As spring arrives, our gardens should feel peaceful and fresh, ready to embrace the beauty of the season. However, clutter can quickly spoil the serene vibe. Whether it’s broken items, old decor, or plants that have seen better days, there are certain things that simply don’t belong in your outdoor space.
To help you create a clean and calming garden, here’s a list of things you should remove from your garden to make way for new, more vibrant elements. It’s the perfect time to declutter and refresh your outdoor area for the upcoming season.
1.Old Garden Bed Containers What to Do Instead: Refresh with new raised garden beds for spring.
Old garden bed containers can make your backyard look cluttered and tired. Joe Raboine, a garden design expert, suggests replacing worn-out beds with fresh, clean ones. By introducing new raised beds, you can highlight the beauty of your plants, flowers, and vegetables without the distraction of decaying materials.
2。Broken Concrete and Tiles What to Do Instead: Repair or repave pathways and patios.
Broken tiles or cracked concrete can make your garden look neglected and even unsafe. Regularly check your outdoor surfaces and fix any damage. Replacing cracked tiles or uneven paths will improve both the safety and appearance of your garden space.
3.Excessive Lighting and Water Features What to Do Instead: Simplify your design with minimal lighting and water features.
While strategic lighting and water elements can enhance a garden, too many can create a chaotic and overcrowded space. Stick to a simple style with minimal lighting or one feature to create a clean, chic atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
4.Winter-Wilted Plants What to Do Instead: Replace dead plants with healthy, seasonal ones.
Check your garden for any plants that didn’t survive the winter. Larry Dominique, a landscape architect, recommends swapping out any withering perennials for fresh, vibrant plants. Trim back dead growth and refresh mulch to restore a lush, well-maintained garden.
5.Worn Planters What to Do Instead: Update with stylish, durable planters.
Old, cracked, or faded planters can make your garden feel outdated. Invest in new planters made from materials like fiberstone or ceramic for a more elegant and lasting look. Choosing planters that match your garden’s style will elevate the entire space.
6.Outdated Outdoor Furniture What to Do Instead: Opt for modern, weather-resistant furniture.
Old, worn-out outdoor furniture can make your garden look uninviting. Refresh your outdoor seating with comfortable, stylish furniture that’s built to withstand the elements. Adding new cushions or rugs can also instantly improve the look and feel of your patio area.
7.Invasive Crops What to Do Instead: Remove invasive plants and replace them with controlled varieties.
Invasive plants like English ivy or mint can quickly take over your garden, damaging other plants and hardscaping. Matt Moniz, a landscaping expert, suggests removing these plants and replacing them with more well-behaved options, such as structured shrubs like boxwoods or lavenders, which complement your garden’s overall design.
8.Artificial Turf What to Do Instead: Switch to natural grass or gravel for a more authentic feel.
Artificial turf may seem like an easy solution, but it can cheapen the look of your garden. Matt recommends replacing synthetic grass with real grass or a natural material like pea gravel, which adds authenticity and elegance to your outdoor space.
9.Aged Garden Accessories What to Do Instead: Upgrade your garden tools and accessories.
Outdated or broken garden accessories, like tools and hoses, can create unnecessary clutter. Matt advises organizing your garden tools and stowing them away in an outdoor storage box. This simple step can make your garden feel more polished and tidy.
10.Piled-Up Debris What to Do Instead: Perform a deep clean to refresh your garden.
One of the easiest ways to improve your garden’s appearance is by clearing away any debris, like fallen leaves, trimmed weeds, or broken branches. While it might not be the most exciting task, a clean garden will instantly look more inviting and well-maintained, especially in time for spring gatherings.
By removing these items from your garden, you’ll create a cleaner, more stylish outdoor space, ready to showcase the beauty of spring.
