How Landscaping Can Increase Your Properties’ Value

Any real estate professional will tell you that curb appeal has an impact on the value of a property. This is one of the reasons why home stagers preparing a property for an open house always make sure that yards are tidy and landscaped. First impressions count and the first thing potential buyers see (as far as detached homes with lawns go) is, of course, the state of property’s outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from creating the right impression on real estate buyers, there are other reasons why landscaping boosts property value.

  • Leafy streets that have 50 percent cover have been found to add up to 5.4 percent more to the median house sale price, according to a case study by the Brisbane City Council.
  • A broad-leaved tree located in front of a home has the ability to boost the property’s median price by as much as $16,889, reveals a Perth-based research.
  • Survey results also show that the amount of money directed toward landscaping increases perceived home value, and thus will result in a much higher asking price. In addition to the cost of landscaping, design value of landscaping is another factor that has the power to nudge property value higher.

Meanwhile, homeowners who have no plans of selling their property also have more to gain from this effort. Landscaping upgrades allow you to get more use out of your lawn or garden. Many find delight in the results of such a project because who wouldn’t like having beautiful nature around them?

Easy, High-Impact Landscaping

If you want to try landscaping strategies that can enhance the value of your home, you may want to consider the following easy, practical improvements:

  1. Polish those edges. You can spend your weekends trimming overgrowth of grass to clearly define the edges of your lawn. Or you can restrain invasive turf like Kikuyu and Couch by creating solid physical barriers around the edges of your lawn.
  2. Plant in profusion. Lush landscaping can alter the dimensions of your outdoor space and give it an appearance of health. Choose hardy plants or flowers endemic to your region. For example, if you live in Melbourne, you won’t have trouble growing Mulla Mulla, Everlasting Daisies and Geraldton Wax. These will proliferate really quickly, providing your garden pops of colour and additional dimensions.
  3. Add potted plants. You can use potted plants to create sections in your yard and add flattering height to certain areas.

These are just some of the many findings that prove how landscaping increases property function and aesthetics. If you want to optimise your home’s value and boost the quality of life in your home, consider a landscaping project for your outdoor spaces.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

To DIY or Not – Assessing the Risks of DIY Landscaping

Ask a seasoned DIY-er why he prefers to do projects by himself instead of letting professionals do it for him. Most likely, he’ll tell you it’s about the savings. And who cannot use a few extra dollars in his pocket?

For other DIY-ers, however, it goes beyond the savings. It’s about seeing a project through to its completion and feeling the pride of starting and finishing something with your own hands.

However, there are some projects that are best left to the experts. Take landscaping, for example. The associated risks can range from simple injuries to unnecessary expenses — and sometimes, a wounded ego.

Before undertaking any DIY projects, including landscaping projects, there are a few things that you will need to consider objectively. First, be honest about your skill level. Some projects are simple enough that almost anyone can complete them. And then there are projects that are too complex that you need to have a solid foundation and experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, consider how much time you can allocate toward a project. Some landscaping projects can be done over an extended time frame while there are others that need to be completed ASAP in order to avoid inconvenience.

After that, determine which tools the project requires. Do you already have these in your shed or do you need to buy these? Are you going to use these tools and equipment in the foreseeable future?

Finally, consider the risks involved. In landscaping, there are a few risks that you need to know and carefully weigh.

Proceeding without a plan

Ideas do not constitute a plan. A plan should detail the tasks involved, the tools and equipment that you will need, and a project timeline. But perhaps, most important of all is having a specific theme that will unite disparate elements into something cohesive.

Exceeding the budget

Another reason why you need a plan before starting a landscape project is to ensure that you won’t go overboard with your budget. Failure to set and adhere to a budget can lead to a waste of time and money.

One of the quickest ways to exceed your budget is to re-do a failed attempt. Some mistakes can be too costly to correct.

Also, most consumers do not have access to wholesale prices like professionals do. You might want to factor that in when you are setting your budget.

Creating form without substance

A good landscape design incorporates both form and function. Some homeowners think that updating a landscape is as simple as adding a few plants, a tree or two, and a patio.

DIY-ers should also take into account how the space will be used as well as other important elements like lighting, irrigation, and heat sources.

A lacklustre look

Finally, a shabby appearance does not necessarily mean that you do not have an eye for design. More often than not, a lacklustre appearance stems from the lack of attention to the smallest details that bring the whole landscape together.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Landscaping Tips That Could Save You Money

Beautifying an outdoor space through landscaping often seems like a daunting project to take – especially with the potential costs that it may entail. Many homeowners are aware of just how easy it is to lose control of the budget for improvement initiatives as inspiration keeps pouring in.

What they may not be aware of is there are countless solutions you can take to stay within budget without sacrificing your results. Landscaping doesn’t need to set your finances back if you play it smart.

How to go about it?

Here are our best tips to a frugal approach to landscaping:

  • Establish the style and changes you want to determine the expense for each component and the project’s total cost. With this information clearly laid out, you can then work on identifying areas of the project where you can further slash costs.
  • When you’re shopping for décor or looking for materials, you don’t always have to limit yourself to local gardening stores or big hardware chains. Tap into e-Bay, Amazon, and other online shopping sites to find good deals on
    everything from bricks to tiles and even a variety of perennials compatible with your local climate. Likewise, don’t discount junkyards and yard sales especially if you’re in search of
    garden furniture. And don’t overlook damaged items because they’re perfect for adding charm and whimsy to lawns or gardens.
  • Consider decreasing your lawn size, or the ground areas with grass cover. You can reduce the size of your yard by creating flowerbeds and filling them with native plants or hardy
    shrubs and flowers. Your local garden designer can provide you expert guidance in picking the right plants. Whilst this entails initial investment, it only takes one season to recoup the costs for there will be less watering and less fertilizing involved as the new plants begin to establish your property as their home.
  • Tidy up your garden beds with mulch. You’ll be surprised at how this easy trick can make your outdoor space look more presentable.
  • Avoid monocultures to keep weeds and pests at bay. Also, monocultures are susceptible to damage so it may be helpful to combine different types of turf to your lawn. Doing this may take down costs especially if you choose budget-friendly options that easily thrive in your area. If you live in Queensland or NSW, varieties such as Kikuyu and Zoysia are perfect for the warm climate. Ask us for recommendations on grass and plant varieties suitable to your climate and soil conditions.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Garden Space

The most impressive homes today not only boast of a landscaped lawn but have vegetable and fruit gardens as well. Flowering plants can be challenging to grow, but edible ones can be doubly difficult.

In addition, families that can get their produce from their own garden are definitely enviable since they have access to fresh, tasty vegetables and fruits when they are in season. Plus, they know for sure that they are safe and healthy to eat since they did not use harmful pesticides in growing them.

If you want to start a vegetable garden in your home (and throw in some fruits, too, if possible), here are some tips you can follow:


Create a planting plan.

Since you’re just starting a garden, come up with a plan first and find out which plants will work best for you and your area. Take into consideration the type of soil you have, its pH level, typical weather condition, etc. Seasoned gardeners, however, say that it is best to start with seasonal planting. You can use a gardening calendar specific to your area to work out which vegetables and fruits grow in which months, and when to harvest. Succession planting, or the practice of staggering the sowing of seeds, will also help ensure that you have a continuous supply of produce instead of being overwhelmed by their number when it’s time to harvest them.

Plant cost-effective vegetables and fruits.

Aim to grow garden plants that you can get the most out of. For instance, did you know that your garden can hold all the ingredients you need for a fresh salad?

You can start by planting tomatoes – they grow nearly anywhere in Australia. If you’re looking for a particular kind to plant, opt for cherry tomatoes since they grow quicker than the larger varieties — that means that there is less time for them to be eaten by bugs. They also have longer yields as well.

Other green leafy vegetables you can include in your salad are lettuce, perpetual spinach, and silver beet. Again, go for heirloom varieties because they tend to have longer yields, maximising your harvest. Also, they are not too resource-intensive (they require less water, sunlight, etc.) to grow.

In addition, when choosing which seeds to buy, choose plants that give multiple crops and are high-yielding. Beans are perfect examples of this. Consider planting crops that grow quickly such as radish, lettuce, and spinach since you can turn over what you’re growing very quickly.

Of course, it is best to select vegetables and fruits that you like to eat. You can preserve or store them and eat them at your pleasure.

Practise organic pest control.

Whether you have a large or small garden space, you can make the most out of it with the use of companion planting. This means growing complementary plants beside or near each other to act as natural pest control.

For starters, gardening experts say that planting tomatoes and basil together can help protect the tomatoes since the basil’s powerful scent repels aphids. Growing onions and carrots beside each other can boost the productivity of the soil beds because the roots of both plants will use the nutrients found at different soil levels. The pungent smell of onions is said to confuse pests drawn to carrots as well.

Lastly, to deal with stubborn garden pests, use homemade organic pesticides, such as ground chilli and garlic or coffee mixed with soap water.

6 Ideas for Landscaping on a Budget

Want to upgrade the look of your outdoor space but worried about the potential costs? Landscaping doesn’t always need to be an expensive project. With a touch of creativity and resourcefulness, you can better manage the expenses that come with upgrading the look of your lawn and garden.

So how can you ensure more value for money when initiating a landscaping project for your property? Here are six budget-friendly ideas highly recommended by landscapers that will give your outdoor space a completely new look.

1. Utilise Japanese Zen garden elements.

Sand and gravel are affordable and they don’t need special maintenance, so using them as main materials can help save you a lot of money and time. Just choose an area of your lawn where you can apply a Zen landscaping concept. Decorate that space with carefully chosen rocks and a few ornaments that you can easily purchase from yard sales or flea markets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Ask friends or neighbours for cuttings.

You don’t need to buy new plants; you can approach friends or neighbours for cuttings of plants that are thriving in their garden. The great advantage here, apart from keeping your outdoor space beautification expenses low, is there’s a high likelihood that those cuttings will grow well in your own lawn or garden since they’re taken from areas where the climate and soil conditions are the same with yours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. For low maintenance plants, try succulents.

Succulents thrive even in the hottest regions of Australia and they’re quite lovely to integrate into any garden. If you’re successful in growing them, they can even replace traditional ground cover (grass). As a nice touch, you can grow succulents in small pots that you can strategically place in different areas of your outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Use bright paint to provide your landscape a pop of colour.

Bright colours will help especially when flowers just won’t bloom (yet). If you have garden furniture set up, paint them with a cheery colour. This will instantly make your outdoor space come alive and boost kerb appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Create edging for your lawn.

There are so many options for edging that will not cost you much. Some folks even use old china and tyres – you’re really only limited by your imagination. But if you want a more traditional look, you can purchase bricks, tiles and even Besser blocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Create flowerbeds.

Flowerbeds will add dimension to your lawn especially if you use different perennials like Achillea, Centrauthus (very easy to grow in Western Australia – they even pop up in unexpected locations), and Cosmos. You can create flowerbeds with Besser blocks and old tyres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are The Typical Costs Involved In Landscaping?

Landscaping can be one of the most expensive investments you can make in your home. However, it is one of the most valuable outlays you can make. When you hire professional landscapers to design your lawn, you’ll have an outdoor space that is attractive and functional – one that can impress others and increase the market value of your property.

When hiring a landscaping company, there is no getting around the fact that the most important factor you will base your final decision on would be the contractor’s rates. In general, one of the key factors that affect the cost of landscaping is the list of specific tasks needed for your lawn or project.

The common services that landscapers will provide, which can increase the total price of your project, include:

  • Landscape design. One of the benefits you can enjoy when you hire a professional landscaper is that you won’t have to spend time coming up with a good and viable landscape design for your property. However, you will have to expect to pay a minimal amount for this additional service. The price for a landscape design will also take into account the size of your garden and the complexity of the design you want.
  • This service pertains to all the horticultural aspects or requirements of your landscape. Professional landscapers will select plant varieties ideal for your project and place them in the right spots so that they will grow and thrive.
  • Also known as landscape construction, most standard landscaping works include some sort of hard paving. You will also have to shell out some extra cash if you really want to enhance your garden’s hardscaping. This includes adding a deck, having a water feature and pergola installed, and other functional and appealing structures that will add to the total cost of your project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other factors that also have significant effects on the total cost of a landscaping project include the amount of labour and the cost of materials required for the project. And basically, the more plants, rocks, and structures you want, the more expensive your project will be.

In New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, the current going rate for a typical landscaping project is approximately $50 to $75 per hour. In Queensland and South Australia, charges will be lower since professional landscapers commonly charge $45 per hour, on average, for their services.

To make sure you will get all your money’s worth, make sure your professional landscaper is licensed, insured, and comes recommended by their clients. You can also request for a quote first for your project and get details about what they will or will not cover before hiring a particular company.

The Top 5 Qualities You Should Look For In A Good Landscaper

You’ve probably spent hours on the internet reading posts and watching videos about landscaping. You’ve also already had your fill of photos to serve as your inspiration and guide. Does this mean that you can now embark on a DIY landscaping project on your lawn?

The answer is yes and no. With your stock knowledge, you will certainly be able to design a suitable landscape, know what features and items to buy and use, and which plants you should cultivate. But this can only take you so far.

If you want to have a really beautiful, functional, and eye-catching (even breathtaking) landscape where everything is in its place and complements each other, handling the work alone won’t be enough. You have to hire the professionals.

To ensure all your money and effort won’t go to waste when hiring landscaping contractors to design your yard, take the time to choose the right pros that have these qualities:

  1. A keen sense of professionalism. This particular trait stretches among various elements. The landscaping company’s staff should be well-mannered and trained to commit to the highest level of good customer service. The landscaping team must also turn up on time, and if they have been held up, they will give you a ring. It should also be easily noticeable that the company has a tidy and easily identifiable crew. From the fleet to the uniforms, all of these should be a direct reflection of the company’s level of professionalism.
  2. Good communication skills. Landscaping contractors have to be able to communicate well. The team leader should know how to clearly and completely explain the landscaping project and make sure you are comfortable with the plan. Also, you should always be informed about every update and snag related to the project.
  3. Detail-oriented. This quality can be initially seen if the landscaper supplies you with detailed and accurate figures — not just general, off-the-internet ones. Quotes like this will give you a clear picture of the quality of services they offer and what you should allow for any unexpected costs that may arise. In addition, creating the right landscape involves a lot of minute points; as such, it is crucial for a landscaping contractor to be very detail-oriented.
  4. Teeming with positive recommendations. Ask the landscaper for a list of their clients. Check if they have photos of their projects and look at them. If you have the time, visit the clients and with their permission, take a look at their properties. You can also ask them questions about the contractor’s reliability, punctuality, quality of work, and communication.
  5. Environmentally responsible. Finally, the landscaper you hire should make use of sustainable landscape irrigation designs and observe drought-tolerant plantings. These are quite important to consider if you live in Darwin, Brisbane, Perth, and other areas in Australia that enjoy warm climates most of the year. Find out if they use organic fertilisers, mulch, and other supplies so that you can have an environment-friendly lawn.

Although it may require additional work on your part, hiring a landscaping contractor that possesses these key qualities will help you have a landscaped yard that won’t fail to impress anyone.

 

Ideas And Tips For Landscaping Your Front Yard

In residential properties, front yards traditionally had two main purposes: to provide and highlight the entrance to your home and to create kerb appeal. But today, in addition to these two benefits, a well-designed landscape can now also improve the appeal of your home by accentuating or complementing its architecture.

To enjoy these benefits for your front yard’s landscape, here are some useful tips and ideas:

Consider the important elements that make for a good entryway design.

These three elements are vehicle circulation and parking, creating a beckoning walkway to your door, and accenting the front entry.

For driveways, the most commonly used materials today are concrete, exposed aggregate and bluestone since they durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.

For an appealing walkway, consider using pavers to line pathways and have them interposed with round stones (a popular landscape design today). You can also make sure your front entry complements your landscape by having it painted in the bright colours and putting some plants and flowers on it or close by.

    

 

 

 

 

 

Have a terraced garden.

Whether you have a small front yard or a huge one, it will benefit you greatly if it features some terraced plants since it will add texture to your lawn. Of course, you will have more spaces to use for planting.

When choosing your plants for your terraced planters, make sure they are colourful and bright, they have contrasting form and texture, and they are easy to maintain. Some examples of low-maintenance plants that you can consider (because they grow relatively anywhere in Australia) are spotted Emu bush and Kangaroo paw.

   

 

 

 

 

 

Fill your yard with flowers.

The best landscaped yards always find a balance by incorporating the right types of plants. However, planting colourful bloomers is always a sure-fire way to make your yard feel more welcoming and appealing. Go for bold, bright hues to make a bigger impact even if you don’t have a lot of space.

The NSW Christmas bush is one of the species of bright flowering plants that you should have in your home since they can grow anywhere along Australia’s East Cost. Albery’s Red is a common variety of this plant and blooms from early November up until Christmastime.

Darwinia oldfieldii also showcases a unique beauty with its compact red flowers and are ideal in the garden or a pot.

Everlasting daisies can be found anywhere in Australia and they are famous for their pink, lemon, gold, and white flowers. They are easy to grow as well.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a designated area for entertaining guests.

Lastly, you can give your front yard a more welcoming feel by having a patio on it. It is the perfect place to welcome and entertain guests. You can also decorate your patio with a skirt of flowers or a small hedge to help it look more intimate and enclosed.

You also have the option to cultivate the Happy Wanderer, a plant that has a variety of colourful flowers in purple, pink, or mauve, on the posts of your porch or near the walls. This plant suits most parts of Australia and often flowers throughout winter and spring.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you put some thought and work into landscaping your front yard, you will have one that boosts both the appeal of your property and its market value.

 

Winter Garden Craft Ideas for Kids

Engaging children in activities all around the house is always a fun and rewarding way to spend the time. Not only will the whole family learn new things about their home, but there will also be plenty of opportunities for the children to exert their energy and demonstrate their creativity toward making simple items and performing easy tasks that could prove to be useful to the household.

kids garden craft

The garden is one of the best places to start projects for the children to immerse themselves in. But while planting seeds and tending to flowers, vegetables and trees are common activities, there’s no reason to limit their projects to these. There’s always the option of making crafts, especially during the winter — it’s the best time to prepare simple supplies or accessories that can be used in the garden once spring rolls around.

Eager to get started? Here are some winter garden craft ideas for kids (and for parents) that everyone will be sure to enjoy.

Creating plant labels

If you’ve got seeds already sown, you’ll need a way to identify which plots contain which seeds. All you need are some popsicle sticks and markers or paint to write out the plant names and perhaps assign a specific colour for each plant.

gardening with kids

Decorate pots and planters

Plants can thrive just as well in pots and planters as on the ground itself, and you can add a pretty touch to the garden by decorating them. Let the kids doodle on them or color them all over in their favourite colours.

Build a scarecrow

Vegetable gardens are highly attractive to birds, and you would want to keep them away to prevent damage to your crops — without harming the birds, of course. A scarecrow is a safe solution, and the kids will have fun making it, too. Just tie two garden stakes together to form a cross, surround them with straw stuffing, and dress it up with an old shirt, pants and a hat. Add details like buttons for eyes to make it look more lifelike (to the birds).

Create alternative planters

Many items that can securely hold soil can serve as planters for a garden. You and the kids can make pots from old newspapers moulded into pots, plastic soda bottles, or even gumboots.

more craftcraft ideas

Make a grass head

Help the kids draw faces on hard boiled eggs and scoop out their contents. The empty shells can now be filled with damp cotton wool and some grass seed. Remember to keep the wool moist; in two weeks, the eggs will have a healthy head of green grass “hair.”

grass head

If you and your family are too busy to take care of the garden chores, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. Jim’s Mowing offer free no obligation quotes, just call on 0800 454 654 or book online.