For years, my back garden was more idea than reality.
You know the type—barely enough room for a chair, let alone a table. A mix of paving stones and patchy grass, a shed that creaked in the wind, and a hose that had developed an attitude.
I used to think I needed a total makeover to enjoy it. Something drastic. Expensive. Perfectly Pinterest-worthy.
But as it turns out, what I needed was less about square footage and more about smarter choices.
It started with somewhere to sit (without regretting it later)
At first, I just wanted a place to read outside. But kneeling on cold flagstones to weed the borders wasn’t doing my back any favours. That’s when I found the ComfortGard Foldable Garden Kneeler & Seat — a simple piece of kit that flips from soft kneeling pad to sturdy seat in seconds. It folds away flat and lives behind the shed door now, ready for the next pruning session or quiet cuppa.
The hose that stopped fighting me
The second upgrade? Ditching my ancient, heavy hose reel. I swapped it for the RapidFlow Expandable Hose, and I can’t believe I waited so long. It stretches like magic when the water’s on, shrinks when it’s off, and doesn't kink like a stubborn garden snake. I even enjoy watering the pots now. Almost.
Shade without structure
Last summer, I wanted a bit of shade—but building a pergola for a 3x4m garden seemed ridiculous. Instead, I strung up a UVGuard Shade Sail between the fence posts. It took 15 minutes and gave my garden an instant “outdoor room” feel. I started eating lunch outside. Friends dropped by. Someone even called it “cosy.”
Clean-ups without kit that needs its own shed
Then came the discovery that might’ve saved me a small fortune: the TurboJet Power Washer Attachment. I attached it to the new hose and watched years of grime lift off the patio. No bulky equipment. No petrol fumes. No storage space needed. Just click, spray, done.
Tools that earn their keep
I keep a few basics in a little crate by the back door: a trowel and weeder set that does 90% of the work, and a pop-up garden waste bin that folds flat when it’s not hauling leaves. Nothing fancy. Just things that work.
My garden didn’t grow. But somehow, it got bigger.
The space didn’t change — but how I used it did.
I stopped thinking I needed more room, and started choosing better tools. The right light, the right storage, a hose that behaves, a seat that folds. These small swaps turned a patchy yard into a place I actually want to be.
Not perfect. Not a show home. But finally mine.
If you're in the same boat — staring at a small garden, wondering if it’s worth the effort — start with something simple. One useful thing. Then see where it takes you.
I promise, it doesn’t take much.
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