Spring into your garden and reap what you sew

Wondering whether to get stuck into your gardening this spring? There are plenty of reasons why it’s a great idea. Not only will your garden look good, you could also be boosting the value of your property!

A well-designed garden is the perfect way to frame your home and add significant value. So putting down roots and sowing the seeds now will pay off when you eventually sell up.

According to a recent Husqvarna Global Garden Report, a well-kept garden can increase the value of your property by 12 per cent. The report stated that homeowners could receive 3.6 times more than the amount invested in their property if they maintained their garden.

Martyne Bird from Birds Landscape Design and Management says a well planned and eye-catching garden can turn your investment into further added value for your home. She explains that garden elements which contribute to the value of a property include a well-maintained lush lawn, inviting entertaining areas, stonescaping with designed stone paths, decorative trees/bushes and colourful plants.

“Planning a garden implies bringing all the outdoor elements together, in perfect harmony to complement each other. Capture your vision by combining a blend of materials, water usage, plant selections, form and function to bring life to your home,” says Martyne.

Michael Roberts, principal of Louis Carr Real Estate, says your home is frequently neglected in favour of interior renovations, but come sale time it's first impressions that count. “A lawn and garden are the first things people see, so all could be lost before they even enter the house,” Michael says. “Investing in your garden can go a long way in improving your home's street appeal and saleability.”

Martyne adds that it’s important to make the best use of your largest living space. Today homeowners tend to spend most of their time outdoors – so by creating an indoor/outdoor room you bring the garden into your home, thus providing a tranquil environment for the family.

“There is not a garden past or present where the element of water hasn’t improved the garden,” Martyne says. “Water adds sound and movement, which is soothing to the spirit and adds a dramatic way of including a feature or focal point that gives your garden depth and interest. Water features can be clean cut and formal or rambling rock creek beds that are informal. The decision is purely up to the personality that creates it.”

Brad Wheatley, principal of BW Property Consultants, says showing your home at its full potential and helping buyers fall in love with it will mean more dollars on sale day.

“Tasteful landscaping and gardens are a successful and cost-effective way of doing this,” Brad explains. “An average home can be lifted by a gorgeous garden; a $10,000 investment could add $30,000 to the value by attracting stronger interest.”

Martyne suggests a few ways on how to go about creating your own masterpiece. Decide on a theme. It could be about relaxation, your favourite colour or echo your personality. The plants selected will entirely be based upon what you want to achieve. Focal points. Think about which areas you want to draw attention to, what patterns and designs appeal to you, and where you want designs repeated. Those extras. A water feature, bird bath, stepping stones, pathways or statue. Anything small and simple or big and dramatic. Be mindful. Try to match your outdoor spaces to the style of your home. Having a formal, manicured garden outside a weatherboard house doesn’t make sense, anymore than having a wild cottage garden in a brand new contemporary house does. Be smart. Observe other gardens and talk to people who have done the job themselves. Work out everything from design to cost – and avoid getting carried away.