How to stage your outdoor garden space
The coronavirus pandemic has taught us all the joys of outdoor space. We talk about how to stage yours to wow prospective buyers.
From plant lovers soaking up reopened garden centers, to family members reuniting from a distance in the park, nature is offering us solace during coronavirus lockdown.
With outdoor space being so sought after in 2020, house viewers will scrutinise yours more than ever before.
So, how do you capture the heart of prospective purchasers through your outdoor space without spending too much money?
The answer to a fast sale is simple. It’s not so much about the features of your outdoor space, but what you do with them.
Have them at hello
First impressions count, so put yourself in the shoes of the viewer.
As they approach, what are they seeing?
A neatly trimmed patch of grass and clean windows that hint about the cared-for state of the rest of the property?
Or something akin to a student digs after a particularly heavy weekend of house partying?
If you do not have a front garden or driveway to spruce up, you can instantly tidy up the front of your home by wiping down the paintwork, or if needed, giving it a fresh coat of paint.
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Remember to clean the windows as well (inside and out).
Also, make sure that the curtains and blinds are neatly drawn if the viewing is taking place during the day.
When it comes to net curtains, grey is not a colour that bodes well. So be sure to give them a wash before rehanging them.
These simple adjustments will positively capture a visitor’s attention at first glance.
Staging your front garden
Start simple and weed your front garden.
You should remove any rubbish that may have blown in from the street, and clip your hedges. You do not want potential buyers having their eyes poked out by a stray branch.
And make sure visitors can find their way to the front door in darker months. Solar lights are cheap to install. Argos has a wide range, starting from £10.
Inject some colour round your (clean) windows
Window boxes are a great way to bring instant cheer, but they do need maintaining.
Dead plants and weedy compost are less than enticing. Thankfully, you do not have to spend much on finding the right window boxes.
Primrose.co.uk has a range starting from £13.
The planting itself does not have to be fancy either, it just needs to look healthy and cared for. So keep on top of watering and remove any dead foliage and flowers on a regular basis.
For sunny spots, you cannot go wrong with a row of low-maintenance geraniums in one colour (pelargoniums, if you’re being horticulturally correct). If your windowsill is shady, ferns provide smart, architectural foliage.
If you have smart window boxes and a couple of welcoming planters by the front door for a bit of variety, the visitor’s eye will rest on these, rather than the usual unsightly (but necessary) bins.
Presenting your bins the right way
At the very least, line your bins up neatly and in as shady a corner as possible.
Bin stores and bike sheds are widely available to make your bins look tidy and organised.
Sue Ryder has one in grey or sage. If you do not want to spend the money on these, you could assemble one yourself using pallets stained in a dark colour.
They’ll hide the bins from the view of passers-by and create a sense of order.
Make the most of your back garden
Impressing potential buyers is all about creating an impression of tidiness.
Everything in the garden should look as if it’s meant to be where it is. Though near-perfect gardens could deter less confident gardeners concerned about the upkeep.
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If you do not have time to weed the borders or dig up dead flowers, cut down stalks or deadhead the roses instead. Neatness can work wonders.
What about your garden furniture?
Arrange the furniture as if you were tidying your sitting room.
Armadillo Sun has some nice bean bag chairs from £225 that can be easily moved around.
If you have a pool, make sure the sun loungers are lined up neatly, with no damp towels draped over them.
In sunny weather, a cushion-covered bench or one in the shade of a large tree will look inviting and homely.
On cold and rainy days buyers might only want to view the garden through the windows. Prepare for this by taking a look out of the (clean) window yourself and moving things around that show the space its best light.
The power of pots
Flower pots come into their own on decking and patios, even if the rest of the garden is a little dreary.
Colourful flowers or interesting plants strategically dotted around the garden in pots can help divert attention away from sparse borders.
Here you can afford to spend a bit more, as you’ll be able to take your pots with you when you move.
The bigger the pot the better. Not only will this make a strong statement, but bigger plants tend to last longer than smaller ones. Crocus.co.uk has a good selection of pots in different materials. As ever, keep that planting fresh and well-watered.
Meanwhile, if you have lots of random pots scattered around, put them together in a tidy arrangement. It will help with watering too. The renowned Great Dixter Garden in Kent shows what can be achieved with a little flair and consideration.
What about your balcony space?
For upper-level flats with no access to a garden, even a tiny balcony can be a godsend.
As heat rises, choose plants that are happy in hotter conditions. The most obvious are herbs and cacti, as many of them originate from the Mediterranean and deserts respectively.
Rosemary, thyme and sage will survive all year without the need for much watering, as will succulents such as sedums and sempervivums.
If you have space for more than plants, IKEA has a great range of foldable furniture.
The Saltholmen set costs only £65 for a table and two chairs. Extra chairs for when friends come round for a suitably distanced drink cost £20.
With these useful tips and tricks, you can prepare to spruce up your garden for a successful home sale in no time.
