How to Get Your Backyard Christmas Ready
An Aussie Christmas is all about sunshine, barbeques and lots of outdoor entertaining. And with Christmas just around the corner, you’ll want to get your backyard in shape for the festivities.
No-one wants to spend Christmas in an ugly environment – and neither a barren wasteland, nor an overgrown garden full of weeds is pretty. So, we’ve put together some top tips on how to get your backyard Christmas ready.
Make Your Fence Fabulous
The right fence not only serves as a security measure, but it can transform your backyard.
If you need a new fence, get organised so you can have it installed in time for Christmas. With such a huge array of fencing designs available on the market, the choice can be overwhelming. But if you think carefully about the look you want to achieve and break it down from there, the decision-making process will be a whole lot easier.
Browse through pictures of fences and backyards for inspiration. Are you aiming for an English cottage-style garden? If so, a white picket fence would be the best option. Or, if you are seeking a low-maintenance, stylish backyard, then a sleek aluminium fence would cut it.
Also, consider the style of your home and select a fence which will complement the design. Some fencing companies, such as Fencemakers, also have professional design consultants who will work with you to bring your vision to life.
If you have an existing fence in need of a facelift and your budget doesn’t extend to a new fence, some basic repairs and a lick of paint can work wonders.
Create a Shaded Area
We all love the outdoors, but with the blistering Australian sun, shaded areas are a must. If you don’t have an undercover patio, or large trees to provide shade, you might want to invest in an outdoor awning. A quality awning should last up to 15 years, so it could be a very worthwhile – and cost-effective – investment.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to an awning, consider umbrellas or a shade sale.
Prep the Deck
While modern eco decking is virtually maintenance-free, traditional timber decking requires a little TLC. If you have a timber deck, a deep-clean is a must. Clear the deck of debris and give it a good exfoliation, before cleaning it with a solution that kills bacteria and mould.
It also might be time for an oil or stain.
Get Your Lawn in Tip-Top Shape
Ideally, Spring is the time to start prepping your lawn. Start feeding your lawn with a quality fertilizer. If you don’t know your lawn variety, be sure to use an all-purpose fertilizer, such as Charlie Carp liquid fish fertilizer, as some fertilizers are specifically designed for certain lawn types.
And make sure you water your lawn regularly.
Mow your lawn and tidy those edges a few days before Christmas, so it’s in tip-top shape for the big day.
De-Weed
Weeds can make even the prettiest of gardens look unkempt, so embark on a good weeding session a week before Christmas. Remove the weeds by hand, ensuring you pull them out from the roots to prevent them from growing back.
Also inspect pathways for weeds. Again, pull them out at the roots and then apply a generous dose of weed killer.
Flower Power
Plants and flowers really do bring a garden to life. Even the ugliest of spaces can be transformed into a beautiful oasis with the introduction of greenery and flowers.
If you have a wall you want to cover, then plant a fast-growing climber, such as a Clematis, Star Jasmine, or Boston Ivy will work wonders. The earlier you plant, the better as it will have more time to grow, but make sure you plant a species which is suited to your local area.
For a pop of Christmas cheer, plant some vibrant red flowers – such as Geraniums, Chrysanthemums or Petunias. If you don’t have garden beds, pots work just as well.
Deck the Yard with Boughs of Holly…
Tra-la-la-la-la-laaa…
For the ultimate festive cheer, decorate the yard with fairy lights, candy canes and anything else you fancy. If your main meal is in the evening, citronella tealights will look beautiful on the table and have the added bonus of repelling insects.
And, of course, the main focal point at Christmas is the Christmas tree!
If you’re entertaining outside, seriously consider having an outdoor tree instead or as well as an indoor tree. Your guests will love it!
Tidy & Clean
Tidy away anything which is lying around, wash the pavers and clean all outdoor furniture.
And be organised! If you leave until the last minute you’ll be rushing around and your stress levels will rocket.
Prepare as much as you can well in advance and delegate tasks to your family members and friends where possible. You’ll enjoy the day far more and your guests will feel more relaxed too.
If you would like more information on our range of custom-made fences, contact our friendly team today to arrange a free consultation.