With some basic power tools and a little imagination, there are plenty of DIY projects you can do for the garden.
You don't need a workshop full of expensive tools to be crafty, most often you only need basic power tools and hand tools for simple DIY projects and the projects below are some great crafty DIYs that will look great in the garden. Now is a great time to get outdoors with power tools.
Home-Dzine thought it might be nice to include a selection of crafty DIY projects that will not only make your garden look good, but will also improve your mood. We aren't talking about massive projects that will take hours or days to complete, but projects that you can quickly complete in no time. Check out some of these crafty DIY suggestions.
1. Make a Trellis for the Garden
A simple garden trellis can be used for more than just climbing plants. You can use a trellis to cover up an ugly wall, use it as a fence to hide an ugly feature, you can even use a trellis as a privacy screen if you are fed up with sharing everything with your nosey neighbours. All-in-all, a trellis is a good item to have in the garden and it is easy enough to make your own trellis.
Use a simple trellis to disguise ugly walls or eyesores. Mount onto walls or fences and plant fast-growing creepers or climbers to see how quickly they will cover up any unsightly areas.
2. DIY Wooden Planters for the Garden
Planters and plant pots are quite expensive these days and you aren't always able to find something you like or one in the right size. This is where being able to make your own planters is a great idea and you can use reclaimed pallet wood or PAR pine.
If you don't want the natural look of wood for your planters, consider using marine plywood if the planters are not undercover, or SupaWood if undercover. Make sure to paint them well with quality acrylic paint to provide them with some protection against the elements. SupaWood is not great outdoors, but if properly painted and sealed with a polyurethane topcoat it should be fine for a few years.
3. Hanging Planter Boxes
Not everyone has access to their own garden and, if this is the case for you, there are still plenty of other ways to add something different to your courtyard or balcony. These wooden planter boxes can be made using recycled or reclaimed wood and hung on chains to hang over a balcony or tree branches.
Don't have a garden? Wooden hanging baskets are the perfect solution. Make them any size you want and hang them on chains from a roof, railing, or from tree branches. A far better idea than window boxes and as the wood ages it takes on a beautiful patina of aged wood.
4. Trellis Planter Wall
Here is a good way to use the trellis method and modify it to hold plastic planter boxes for a wall of plants - perfect for a small balcony or courtyard.
For the beginner gardeners who are hoping to get their hands dirty, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some tips on how to grow a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing garden that will help boost property values.
Consider long term growth
A common mistake is to plant vegetation too close to the walls of the home. When the plant grows, its roots can cause damage to the home’s foundation or its branches could damage the walls. Although a plant might start off small, it is always important to consider how large the plant will grow over the long term.
Orientation of the home
Different plants will require different amounts of sunshine and shade. Find out which side of the property is north facing as this side of the home will receive the most amount of sunshine. When purchasing plants, be sure to check whether the plants prefer sunshine or shade.
Water-wise plants
In dry climates such as South Africa, it is preferable to plant water-wise plants such as succulents. To help keep the soil moist for longer, spread a layer of mulch over the garden beds. The mulch will also help prevent soil erosion, which can become a problem, particularly in windy areas such as coastal suburbs.
Think low-maintenance
Keeping a garden well maintained can take a lot of time, but leaving a garden unkept can cause damage and lead to costly repairs. Make your own (and a future buyers) life easier by planting low-maintenance plants that do not require too much special treatment or regular pruning.
“Having a well-maintained garden can be a serious drawcard for future buyers. Having your own private outdoor space is becoming less available as more modern developments move towards apartment or complex living. Those who do have outdoor space could add great value to the property if they put a little effort into making it as appealing as possible,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly t your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Print
