An area of outside space is an important addition to any property.
Surveys reveal that having a pleasant garden is within the top five of most homebuyer's wish lists, closely following the most frequently desired, well appointed kitchens and bathrooms. A cleverly landscaped and attractive garden can add a premium to any property value and can well become a deal breaker when making a final decision on which property to purchase.
This is also the case when purchasing property abroad. For example, villas with gardens in Puerto Banus in Spain are far more sought after than upper floor apartments with little or no outside space.
A few hours set aside every week to maintain your garden can reap dividends when it comes to its presentation.
Such maintenance would usually involve mowing the lawn once a week in the summer months and trimming hedges perhaps three times a year. Weeding is usually a constant job, but need not be back breaking, provided it is completed on a little and often basis.
Permanent structure within the garden will also need to be maintained. Fences should be treated with creosote or other wood protection preparations, ideally once a year in spring, to prevent rotting and disintegration.