Make the most of your small outdoor space with these easy tips


S


ummer is meant to be spent outside; enjoying the green landscapes, and


sunshine,


firing up the grill. Luck- ily, you don’t need to have a huge backyard or be an expert gardener to reap the benefits of your outdoor space this summer. According to Mark


Cullen, Home Hardware’s Gardening


Expert, even


those with limited space can enjoy the outdoors by following a few simple tips: Get Personal


The best way to maximize your


small space is to determine how you would like to spend most of your time outdoors; whether


it’s entertaining,


playing with the kids, lounging or gardening, your answer will determine the ideal layout and will help you priori- tize which elements to incorporate. Great features for small spaces include folding or stackable patio furniture to help maximize space, solar lighting for ambiance, or a trellis for natural privacy and a sound barrier. Look Up


Vertical gardening is a smart way to


incorporate greenery into a small space. Plant stands and hanging planters are useful for not only freeing up ground area and minimizing pesky weeds, but also providing a decorative element to your garden. For those that prefer


to grow their own produce, hanging planters, such as hanging tomato plant- ers, are ideal for vegetables and herbs to maximize your area. Keep in mind that 90 per cent of plant health success is the result of soil nutrition. It’s worth invest- ing in a high-quality soil mix specially formulated for use in containers to maxi- mize plant growth and


keep your vertical garden thriving all summer long.


Water Plants not rooted straight in the


ground are typically exposed to direct sun and wind and need to be watered more frequently. To save time and ensure your plants continue to grow, consider investing in a self-watering option like self-watering patio planters. Designed for growing plants in tight spaces, these planters will ensure your plants remain hydrated even when you are away on summer vacation or head- ing to the cottage for the weekend. Mark’s choice self-draining clear hose is another space-saving option that will help keep your garden healthy and your outdoor space tidy - the hose shrinks to a third of its width after use and is freeze proof and kink resistant. For more outdoor projects and prod-


ucts visit: homehardware.ca/gardening. P


localgardener.net


Beautiful Gardens 2014 • 39


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