9 Clever Tricks to Save Time on Backyard Chores
These backyard shortcuts take minimal effort and will save you precious time on the weekends
An outdoor zone needs to be both functional and fabulous, so select durable, long-lasting surfaces and hardy, waterwise plants. Furniture injects personality to the space, but make sure the materials withstand outdoor weather – plastic, metal, timber and woven synthetics are sturdy and oh-so contemporary.
Here are nine things that will save you extra work in the backyard in the long-term so that you can enjoy it year round.
Here are nine things that will save you extra work in the backyard in the long-term so that you can enjoy it year round.
2. Add mulch
While it’s a joy to watch your plants grow and flourish, there’s no satisfaction when weeds keep popping up. After planting, finish off by adding mulch – bark-based versions are a popular option. While mulch helps prevent weeds, it also ensures the soil doesn’t dry out – in fact, it means you can reduce watering by more than 50 per cent. It’s worth re-applying mulch every year to minimise gardening chores … and maximise a relaxing weekend! If you use organic mulch, it will also help improve the soil.
While it’s a joy to watch your plants grow and flourish, there’s no satisfaction when weeds keep popping up. After planting, finish off by adding mulch – bark-based versions are a popular option. While mulch helps prevent weeds, it also ensures the soil doesn’t dry out – in fact, it means you can reduce watering by more than 50 per cent. It’s worth re-applying mulch every year to minimise gardening chores … and maximise a relaxing weekend! If you use organic mulch, it will also help improve the soil.
3. Keep timber tiptop
Minimal maintenance is required for timber; simply give it a good clean at least twice a year, using a stiff brush, a bucket full of water, a few tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and a small dollop of bleach. Timber can weather naturally, adding a grey hue over time. Or, if you prefer, you can keep the rich tones by applying a natural finish that has a water-repellent property. Regular coating also helps avoid splinters.
Minimal maintenance is required for timber; simply give it a good clean at least twice a year, using a stiff brush, a bucket full of water, a few tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and a small dollop of bleach. Timber can weather naturally, adding a grey hue over time. Or, if you prefer, you can keep the rich tones by applying a natural finish that has a water-repellent property. Regular coating also helps avoid splinters.
4. Try synthetic grass – the new turf
Remember AstroTurf back in the ‘60s? It made the entire backyard look like it belonged on The Brady Bunch! Well, synthetic grass has come a long way since then. The latest artificial turf is realistic, affordable and long-lasting. And there’s no mowing, watering, weeding or fertilising. Bliss!
Remember AstroTurf back in the ‘60s? It made the entire backyard look like it belonged on The Brady Bunch! Well, synthetic grass has come a long way since then. The latest artificial turf is realistic, affordable and long-lasting. And there’s no mowing, watering, weeding or fertilising. Bliss!
5. Relish in the simplicity of succulents
If looking after plants is a chore, turn to succulents. A single succulent is striking but a cluster is a work of art. Best of all, they require dry and warm conditions so minimal watering is required. You don’t even need to worry about adding regular mulch – simple stones or pebbles keep them happy and healthy. And the best news is, they grow easily from cuttings.
If looking after plants is a chore, turn to succulents. A single succulent is striking but a cluster is a work of art. Best of all, they require dry and warm conditions so minimal watering is required. You don’t even need to worry about adding regular mulch – simple stones or pebbles keep them happy and healthy. And the best news is, they grow easily from cuttings.
6. Invest in outdoor heating
Even when the temperature plummets, we can’t resist socialising and dining al fresco. The right heating depends on a number of factors – the size of the space, environmental impact, budget and style. While a wood fire pit has a romantic feel, it’s worth looking at the new option – bio-fuel, a clean-burning liquid fuel made from agricultural byproducts. It means you don’t need to store wood and there’s no clean-up afterwards.
Even when the temperature plummets, we can’t resist socialising and dining al fresco. The right heating depends on a number of factors – the size of the space, environmental impact, budget and style. While a wood fire pit has a romantic feel, it’s worth looking at the new option – bio-fuel, a clean-burning liquid fuel made from agricultural byproducts. It means you don’t need to store wood and there’s no clean-up afterwards.
7. Plan a self-watering system
Installing a self-watering system in the garden means that virtually no hosing is required, even during dry summer months. Adding irrigation can be set up during construction or later on – and to make your life even easier, make sure it includes a timer or automatic controller. Once this is all working smoothly, you’ll be amazed at how healthy your plants will be.
Installing a self-watering system in the garden means that virtually no hosing is required, even during dry summer months. Adding irrigation can be set up during construction or later on – and to make your life even easier, make sure it includes a timer or automatic controller. Once this is all working smoothly, you’ll be amazed at how healthy your plants will be.
8. Work with pebbles and pots
This fuss-free space, with a Japanese influence, requires little work. Adding pebbles rather than ground cover means that no watering is required and no weeds ever pop up. A row of architectural vessels are visually appealing, and to reduce plant maintenance, buy potting mix that contains a time-release fertiliser.
This fuss-free space, with a Japanese influence, requires little work. Adding pebbles rather than ground cover means that no watering is required and no weeds ever pop up. A row of architectural vessels are visually appealing, and to reduce plant maintenance, buy potting mix that contains a time-release fertiliser.
9. Opt for weather-resistant cushions
For a burst of colour, a selection of scatter cushion adds a decorative touch. These days, many cushion and ottoman fabrics are suitable to be left outside, so check before buying. Look at the manufacturer’s info – make sure it’s been tested to be impervious to the harmful effects of UV rays. When the cushions are kept in the great outdoors, cleaning is a necessity. Simply remove the cushion insert, turn the fabric inside out and close the zipper. Washing by hand with mild detergent is preferable but if time poor, pop them in the washing machine on a delicate/silk cycle.
For a burst of colour, a selection of scatter cushion adds a decorative touch. These days, many cushion and ottoman fabrics are suitable to be left outside, so check before buying. Look at the manufacturer’s info – make sure it’s been tested to be impervious to the harmful effects of UV rays. When the cushions are kept in the great outdoors, cleaning is a necessity. Simply remove the cushion insert, turn the fabric inside out and close the zipper. Washing by hand with mild detergent is preferable but if time poor, pop them in the washing machine on a delicate/silk cycle.
Not only do pavers add texture and elegance to the space, they are also durable and easy to clean. To minimises any stains and traffic wear, add a clear sealer as well as a top coat after laying. A pressure cleaner is a great investment for upkeep and can make pavers look like new again in no time. They also use far less water than a garden hose.