LIFESTYLE NEWS - Garden Day encourages South Africans to spend time in their gardens and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. 

Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small courtyard, a little maintenance can make your outdoor space more inviting and easier to manage.

Kate Johnson, Operations Manager at the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) in KwaZulu-Natal, recommends approaching the garden as one would a home that needs spring cleaning: identify what is no longer useful, clear away clutter and attend to areas that need maintenance.

Here are six jobs to consider this Garden Day, before planting anything new.

1. Tackle overgrown plants

Plants that once fitted perfectly into a garden may eventually spread too far, crowd neighbouring plants or require more maintenance than expected.

Assess whether they need trimming, more substantial pruning or relocation. If a plant is no longer suited to its surroundings, consider replacing it with something better suited to the available space and the time you can devote to maintenance.2. Check for dead or damaged branches

Deadwood can be difficult to spot inside dense shrubs or high in established trees, particularly when fresh growth begins to appear.

Inspect trees and larger shrubs for dead or damaged branches that could affect plant health, shape or safety. Large trees and branches in difficult-to-reach areas should be assessed by a suitably qualified professional.

2. Check for dead or damaged branches

Deadwood can be difficult to spot inside dense shrubs or high in established trees, particularly when fresh growth begins to appear.

Inspect trees and larger shrubs for dead or damaged branches that could affect plant health, shape or safety. Large trees and branches in difficult-to-reach areas should be assessed by a suitably qualified professional.

3. Clear garden clutter

Unused building materials, broken outdoor toys, old pots and leftover paving can accumulate in corners and behind sheds.

Set aside time to sort through these items. Reuse or donate what remains useful, and dispose of unwanted material responsibly.

Check plant pots too. Empty pots and containers holding dead plants can take up valuable space that could be put to better use.

4. Revisit unfinished projects

An unfinished vegetable bed, an abandoned herb garden or a patch earmarked for a water feature can remain untouched for months.

Decide whether each project is still worth pursuing. Set a realistic date to complete it, or clear the area and choose a simpler alternative that better suits your garden and available time.

5. Repair garden structures

Trellises, edging, raised beds, benches and birdbaths are exposed to weather and wear throughout the year.

Check for loose fittings, damaged timber, rust and other signs of deterioration. Repair or restore items that can still be used, and replace those that are beyond repair.

Addressing these jobs early can help make the garden safer, tidier and more practical for the months ahead.

6. Organise the garden shed

Garden sheds often become crowded with misplaced tools, duplicate equipment and items kept for repairs that never happen.

Sort through tools and equipment, discard anything beyond repair and donate usable items you no longer need. Before the busy gardening season begins, check that essential tools are in good working order.

Outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers and other motorised tools, should be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A little time and effort in your garden goes a long way to creating a beautiful space. Image: Canva

Make the most of Garden Day

Garden Day is a reminder that enjoying your outdoor space does not have to involve an expensive makeover or a trip to the nursery. 

Pruning, clearing clutter, repairing structures and finishing neglected jobs can make a noticeable difference.

Use Sunday, 18 October, to get the family involved, spend some time outdoors and give your garden a fresh start for the warmer months ahead. 

Once the groundwork is done, you can decide which new plants will thrive in your space and make the most of the season.

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