First impressions are important, especially when it comes to selling property, with most property buying decisions made within the first few minutes of viewing. The first thing prospective buyers see - before the kitchen, bedrooms or bathrooms - is the exterior and the garden.
For a low-maintenance and water-wise garden, he says consider avoiding planting in areas that receive a great deal of direct sunshine and using only a few hardy plants.This is according to Jason Shaw, national sales executive at Pam Golding Properties, who says the exterior look and feel of a home is usually a good indication of the property as a whole. He says by having a beautiful, well-kept garden, you will likely increase your chances of selling your property and improve its value.
However, Shaw says creating and tending to a garden takes time and energy. If you work long hours, it can be difficult to give it the necessary attention or the adequate care it needs.
“While expense may preclude many property owners to be able to immediately make their gardens more sustainable and eco-friendly, we can consider adjusting the way we garden in order to make it low-maintenance and less water intensive. The latter is particularly important given the current water restrictions that are being experienced across much of the country.”
Remember that the people viewing your home might not have the time and energy it requires to take care of a lush garden either, so you may well be doing them a favour by creating a low-maintenance garden, says Shaw. In addition, he says modern, clean and compact gardens are becoming increasingly trendy.
Shaw says many property owners view the areas outside their boundary walls as being of lesser importance. While it is understandable that people choose to devote most of their attention to those parts of the garden in which they spend time, these external areas have the potential to make a positive first impression on home buyers and can enhance the appeal of a property and the neighbourhood.
Instead of trying to maintain a lawn, consider replacing part of it with stepping stones or decorative pebbles.Shaw shares tips to help minimise garden maintenance and water use…
1. Laying out your garden
Shaw says take time to observe the sun’s location in your garden at various times throughout the day. Identify where the sun is between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest time of the day. Water will evaporate the fastest in these areas due to the high exposure to heat, which will result in unnecessarily high water use.
For a low-maintenance and water-wise garden, he says consider avoiding planting in areas that receive a great deal of direct sunshine and using only a few hardy plants.
You might also elect to create a paved entertainment and braai area or artificially shade the area with a stylish outdoor umbrella or patio roof. Shaw says if you want to add greenery, use succulents, cacti or indigenous grasses that can endure hot and dry conditions.
2. Reduce the size of your lawn
Not only do you spend most of your Saturdays mowing it, but a lawn also requires lots of water. Instead of trying to maintain a lawn, consider replacing part of it with stepping stones or decorative pebbles. You can also add greenery in between the stones by making use of indigenous grasses, succulents or ground covers, he says.
Homeowners should consider choosing plants that are indigenous to their specific area.3. Consider indigenous plants
“There are many indigenous and succulent plants that require little attention or water. And no, going this route does not mean that your garden has to compromise on beauty and style. By choosing your plants wisely and designing your garden accordingly, you can achieve a beautiful, low-maintenance and eco-friendly garden. These are all becoming increasingly attractive qualities for home seekers.”
Shaw says homeowners should consider choosing plants that are indigenous to their specific area. It is simple logic that a plant that has been thriving in a certain region since the beginning of time, will continue to thrive in that area, he says.
These plants have also adapted to the climate, humidity and soil quality in the area, making them the perfect fit. By choosing local plants, you will save time and water, and ensure a thriving garden.
4. Grassy pastures
Indigenous grasses are normally much more heat and drought resistant than other kinds.
As indigenous grasses come in various shapes, colours and sizes, they are a good way to provide your garden with depth, texture and definition, says Shaw. There are, for example, scores of different types of attractive Highveld grasses that can add an attractive and hardy aspect to your garden. These grasses can be shaped into hedges to provide natural fencing or trendy dividers.
Using mulch in your garden will keep the soil moist and your plants happy, as well as adding texture and colour to your outdoor area.5. Make use of mulch
Using mulch in your garden will keep the soil moist and your plants happy, as well as adding texture and colour to your outdoor area. Consider making your own mulch or compost using garden and household waste.
6. Identify water-wise plants
According to Shaw, one of the best ways to identify low-maintenance, water-wise plants is to look at their leaves. He says plants with grey or blue coloured leaves are usually expert water savers. The coloured foliage reflects the rays of the sun, keeping the plant cool and reducing water loss.
Many plants lose moisture through their leaves, so plants with smaller and fewer leaves have less surface area from which water can evaporate, thereby reducing their water requirements. In addition, Shaw says hairy leaves counteract moving air by creating a microclimate over the leaf that slows down the flow of air, reducing moisture loss.
7. Personal touch
Your new garden is nearly complete now, all you have to do is add a personal touch. Transform your garden into a personal retreat or a family haven by adding personal and unique items. Shaw says do not be scared to add bits and bobs that do not ‘traditionally’ belong in gardens. You will be surprised how many indoor décor items work wonderfully outdoors, he says. Mirrors, portraits and even family photos can add an artistic edge to your garden.
And there you have it: a stylish, easy-to-maintain and water-wise garden.
Shaw says not only will your new garden increase your property value, you will also be making a valuable contribution to the environment by planting and gardening responsibly. Best of all, you can have a beautiful garden and still put in a full day’s work, avoid a degree in botany and play your part in reducing the impact of the national drought, he says.
