1. Get the best of both worlds with edible plants

There’s nothing quite like homegrown fruits and vegetables. From planting your first seeds to serving a meal for your family, it’s a truly wholesome experience.

Growing your own produce fills your table with fresh, healthy food – while also adding to your garden’s aesthetic.

For an abundant crop, try growing veggies like lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, peas, broccoli, beets and cabbage. They’ll be ready by the end of summer if planted early.

Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries thrive in early spring and often yield fruit before the season’s over. And herbs like basil, coriander, parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme and oregano also flourish at this time of year.

Keep in mind that most fruits and vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. So, choose a sunny spot for those seedlings! And if you’d like a season-long harvest, be sure to stagger your planting times.

 

 

2. Go green with ease

Want to garden more sustainably this year? You’re not alone!

Adopting eco-friendly practices supports biodiversity, reduces waste and prevents soil erosion. And it’s been a hot trend among gardeners.

Start by embracing native plants like Kangaroo paw, Bottlebrush, Banksia and Grevillea. These hardy species don’t need much water and fertiliser – and adapt well to local conditions. You can find most of them at local nurseries and specialty gardening centres.

For water conservation? Consider installing rain gardens and permeable paving.

Rain gardens capture and filter runoff, letting it soak into the ground instead of flowing into stormwater drains. Permeable paving, like permeable concrete or porous asphalt, also absorbs water.

You’ll need to select a spot in your garden where rainwater – and, ideally, sunlight – naturally collects, and choose native plants that tolerate water. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful, eco-friendly garden that saves gallons of water each year.

 

 

3. Grow up, not out

Apartment living has its perks. But a sprawling garden isn’t usually one of them.

If your home is on the small side and you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or shared space, you can still enjoy a lush, green environment with some clever additions.

Enter wall planters, trellises, container gardening and vertical garden panels.

These solutions are perfect for maximising space and bringing greenery into any environment –whether you want to grow herbs, flowers or vegetables.

Wall planters are the best option for growing individual plants, while trellises provide support for climbing plants. Vertical garden panels, on the other hand, can create a stunning, green feature wall in your space.

And if you pick up some hanging baskets and watering containers, you’ll have everything you need to grow trailing plants like strawberries, petunias or herbs.

So, if you’re a city dweller longing for a touch of nature, your dreams are not out of reach.

 

 

4. Use tech to keep your garden perfectly hydrated

Are you a gardening and technology enthusiast? Then smart irrigation systems are perfect for you. These systems are revolutionising how we care for our gardens by merging sustainability with technology.

Leveraging advanced technology, smart irrigation systems manage and automate the watering of plants through Wi-Fi-enabled controllers, soil moisture sensors and weather stations.

Basically, they tell you when to water your garden. Neat!

The best part of this technology? You can control it from your smartphone, reducing waste and water bills.

 

 

5. Say goodbye to chemicals

Eco-friendly pest control is quickly becoming the go-to strategy for environmentally conscious gardeners.

Adopting a range of practices allows you to keep your garden healthy and vibrant without compromising the wellbeing of people, pets, wildlife or the ecosystem.

There are many approaches to this, such as introducing natural predators or parasites like ladybugs or lacewings, rotating your crops or using physical barriers like netting and row covers.

You can also create your own organic solutions that rival the effectiveness of harsh chemicals.

Essential oils, such as peppermint or neem, can deter pests. But only use them if you don’t have a furry friend to look after – as they can be toxic to cats and dogs. Other homemade remedies like garlic spray or soapy water offer effective alternatives.

Embracing these methods benefits the environment, improves soil and water quality, enhances plant health and saves money.

Your garden will be buzzing with life in the best possible way!

 

 

6. Choose low-maintenance plants for effortless beauty

Let’s face it: many of us are pressed for time.

We all want a stunning garden without spending every weekend tending to it. After all, we have lives beyond our green spaces!

If you’re a busy person, low-maintenance gardening will be your best friend.

The secret is choosing resilient plants that need minimal pruning and watering. Opt for succulents, ornamental grasses and perennials, which are perfect for creating a beautiful garden with little effort.

They can be incorporated into outdoor gardens, or placed in a pot on a windowsill, creating a beautiful and simple splash of green in any space.

 

 

7. Create your outdoor oasis

The only thing better than having a beautiful home is complementing it with a beautiful garden. And it’s not just about the plants!

In 2024, more people are valuing outdoor living and entertaining spaces. After all, soaking up the sunlight on a warm spring afternoon or enjoying mild evenings outdoors can be a natural mood booster.

So, consider incorporating outdoor furniture to create a functional and stylish space. Think a sleek patio, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen or a cosy firepit.

And, if you have the space, a swimming pool is a great investment – for your home and your happiness! It’ll soon transform your humble garden into a paradise.

 

Are you overhauling your home for spring? Check out the latest home and architectural trends on The Peer Blog for some inspo.