Owning your first home comes with a host of new opportunities – one of which might be to cultivate a garden space. As exciting as this may be, taking on the responsibility of maintaining a garden can also feel overwhelming to those without any gardening experience. Thankfully, by keeping a few key considerations in mind, novice gardeners will have no problem growing a great garden.
For the beginner gardeners who are hoping to get their hands dirty, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some tips on how to grow a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing garden that will help boost property values.
1) Consider long term growth
A common mistake is to plant vegetation too close to the walls of the home. When the plant grows, its roots can cause damage to the home’s foundation or its branches could damage the walls. Although a plant might start off small, it is always important to consider how large the plant will grow over the long term.
2) Orientation of the home
Different plants will require different amounts of sunshine and shade. Find out which side of the property is north facing as this side of the home will receive the most amount of sunshine. When purchasing plants, be sure to check whether the plants prefer sunshine or shade.
3) Water-wise plants
In dry climates such as South Africa, it is preferable to plant water-wise plants such as succulents. To help keep the soil moist for longer, spread a layer of mulch over the garden beds. The mulch will also help prevent soil erosion, which can become a problem, particularly in windy areas such as coastal suburbs.
4) Think low-maintenance
Keeping a garden well maintained can take a lot of time, but leaving a garden unkept can cause damage and lead to costly repairs. Make your own (and a future buyers) life easier by planting low-maintenance plants that do not require too much special treatment or regular pruning.
“Having a well-maintained garden can be a serious drawcard for future buyers. Having your own private outdoor space is becoming less available as more modern developments move towards apartment or complex living. Those who do have outdoor space could add great value to the property if they put a little effort into making it as appealing as possible,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
For those who are searching for a home in which to start their first garden, Goslett recommends reaching out to your nearest property practitioners office. “You might be surprised what you will be able to find within your price bracket. Agents might also know of listings before they reach the property portals, so they can show you homes you might not have seen otherwise. If owning a home with a garden is on your wish list, make sure your agent knows and let them take the stress out of finding the perfect home for you,” Goslett concludes.
Writer : Kayla Ferguson