Making Your Garden More Manageable

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Do you love spending time outside in the garden, whether it’s having a barbecue with friends, a cup of tea while you watch the birds go about their business or relaxing while you watch the kids play their outdoor games? But, do you also hate doing the garden? Pulling out those weeds, cutting down those jungle-like shrubs and working out which kind of soil will best help your pretty flowers to grow? You’re definitely not alone, but you know what? You can make your garden more manageable. Here’s how:

1. The Great Weed War

Weeds. They’re like uninvited guests who insist on sticking around long after the party’s over. Rather than suffering endless hours with your knees in the dirt, focus on a few sneaky tactics that genuinely help. Lay down mulch or bark chippings to smother weeds and keep your soil snug and moist. If you’re feeling grand, invest in some groundcover plants like creeping thyme, so that your garden both looks good and stands guard against further weed invasions.

2. Set Boundaries (Literally)

If you haven’t already, think about installing raised beds or partitioning your lawn with edging. Raised beds are brilliant because they keep your soil contained, your plants in check, and your back from permanently bending at questionable angles. Plus, it’s easier to zone in on a smaller area when weeding or pruning. No more sprawling shrubs taking over your lawn with anarchic zeal!

3. Plant Wisely

This might sound obvious, but the first rule of an easy garden is to choose plants that actually want to live there. If your soil is sandy and dry, don’t cram it full of water-hungry tropicals destined to weep and wilt. Go native where possible—seek out plants that flourish in your climate and prefer minimal maintenance. Alternatively, consider container gardening for a fuss-free approach. A few well-placed pots can look classily curated, requiring far less effort than an entire patch of needy perennials.

4. Handy Tools = Fewer Tantrums

Ever tried to tackle an overgrown hedge with a pair of flimsy kitchen scissors? Not recommended. Stock up on a few sturdy, reliable gadgets: a quality trowel, a decent set of secateurs, and if your budget allows, a lightweight cordless mower. Investing in tools that actually work (and don’t threaten to chop your fingers off every five minutes) can make garden chores feel a bit less like torture.

5. Don’t Go It Alone

Sometimes the best way to manage your garden is to let someone else do the heavy lifting—literally! Whether you coax friends round with the promise of barbecue or hire professionals, there’s no shame in seeking help. If you can’t quite face wrangling the brambles on your own, simply search for “gardening companies near me” and give yourself a well-deserved break. After all, you’re only human—why not delegate the dirty work?

Now, all that remains is for you to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour with (hopefully) the sun on your face and the sound of birdsong all around you. Bliss, right?