02.

Introduction

Having a large garden can be a dream come true for many green-thumbed enthusiasts, but it also comes with its share of challenges. From time constraints to the potential costs involved, managing a vast outdoor space can seem daunting. However, with the right strategies and a little planning, you can transform your garden into a beautiful and well-organized paradise without breaking the bank. Here are ten ways to effectively manage a very large garden while optimizing both your time and expenses:

1. Create a Garden Design and Plan: Invest time in creating a well-thought-out garden design and layout. Plan the placement of different features, plants, and pathways. This initial effort will help prevent wasteful spending on unnecessary plants and materials and ensure an organised, aesthetically pleasing garden.

(See our article on Garden Design best advice)

2. Set Priorities and Divide the Garden: Break your garden into manageable sections and prioritise tasks based on their importance. This approach allows you to focus on one area at a time, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed and optimising your time.

3. Adopt Low-Maintenance Plants: Choose native or drought-resistant plants that require less attention, watering, and maintenance. These plants are more likely to thrive in your garden's specific climate, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving you money in the long run.  A plant always does better in the correct soil and light, so do your research.

4. Composting and Mulching: Establish a composting system to recycle your garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. For a start, it is so much easier to dump your cuttings (both grass and prunings) on a heap in your garden, rather than cart them away. Secondly, it saves you a fortune in buying bags of compost. Additionally, use mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce the need for excessive watering and expensive weed control measures.   See our article on - How to make Compost

5. Smart Watering Techniques: Invest in a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to ensure targeted watering directly to the plant roots, minimizing water wastage and lowering your water bills. Consider collecting rainwater in barrels during the rainy season to use during dry spells.

6. Utilise Perennials and Propagation: Incorporate perennial plants into your garden as they come back year after year, saving you the expense of purchasing new plants annually. Learn how to propagate your existing plants through cuttings or division, creating new plants at no additional cost.

7. Opt for Budget-Friendly Garden Features: When adding garden structures like patios, pergolas, or trellises, explore cost-effective materials like reclaimed wood or recycled materials. Get creative and repurpose items from thrift stores or flea markets to save money on decor and outdoor furniture.

8. Embrace Natural Pest Control: Encourage beneficial insects and birds to your garden to control pests naturally. Plant companion crops that deter pests and avoid the use of chemical pesticides that not only harm the environment but can be costly as well.

9. Implement Time-Saving Maintenance Techniques: Invest in time-saving tools like a good-quality lawnmower, hedge trimmer, and pruning shears to efficiently manage the garden. Regularly maintain your tools to prolong their lifespan and avoid frequent replacements.

10. Engage Family and Community: Enlist the help of family members or gardening enthusiasts in your community. Hosting gardening days or swaps where you exchange plants, seeds, or tools can save money and provide an opportunity for shared knowledge and camaraderie.

Managing a large garden may initially seem overwhelming, but with these time and money-saving tips, you can transform the experience into an enjoyable and rewarding endeavour. By planning strategically, adopting sustainable practices, and embracing a sense of community, your garden will flourish, and you'll relish the beauty and serenity it brings to your life. Happy gardening!