How to give your garden an instant makeover

After the frosts and rains of winter, even the best tended gardens will be in need of a little TLC. If you want to go one step further and give your outside space a full-blown makeover then spring is a great time to start planning – but how can you get your garden looking great again? Follow these five quick fixes to turn a chaotic backyard into a treat for the eye.

Laying the groundwork: Like it or not, transforming the look of a garden requires a good deal of hard graft. Start by clearing the space, disposing of rubbish, weeds and unwanted shrubs in the process. Starting with a clean slate will make it easier to give your garden a complete makeover.
Look at the fencing: Your lawn might be pristine and your flowerbeds dazzling, but if your fencing is dilapidated then the overall effect will be ruined. If your budget is substantial then it could be worth investing in a new fence to provide a beautiful backdrop to your future efforts; if not, an attractive stain will spruce up even the most ramshackle fencing.
Going green: A lush, smooth lawn can make all the difference to the appearance of your garden, so if you’re aiming for a complete makeover then start with the grass. There are a number of options for transforming a scrubby lawn, including buying turf and re-sowing. If you’re keen to get the look straight away, however, then you may want to consider artificial grass.
Planning your planting: Colour can cover up a multitude of sins; so if you want your garden to make a real impression, then take some time to plan your flowerbeds. Gardening catalogues and online gardening sites can provide great inspiration when it comes to the planning process, and books and magazines will offer advice on the conditions required by different species. For an instant makeover, forget sowing from scratch - simply buy a number of fully-grown plants to brighten up your outdoor space the easy way.

Of course, if you’re prepared to invest in your garden then there are plenty of changes that you can make. A terrace can replace a scrubby lawn and provide a fun, usable outside space, and summer houses are enjoying a renaissance. Garden makeovers can be pricey – so it’s a good idea to look into high interest savings accounts with a bank such as Alliance & Leicester now if you’re after a brand new look – but a beautiful outdoor space can also add value to your home and give you years of pleasure in the long run.