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Spring is the season of new beginnings – it’s the perfect time to tidy up your backyard and tackle new gardening or landscaping projects.
For many, Rodney’s wild winter weather has left behind broken branches, matted leaves and debris that can smother new growth, so clearing out beds, raking the lawn and edging borders provides a fresh canvas.
The next step is to refresh the soil.
Warkworth Central Landscape Supplies owner Rob Elliot says that while many people rush into planting when the sun comes out, real success starts with what’s beneath the surface.
“After a wet winter, like we’ve just had, much of the soil’s nutrients have been washed out.
“Plants are about to go into a growth stage, so they’re going to be looking for food. If the soil isn’t replenished, they won’t thrive. It’s really about laying the foundation. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants.”
Elliot says gardeners should begin the season by adding premium compost or garden mix to refresh their beds as this not only restores nutrients but also feeds soil organisms that help maintain long-term fertility.
Mulch is also important. This a layer of material applied to the soil surface that acts like a blanket – it protects against heavy spring showers, suppresses weeds, locks in warmth and moisture, plus improves soil health over time.
Elliot’s go-to recommendation is cambium mulch combined with premium compost made from finely shredded bark and manures, which together can help transform tired beds.
“With green waste compost, you don’t know what’s gone into it – it could include weeds or plants treated with chemicals like the herbicide glyphosate. Premium blends are weed-free and safer.”
Once the soil is revived, the next step is planting.
Remember, Elliot says, stability is essential for young trees and shrubs, and promotes strong growth.
“It’s important to stake new trees properly to withstand spring winds. If a small tree’s root ball is moving around, it won’t establish well. Using three stakes in a triangle layout helps keep it firm and gives it the best chance.
“If you’re spending money on a plant, you want to give it the best shot.”
Elliot says that people should also consider how they want to use their outdoor space. Hardscaping – elements such as paving, sleepers and paths – plays a big role in shaping how a garden functions.
“Think about your end result first. Do you want a play area for kids, or a quiet corner for coffee? That dictates your layout.”
He adds, “One of the biggest mistakes people can make is trying to tackle everything at once. Work progressively. Start in one area and build it up, rather than living in a construction site.”
Also, planning and budgeting are just as important as enthusiasm.
“There’s no point buying a $50 plant and putting it in a $2 hole. Invest in the soil, and work within your means. Mulching, for example, is a cost-effective way to instantly tidy and protect a garden.”
Drainage is another trap for the unwary; poorly managed water can damage roots and undermine plant health, he says.
Elliot suggests French drains or subsoil drainage systems where needed, but cautions against letting runoff spill into neighbouring properties – a common but frowned-upon practice.
He says gardening success comes down to research and matching plants to their environment.
“Every plant has preferences. It’s about choosing the right plant for the right spot.”
