Top tips for maintaining your Auckland garden this summer

Before you start planting or making any changes, give your garden a thorough clean-up. Remove any dead leaves, weeds, or debris that have accumulated over the colder months. Prune back overgrown hedges and trees, and trim away any dead or damaged branches. Clearing out the old will make way for new growth and allow your Auckland garden to flourish.

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. After winter, your soil might be compacted or lacking in nutrients, so it’s important to give it some attention. Loosen the soil by aerating it, and mix in organic compost or a good-quality fertilizer to boost nutrient levels. This will ensure your plants have everything they need to thrive as the weather warms up.

Soil variety and quality varies throughout Auckland depending on which suburb you live in. It’s important to know what works best for your area. Our Garden Maintenance team can advise you on the best course of action. We have many happy garden clients on the North Shore from Devonport to Birkenhead and are the experts when it comes to the volcanic clay soil in gardens around Mt Eden and Ponsonby.

With the summer heat on the way, keeping moisture in the soil is crucial. Mulching your garden beds helps prevent evaporation, keeping the soil cool and conserving water. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or straw, around your plants. This not only helps retain moisture but also suppresses weed growth, making your garden easier to maintain.

Just a warning, not all Auckland mulch is created equal! It’s best to ask our gardening service experts for advice before proceeding.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your garden with vibrant plants that thrive in warm weather. Consider adding drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, succulents, or ornamental grasses, which will continue to look good even during dry spells. For color, summer blooms like dahlias, marigolds, petunias, and geraniums are great choices.

If you’re not sure what will thrive in your Auckland garden, we can put together a planting plan for you. The Blackbird landscape designers are happy to assist.

Gallery from left: Garden Maintenance in Herne Bay, Lawn & hedge care in Remuera, Topiary & hedge shaping in Ponsonby

Watering is key during summer, but it’s important to do it efficiently. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation during the hottest parts of the day. The Blackbird Garden Maintenance Team are known as the best in the business when it comes to garden irrigation. We have instilled countless irrigation systems throughout Auckland and are currently working on some large projects in Herne Bay. We recommend you get in touch for a quote. Investing in a good watering system is well worth it.

Your lawn can take a beating during the hot summer months, so it’s important to up your lawn care program. Mow your lawn regularly but avoid cutting the grass too short—leaving it a bit longer helps retain moisture and prevents the soil from drying out. Apply a slow-release fertilizer and consider watering your lawn in the early morning to keep it healthy and green all summer long.

Auckland is famous for its Kikuyu grass lawns and these require some extra TLC when it comes to garden maintenance.

Gallery from left: Full garden service in Devonport, Tropical garden maintenance in Mission Bay

At Blackbird Projects, we specialise in garden maintenance and know exactly how to get your outdoor space ready for the summer season. Whether you need help with triming, lawn care, pest control, or a complete garden refresh, our team of Auckland experts is here to make sure your garden looks its best all summer long. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s make your garden summer-ready!

For a free consultation, give us a call today on 0800 30 30 11 or fill out our online enquiry form below and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.