5 common garden renovation mistakes to avoid

5 common garden renovation mistakes to avoid

Building a garden from scratch is a joyous journey that often becomes a moment of pride for homeowners. From choosing the right plants to understanding where to place them, this process can be tricky. Making the wrong choices here could result in a garden that appears too cluttered or disorganized. Continue reading to learn more about common garden renovation mistakes and how to avoid them to build a space that stands out.

Buying only flowering plants
One of the most common mistakes people make when redoing their gardens is adding too many flowering plants. While these may present a picturesque scene during spring, the garden will end up looking pale and dull through the rest of the year. It could also impact the overall appeal of one’s home. To avoid this, try to pick a variety of plants for the garden that give it a vibrant look all year round. Think of evergreen leaves, summer blossoms, spring colors, and berries in the autumn. Not only will this create a more functional garden, but it will also add some depth by using contrasting shapes and colors.

Using too many intricate shapes and designs
While picking intricate designs sounds like a great idea to elevate the garden’s look, maintaining it can be challenging. Over time, this could end up looking scraggly or messy. Save the trouble and opt for simpler designs, such as simple curves and geometric shapes, with a 50:50 mix of hard and soft landscaping. It can help save a lot of money during renovation and maintenance.

Squeezing in too much
Don’t go overboard when designing the garden. While garden ornaments and furniture like sofas and picnic tables are appealing add-ons to the space, it is necessary to exercise restraint. Adding too many items can make the space appear cluttered and difficult to use.

Before starting on the renovation, take some time to reflect and plan the space out. Start by understanding how the space will be used. For instance, families with children may want a space for the little ones to play, while others may want to build a peaceful area with a reading nook. Use this as a guide to building the dream garden, and think of things that would look lovely throughout the year. Try to limit the number of colors to three or use the same materials in different areas of the garden while doing so. It will help create a functional space that flows well.

Treating the garden as separate from the home
The flow is not limited to the garden alone; it begins with the house. Since the garden space is an extension of one’s home, one must give it as much importance as the house’s interior space to complement its architecture. In bigger gardens, one can achieve this by creating focal points or patios in styles that align with the house’s windows and doors.

Skimping on borders
Many homeowners also opt for extremely thin flowerbeds on the borders, thinking these would require less maintenance. However, this can ruin the finish of the garden and increase overhang. Instead, opt for low-maintenance plants like shrubs that can add the necessary structure and color to the borders.

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5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage - endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too - ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesn’t have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If you’re not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring You’d be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely. Window treatments This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design. 

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5 mistakes to avoid to prevent water scarcity

The growing issue of water scarcity is no secret. With the rise of global warming and the ever-growing demand for natural resources, this problem poses a significant threat to humanity. While governments and other international bodies tackle this at a global scale, there are plenty of steps one can take to avoid water waste at a personal level. Read on to learn about five mistakes to avoid to prevent water shortages and other related problems. Failing to fix leaks Leaks in the showers, faucets, and even the toilet could result in the wastage of over 100 gallons of water per day. Not only can this rack up one’s water bills, but it can also cause significant environmental damage. Start by fixing all the leaks around the house. Not investing in rainwater harvesting Employing sustainable water management techniques at home can also be a great way to save water and reduce one’s bills. One way to do this is by setting up rainwater harvesting equipment. This process can allow the water table to recharge by moving the surface water to groundwater. Those who aren’t keen on setting up major equipment in their homes can invest in a rain barrel or a water butt to collect and conserve rainwater and reduce utility bills. Ignoring water-efficient bathroom accessories Another mistake people make is overlooking the use of water-efficient bathroom accessories such as pressure-reducing valves, WaterSense-labeled faucets, high-efficiency toilets, etc. Installing these accessories can help conserve water and further reduce per-household water consumption by over 20%. Forgetting to check water faucets and pipes for leaks While fixing leaky faucets is important to conserve water, it is not enough. Even a small drip from a worn washer can result in the wastage of over 20 gallons of water per day. That is why people must also actively check their faucets and pipes for any signs of leaks. Here are some tips:  - Watch out for any damp spots around the walls or tiles, and have them inspected promptly.  - Add a few drops of food coloring to the flush tank. If this seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, it indicates that the toilet is leaking and could waste over 100 gallons of water daily. Get it checked and fixed by a plumber as soon as possible.  - Turn off all the water faucets in the home and then check the water meter (after a couple of hours). If it is still running, there could be a water leak. Taking long showers Long showers and baths also result in a lot of water wastage. Reducing one’s shower even by just a minute per day can help conserve over 150 gallons of water annually. The solution to this is simple - take quick, short showers. Turn off the faucet while soaping up, and turn it back on to rise. Alternatively, consider getting a shower bucket to reduce water wastage. Not only can this cut down on water usage in the shower, but the graywater saved during the process could be recycled to wash the bathroom floors or the outside areas. Similarly, avoid letting the faucet run while shaving or brushing the teeth, as this could help save over 150 gallons of water per week.

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Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

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