How to improve back and side garden?

Question

I am wanting to make my back and side gardens look better, we have just moved and I don’t like the little garden areas. I want to make them look appealing but low maintenance as well, not looking to grow anything right now.

I just need ideas and what types of things I will need, soil, etc; and what plants would be best low maintenance. I live in a place that is mostly cold and rainy 65% of the time.

MitchellMc · Answer

Congrats on your new home @shaniqua.

Start by clearing out any debris, weeds, and unwanted plants so you have a clean slate to work with. Once that’s done, reinstate or tidy up the garden edging to give the space a neat, defined look. Here's a helpful guide: How to choose garden edging. Something like the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuscan-path-1-2m-x-8cm-roman-stone-garden-edging_p0877465

would look great.

Next, cultivate the soil by loosening it and mixing in some good-quality compost to improve drainage and overall soil health.

Since you’re in a mostly cold and rainy climate and want low maintenance, stick with hardy plants like evergreen shrubs, ferns, hostas, or simple ground covers like Creeping Jenny or Lily of the valley, that can handle damp conditions. Finishing with a layer of mulch will help keep weeds down and make everything look tidy with minimal effort, and you can also incorporate pebbles or stepping stones in some areas to reduce the amount of upkeep needed.

I've added an AI-generated image below for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell