New year, better backyard: easy summer gardening ideas

Is a garden glow-up on your new year to-do list? If it is, then Jack’s got your back with some easy, no-fuss summer gardening ideas to make your outdoor spaces more functional, beautiful and fruitful!

You’ll be surprised at what you can do with just three multipurpose garden products from our Landscaping & Garden Design range – edging, raised beds and garden screens.

Ready to dig in and get inspired? They’re so easy, even the hot weather won’t stop you!

Featured products:

Garden Edging
Garden & Privacy Screens
Landscaping Accessories

Start your summer garden refresh by stepping outside and taking stock.

Is the layout actually working for how you use the space? Are there plants wrestling for room, empty corners you never sit in, or bits that feel more messy than relaxing?

In smaller backyards, courtyards or balconies, even little things can throw the vibe off – oversized pots, awkward pathways or plants that have outgrown their welcome.

Notice what you love, what you avoid, and what feels like hard work to maintain. That’s your clue on what to keep, tweak or rethink

Get some inspo: Garden Landscaping Ideas to Beautify Your Backyard

Nothing refreshes a garden faster (or easier!) than garden edging.

You can use garden edging to:

• Line paths and driveways
• Frame garden beds
• Edge sheds and structures
• Border your lawn
• Separate planting zones

Garden edging stops your lawn from spreading, keeps mulch and soil in your beds, and blocks runaway plants (and pesky weeds) from going on an unwanted adventure.

Because of this, it helps your space look sharper – even during summer growth spurts!

Edging can also add a punch of personality. In our Jack Edging range, as well as simple green Classic Garden Edging and Lawn Edge, you’ll find modern landscaper’s steel (Oxy-Shield®) and eye-catching décor designs (Matrix).

Explore the range: Garden Edging

Raised garden beds can take your outdoor spaces from average to ah-mazing faster than an escaped hose nozzle on full blast!

These stand-alone plant patches are not only great homes for your flowers, greens and vegies, they’re also a function and style win. Here’s why:

• Perfect growing conditions – Because you fill raised beds yourself, you can pour in the best nutrient-packed potting mix blend for your plants. Raised beds also have better drainage and help keep bugs and pests at bay!
• Kinder on your body – The extra height of raised beds means you don’t have to bend or kneel when you’re planting, tending and picking. Your back and knees will definitely thank you!
• Create intentional zones – Raised beds are brilliant at helping define outdoor spaces. Use one for your vegies, another for herbs, and another to grow a display of beautiful blooms!
• Less spread and mess – Just like garden edging, raised garden beds are perfect for keeping soil, mulch and plants contained and not spilling out into areas they’re not wanted. They’re smart summer gardening!
• Added design points – Adding raised beds will have the neighbours asking, ‘Have you had landscapers in?’ They offer style in (garden) spades! Just pick a design that fits your garden vibe.

Not sure where to start? Here are some popular raised bed picks:

• Rectangular Raised Garden Bed – The perfect classic shape and size for a beginner vegie patch!
• 2 Tier Raised Garden Bed – Two tiers mean twice the fun. This one lets you plant different crops on each level to add variety and visual interest.

Explore the full range: Raised Garden Beds

Looking to make your backyard or balcony a great summer retreat? Our Jack Garden & Privacy Screens are the perfect pick – and a breeze to set up!

Here are some clever ways you can use them:

• Set up the perfect hangout – Pop in a screen or two, and suddenly you’ve got a prime spot for a summer barbie, drinks with mates or a cheeky balmy evening under the stars.
• Carve out a cosy corner – Screens create private nooks for a good book, a cool drink, or just some well-earned peace and quiet.
• Block the blazing sun – Throw shade over your space on hot days and keep yourself and your guests out of the full sun when the temperature spikes. Shade also helps the plant health of sun-shy varieties in warm climates.
• Shut out nosy neighbours – Keep prying eyes out of your garden space and enjoy your outdoor sanctuary in peace.
• Show off your style – Cut-out designs, sleek steel or earthy finishes can make your screens a standout feature while staying functional. Check out our decorative Matrix and Oxy-Shield screens.

Whether you’re hosting, relaxing or just catching rays in the summer heat, screens let you do it in comfort, style and privacy – and Jack makes it easy!

Explore the range: Garden & Privacy Screens

When you’re giving your garden a new year landscaping and garden design makeover, think low maintenance. The right choices now will mean less work and happier gardens this summer – and into autumn and the cooler months!

Here are some handy Jack tips for keeping things fuss-free:

• Pick hardy plants – Plant perennials, tough shrubs and greenery that stay happy without constant care and everyday tending. Stick to warm-season varieties, and be careful with seedlings. Plant them at the right time (usually spring to early summer) for best results.
• Choose products that last – All of our Jack products, including edging, raised beds, and screens, are budget-friendly and built to last in tough Aussie conditions, so your summer gardening efforts now will pay off for years.
• Plan for neatness – By adding garden edging, raised beds and screens to your garden, you can keep soil, mulch and plants exactly where they should be. This means less tidying up!
• Focus on flexibility – Moveable pots and vertical planter ranges like Garden Up let you switch things up with the seasons without stress. Got existing containers you can’t move around – give them some wheels with our Pot Trolleys!
• Be soil smart – Mulch and weed mats on the soil surface retain moisture and stop weeds, while simple timed irrigation systems mean you can put down the hose or watering can – and save yourself some time and effort!

Shop weed mats, irrigation pins and more: Landscaping accessories

See also: 5 helpful tips for a happy summer garden

Now you’ve got some easy summer gardening ideas to inspire you, it’s time to ready, set, and go grab what you need from your local Jack supplier! You’ll find us on the shelves at Bunnings – check availability at your local store.

All of these project ideas using products from our Landscaping & Garden Design range are designed to be super easy – even in warm weather – but can make a real difference in transforming your outdoor spaces!

Turned these summer gardening ideas into reality? Why not share some snaps on socials, tagging @meetdiyjack? We’d love to see what you’ve done with your green spaces – and might even give you a shout-out!

See also: Summer gardening guide: hot tips and projects for cool backyards
11 Easy DIY garden projects to dig into this weekend