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We all want a stunning, functional garden, but it can be tough to keep up with day-to-day care and maintenance. Before you know it, days have turned into weeks and the list of jobs on your to-do list has trebled in size. If this scenario sounds familiar, and your yard isn’t the oasis you crave, here are some simple ways to take the stress out of garden maintenance. 

Image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-watering-can-1023402/

Work through a seasonal checklist

Most of us are guilty of putting all our effort into our gardens in the spring and summer months. When you have a hectic schedule and it’s cold and gray outside, it can be difficult to find the time and motivation to tackle tasks like weeding and clearing gutters and pathways, but keeping on top of general jobs will save you a huge amount of time and effort in the long run. Work through a seasonal checklist. There are jobs you can do all year round and tasks you can start in winter and early spring to allow you to make the most of long, sunny summer days. There are some brilliant guides available online. You can also get advice from home and garden magazines, blogs and TV gardening shows and segments. 

Invest in tech and tools

Gardening and landscaping can be time-consuming and back-breaking. The good news is that there are some fantastic tools and gadgets available for amateurs and pro gardeners alike. From adapted tools that prevent you from having to bend down to tend to flower beds and planters to innovative devices like the Worx weed wacker, it’s worth doing some research online, visiting garden centers and stores and getting tips from magazines and social media. Look for tools, gadgets and gizmos that cater to your needs or paint points. If you’re prone to back pain, for example, or you struggle with your mobility, items like kneeling pads, garden carts, extendable shears, electrical trimming and weeding tools and lightweight watering cans are ideal. 

Embrace weatherproofing

Changing seasons and weather conditions can spell trouble for our gardens. From falling debris in the fall and winter months to damage caused by excess moisture or plunging temperatures, it’s common to encounter issues like rotten wood, faded furniture and blocked drains and gutters. It’s not always possible to prevent every problem, but embracing weatherproofing can help you lower the risk of damage. Being proactive will also prolong the lifespan of sheds, fences, gates and external paintwork. Add jobs like applying outdoor paint and varnish to woodwork and clearing pathways, patios and gutters to your seasonal maintenance checklist. 

Get help

Keeping on top of garden maintenance isn’t easy, especially if you’re busy, or you can’t manage manual labor. If you’re struggling to find time to get out into the garden, or there are jobs you can’t do, don’t hesitate to get help. You can ask friends, neighbors or family members to lend a hand or explore local gardening and landscaping services. 

Picture credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-plants-with-trees-photography-7283/

Most of us look forward to summer days when we can spend as much time as possible outdoors, but taking care of a garden can be time-consuming and stressful. To make life easier, work through a seasonal checklist, take advantage of innovative tech and tools, embrace weatherproofing and get help if you need an extra pair of hands.