Winter has officially arrived, and although you may have dusted off your winter woollies inside, it is important to remember that your outdoor spaces need love during the cooler months as well. Here is our guide to winter-proofing your garden so you can enjoy the outdoors all year round.
BRAVE THE COLD
Don’t let the cooler temps stop you from entertaining outdoors this winter! Although the sun sets earlier and a day’s become shorter, it is still easy to alter your alfresco and garden to suit the season.
When it comes to cosying up to your backyards, remember blankets, throws and cushions aren’t reserved for indoor spaces only. Bring the indoors outdoors by adding soft furnishing to our outdoor seating areas. Opt for more durable and long-lasting fabrics in neutral colours to ensure they will survive the every changing Australian climate.
Swap your pool parties and family BBQ’s for relaxing evening dinner parties, topped off with toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. Winter proofing your place will quickly make it the go-to for social gatherings and get-togethers.
EMBRACE YOUR GREEN THUMB
During the cooler months, the garden can struggle. It is important to assess your climate and choose your plants wisely. Despite what you may believe, it is possible to keep your gardens blooming during the winter months. Here is a list of plants that will thrive in your climate and some extra tips on how to keep your yard lush and green.
Wet & Dry Tropical Areas (North QLD, NT + WA)
Plants that will thrive: Roses, gerberas, grevillea, dahlia, daisy, marigold.
Fruit and veg pick: lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, potato, peas, tomato.
Temperate Areas (Sydney, Coastal NSW, parts of VIC)
Plants that will thrive: clivias, banksia, grevillea.
Fruit and veg pick: brussell sprouts, peas, Chinese greens, spinach, broccoli.
Cool Areas (Melbourne + TAS)
Plants that will thrive: bare-rooted roses, citrus trees, pansies, poppy, violas, salvia, snapdragon.
Fruit and veg pick: chives, fennel, stone fruit, spring onion.
Mediterranean Areas (Adelaide + Perth)
Plants that will thrive: alyssum, begonias, geranium, poppy, euphorbia, viola.
Fruit and veg pick: chives, dill, mint, asparagus, onions, sage, thyme.
Love Your Lawn
To keep your grass looking lush and green during winter, be sure to implement these simple steps:
- Fertilise once a month, especially in the lead up to the cooler months.
- Aerate your lawn – particularly if you live in areas where it tends to rain frequently in the cooler months.
- Test the pH of the soil – if you are extra picky about your lawn, a pH of 6.5 is optimal for your grass to thrive.
- As winter approaches, raise you lawnmower height. The longer blades of grass will protect your lawn from frost and help improve photosynthesis when there is less sunlight available.
Extra Garden Tips
- Add a thick layer of mulch to your veggie garden.
- Weed and till your soil. Also, try adding some organic compost.
- Move your tropical plants to protected areas.
- Reduce watering potted plants.
LIGHT IT UP
Properly lighting your garden and outdoor areas may seem costly and unnecessary, but the investment will pay off long-term. Not only does outdoor lighting affect your use of the space, but it can also help enhance the value of your property. Creating ambient and inviting outdoor spaces offers a major selling feature. It doesn’t have to be your everyday run of the mill outdoor lighting, get creative with our of the box lighting ideas. Festoon and outdoor fairy lights are a great way to experiment with cool outdoor lighting solutions.
If you are wanting to take it that bit further, why not try introducing light with fire pits, outdoor gas fireplaces and other outdoor heating systems. These will help add ambience, entertainment and provide a great focal point for your backyard. Not only do they look great, but they also help provide warmth and they are surprisingly less maintenance than you think!
So there you have it, a few easy changes you can implement to make the most out of your outdoors this winter.
iThink Property has a team of real estate agents in Ipswich and Toowoomba offering property sales and property management services. With a passion for people and property, iThink Property was conceived with the notion of building a team of good people to work in a real estate brand that did things differently. iThink Property focuses on transparency, communication, innovation and teamwork and has become a leading independent brand with unique points of difference. So whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting, think iThink Property.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
07 3202 3040
A go getter and doer, Taylah is a no excuses, get the job done kind of girl. With a strong work ethic and high attention to detail, Taylah is happy to help out wherever she can. Armed with a degree in business specialising in marketing and public relations Taylah brings fresh ideas and innovation to the iThink team.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR