STAYING 
HOME

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Create Your Safe & Serene Outdoor Oasis: 

At Staying Home, we believe your garden should be a place of joy, relaxation, and connection, not a source of worry. As we age, maintaining our beloved outdoor spaces can become a challenge, with clutter and overgrowth posing unnecessary risks. 

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An organised, clutter-free garden isn't just visually appealing; it's essential for your mental health and well-being. It allows you to navigate the space easily, access plants for care, and truly soak in the beauty of your outdoor sanctuary without distraction. Imagine a garden where family gathers, an edible patch thrives, or simply a peaceful area to relax in the sun – we want you to love being outdoors!

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Step One: Assessment

Before you even pick up a tool, take a moment to understand your garden's current state.

• Survey the Space: Walk through every corner of your garden. What areas feel overwhelming? Where is the clutter accumulating? Note down anything that seems overgrown, broken, or out of place.

• Create Zones: Mentally, or even on a simple sketch, divide your garden into different functional zones. Perhaps you have a flower bed, a quiet seating area, a vegetable patch, or a dedicated utility space. This will help you tackle the clean-up systematically.

Step Two: De-cluttering

Now, it's time to lighten the load and make space.

• Clear Unwanted Items: Be ruthless! Remove any broken pots, rusty old tools, unused furniture, or decorative items that are no longer serving a purpose or are becoming trip hazards.

• Sort & Purge: Categorise everything you've cleared. Decide what to keep, what could be donated, what can be recycled, and what needs to be discarded. The goal is to keep only functional and appealing pieces that enhance your enjoyment.

• Weed and Prune: Tackle those persistent weeds and remove dead plants. Prune back overgrown shrubs and branches that might be obstructing pathways or views, making the space feel more open and reducing visual clutter.

Step Three: High-Pressure Hose Clean

Experience the refreshing transformation a thorough wash can bring! This step not only revitalises surfaces but also makes them safer by removing slippery moss and grime.

• Decks/Patios Cleaned: High-pressure wash your deck or patio, and consider treating it with a specialised deck cleaner. If required, fix any loose boards or nails, and apply a fresh stain to protect and beautify the surface.

• Paths/Driveways Brought Back to Life: Clean all paths and your driveway thoroughly, removing moss, lichen, and dirt. This drastically reduces slip hazards and revitalises existing features you already possess, making them feel brand new.

• Wash Down House: A good wash of your home's exterior can be incredibly transformative, often making it look like you've just repainted it. The fresh feeling is instant!

• Wash Outdoor Furniture: Give your outdoor furniture a good bath. Remove cobwebs, dust, and grime, making them look inviting and ready to be used again for relaxation or socialising.

Step Four: Organise Tools and Supplies

A well-organised tool shed means less searching and more gardening!

• Create Storage Areas: Utilise sheds, robust storage bins, or wall-mounted tool racks to keep all your garden tools and supplies neatly organised and safely out of the way.

• Label Containers: Group smaller items like seeds, fertilisers, and garden ties into clear, labelled containers. This makes finding what you need quick and easy.

• Hang Tools: Install hooks or pegboards on shed walls for easy access to frequently used tools like rakes, shovels, and pruners. This also keeps them off the ground, preventing trip hazards.

Step Five: Structure the Garden

Give your garden a clear framework for beauty and ease of movement.

• Plan the Layout: Consider how you use your garden. Organise plants based on their sunlight needs, mature size, and seasonal requirements.

• Pathways & Boundaries: Establish clear, even pathways using stepping stones, gravel, or mulch. Define garden bed borders with edging materials to keep soil and plants contained and create clear divisions.

• Functional Zones: Reinforce the distinct zones you identified in Step One – dedicated areas for planting, a comfortable spot for relaxation, and efficient storage.

Step Six: Organise Plants and Beds

Bring order to your greenery for easier maintenance and a tidier look.

• Group Plants: Organise your plants by category (e.g., flowers, herbs, vegetables) to simplify their care and create cohesive visual sections.

• Raised Beds or Containers: Consider incorporating raised garden beds or large containers. These not only better define spaces and reduce visual clutter but also make gardening much more accessible by reducing the need for bending.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to your garden beds. This helps keep them neat, significantly reduces weed growth, and retains moisture, making your garden more low-maintenance.

Step Seven: Add Functional Decor

Enhance your garden's appeal with elements that serve a purpose.

• Minimalist Decor: When choosing garden ornaments or furniture, opt for pieces that are minimal, functional, and add to the overall sense of calm, rather than contributing to clutter.

• Storage Solutions: Look for benches with hidden storage compartments. These are perfect for stowing away small tools, cushions, or other items, keeping your space tidy.

• Lighting: Install solar-powered lights along pathways and in key areas. This not only adds a beautiful ambiance in the evenings but also ensures safety and functionality when moving around after dark.

Step Eight: Maintenance Plan

A little regular attention goes a long way in keeping your garden safe and splendid.

• Regular Cleaning: Schedule routine maintenance tasks. This includes removing dead plants, sweeping paths, and generally tidying up any loose debris.

• Check Tools: After each use, ensure your tools are cleaned and returned to their designated spots. Tools are only effective and safe if they are maintained to do their duty.

• Seasonal Organising: As the seasons change, adjust your plant layouts and storage to accommodate different needs and activities, keeping your garden dynamic and always in top shape.

 

Your garden is a haven for YOU time. An organised, and clutter-free garden is essential for mental health and well-being. It's a place where you can find peace, pursue a rewarding hobby, and connect with nature, all while staying safe and independent in your own home.

 

A garden should be useful, a place where family comes together – maybe an edible garden, a social area, or simply an area to relax in the sun.

 

We want you to love being outdoors!