I love having a large garden, but it’s definitely a labour of love. We were lucky enough to inherit two separate plots when we bought the house (you can read more about them in my previous post here). It’s taken us years to get to a point where the garden feels somewhat manageable and there are definitely a few things that have helped us get there.
Here are a few of the essentials that have made looking after our garden so much easier.
Irrigation system
This has been a game changer when it comes to keeping our plants and flowers healthy. It’s simply impossible to water a large garden by hand. It’s a lot of work to set up initially, but having our irrigation system to serve both back gardens, as well as the front garden, makes a huge difference. The key is having a timer to control the watering and reduce any unnecessary waste, ideally set to run late in the evening.
I wouldn’t bother installing an automated sprinkler system for the lawn. There’s simply too much of it and grass will usually bounce back after dry spells. But for plants and flowers, I think irrigation is a must have in any large garden.
Robot lawnmower
I can’t tell you how much I adore our robot lawnmover. It’s probably one of those investments that costs a lot initially, but it will pay for itself in no time. Thanks to our robot mover, our gardening costs have reduced and the lawn looks pristine all the time. Yes, it takes a little time to map out the garden and get everything set up, but once it’s done, it does such a neat job and runs every day. We barely have to do anything other than adjust the blades when needed, which makes keeping the lawn looking good so much easier.
Another thing I love is that it leaves the grass cuttings on the lawn, returning those nutrients to the soil and helping the grass look even better over time. I genuinely couldn’t be without one now!
The right whipper snipper attachment for neat edges
Although the robot lawnmower does a great job of keeping the grass cut, the edges still need regular trimming or your lawn just won’t look pristine. We trim the edges every week and, with the right tools, it really couldn’t be easier. Using a whipper snipper makes the job a breeze, especially when you have a large garden with lots of lawn borders, paths and awkward areas that the robot mower can’t reach. Whipper snipper attachments are also useful for different cutting tasks and conditions, so you can choose the right attachment depending on what you’re tackling. It’s a small job that makes a surprisingly big difference to how neat and well maintained the whole garden looks.
Regular tree pruning
Mature trees and hedges can become overgrown very quickly, so keeping on top of regular trimming is important. We get a tree surgeon in once a year to give everything a tidy up and it has really helped keep the trees in check. I do love a mature, woodland style garden, though, it’s definitely harder to maintain than it looks. You also need to be careful not to cut too much off too often, as some trees, like our beech tree, can grow back even faster. Our tree surgeon recommended having that particular tree pruned every five years, which seems to work really well for us.
Choosing low maintenance plants
I tend to think a lot more carefully about what I plant now and try to choose plants that are hardy and easy to care for. It’s not always easy when it comes to flowers, but I’ve given up on roses as they’re just too delicate, and buxus thanks to the caterpillars. I now do my research before investing in any new plants and if something seems particularly successful in our garden, I tend to buy more of it in different colours. Our garden seems to absolutely love hydrangeas which I’m very happy about!
Keeping on top of weeds
Learning how to keep weeds under control was a bit of a turning point for me. I used to deal with the weeds and overgrown plants less frequently and it would turn into a massive job that I hated doing. Now, I spend a lot more time out in the garden and even if I’m just having my morning coffee, I’ll have a little look around to see what needs doing. I might end up pulling out a few weeds while I’m out there and doing a little bit every few days really doesn’t feel like much work. If you’re wondering how to keep weeds under control in a large garden, honestly, it’s this: stay on top of things before they become a bigger job. It’s so worth it!
Best garden storage
Decent sized storage is a must and we definitely don’t have enough of it yet but we’re getting there. Having a good garden storage set up and keeping all your tools in a shed, organised properly, will help keep them in great condition for years to come. The same goes for planting equipment, pots and all those other bits and pieces you inevitably collect. You’ll also be much more likely to spend time in the garden when everything you need is easy to find. Trust me, there’s so much you’ll need to look after a large garden, so investing in the best garden storage you can manage is really worth it.
Final thoughts
I’m not going to lie, looking after a large garden isn’t easy, especially one with lots of flowers and mature trees, but it’s so worth it for the beauty, privacy and sense of space it provides. Over the years, I’ve realised that the key is finding ways to keep everything in check without letting the garden take over your life. Making garden maintenance part of your weekly routine, having the right technology and tools, and choosing plants and features that suit your garden can make such a difference.
Most importantly, I think your garden needs to fit your lifestyle and work for you. There’s no point creating a garden that looks beautiful but requires hours of maintenance every week if that isn’t realistic for you. Finding that balance has made looking after our garden much more enjoyable and it means I can spend more time actually enjoying it too.
