions and hang delicate outdoor lighting.

Have as much fun as you want, tying the final pieces together.

Conclusion

Revamping a dated back garden in your fixer-upper can be a big task to take on if there is little guidance or direction. It’s hard to envision a finished concept when there’s so much to get done.

But with some planning and slow additions, you can make a space that’s both beautiful and fully functional for you and your family.

For more home improvement tips, check out our blog posts here!