Get your garden in shape this autumn

Continuing with our autumnal theme for October, we’re taking a look at how to get your garden in shape for an autumn sale. So, with that in mind, we’ve turned to Davies Property Partners’ resident gardener Ed Jamieson, who looks after our managed properties, to get his top eight tips on how to make the best of an autumnal garden prior to viewings.

Earn your stripes

“This really is the foundation for a neat garden. In fact, there’s nothing quite like a well-mowed lawn to frame a property. Not only is mowing a garden a good way in which to keep it healthy, but you can’t beat freshly-pressed stripes. Of course, stripes do depend on having a roller. But even without a roller, the sharpness of freshly cut grass – and the smell – will highlight your property’s strengths. Just try and cut it when it’s dry, which is easier said than done in this weather.”

Cutting edge

“Similar to mowing the lawn, this is a staple when it comes to neatening up your garden. Creating a defined edge between where the lawn ends and where the flower beds begin will transform your outdoor space, making it look crisp and tidy. I would recommend creating an edge, using an edging tool, with a depth of around 7cm so there’s a clear contrast between the green of the grass and the brown of the soil. Work your way along the edge, taking your time so that the edge is smooth and even all the way around.”

Plough on

“Once you’ve done the edging – and whilst you’re working in this area of the garden – it makes sense to turn and scratch the soil. In doing so, you’ll bury the weeds and debris that have amassed over time, giving the appearance of a clean canvas. As a gardener, there’s nothing worse than weeds for making a bed look untidy. By turning the soil, you’ll address this and aerate the soil, making it easy for water to get to the plants that live in the beds.

Keep in trim

“It’s an obvious one, but if overlooked – which it often is – it can quite easily bring down a garden. Neatly trimmed shrubs make a BIG difference. Straggly branches and unkempt shrubbery will reduce the space between the garden and the beds, which can make everything in the garden merge into one mass of greenery. Likewise, sprawling upwards growing branches can make a garden look wild rather than well kept. Of course, different species of shrubs need a different approach, which you can establish with the help of an RHS guide. Broadly speaking, though, aim to make any cuts at a 45-degree angle.”  

Head off

“Brown, dying and discoloured flowerheads look scruffy. And, if they’re at that stage, then the plant will look better without rather than with them. Simply remove them by pinching the base of the head and snapping it off. Not only will this promote growth the following season, but it will remove the visual cues of a decaying garden, which browning flowers tend to do. And it’s also quite cathartic!”

Colour it in

“If you’re selling your property, then investing heavily in plants might seem counterintuitive. But bringing a degree of colour into a season known for browns, oranges and greys will make a garden pop. Heavenly Bamboo turns a lovely red this time of the year, the bluey-purple tones of Winter Pansies provide a stark contrast to the general autumn colour palette, and even ornamental cabbages and sage adds a nice splash of colour – all for relatively little investment, too.”

Little and often

“It’s a well-used phrased, particularly when it comes to gardening, but tackling weeding on a little and often basis makes the job much easier in the long-run. Rather than panic right before your first viewing, why not try and spend half an hour once a week shortly before you decide to market your property. Tackling weeding in short bursts rather than attempting it all in one go is much easier, and makes it feel like less of a burden.”

Water power

“It’s not a job that traditionally falls under gardening, however, given how much a driveway generally accounts for a property’s outdoor space, it makes sense to give it the same attention as the garden itself. Whether it’s green algae, black algae or moss, growth that accumulates over time tends to make driveways look tired. Restoring your driveway back to its original state is likely to require a pressure washer. And whilst it may take time, certainly if you have a large driveway, the effort will be worth it.”

Huge thanks to Ed for his advice. If he can help you take the legwork out of your autumnal house sale preparation, you can reach him on 07870 808040. In the meantime, if you’re ready to sell, why not get in touch with the Davies Property Partners team.

Thinking of selling your property this autumn? Contact your local Davies Property Partners office to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property.

Cobham 01932 588288

Claygate 01372 462323

Hinchley Wood 0208 3980265