Garden: Restoring Gardens
By Tessa Holm
The GGG Garden about a month after restorations began. The overgrowth was mostly removed and we dug up our garden path tiles that had sunk!
Stepping foot in the Gauchos Go Green Garden after the summer away was like opening a neglected cabinet in your kitchen and all the contents spilling out. In just three months, all our hard work from the previous year had turned into an overgrowth of weeds and shrubs. Wild weeds spilled out onto the path, while the planter boxes lay bare. It was clear the GGG garden needed to be restored.
A well-maintained yard isn’t just a treat for the eyes, it’s a habitat and a way to grow fresh, sustainable food. Whether you’re starting from scratch like we did this year or revitalizing a neglected space, these four essential steps will help you transform your yard into a thriving oasis.
Before any great masterpiece begins, you need a blank canvas. Start by clearing your yard of any debris, fallen leaves, and overgrowth that’s accumulated. Tackle overgrowth by pruning back unruly bushes and pulling out weeds. Once the area is tidied up, take a step back and assess what you’re working with. Are there existing features you’d like to keep, like mature trees or flower beds? Identifying these elements will set the stage for your vision.
Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Once your canvas is clear, turn your attention to the foundation of your garden: the earth. If it’s within your budget you can test your soil’s pH or if that’s too expensive, just turn over your soil by adding compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and improve its structure. This extra step ensures that your plants will not just survive, but that they will thrive!
Choosing the right plants for your yard can make the biggest difference between a flourishing garden and constant frustration. Research which plants are best suited to your climate, taking into account the amount of sunlight and rainfall your yard receives. Be mindful of the seasons, too. Cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots thrive in the fall, while juicy fruits like strawberries and peaches love the summer sun. By aligning your plant choices with your environment, you set your garden up for success.
Lastly, the secret to a long-lasting, beautiful yard is consistency. Create a maintenance schedule to stay on top of weeding, pruning, watering, and fertilizing. Regular upkeep prevents overgrowth and spares you the hassle of starting from scratch again. A little attention every week can save you hours of hard labor and is well worth the time.
Two of our Garden Interns, Calvin (far left) and Jack (far right), and a few volunteers helping clean up the GGG Garden during Garden Day (11/15)!
Transforming your yard doesn’t happen overnight, but with these four steps, you’ll see steady progress and enjoy the rewards of a beautiful, functional outdoor space. Whether you’re aiming for a flower-filled retreat, or a food garden, the key is thoughtful preparation and consistent care. Ready to dig in? Your dream garden awaits!
