Makeovers

Makeovers can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be from replacing plants, cleaning old paving and paths and re-cutting borders...to laying of new patios, building garden walls and erecting pergolas.

Budget will dictate most re-vamping, however, spending 'wisely' could result in you getting a lot more for your money than you might expect.

One thing I would suggest is don't start without some kind of plan to work from or you'll find that halfway through your 'idea' of what you had planned, fizzles out due to lack of funds, or even worse, lack of enthusiasm.

The essence behind makeovers is to know what you have...to know what to change, so put pen to paper and draw a plan of your existing garden. Make a list of what you'd like in the garden, then by costing it out you'll get a fair idea of what's feasable.

It's no different for you and I or those clever garden makeover shows we see on TV, everybody has to budget, plan and build. So, know what you have to spend and if you have to do it in stages that's not a bad way to re structure anyway.

Here are some cost effective ways to transform your garden.

SIMPLE

Power wash patios, paths and pavings.
Weed and re-plant.
Lay weed suppresant to open soil areas and lay bark or gravel (you can always plant after).
Paint to sheds, fencing and old timber.
Use maintenance free solar lights.
Place T lights around the garden at night.
Place large stones or weathered logs to create a rustic look.

STRUCTURED

Create a deck area.
Lay a patio.
Strategically place sleepers for seating, raised beds or use to border a gravel filled play area.
Use LARGE pots for amazing effect.
Plant larger than normal plants or trees.

These are a selection of things that most are able to achieve without 'calling in the cavalry', however, know your limits.

If your budget allows you to be more adventurous then get some quotes from landscape contractors, you might even be able to carry out part of what they suggest!
Any garden designer will take on your project 'at a price' but very often you could carry out some of the preparatory work and save a little money.

If you feel that a complete overhaul is necessary then list everything you like AND dislike, it'll make the job so much quicker and easier to achieve.
Keep in mind the 'purpose and pleasure' aspects and try to achieve both when remodelling your garden design with makeovers.

Mike Lyons.....Any questions! Please contact me.

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