5 Quick fixes for an ugly backyard

Refresh your yard with a healthier lawn

If your lawn has become patchy or infested with weeds, a simple application of lawn fertiliser and weed killer can help to restore it to a lush, green finish in no time. If you have patches of bare ground in your yard, spread grass seeds to fix these spots, or use roll-out matting that combines grass seeds in biodegradable mulch for an easy fix.

Shed some light on the subject

Lighting can make all the difference between an unattractive yard and a show-stopping backyard space. Small solar lights can be added to walkways, to provide safety at night as well as a lovely feature. If you have some particularly attractive architectural features on your house, or a nice feature tree or planting design, accent it with a small spotlight for a effect. A well-lit yard is also a more secure yard, as outdoor lighting is an overall deterrent for crime.

Add flowers and ornamental plants

Nothing adds colour and beauty to a yard quite like flowers in full bloom. If you already have planting beds around your home, but they have fallen into disrepair and have become overrun with weeds, spend a weekend digging up the beds and plant some ornamental plants and flowers. Choose a variety of plants that will bloom during various times of the year, so that there is always a patch of colour brightening your yard.

Remember that while perennials are easy to care for, since they will grow back every year without the need to replant, they also generally only bloom during a specific time. To extend the beauty of your plantings, use a variety of perennials, mixed in with annuals, which will bloom all summer long.

If you're not much of a green thumb, ask your local nursery for advice on the best types of plants to use. Help to keep your garden beds beautiful and weed-free by using mulch, or by putting down landscaping cloth before planting and mulching.

Hide unsightly fixtures

Most of us have areas in our yard that contain utility service boxes, pipes, well pumps or other eyesores, but that doesn't mean we have to highlight them! Try disguising any unsightly features with landscaping rocks. Sometimes, all it takes is the strategic placement of a few large rocks, combined with tall ornamental grasses or some shrubs, to transform these ugly areas into a beautiful feature spot in your yard.

You can also purchase artificial rocks that are hollow, which are designed to be placed over these types of objects to completely hide them, while still allowing access to them when necessary.

Add a fountain or water feature

Fountains, ponds or other water-based landscaping features can add beauty to your backyard, but be warned: these are not ideal for low-maintenance gardeners. They usually require quite a bit of care and maintenance to keep them running in good order, so don't go to the time and effort of installing a beauitful backyard water feature if you'll only remember to feed the fish once a month.

Installing a water feature can be relatively easy, however. There are kits available that allow you to add a relaxing and beautiful water area to your yard, which can help transform an ugly yard into a showplace. In addition to looking nice, you may also find that the sound of water will be a pleasant addition to your outdoor environment.

Brighten your garden

Sheknows TV shows you how to enhance your garden with these easy to manage, low maintenance flowers.