What is a garden makeover? Best time to renovate the garden? How much does garden make over cost?
Are you considering giving your garden a fresh new look? Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant flower beds, tranquil outdoor retreats, or functional outdoor living spaces, a garden renovation could be just what you need to transform your outdoor oasis. But before you dive into the world of garden makeovers, it’s better to read this.
Should you take on the challenge yourself, armed with a trowel and a vision, or enlist the expertise of a professional to bring your garden dreams to life? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both DIY garden renovation and hiring a professional garden makeover service, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs, budget, and gardening aspirations.
What time of year is best to renovate the garden?
The best time to renovate a garden depends on various factors including the climate, the specific renovations planned, and the types of plants involved. However, for many regions, early spring and early fall are often considered ideal times for garden renovations.
Early spring is a popular time because it allows you to take advantage of the growing season. This is when temperatures start to rise, and plants begin to emerge from dormancy. It’s a great time for tasks like planting new flowers, shrubs, and trees, as well as dividing and transplanting existing plants. Additionally, early spring allows you to address any winter damage and prepare the garden for the rest of the growing season.
Early fall is another favourable time for garden renovations, especially for tasks like lawn repair, planting bulbs for spring blooms, and installing hardscape features like patios or pathways. The cooler temperatures and typically higher rainfall in many areas during early fall can help newly planted vegetation establish roots before winter sets in.
Ultimately, the best time for a garden renovation will vary depending on your specific goals, local climate, and the needs of your plants. It’s always a good idea to research and plan ahead based on your unique circumstances.
Related article: How to Design Your Dream Home
What is the difference between garden design and landscape design?
Garden design and landscape design are closely related disciplines, but there are some differences between the two:
- Scope:
- Garden design typically focuses on the design and layout of plants, flowers, and other vegetation within a specific area, such as a backyard garden, a flower bed, or a container garden. It emphasizes creating aesthetically pleasing arrangements of plants and considering factors like colour, texture, and seasonal interest.
- Landscape design, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope and includes the design of outdoor spaces on a larger scale, such as residential yards, public parks, commercial properties, or entire landscapes. In addition to plants, landscape design often involves planning for hardscape elements like pathways, patios, decks, water features, and outdoor structures like gazebos or pergolas.
- Function:
- Garden design primarily focuses on creating beautiful and functional plant arrangements that enhance the aesthetics of a specific area and may serve purposes like attracting wildlife, providing food or shade, or creating a relaxing outdoor space.
- Landscape design considers both the aesthetic and functional aspects of outdoor spaces, including how they will be used by people. It involves planning for features that accommodate activities such as outdoor dining, recreation, entertainment, or relaxation, in addition to incorporating plants for visual appeal.
- Scale:
- Garden design tends to operate on a smaller scale, focusing on individual garden beds, borders, or containers.
- Landscape design deals with larger areas and considers how various elements within the landscape interact with each other and with the surrounding environment.
Overall, while garden design and landscape design share many principles and techniques, garden design is often a subset of landscape design, focusing specifically on the design and arrangement of plants within outdoor spaces.
Deciding whether to renovate your garden yourself or hire a professional depends on various factors including your budget, time, skill level, and the complexity of the project. Here are some points to consider:
DIY Garden Renovation:
- Cost: Renovating your garden yourself can be more cost-effective since you won’t have to pay for professional labour. However, keep in mind that you may still need to purchase materials and tools.
- Personalization: Doing it yourself allows you to have complete control over the design and execution of your garden renovation. You can tailor it to your specific preferences and needs.
- Learning opportunity: Renovating your garden can be a rewarding learning experience, providing opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge about gardening and landscaping.
- Time commitment: DIY garden renovation projects can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not experienced. Be prepared to invest a significant amount of time and effort into planning and execution.
Hiring a Garden Makeover Professional:
- Expertise: Garden makeover professionals have expertise in landscaping, horticulture, and design. They can offer valuable advice and creative solutions to maximize the potential of your outdoor space.
- Time-saving: Hiring a professional can save you time and hassle, as they will handle all aspects of the project from design to installation. This can be particularly beneficial for busy homeowners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Quality and efficiency: Professionals have the skills, tools, and resources to ensure that the renovation is completed to a high standard and in a timely manner.
- Comprehensive services: Garden makeover professionals can offer a wide range of services beyond just planting and landscaping, such as hardscaping, irrigation system installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Ultimately, the decision between DIY and hiring a professional comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and the scope of the project. If you have the time, skills, and enthusiasm to tackle the renovation yourself, it can be a fulfilling experience. However, if you’re looking for professional results or have a complex project that requires expertise, hiring a garden makeover professional may be the best option.
Different garden makeover services and their costs
Different garden makeover services come with various costs that depend on the type of service you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of some common garden makeover services and their typical price ranges:
- Turfing:
- Cost: $15 – $25 per square meter
- Description: This involves laying down new turf to refresh your lawn. DIY turfing can save money, but proper care is essential for long-term savings.
- Planting:
- Cost: $60 – $80 per hour or per square meter
- Description: Adding trees and flower beds can bring life to your garden. Prices may vary depending on the type and number of plants.
- Paving:
- Cost: $65 – $100 per square meter
- Description: Paving is ideal for pathways and can help minimize issues like root growth and erosion. It provides stability and durability to your garden surface.
- Decking:
- Cost: $170 – $250 per square meter
- Description: Installing a deck creates a cosy outdoor space for relaxation. It adds warmth and charm to your garden area.
- Pruning Large Trees:
- Cost: $600 – $1,000
- Description: Proper pruning ensures the health and growth of your trees. It’s essential for maintaining the beauty and safety of your garden.
- Installing Water Features:
- Cost: $70 – $4,000
- Description: Water features add tranquillity and aesthetic appeal to your garden. They can attract wildlife and improve air quality.
- Erecting Garden Fences:
- Cost: $25 – $380 per square meter
- Description: Fences provide privacy and protection for your garden. They can also act as a barrier against wildlife and harsh weather conditions.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your garden on a budget or invest in a comprehensive makeover, there are options available to suit your needs and preferences. Consider factors like your desired aesthetic, maintenance requirements, and long-term goals when planning your garden renovation.
Final thought
