How to Update Garden Before the Summer Season

Spring is a great time for change. Just a few touches and the garden will look brand new. Experts from Derevo Park studio share what to do.

Plan Your Actions

This applies to planting and landscaping of the garden itself. Make sure that redesigning the fence or repairing pathways doesn't conflict with bringing in new plants. First, finish construction and understand what new spots for plants you have.

Even better — consult professionals to save costs and protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Prune Shrubs and Deciduous Trees. Just keep in mind that not all species can be trimmed in spring, only those that bloom on current year's growth. For example, avoid shaping lilac, spiraea, chokeberry, and maple varieties into cubes or spheres.

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

After such pruning, withered derens or some willow species will produce new growth, and gooseberry will yield a good harvest.

Replace Traditional Garden Beds with Decorative Vegetable Gardens

Multi-level raised beds with stone or wooden edging look much more impressive. And they're easier to maintain: no need to bend over low.

Nowadays, modular "gardens" are popular, where aromatic herbs (basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, fennel) are placed in mobile structures: planters on wheels, themed carts, portable boxes, and containers. You can grow plants with edible and ornamental fruits: large-fruited strawberries, blackberry, cherry tomatoes, green peas.

Install a Fire Pit

Evenings are still cool, but you want to sit outside. A portable fire pit or fireplace will come in handy — making the plot more cozy.

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

Use Water Compositions

This can be one small element, such as a stone basin near the house, or several. The stillness of water creates an interesting reflection effect, almost like a mirror. This visually expands the space.

Water is usually needed to feed such installations (or it needs to be refilled periodically). For winter, the basin should be drained and will turn into a sculpture. Agree, it's better than an empty pool.

Add Details

Lately, the garden has more and more resembled apartment interior design: outdoor furniture resembles indoor pieces, and lighting often uses suspended lights instead of lanterns.

Decorate the Terrace

If your garden lacks bulbous plants that were supposed to be 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.