Spring fever

By Justine Olivier

The one good thing about winter is that the sooner it starts, the sooner it ends. And with the end of winter, spring begins. This is the perfect time for your garden to undergo a dramatic transformation, from bland and lifeless hues to vibrant and colourful palettes.

The key to having a successful spring and summer garden is the preparation you put in towards the end of winter. Simon Taylor, of Apalis Gardens and Irrigation, advises owners on how to adequately ensure that their garden is spring ready: “Once we are out of frost danger (normally by the middle-to-end of August) and things have warmed up, you need to cut dead or frosted pieces from shrubs and plants, prune roses, fruit trees, hydrangeas, fuchsias, and vines. Also increase your watering – deep watering once a week is better than regular shallow watering.”

Once you’ve got the messy job out the way and the maintenance up to scratch, you can decide which flowers and plants you’d like your garden to showcase, however, don’t forget to prepare your soil.

Steve Longman, of Longmans Landscaping, says: “The perfect plants for your garden are those that will introduce colour after a long winter, and that will entice you into the garden as the days become warmer.”

Plants that also attract birdlife, butterflies, and bees are particularly useful for your garden, as these will give it life and add character to it. Birdbaths are another great way to introduce a focal point in your garden and are also great for attracting life to it. Water features and/or statues are other options that you should consider.

“Spring is synonymous with clean, neat, tidy and new,” explains Tracey Riley, of Eco Balance Landscapes, “so, to get your garden looking and feeling springy, you need to lift the pebbles in your pathway and clean and replace them”.

Speaking of replacements, don’t overlook the value that a well-maintained lawn adds to the overall ambience of your garden. Simon reiterates that once the frost has passed then, and only then, should lawns be worked on. “Remove all the dead thatch growth, spike the lawn areas and fertilise with an organic lawn fertiliser – use a slow release fertiliser to minimise the risk of burning any new growth,” he adds. Debbi Rebelo, of Plantscapes Landscaping and Wholesale Nursery, advises using a top dress on the lawn or at least adding a good feeding: “Some people recommend mowing the lawn very short and then aerating it with a fork or spike roller.”

The added advantage of a well-maintained lawn is that it not only adds to the overall appeal of the garden but adds an extra softness and an inviting ambience to this space.

Remember, regular maintenance is key if you wish your garden to be the masterpiece you envision. Take the time, put in the effort and reap the benefits that a well-cared for garden provides.