Garden Transformation! How to Completely Transform your Garden with Verasoil

Gary Dal Broi

Agronomist & Production Innovation /
Managing Director

Garden Transformation! How to Completely Transform your Garden with Verasoil

How did we transform the Garden?

We recently completed a garden transformation in inner west Sydney, using a few 15kg Verasoil bags to convert a small backyard into a beautiful garden.

To start, we removed all overgrown plants and weeds to begin with a blank ‘canvas’. This will help when you map out where each plant will go, and it will make it easier for you to dig holes as they are needed.

Once we removed all unnecessary plants, mapped out where each plant should go, and dug all the necessary holes, we began using Verasoil to replant each flower or tree into the ground. When replanting, we started off by placing a few handfuls of Verasoil into the bottom of the hole that was dug, then filling the hole with water (keeping the hose in the hole to reduce air pockets). Once the plant was replanted in the ground, we placed another handful of Verasoil over the plant and filled in the rest of the hold with some of the soil that we displaced from digging the hole. We continued this process for each plant in the garden.

One of the benefits of Verasoil is it attracts earthworms. This is due to the castings from our composting worms releasing an enzyme that attract earthworms to the top of the soil. In the natural environment, this is great because earthworms bring minerals to the top of the soil, and take organic matter that has been broken down by composting worms to the bottom. This means that Verasoil will help your garden flourish and assist the naturally occurring process of earth- and compost- worms providing your soil with the nutrients it needs.

Once we planted everything, we covered everything with sugar cane mulch, which helps to keep moisture in the soil. After this, we watered everything down to provide it all with some much needed hydration. When moving onto the vegetable box, we started off spreading good quality garden mix in the bottom, which was then filled up with verasoil and coco peat, and mixed through thoroughly. A mixture of vegetables and herbs were planted that suit the Australian climate.

Finally, we moved onto the last element: the water feature. This was created from an old laundry that was in the garden, and could not be removed. We decided to work with what we had, and transform it into a beautiful water feature. We placed a pot within a shallow tub, and connected all the necessary elements for it to be a water feature. We then partially filled the tub with verasoil, for the small shrubs we planted around the water feature, and filled the rest with small rocks.

Once we planted everything, we covered everything with sugar cane mulch, which helps to keep moisture in the soil. After this, we watered everything down to provide it all with some much needed hydration. When moving onto the vegetable box, we started off spreading good quality garden mix in the bottom, which was then filled up with Verasoil and coco peat, and mixed through thoroughly. A mixture of vegetables and herbs were planted that suit the Australian climate.

Finally, we moved onto the last element: the water feature. This was created from an old laundry that was in the garden, and could not be removed. We decided to work with what we had, and transform it into a beautiful water feature. We placed a pot within a shallow tub, and connected all the necessary elements for it to be a water feature. We then partially filled the tub with Verasoil, for the small shrubs we planted around the water feature, and filled the rest with small rocks.

Tips & Tricks for your Garden Transformation

This complete garden transformation took us one day, with some minor adjustments after that. If you are looking to transform your garden, we’ve come up with some tips for you so that you’re best prepared:

1. Plan ahead with your budget: depending on the size of your budget, you may be limited in the things you can do in your garden. However, you can still get nice things from a small budget. Look to repurpose unused items in your home, or look for second-hand items others are giving away for a small price. You can often find small gems by doing this, and you help the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.
2. Use height: anything can be used – walls, garages, the side of a fence – it’s all great space! You can use creepers to create beautiful high spaces, or pot geraniums in hanging baskets. Adding small trees are a great option to provide a good level of height and privacy as well. Living wall gardens are also a fantastic way to make a bare space more appealing and contemporary too. All of these efforts draw your eye upwards, helping to make a small space appear bigger, and add pizzazz to your garden.
3. Compartmentalise: you can create your very own secret garden with hidden areas and cosy hideaways by dividing your garden into sections – using screens, trellis, and walls of foliage. You can decorate this secret area with different plants and furniture to create the perfect little getaway.
4. Be clever with furniture: having somewhere to sit and enjoy your beautiful garden can be great, but too much furniture can make your garden look cluttered and take away from all your hard work. Instead of going for large, bulky seating, we suggest selecting compact items, such as a bistro table set and chairs. This European aesthetic is perfect for a light breakfast of croissants, coffee and orange juice, while you bask in the warmth of the morning sun.
5. Work with your garden, not against it: just like Gary, who turned an old laundry into a water fountain in the garden. If you have elements to your backyard that will just be too hard to remove, try and find a way to incorporate it into your garden, whether it be turning an old swing set into a watering system, potting plants in old boots, or turning some old pallets into a vegetable garden. Make your garden unique!
6. Choose plants that are right for your garden: every plant needs particular growing conditions in order to thrive. Of course, Verasoil does help plants to grow, even in drought stricken areas, however, consider the environment of your garden and the climate in which you live. Pick plants that will thrive in your garden conditions, rather than be challenged.
7. Be patient: it takes a while for plants to grow and flourish in the garden. Remember to be patient and give your garden a good 3-6 months before looking to make any changes. Gardening is all about the long game – if you’re patient and persistent enough, you will reap the benefits much more in the end.

Click here to find a Bunnings near you to pick up some Verasoil. Stay up to date with the progress of this garden by following our Instagram.