Spring remains the number one season for selling property and a gorgeous garden plays a big part in that.
But what should sellers looking for a spring sale focus on in the garden?
Landscape designer and horticulturist Lisa Ellis, who runs award-winning Melbourne-based Lisa Ellis Gardens, says the top three things spring sellers should consider are instant turf, fresh herbs and strategic plantings.
She says investing time and money in the garden often sees vendors “rewarded handsomely” on sale day.
Buyers can be won over by attractive outdoor areas. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“Many people in Melbourne recognise the value of having a beautiful garden,” she says.
“We have had a number of clients who have enjoyed auction results well beyond their expectations, and the agents’ feedback has often been that purchasers have been won over with the immediate appeal of decent outdoor spaces.”
A few handy tips for spring sellers…
Here, Ellis explains how sellers can get the best bang for their buck – with the gardening gloves on.
Spring garden tips
1. Add turf for instant impact
Laying instant turf is a great way to create a clean and pared-back look, “where potential buyers can visualise their own possibilities into the space,” Ellis says.
“If you don’t want to spend the money on instant turf, then rejuvenate existing lawns with selective herbicides, followed by applications of sandy loam, lawn seed and turf fertilisers,” she says.
“Keep in mind, you will need to have your lawn mowed weekly during a spring house sale campaign.”
Fresh turf instantly improved this home’s street appeal. Picture: Three Birds Renovations
2. An edible element
Many people love the idea of harvesting herbs for cooking, so adding pots filled with herbs is another great trick, Ellis says.
“We suggest sourcing several generously sized urns in the same shape and colour, though possibly in different sizes, to create designed clusters. Fill the urns with premium-grade potting mix and plant out the urns with an abundant array of herbs like parsley, coriander and basil, along with lettuce and rocket,” she says.
“Plant prostrate (creeping) rosemary and thyme to tumble down the sides and remember: the bigger the urns, the better.”
Buyers love to see fresh herbs in the garden. Picture: Erinna Giblin
3. Audit and mulch garden beds
Ellis recommends doing an audit on all garden beds.
“If you need to refresh garden beds, consider new plants that will do the trick quickly. Rather than planting out small English box plants in a hedge configuration, which won’t form a hedge for several years, consider using plants that are more organic or loose in form to bring a more finished feel immediately upon planting.
Mulch all your garden beds so they look neat and tidy. Picture: Getty Images
“Then mulch all your garden beds for a tidy and uniform effect. We avoid the black-dyed mulch materials and opt for a high-quality mulch called Mulchmaster, available at many garden supply centres,” Ellis says.
