A great garden is guaranteed to turn buyers’ heads, but they don’t happen by accident.
With the warmer spring days upon us, this is the best time of year to start thinking about getting your front and back yards into shape.
Complete a few small tasks now, and your garden will be all set when the spring flowers bloom in a few weeks.
As an experienced agent in your neighborhood, I know local buyers appreciate the value of a garden where they can relax, entertain friends and family, and where the kids will play safely.
It’s easy to relegate the importance of your garden when you’re preparing to sell your home, but it’s an important feature. And if you have a dedicated entertaining area, it’s essential to capitalize on that asset by surrounding it with trees, shrubs and flowers.
Below, I’ve made a quick list of tasks you should approach to help prepare your garden.
In the meantime, if you’re considering selling your property as part of our spring selling season, please do not hesitate to contact me. We can discuss neighborhood price trends, buyer preferences and marketing ideas to maximize the value of your home.
Begin indoors
If you’re super-keen, you can start planting your seeds indoors. The temperate climate inside will help your seeds make a fast start.
Stock up
You can’t have too much mulch. It’s easy to underestimate the amount you’ll need to cover all your flowerbeds. Mulch will retain moisture and protect the roots of your plants from temperature extremes.
Prepare flower beds
Clear away leaf debris and remove your winter mulch from where you intend to plant vegetables and annuals.
Split perennials
This is the best time of year to split the roots of large perennials to create two or more plants. Put the split plants in a bed with only a thin layer of mulch. Disease is a significant risk if you overdo the mulch around their roots.
Spring vegetables
Begin by planting early-season vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, artichokes and some lettuce varieties. Other favorites, such as tomatoes (yes, I know it’s a fruit) can be planted when the days warm up.
Planting technique
Give each plant room to grow and, again, don’t load up the mulch around their roots.
Start snipping
Dig out your secateurs to prune and shape your shrubs in preparation for the warmer spring weather. These plants will have been dormant during winter, so now is the best time to snip them into shape. It won’t be long until the spring growth becomes evident.
Pruning tips
Pruning encourages spring growth. Focus on dead or broken branches and those that grow into or across the bush. This will give your shrubs the best chance to grow in their intended shape.
Plants to prune
The plants that responded best to late winter or early spring pruning include juniper, dogwood, spirea and roses.