What are some tips and tricks for Canberrans to maintain a garden in autumn?

Autumn brings some challenges to Canberra home sellers as they compete with continuing showers of falling leaves to keep their gardens in presentation order.

Ben Pryde of Raine & Horne Mollymook says the challenges on the South Coast often come from other elements.

“Local gardens need to tolerate the ravages of sun, wind, sand and salt,” he says.

“If you’re designing a garden, natives and drought-resistant plantings often do best in a coastal location.”

Pryde says gardens create the all-important first impression for homes coming to market, and presentation is key to making it a good one.

“A bit of focused work can make all the difference – do it yourself or hire a local garden service,” he says.

“Lawns should be neatly trimmed, foliaged pruned, pavers cleaned and weed-free and exteriors cleared of cobwebs.”

Amy Wilson of Belle Property Canberra says the colours of Canberra in autumn are unrivalled.

“There’s nothing more glorious than trees in tones of yellow, orange, red, purple and green,” she says.

“Homes with these on their property or street can benefit from the emotional impact the displays can have on potential buyers.”

Wilson says, however, it’s important to regularly rake and dispose of falling leaves.

“That’s an ongoing task, but a worthwhile one to ensure a home is presented at its best,” she says.

“And check out what kind of potted colour might be available at the local garden centre to inject new life into the garden.”

• Tidy: Autumn is a season that marks the constant battle between home vendors and surrounding trees as they shed their leaves. Regularly rake and dispose of them to maximise home presentation.
• Maintain: Lawns grow more slowly in the cooler months, but the presentation can still benefit from a trim. It’s also a good time to prune trees and bushes and get on top of the weeding.
• Detail: It’s the “one percenters” that can make the difference. After the big stuff has been taken care of, focus on the detail like moss between pavers or small weeds within the decorative gravel. 

Check out our top pick of homes for sale:

Dolphin Point

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Imagine a new coastal lifestyle in a resort-style home with the beach only minutes away. If that’s the dream, then the reality is this near-new family home in Dolphin Point.

This contemporary residence makes a confident statement from the street through its clean lines and external textures including render, cement cladding and blackbutt timber accents. 

The minimalist aesthetic continues inside through polished concrete floors, high ceilings, whitewashed walls and contrasting charcoal window frames. 

A free-flowing floor plan delivers four bedrooms with the main afforded maximum privacy at the front of the home with the balance to the rear.

The hub comprises the kitchen, meals and living area, complemented by a separate family room conveniently located next to the bedrooms.

The kitchen is highlighted by concrete bench tops, dual wall ovens, induction hot plate and gas strut awning window with a servery bar. There’s a slow-combustion fireplace in the living area.

A powerful zoned ducted air-conditioning system keeps the large spaces comfortable year-round. 

Large picture windows and sliding doors overlook the outdoor highlight, a luxurious saltwater plunge pool complemented by a meticulously landscaped garden. The view is extended by the native conservation reserve and escarpment in front. 

There’s a huge double garage, including a 3.4-metre panel lift door. 

The home is only about 600 metres from Burrill Lake, the inlet and beach access.

Price guide: $1.9 million-$2 million

Private sale

Agent: Raine & Horne Mollymook, Ben Pryde 0410 324 209

Or try these:

Campbell

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Private sale: $2.05 million+

Private sale

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Vince Qi 0410 763 974

Yarralumla

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Price guide: Circa $3.5 million

Auction: 1am, April 15

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Leanne Palmer 0400 545 343

Jerrabomberra

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Price guide: $795,000

Private sale

Agent: White Rhino Property Googong-Queanbeyan-Jerrabomberra, Gavin Van Zyl 0429 269 260