How often have you walked up the sidewalk to your house, thinking, “I really should plant something in this yard”? And now, you are under strict orders from your real estate agent to de-clutter everything, to have the house “show ready” at all times, and to get creative with the yard. What now? You’re preparing to move out, so time, money, and ease hold the highest value. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your yard for a potential buyer with little hassle.
When you begin your outdoor renovations, start by taking stock of what you already have; this can include plants, structures, and natural landscaping features that can be moved or adjusted to aid in your project. Since budgeting is important here, try to repurpose as much as possible. Once you know what you already have, begin working on your “hardscapes”. These are the bits and pieces of your yard that are not alive and could require construction; sidewalks, retaining walls, pavers, bricks, decks, patios, etc. Start by cleaning, repairing, and rearranging them in the most beneficial way for your space. A good powerwash can work wonders on the dingiest of sidewalks. And a fresh coat of paint on a fence could instantly change the way your yard looks. It is important that any of this work is done before you start planting, because this work could disrupt your soil or plants.
Once you’ve completed your hardscape work, begin loosening the soil around the gardening areas. The loose soil will help your plants establish themselves more easily and make planting more enjoyable for you. It will also help you gauge how many plants you’ll need. The goal is to make it look as though this garden has been thriving for some time, therefore you want it to be full and luscious. Obtaining this look is quite simple when you use the basic elements of design. The landscaping elements are line, form, color and texture.
The line of your landscape can be actual or implied. You can create harsh, exact lines with the aid of mulch or a boarder. Or you can leave the line implied, by planting in or near your grass. Your form has to do with how formal or meandering you want your landscape to feel. Tall, upright plants tend to feel more structured, while spreading, flowing plants feel more natural and laid back. The color of your landscape also lends greatly to the feel, and is mostly left to your preference. Whether you choose plants based on color or fondness, you can create beautiful and intricate landscapes. And lastly, when it comes to texture in your garden, contrast is always king. It will automatically add depth and richness to your yard with little to no thought.
Always remember that you are adding to your home, not covering it. Choose plants that embrace the style of your house. Plant ground cover and small shrubs around low windows and porches. Larger shrubs and trees should be reserved for the corners of your home. They will help to soften the hard corners of the structure and will draw the eye toward the center of the house. Keep bright flowers near the front door, as they add charm and invite people to enter the house. The more people that you get in the door, the more likely you are to sell!
As a finishing touch, add a couple of large pots or planters to the landscape. It gives your yard a “lived in” feel, adding to the perceived value of the home. Last but not least, don’t be shy about incorporating your own style and giving your house the facelift that it deserves. Happy Planting!
