With four days at home over the Easter long weekend and nothing to do or nowhere to go, there is no better time to tackle some projects around the house.
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With Australians spending most, if not all of their time at home these days due to COVID-19, now is the time to focus on your outdoor space.
John McMillan, Sydney-based gardener and owner of General Lawns and Landscapes, said it is well known that being outside is far healthier than in an enclosed environment, and gardening can be such a therapeutic activity and a much-needed mental break, especially for those who are working from home.
Here are some of John's top tips to make the most of your outdoor space and give you a little project this weekend.
Outdoor Furniture
Establish what you are using the space for and buy furniture to suit your needs. Modular furniture is best, as it's flexible and can change with your needs.
Outdoor furniture today can be as soft and comfy as your indoor furniture. You'll be far more comfortable being outdoors all year round if you have cushioned outdoor furniture than if you stick with plastic furniture or other hard materials. You can always store your cushions when the weather is bad and bring them out when you want to enjoy your outdoor spaces in the warmer months.
Greenery and plants
One way to keep things interesting in your outdoor space is to incorporate plants that are a variety of heights. Canna lilies are a fun option, as they help create a tropical vibe, and they produce beautiful blooms in the spring and summer.
Native plants are another way to bring your outdoor space to life. Bicolour Iris are a perfect example of a native plant, they produce a lovely light-coloured bloom and bring height to your garden with their tall stems.
A vertical garden is always a great way to create volume without taking up valuable space.
Also, one or two large plants in pots look better than lots of small potted plants.
Create a feature wall
A feature wall can transform a blank canvas wall or fence into a work of art that becomes a focal point of your garden and enhances your entire landscape. Feature walls outdoors need to be made from materials that can withstand weather, these walls can be made from recycled materials or custom made for you. The important thing is to make it a 'feature' that enhances your landscape.
Outdoor Heating
To ensure that your outdoor area can be used all year round, especially as we go into winter, it's a good idea to add outdoor heating. There are plenty of options to choose from including patio heaters, brazier or even outdoor fireplaces.
Plant an edible garden
As we're spending more time at home with our families and more time cooking, why not plant an edible garden? Start with some basic herbs like rosemary, mint and parsley - and if you're feeling more ambitious, plant fruit and vegetables. Watering, maintenance and harvesting will get you outdoors. Rosemary is a popular choice, especially for sunny locations. Other popular herbs include mint, oregano, basil and thyme.
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