I always stand amazed at the beautiful gardens that one can find in retirement villages.
Here are a few tips that can assist you in creating a pretty and small garden.
- Framework
Each garden is unique in size and offers a spectrum of varying growing conditions that must be considered before planting. Choosing the right plant for the right area is the key to success. A good garden design and layout is a good starting point and can be offered by professional landscaping companies.
It is so much easier to garden within the boundaries of a well thought out design.
- Budget
Gardens need not cost a lot of money to start with and can be phased over a period of time as funds come together. Propagating your own plants by means of seeds and cuttings can be a real investment, as plants will increase in size once they have rooted.
Pensioners can easily swop out plants that can be divided bringing a greater variety of interesting plants to their gardens.
- Elevate/lift
It is wise to elevate gardens to ensure easy working conditions as the years take their tolls on the flexibility and movability of pensioners. Raised boxes can be constructed from bricks and cement or alternatively and cheaper, plant pots and containers can be very useful.
No need to crawl around on your knees or to bend down to plant. The basic garden can be filled with perennial plants that create an all year round coverage while seasonal colour and bulbs can be elevated for easy accessibility.
- Low maintenance
Gardening must not be a maintenance burden but rather be something enjoyable and fun. Select products and plants that can easily be maintained with very little effort. Gardening can become an enjoyable and such a rewarding hobby.
Plants must not only be alive but flourish with an abundance of colours to brighten up an outdoor living space.
- Seasonal change
Gardens need not be stagnant and change within a garden is always good to enable the garden to experience the wonders of nature.
To see seeds germinate and watch them grow day after day is a miracle of life – not to forget how rewarding it can be to witness bulbs growing. Strategically positioned annuals can add interest and colour, you will be amazed how far a six-pack tray of seedlings or a packet of seeds can go.
- Wildlife
Many retirement villages do not allow pets. A birdbath and feeding station can attract your own wildlife-pets to your garden. It is so much fun to care for the feathered friends and watch them indulge in the snacks and food provided.
When last did you see birds splashing around in water having a bath or simply drinking from a water source? It is easy to care for wild birds and they do understand if they need to find food and water elsewhere when you visit family and friends.
Gardening can be so rewarding, especially in retirement when one has more time on hand, beautiful gardens are possible. Start small and reward yourself with many pretty plants that can lighten up the exterior of your home.
Article provided by David Viljoen of Mercury Designs.
ALSO READ: Why visit a nursery in winter?
