How To Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Spring
The winter solstice has come and gone, meaning most of us already have our sights set on spring! Queenslanders know it's the ultimate season for entertaining and spending leisure time outdoors, so we’ve put together a checklist to help spruce up your green spaces in preparation.
Planning makes perfect
Before you get stuck into your pre-spring sorting, step back and plan what your ultimate hang space looks like.
Perhaps you’re coming up to the first warm season in your new home, or maybe there are areas you want to improve on from last summer? Whether it’s sorting out what type of seating you want to prioritise, the kind of shade that will best suit your outdoor areas, or how to level up with lighting, start with nailing down exactly how you use the area.
Are you a hardcore foodie that loves an outdoor kitchen and dining? Or are you a lounge lizard that opts for spending quiet time in the sun with a good book? Whatever your preference, make sure your outdoor ‘floorplan’ reflects your personality and you have all the elements you need (like that Instagram-worthy pergola you’ve been fawning over).
Give the garden your all
True green thumbs know the garden is the superstar of any home’s alfresco area, so make sure yours is ready to shine!
Trim back the bushes and prune any dead branches or flowers that haven’t made it through the winter season. It’ll look tidier, plus it encourages growth in time for the new season. Now’s also the perfect time to get on top of any weeds before the summer sun encourages them to run rampant. Our hot tip: wait until the next time it rains—and we all know, there’s been plenty of that—as weeds are a lot easier to pull from moist soil.
Once you’ve gotten on top of the tidy you can focus on planting any new additions to your yard. Consider using waterwise and native plant species that will attract the local birds and bees. Now could also be the perfect time to set up a veggie garden, if you haven’t already. Then finish off with a good dose of fertiliser and mulch the garden beds to set your green space up for the warmer weather.
Make your way through maintenance
Having a flawless outdoor space isn’t all fun and games, it takes a healthy dose of checks and maintenance too! Use this time to inspect your outdoor areas for any signs of pests, any areas that may need repairs or spots that may need a coat of paint or oil.
Here is a part of maintenance that can be fun—getting out the gurney! There is nothing like the satisfaction from a good ‘before and after’ of a high-pressure wash. Hit your driveway, concrete and paved areas to remove any dirt, mildew or mould that’s built up over winter. Don’t forget a few other cleaning tasks, like cleaning outdoor furniture, clearing gutters and washing windows, to breathe new life into your outdoor hangs.
Show off your style
Yes! Now you’re ready for the real joy of outdoor design - styling.
You can get stuck back into greenery again, this time planning out your potted plants instead of garden beds. Go for oversized pots in a colour that fits your palette and take care when picking a species to make sure it’s suited to the shade level where you want it to sit.
Rugs aren’t just for inside, pick a hard-wearing, outdoor rug to bring colour and texture to your entertaining area. And use other soft furnishings, like cushions and table linen, to complement it. Pick a few activities to have close at hand, whether it's an outdoor games set, pool toys, or sophisticated drinks cart. The final step is to ensure you have the right storage to suit, so you can protect your outdoor belongings from the weather and store them securely in case of storms.