How to Update Garden Before the Summer Season

Spring is an excellent time for changes. Just a few touches and your garden will look completely new. Experts from Derevo Park studio share what to do.

Make a Plan of Action

This includes planting and landscaping. Make sure that fence renovation or path repairs don't overlap with the delivery of new plants. First, finish construction and identify where new plant spots have appeared.

Even better — consult with professionals to save money and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Prune shrubs and deciduous trees. Just remember that not all species can be trimmed in spring, only those that bloom on new growth this year. For example, it's not advisable to shape lilacs, spiraeas, dogwoods, or various maples into cubes or spheres.

However, many other plants respond well to shaping: kizilniks, derenas, late-blooming spiraeas, and many coniferous plants. After consulting with professionals, some species can be cut back severely, almost to the stump.

After such pruning, wilted derena or some willow varieties will regrow shoots, and gooseberry will produce a good harvest.

Replace traditional garden beds with a decorative garden

Multi-level raised beds with stone or wood edging look much more impressive. And maintenance is easier: no need to bend over low.

Modular “gardens” are now popular, where aromatic and flavorful herbs (basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, fennel) are placed in mobile structures: planters on wheels, themed carts, portable boxes and containers. You can even grow plants with edible and decorative fruits: large-fruited strawberries, blackberries, cherry tomatoes, green peas.

Install a Fire Pit

Evenings are still cool, and you want to sit outside. So an outdoor fire pit or portable fireplace will come in handy — it makes the plot more cozy.

The fire pit is elevated above ground and designed to protect you from smoke. Mobile versions can be moved around the plot or even placed on a terrace — thanks to protective layers, nothing will catch fire.

Use Water Compositions

This could be one small feature, such as a stone basin near the house, or several. Still water creates an interesting reflective effect, almost like a mirror. This visually expands the space.

Often these structures require water supply (or periodic refills). For winter, the basin should be drained and it will become a sculpture. Agree, that’s better than an empty pool.

Add Details

Lately, gardens look more like apartment interiors: outdoor furniture resembles indoor furnishings, and lighting often uses hanging lamps instead of lanterns.

Decorate the Terrace

If your garden lacks bulbous plants that should have been planted in autumn (crocuses, daffodils, snowdrops, and other early bloomers), buy ready-made bulb arrangements from a garden center and place them on the open terrace.