Overly Large or Flashy Sculptures
Many people consider their gardens an exciting and even playful place to be. Dinosaur enthusiasts, for example, might be tempted to combine their love of prehistoric creatures with their garden. Adding a sculpture here and there might not seem like it could do much harm, but there is a fine line between natural beauty and amusement park vibes. Therefore, when considering getting themed sculptures, it is vital to take a minimalist approach.
By choosing wisely, themed sculptures can add to the garden's aesthetic without making it seem like visitors have stepped into a strange version of Jurassic Park.
Synthetic Flowers Don't Make Your Garden Blossom
Many homeowners crave a bit of color in the garden, but maintaining a colorful flower bed can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. Therefore, thinking synthetic flowers can take the work out of a colorful garden isn't a ludicrous thought. However, this is an area that should be explored with caution. If a gardener overdoes the amount of synthetic flowers, the garden can look quite unnatural and cheap.
If you really want synthetic flowers, go for those with natural colors and movement. This is definitely not the vibe you want in your garden.
Several Planting Styles Can Look Chaotic
Plants are a big part of any garden. They add color, textures, and aesthetic appeal. Most garden plants boost a garden's appearance, but this isn't always the case. Unfortunately, not all planting styles mix well. If a gardener embraces several gardening styles, the garden may appear messy and chaotic. To avoid this, experts suggest sticking to a primary style. Consider the types of plants that grow well in your area.
The general rule with gardening is to take a simplistic approach, and this means not overindulging in a variety of plants that just don't fit together. Even though this might seem restrictive, it is good advice for a beautiful garden.
Color Schemes That Assault the Senses
No two people are exactly the same. Therefore, it is only natural that people have different tastes when it comes to their gardens. While some people love a clean and minimalistic approach, others prefer to add a touch of color, which isn't necessarily bad. The problem comes in if that 'touch of color' becomes quite heavyhanded. By including garden furniture, appliances, or ornaments that are overly colorful, you remove the focus from the garden's natural beauty. Instead, you end up with a garden that is quite unsettling and full of sensory overload.
If you enjoy adding a bit of color to your garden, choose colors that add to the garden's appeal and blend into nature.
Oversized Fountains Bring the Garden's Appeal Down
Even though water can be a soothing element for any garden, the means you choose to bring water into your garden make a tremendous difference. Gardens with massive fountains can be overshadowed by them, leaving little room for admiring the natural beauty of the garden space. Having a fountain can be very advantageous for any garden, but as with most things, moderation is key. If you have an eye on a fountain and are concerned with its size, try measuring it first before committing.
The ideal water fountain is noticeable but does not draw all the attention. The sound of water flowing gently is preferred over powerful gushes.
Bicycles Belong on the Street, Not in the Garden
There was a craze where everyone wanted a bicycle planter in their garden. There was something so romantic about the idea of a bicycle being covered in vines or colorful flowers. While having one bicycle planter in the garden could work, care needs to be taken, or it can quickly look quite kitsch. Unfortunately, the bicycles chosen to be converted to bicycle planters haven't always been treated against the elements, so you end up with a rusty bicycle.
Having a bicycle planter that looks worse for wear can easily make your garden appear neglected. And honestly, it looks quite cheap and tacky.
Be Very Careful When Buying Artificial Turf - Make Sure the Color Looks Natural
Anyone who has struggled to keep grass green and healthy will agree that sometimes going the artificial route is quite an attractive option. While there is no denying that throwing down artificial turf is the easy and low-maintenance way to go, it is important not to overdo it. That being said, not all artificial turfs are created equal. If you have decided to choose artificial turf instead of natural grass, it is a good idea to shop around before committing.
When shopping for artificial turf, consider the color. If the turf's color is unnaturally green, it will make your garden appear quite fake, even if you have many trees and plants to boost its natural look.
Decorative Crates Can Look Unorganized
Oh, the irony. People generally choose to use crates to get things in order and become more organized. While crates work wonders in day-to-day life to keep things together and organized, they don't always have the same result in the garden. The main reason behind this is that the crates might not necessarily be the same size, style, or color. If different crates have been combined in a garden, it can look very disorganized. Another factor is that they need to be mounted.
These crates might suffer wear and tear as time passes, and the garden looks unorganized and neglected.
Insufficient Waterproofing Takes a Toll
It is easy to have a love-hate relationship with water in the garden. On the one hand, your garden wouldn't be what it is without the wonder of water. On the other hand, water can be a painful enemy that destroys wooden structures, causes mold, and quickens the fading of furniture. If you live in a very rainy or humid area, it is important to consider the effects of long-term exposure to water on your garden. Choosing wooden furniture, for example, might not be the best idea.
People who live in an area with moderate or little rain or humidity should still make a point of adding sufficient waterproofing to their gardens.
Massive Beanbags Can Make Your Garden Look Messy
Everyone likes a comfortable space in the garden where they can unwind. As a result, many people consider investing in beanbags for their gardens. While this might sound like a great plan, there is something essential that needs to be kept in mind. When left outdoors, beanbags can quickly become faded and dirty, easily making your garden seem neglected. They also don't always blend nicely with a garden's appearance, causing a disconnect between the garden and the seating arrangement.
Choosing a more practical outdoor seating option that is waterproof and won't fade is better. Outdoor stores have an excellent variety of furniture that won't destroy your garden's appeal.
Water Features That Scream Kitsch
We all know at least one person with a weakness for water fountains. There is no denying that something is satisfying and soothing about them. In fact, the sound of running water is known to make people feel more at ease, so having a water fountain isn't a bad idea. However, the execution of the idea could be a potential problem. These days, gardeners can pick and choose their water fountains because the selection seems endless.
When choosing a water fountain, it is important to go for something stylish that will blend in well with the rest of your garden. Say no to overly colorful and plastic-looking water features.
Avoid Putting Borders Around Every Single Plant - Less Is More
Many people love the appeal of a plant border, so they might use rocks or bricks to build a border around a plant. If this appears once or twice in a garden, it can look cute and well-executed. The issue comes in when all the plants have their own borders. Having multiple borders in a garden can make the garden look more like a building site than a natural haven. The focus of a garden should be the natural elements instead of manmade elements.
Gardeners who enjoy building borders for their unique plants should keep moderation in mind. There's no need for double borders, no matter the scenario.
A Messy Edge Spoils the Overall Appeal
Most gardeners will agree that lawn mowing can be tedious, especially in the summer. However, if this task is neglected, it can result in a messy look when your garden's grass becomes overgrown. Therefore, it is something that should be maintained year-round. If you find that it is challenging to keep up with your garden's needs, consider hiring help. These days, it is easy to connect to gardening services because of the help of technology.
Either get into the habit of mowing your lawn regularly or spend some cash on the problem and hire the pros to deal with it.
Concrete Edging Isn't Always the Answer
Concrete is a very versatile and useful material with many benefits. It is affordable, durable, and doesn't require much maintenance. However, it doesn't do much for your garden's aesthetics. In fact, concrete can make a garden look relatively cheap and neglected. As a result, it is a good idea to limit your use of concrete in the garden. It is quite a far cry from a natural-looking material that belongs in the garden. Gardeners who yearn for something structured in the garden should rather consider natural stone.
Before choosing to use concrete in your garden, consider your options. It is a better idea to go for a more natural option.
Painted Plants Are a Hard No
The entire idea of having plants in your garden is to enhance your garden's natural splendor. If a gardener begins painting their plants, the concept is missed entirely. Not only will your garden look unnatural, but your plants will not live very long. Paint makes it impossible for plants to get sufficient sunlight, water, and air supply. It is simply not a good idea to paint your plants. Invest in flowery plants if you long for some color in your garden.
Let's leave the paintbrushes away from the garden and embrace the natural beauty of the bushes, plants, and trees that surround us.
Contrasting Garden Textures
There is a lot of room in a garden for experimentation and fun. These days, we have access to a variety of things that can add garden textures. Even though people should feel free to explore these textures, it is crucial to be aware that mixing garden textures might not have a positive outcome. If a garden is filled with contrasting garden textures, it can be difficult to know what the garden's aesthetic really is. It can be quite overwhelming and appear unorganized.
It is a good idea to think about it carefully before adding garden textures, especially if you already have some aspects in your garden.
Let Tires Be Tires
In the '80s, many people enjoyed the idea of adding tires to their gardens. These elements seemed to be everything we longed for in garden tools: versatile, durable, and easy to maneuver. However, the drawbacks concerning tires in the garden greatly overshadow the positives. They don't look natural, and as a result, they will decrease your garden's natural appeal. They are also uncomfortable to sit on, and they can become very hot to the touch on a sunny day.
It is best to leave the trend of the garden filled with tires in the '80s where it belongs. Instead, invest in more modern tools and elements.
Avoid Garden Furniture That Just Doesn't Match
Those of us who are lucky enough to have a garden space suitable for outdoor dining should consider our outdoor furniture carefully. Choosing the wrong furniture can instantly decrease your garden's appeal. By adding random pieces of furniture to your garden, your garden will simply appear as if it is an afterthought. There was a trend where people mish-mashed different chairs and tables for an eclectic look. But this leaves a lot to be desired.
If you are eager to invest in outdoor furniture, look online before buying because there are endless terrific ideas online.
Walk Away From Excessive Stone Walkways
Stone walkways have become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more people adding these elements to their gardens. Not only can these walkways decrease your garden's curb appeal, but they bring their own downsides, too. Firstly, they can be tricky to walk on, especially at night. Depending on the type of stone you choose, rainy days can be tricky if the stones are slippery. They can also be a breeding ground for moss or fungi.
If you want to add a walkway to your garden, visit your local outdoor store for advice on which stones to choose. Alternatively, you can consider getting a landscaper.
Oh, the Light Is Much Too Bright!
Outdoor lighting can do wonders for a garden, turning a dull garden into a night-time natural backdrop filled with ambiance and excitement. While investing in some lights for the garden is a great idea, it is vital to keep a balance. Having too many lights or randomly paired lights in a garden can make it look distasteful and overwhelming. Overly bright lights can also alter the experience and make a social session in the garden quite awkward.
Fortunately, the selection of lights available these days is extraordinary, so gardeners can choose lights that will boost their garden's night-time appeal without going overboard.
Place Your Mirrors in the Bathroom, Not the Garden
One of the reasons we love gorgeous garden spaces is that they invite natural beauty and elements in. If you add mirrors to your garden, you might end up creating a garden that leaves a bad taste in your visitors' mouths. Not only will mirrors create a delusional image of your garden, but they can also create an artificial flow of light that is just not the look you want in a garden. It can also confuse small animals and birds if you have mirrors in your garden.
It is best to keep your mirrors in the home where they belong. Instead, take a more natural approach to your garden.
Troughs Belong on the Farm, Not the Garden
Sometimes, gardeners like to take a practical approach, and this is a great example. However, practicality doesn't always result in a fabulous garden appeal. Even though we can understand the temptation of using troughs to plant small plants, bushes, or flowering plants, these large containers don't really scream style. Instead, they tend to have more of an industrial appearance that might make your garden look unappealing. In addition to this, they might not last well if you live in an area that is quite humid.
Gardeners who want big planters should avoid troughs, as these large containers do little to improve a home's curb appeal.
Less Is More When It Comes to Fairy Gardens
There is something intriguing about fairies; therefore, it isn't surprising that fairy gardens are popular worldwide. While a small area that has elements of a fairy garden can make your garden seem magical and mysterious, it is important not to overdo it. If an area seems cluttered with fairy-themed stuff, it will destroy the whole sentiment. Instead, if a fairy garden is done in moderation, it can spark the imagination of anyone who visits the garden.
If a fairy garden interests you, it is best to take the less is more approach. As you build up your fairy garden, you can add subtle elements so that it remains tasteful.
Mismatched Blossoms Can Be a Cluttered Mess
Flowers add a lot of fun, color, and excitement to a garden, so having them in your garden isn't a bad idea. However, flowerbeds that are crowded with mismatched flowers can be quite an assault on the eyes. In fact, these types of flowerbeds tend to look cluttered and overdone. In this case, something meant to add some natural color and beauty becomes a negative. Sticking to flowers that blend together more cohesively is better because your flowerbeds won't seem chaotic.
When you plan your flowerbed, consider the size of the plants and leave enough space for them to grow. Nothing looks worse than an overcrowded garden.
Going Overboard With the Lawn Ornaments
The 80s saw a rise in the popularity of lawn ornaments, resulting in everyone getting a set of garden gnomes or decorative rocks. However, the fad passed quickly, and ornaments around the world were discarded. Naturally, there are still people who enjoy the fun that garden ornaments provide, which is why you can still find them at your local gardening store. It is fair to say that a lawn ornament or two can add a bit of color and flair to your home's exterior.
If your guests need to take a second look because your home looks like a forest of plastic animals and plants, the time might have come to downscale the ornaments. Often, the minimalist approach works wonders.
Keep Your Hubcaps on the Car
We all know at least one person who loves an endless overflow of color. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a colorful life, there are limits in the garden. If these limits are exceeded, the garden will look artificial, kitsch, and cheap. A big no-no in the garden is adding painted hubcaps. Even though these things are durable and solid, they just don't belong in a natural space... Or anywhere other than on your car or in an auto shop.
If you are hoping to boost your garden's colorful appearance, try more natural approaches instead. Perhaps some flower pots or planters instead?
Carve The Thanksgiving Turkey, Not the Trees
Treecarving is a trend that should be avoided in the garden. There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, it is not good for your trees. Secondly, it takes away from your garden's natural appeal. Thirdly, it just doesn't look as good as a natural tree. It is best to leave your trees to grow in peace. If a special event is coming up and you want your garden to have a thrilling touch, consider hanging banners that can easily be removed.
The harm done to a tree during tree carving can't be undone, so it is best to avoid this altogether.
Multiple Themes Can Cause Sensory Overload
Keen gardeners might be enthusiastic about choosing a theme for their garden. There are several fantastic themes to choose from, including a zen garden, a garden inspired by a tropical oasis, or window-box gardens. While these themes can make your garden stand out, mixing themes can have the opposite effect. For example, here, a homeowner has chosen to mix a tropical oasis-inspired garden with a zen garden. This fusion doesn't really work well.
The calmness of the zen garden is interrupted by the other theme. Therefore, if a specific theme appeals to you, embrace it and stick to it.
Including A Pub Shed Can Be Disastrous
Many people enjoy a relaxing drink after a long day at the office. If those people also enjoy having their favorite cocktail in the garden, it makes sense to have a pub or bar in the garden. This way, you get the ultimate fusion. However, this concept is easier said than done. In fact, it is easy to ruin your garden's appeal by jumping into this idea too quickly. If your bar or pub area doesn't blend nicely with the rest of your garden, it will look out of place.
Furthermore, if your bar or pub is intended to be noisy, it will disturb the peace that is usually associated with a garden space.
Trust Your Gut When It Comes to Landscapers
There are many landscapers who make a great living transforming gardens around the world. Even though many of them are highly talented, there are some that might leave your garden in a worse state than before. It can be disappointing to pay money just to have your garden's appeal decline even more. How can this be avoided? Well, set up a meeting with your prospective landscaper and discuss what you want.
If you feel that your prospective landscaper might not share your vision or keep making suggestions that don't fit your style or taste, you might need to consider someone else for the job.
Covering Unsightly Walls Can Make a Huge Difference
We don't always have complete control over the elements in our garden. A good example of a situation where we might have the power to transform our gardens the way we'd like is if we share a wall with our neighbors. What can you do if that wall is not your style at all? A good approach might be to try and cover up the wall in natural ways. We understand that this could be costly or time-consuming, but an effective cover-up can make a phenomenal difference.
If you have a wall that you want to cover, consider plants, flowers, or vines that will not be too difficult to keep alive.
Not All Mulch Is Created Equal
No one will deny that there is a lot of use for good-quality mulch. In fact, adding rich mulch could save a garden that is on the verge of dying. Even though mulch can be a game-changer, it needs to be used correctly, or it can drastically affect your garden's appeal. Cheaper mulch may look quite barren, causing your garden to look pretty unappealing. That is why we aren't saying to avoid mulch, but rather to consider the quality of the mulch you invest in.
If you use different types of mulch, the colors might not match, which can look quite messy. Therefore, do research before committing to using mulch.
Underestimating the Space Plants Need to Grow
When you start your garden, planting as much as possible is tempting. However, this can have disastrous effects down the line. One of the most common problems landscapers face today is the tendency of gardeners to misjudge the amount of space needed for plants to grow. Once this has happened, it can mean several things. Firstly, the plant and its surrounding plants could suffer from insufficient water and space to grow. Getting sufficient air circulation can also be a challenge.
To avoid this common problem, it is essential to research and consider how much space each plant in your garden will need before planting them.
Problematic Pebbles
Over the years, there have been crazes when pebbles were extremely popular. Even though they can add some appeal to a garden when used correctly, it is important to keep their drawbacks in mind before covering your garden with pebbles. Firstly, it can be hard to move over them. On rainy days, they can be quite slippery. They also cause your garden to be uneven, making the use of garden furniture pretty challenging. They can also provide the ideal space for roots to grow.
If you are considering placing pebbles in your garden, first try a patch and give it time. After a few weeks, if you are still eager to have them, follow your heart.
Geometric Precision Isn't Natural
We all know that things don't tend to be precisely geometrical in nature, which is a large part of nature's beauty. If nature isn't perfectly geometric, why should our gardens be? By being too geometric in your approach to gardening, you might end up with the opposite effect of what you hope to achieve. Your garden might appear to be fake, unnatural, and rigid. Put away your ruler and trust your eyes for a less artificial appearance.
The natural way plants lean or grass grows makes our gardens unique and wonderful. We shouldn't try to control these elements.
Plastic Yard Chairs Are an Unsightly Pain
There is most likely no one who will say that they don't understand the convenience of the plastic yard chair. There are many benefits to their chairs. They are affordable, durable, and easy to move around. However, these chairs come with drawbacks, too. They aren't very attractive, and when you sit in them for an extended period of time, you'll agree that they aren't very comfortable either. They also tend to stain. In extreme weather, they can be dangerous as winds can easily blow them around.
If you can consider other options, do so. Your local outdoor store should have a great selection of outdoor chairs. Rather have no chairs than have cheap plastic chairs.
Glow-In-The-Dark Should Be Kept in the Dark
Anyone who has ever enjoyed a rave will remember the excessive use of glow-in-the-dark elements. There is nothing natural about using glow-in-the-dark, so keeping it far from your garden is best. Gardeners who hope to add some fun elements to their garden by adding glow-in-the-dark items will miss the mark every time. Unless you're an 8 year old child, this type of lighting will fall short of the mark.
Instead of using these things, rather invest in some good quality lights. Not only will they look more festive, but they will also boost your garden's night-time ambiance.
Exotic Plants Can Be Challenging
We understand that sometimes gardeners long for their gardens to stand out. However, there are right ways and wrong ways to achieve this. Choosing plants that don't naturally grow in the area where you live can be a decision that you might regret. Not only is there a likelihood that the exotic plant you've chosen will struggle to grow in an unfamiliar area, but there is also a chance that the plant might negatively affect your other plants. Many exotic plants can steal other plants' water supply or overshadow them.
If you are eager to add some exciting elements to your garden, consider choosing unique plants that grow well in your area. Discuss your options with an expert at your local nursery.
Unsightly Draining Systems
Sometimes, our gardens need some extra help because of their elevation, temperatures, or the plants growing in them. If the water supply is excessive, the logical decision is to choose to add a draining system to the garden. Having an efficient draining system can save a garden from the devastating effects of overwatering or excessive groundwater. While adding a draining system is not a bad idea, how it is executed will make all the difference. When a draining system is obvious, bulky, and unsightly, it can cause a garden to look quite cheap and messy.
If your garden needs a draining system and you are nervous about what it might look like, consider hiring a professional to help you install it.
A Garden With Irregular Vibrancy
We've all seen gardens with gorgeous plants but nearly dead grass, or vice versa. If your garden includes multiple elements, the downfall of one of these elements can do quite a bit of damage to its overall appearance. Even if your grass looks gorgeous, a dying flowerbed will draw the eye, making your garden look quite depressing. How can this be avoided? The key is in the planning much like the devil is in the details.
Before you begin gardening, consider the plants that will do well in your area. There is no point in trying to keep something alive that just can't flourish where you live.