4 Super-easy Ways to Give Your Lawn a Makeover

This is the result of a long phone call and a little envy. Ever notice how, when you start coveting something, you start seeing it everywhere? The marketing gurus call it selective perception.

For as far as I can remember, I've dreamed of a house with a garden and lawns. My childhood home was like that, but from the time I was 9, we've lived in rented houses that didn't really have much scope for a garden, leave alone a lawn. We did indulge in a few potted plants or cultivating a tiny patch in the backyard, but that's about it. I fantasize having a front porch, and a lawn between it and the main gate. I imagine myself enjoying an early morning cup of coffee, bathed by the rays of the rising sun, admiring the flowers that border the lawn and perhaps wondering if I should include mowing the lawn in my to-do list this week.

The closest I have come to this dream is mowing my friend's lawn. Yes, I saw you laughing! But yes, also so many memories of sitting on her front porch or playing in the lawn with her dogs! Sigh.

When she called yesterday, we reminisced about "those days" and she mentioned that her weekend was going to be devoted to giving her lawn a makeover. Sounded like a lot of hard work and sweating, to me. Thing is, she has a ten green fingers...and her toes are probably green too. Everything she touches blooms and flourishes. So I asked her what was on the agenda, and she listed four things. Then, of course, she said, why don't you blog about it?

And here I am, with four tips on how to create a more inviting lawn, for all you lucky folks who have a lawn to bask in. Even if your lawn is looking pretty cool now, these updates might make a big difference! I must mention that it also adds to your home's value. Also, change is so refreshing, whether you are giving your lawn or your house a makeover, don't you agree?

4 tips to give your lawn a makeover

Start with reseeding

My friend notes that the best way to give your lawn a refresh-without tearing it up-is to completely reseed it. Reseeding is something you can certainly do yourself, but a small mistake can lead to larger problems down the road; so seek some professional help to put you on the right track.

Also, you need to be sure you're buying quality grass seed, so find out what seed is best for your part of the country. Chances are, you will need something that blends with your existing yard. My friend lives in North America and uses a company called Nature's Seed; they sell a perennial rygrass seed that blends well with many yards across the region.

Planting

Just a few well-placed plants is all it takes to give your yard a new life. Tall bushes can be used as a frame for your front door or front gate. Planting short shrubs along the perimeter or your yard can act as a fence.

Planting a garden with perennials like roses, daylilies, hyacinth, etc. can give your yard the dash of color that would make a perfect contrast with the lush green of your yard. Can you visualize it?

Decorating

This is my favorite part. Adding a bench, birdbath, or other types of yard decoration that suits your taste can boost the oomph value of your lawn. A bench under the shade of a tree creates a place of gathering-and make for hours of family time, while that same bench next to the garden is somewhere you can just sit and meditate, while you enjoy some mental detox.

Ornamental birdbaths are amazing additions to attract a diverse mix of birds-and you can't deny that watching the wonders of nature is therapeutic.

Raking and Weeding

Perhaps the most postponed activity, but nevertheless the most important-you have to maintain your lawn on an ongoing basis to keep it fresh and healthy. The moment you see a weed, you need to rid your lawn of it before it spreads across the rest of your lawn, no matter how pretty it might look.

And while fallen leaves can make a beautiful fall picture, they block the sun's rays from reaching the lawn. If you ignore them, you will most certainly be left with dead patches of grass alongside the lush green.

The best thing about these four tips is they are affordable. You can reseed your lawn in parts, if you don't have the time or energy to do the entire lawn. Then, planting is as simple as borrowing some cuttings from family and friends. A piece of stem or root from an already established plant can save money. Decorating is another thing that can be done, one thing at a time. Think yard sales where you might find the perfect item.

The greatest thing, for me, working in a garden is the exercise and the complete satisfaction of an enjoyable activity. Watching the lawn take shape is a joy all its own.

So! Do you have a lawn? Any tips to add?

Tell me in the comments!