Garden projects made simple - Part 3: Clear, Store & Relax

After reclaiming and redefining your outdoor space in Part 1, and refreshing beds, lawns, and lounging zones in Part 2, it’s time to tackle the tasks that keep everything running smoothly — and looking great.

This stage of your garden journey is all about upkeep, clever storage, and creating a more enjoyable space for daily life.

From dealing with stubborn weeds to organising garden gear or upgrading your outdoor seating area, these projects make a visible difference without demanding a full renovation.

Each task is manageable in a weekend, rewarding to complete, and easy to build on over time.

In this edition of Garden Projects Made Simple, we’ll cover:

Tackle weeds the smart way
Clear paths, patios, and planting areas by combining selective or total weed killers with long-term prevention. Use landscape fabric under gravel, bark, or decorative stone to suppress regrowth and tidy up neglected zones. Less weeding, more enjoying.

Organise and protect your garden gear
A little organisation goes a long way. Outdoor storage boxes, waterproof tarps, sturdy buckets, and compact shelving help keep everything clean, dry, and ready to use. A tidy space makes every job easier.

Upgrade your outdoor living area
Create a more inviting garden retreat by refreshing your outdoor seating area. Clean and repair your garden furniture, set up a BBQ zone, or add warmth with a fire pit or patio heater. With just a few touches, you’ll extend your season outdoors and make the most of every fine evening.

Like before, each section comes with step-by-step guidance, real-world tips, and optional ideas to help you get the most from your space.

Let’s start by getting your garden into shape:

PROJECT IDEA 7 - Tackle weeds the smart way

Weeds are an unwelcome but inevitable part of gardening.

They not only spoil the look of paths, lawns, and borders but can also compete with your plants for nutrients and water.

Knowing how to tackle them effectively can save hours of frustration and help your garden flourish.

Why do weeds keep coming back?

Even if you remove weeds by hand, their seeds or roots often remain in the soil, ready to sprout again.

Many weeds spread quickly, taking advantage of gaps in paving or disturbed soil. Without ongoing management, they can soon take over beds and borders.

When should you use weedkillers — and which ones?

For many gardeners, the idea of using chemicals raises questions: Will it harm my other plants? Is it safe for pets and children?

The truth is, selective weedkillers designed specifically for lawns, such as Lawn Weedkiller Dicophar, target broadleaf weeds but don’t damage grass.

This means you can treat unwanted weeds without risking your lawn’s health.

For stubborn patches on patios or gravel where nothing should grow, natural alternatives like strong white vinegar offer an effective, less harsh option — but it’s important to apply these on dry, calm days and avoid spraying near desirable plants, as vinegar is non-selective and can damage anything it touches.

How can I prevent weeds from returning?

Killing weeds once is rarely enough. The best results come from combining treatment with prevention.

One of the most effective ways to stop weeds reappearing in borders and gravel paths is by using a woven weed membrane beneath your mulch or stones.

This barrier blocks light, which most weed seeds need to germinate, while still allowing water and air to pass through — supporting healthy soil underneath.

Covering the membrane with a layer of decorative chips or polished pebbles not only improves the look but adds extra protection against weeds breaking through.

What tools help make the job easier?

Clearing overgrown or large areas by hand can be tiring.

For tougher jobs, a petrol-powered brushcutter or a versatile multi-functional garden tool with a strimmer attachment can save a lot of effort and time.

Once cleared, regular maintenance helps prevent weeds from taking hold again.

A simple lawn edger can keep lawn borders sharp and reduce weed spread from surrounding areas.

For lawn upkeep, using a robot lawnmower can encourage a denser, healthier grass cover — which naturally crowds out many weeds.

How often should I treat weeds?

Weed control is rarely a one-time fix.

You’ll usually need to treat weeds as soon as you spot them, especially in spring and early summer when growth is rapid.

Regularly inspecting your garden and acting early helps keep weed problems manageable and prevents them from spreading.

Optional project: build and use your own compost

Creating your own compost is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to improve your garden’s health.

By recycling kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and garden waste, you produce nutrient-rich material that boosts soil fertility, improves moisture retention, and encourages stronger plant growth.

A healthy soil environment helps plants compete better against weeds, meaning less time spent pulling unwanted growth.

Compost also works as a natural mulch, blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds and improving the overall structure of your borders and beds.

Starting a compost heap doesn’t require much space or specialist knowledge.

For most gardens, a 220 Litre Composter is ideal — compact enough to fit discreetly in a corner but large enough to produce a steady supply of compost.

Position it in a well-drained, sunny spot and add a balanced mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.

Turning the compost regularly speeds up decomposition and reduces odours.

Using your own compost not only saves money on fertilisers but also helps reduce waste sent to landfill.

It’s a straightforward project with benefits that ripple through your entire garden, making it healthier, greener, and easier to maintain.

PROJECT IDEA 8 - Organise and protect your garden gear

A cluttered garden shed or scattered tools can quickly turn simple jobs into frustrating tasks.

Whether it’s pruning shears, outdoor cushions, children’s toys, or bags of compost, keeping everything organised and protected makes a big difference.

Why does garden organisation matter?

When tools and equipment are left out in the open, they’re more likely to get damaged, dirty, or misplaced.

Rain and damp conditions can cause rust or mildew, while a lack of storage space means items get buried and forgotten.

This not only wastes time searching but can also mean replacing gear unnecessarily.

Choosing the right storage solutions

For those with a dedicated garden space, investing in a weatherproof shed like the Keter Manor Pent Shed 6x4ft or the Keter Max Store It Out Shed provides a secure, dry spot to keep everything tidy.

These sheds are designed to withstand the elements and give you plenty of room for larger equipment, bicycles, and garden furniture cushions.

If space is limited, smaller solutions such as a 300 Litre Garden Storage Box offer a compact alternative for storing smaller tools, seeds, or seasonal accessories, keeping them clean and protected without taking up much room.

Protecting gear from the elements

Sometimes you just need a quick, flexible way to shield items from rain or sun.

Heavy-duty tarpaulins are ideal for covering garden furniture, stacked bags of compost, or even firewood, preventing damage and extending their lifespan.

Optional project: Making the most of your storage space

Maximising storage in your shed or garage doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a few simple steps, you can transform a cramped, cluttered space into an organised and efficient area.

Step 1: Plan your space

Start by clearing out the area and taking stock of what you need to store.

Grouping similar items together — such as hand tools in one box and watering equipment in another — helps create a logical system.

This will guide where shelving or hooks are most needed.

Step 2: Choose suitable shelving

Robust metal shelf units are ideal for heavier items like bags of compost or garden tools.

For flexibility, wall-mounted options like Red Deal Panelling Boards or Chipboard Panels for shelves, wall shelf uprights, shelf brackets, and Element System Shelf U-Brackets allow you to adjust shelf heights according to your needs.

Step 3: Install shelves thoughtfully

Place frequently used items on shelves at eye level for easy access.

Store seasonal or rarely used items higher up.

Using clear containers or labelling boxes clearly makes it easier to find what you need without rummaging.

Be sure to keep sharp or heavy tools stored safely, especially out of reach of children.

Step 4: Maintain and protect your gear

Check your storage areas regularly for signs of damage or damp.

Cleaning your tools and equipment before putting them away helps prevent rust and prolongs their lifespan.

Keeping the space tidy also reduces the risk of pests and makes gardening more enjoyable.

PROJECT IDEA 9 - Upgrade your outdoor living area

Turning your garden into a welcoming space doesn’t require a major overhaul.

A few thoughtful improvements can dramatically change how you use and enjoy the space — from relaxed family dinners to peaceful morning coffees or evening chats around the fire.

Refresh seating for comfort and function

Outdoor furniture takes a beating from the weather, especially during an Irish winter.

Start by giving your existing seating a good clean — mild soapy water and a soft brush often do the trick.

Tighten any loose fittings, refresh cushions, or apply a protective treatment where needed.

You’ll be surprised how much life you can bring back with a few simple steps.

For a more dramatic update, consider repainting tired surfaces with Frenchic Al Fresco Indoor or Outdoor Furniture Paint — a versatile, eco-friendly option that’s smooth, low-odour, and ideal for both wood and metal furniture.

If some pieces are beyond repair or no longer suit your space, it may be time to upgrade.

Consider options like the Capri 6 Seater Rattan Garden Furniture Set or the Napoli Rectangular Dining Set, which strike a balance between durability and comfort — ideal for family meals or weekend entertaining.

And if you’re looking to create a quiet retreat, a hanging egg chair offers the perfect spot to unwind with a cuppa or a good book.

Extend your season with fire and warmth

Even on cooler evenings, you can enjoy your garden with the right heating.

Fire pits, such as the Phoenix Midos Fire Pit or Camacha Outdoor Fireplace, bring both warmth and atmosphere — and some even double as grills, ideal for casual cooking.

If you’re after a cleaner solution, electric wall-mounted heaters or tabletop gas heaters offer efficient warmth with less mess.

The key is to think about how you use the space: permanent heaters suit outdoor dining spots, while portable options are great for flexible layouts.

Add charm with plants and decorative touches

Comfort is only part of the equation — atmosphere matters too.

Potted plants, hanging baskets, and decorative touches bring life and personality to even small patios or balconies.

If you prefer low-maintenance greenery, artificial topiary balls offer colour and texture with zero upkeep.

Pair decorative pots like resin barrel planters or stone-effect troughs with seasonal blooms, herbs, or even compact shrubs.

Hanging baskets, whether filled with daisies, pansies, or artificial blooms, instantly add vibrancy when mounted on heavy-duty brackets or railings.

For a calming focal point, consider a self-contained water feature.

These not only look great but also introduce the gentle sound of flowing water, which can turn a busy patio into a peaceful retreat.

By combining comfort, warmth, and a few decorative touches, you can create an outdoor space that works from spring to autumn — and feels just as welcoming as your indoor living areas.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to overhaul the whole garden to see a big difference.

By tackling a few focused projects like the ones we covered on this “Garden projects made simple” series you’ll make your outdoor space easier to maintain and more enjoyable to use.

And the best part? Most of it can be done over a weekend, with the right tools and a little planning.