When designing a garden, it is easy to get carried away and include too many features. Good landscaping can produce a stunning look and boost a property's worth. You do not need to break the bank to achieve the ideal garden; instead, it is about choosing items that work well together to create a harmonious, attractive space. However, in an eager attempt to follow the newest trends, many gardeners end up with an area that looks tacky and hastily planned. Here are several items you might want to eliminate from your garden to prevent your outdoor area from diminishing your property's curb appeal.
Too Many Garden Figurines
Garden gnomes or peculiar-looking fairies can undermine the overall appearance of a garden, particularly if you favor a contemporary aesthetic. Gardening expert and CEO of TN Nurseries Tammy Sons said: "Overuse of garden figurines is certainly one of the most common things that make a yard look cheap." She told Home and Gardens: "It is best to avoid using too many bright plastic figurines or decorative accents, as this can appear tacky."
Dated or Damaged Furniture
It is widely acknowledged that modern outdoor furniture demands regular upkeep to keep it looking its best. It comes as little surprise, therefore, that furniture sets which are worn, broken, or covered in moss, algae, or mold can considerably diminish the charm of your outdoor space. Katherine Aul Cervoni, landscaper and founder of Staghorn NYC Design, explained to Livingetc: "Your patio's aesthetic also automatically looks cheaper if you are hanging on to dated or damaged furniture pieces. I do not mean a lovely, antique iron bench. Instead, I mean frayed wicker, rotted inexpensive wood, or scratched, warped, and faded plastic." Rather than simply giving your tired furniture a swift clean or a fresh lick of paint, invest in superior, long-lasting materials to achieve a more elegant finish when buying new garden furniture.
Fountains or Ponds That Are Not Maintained
Water features offer a sensory experience in the garden that swiftly soothes the mind and promotes relaxation for all. Although a bubbling fountain may look peaceful, celebrity landscape designer Stephen Block of Inner Gardens cautioned that keeping fountains and ponds in good condition can prove quite difficult, and if neglected, they can detract from gardens. He told Veranda: "They require special care that your gardener likely will not be able to provide, koi ponds especially. The birds and the raccoons will win." A birdbath, which is far simpler to maintain, might be a more practical alternative. Additionally, it attracts more birds to your garden, offering endless entertainment and pleasure.
Mismatched Materials
Using different landscaping materials to separate garden areas can be appealing. However, this issue often arises when a fresh landscaping feature is introduced to the garden that does not match the existing style. Design experts at Centurion Brands claimed: "Mixed materials in pathways and hardscaping sometimes create a cheap, disorganized look. Rather, it is advisable to select materials that work well together tonally without being overly alike." A unified scheme involves more than just color coordination – texture, scale, and laying pattern all play crucial roles in how materials work together.
Obvious Use of Plastic
Plastic is a "big no-no in the garden," according to Bryan Clayton, landscaping specialist and CEO of GreenPal. He told Gardening Know How: "Whether it is edging, plant markers, or decorative elements, plastic just screams low-budget. It fades, cracks, and just does not age well." He suggested that gardeners would be better served purchasing natural or premium materials that prove durable over time. Plastic is also less environmentally friendly than many alternatives and frequently is not recycled. That said, one of the primary reasons gardeners choose plastic is its cheaper price point. Plastic planters and outdoor furniture, for instance, cost significantly less than ceramic, wooden, metal, or wicker alternatives. An excellent method to reduce material expenses is by selecting pre-loved vintage pieces. They are not only more budget-friendly than new items, but they also bring unique character and a hint of heritage to your garden.
