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If you are fortunate enough to have a large garden, why not turn it into a party or wedding venue and make a few dollars in the process?
These days, it is the in-thing to hold weddings outdoors — nothing beats nature in celebrating love memorably, besides, it all began in a garden.
Gardens to be used for such events need to be designed with that in mind.
A large expanse of traffic resistant lawn such as kikuyu, buffalo or cynodon dactylon cultivars will do. That’s the place where a tent can be pitched if there is need.
You can decide to go for instant lawn for a quick effect as opposed to planting small runners that will need months to totally cover the ground. Add adequate fertilisers or manures before planting your lawn.
This great expanse of lawn should be surrounded with a colourful array of plants.
On plant selections, try to incorporate as many colours as possible to make it user friendly and versatile such that different themes can be adopted depeding on the wedding or party colour.
Turning your garden into a party venue can be a one-time event or an income-generating project. You can also just make it into a wedding photo venue. A wedding or party function can rake in as much as $500 a day depending on the attractiveness of your facility.
The selection of the right species of trees for a garden party venue is also important. The trees must provide shade and colour but not mess the lawn with their fruits or flowers. Go for trees such as albizia gummifera, caesalpinia ferrea (leopard tree), acacia abyssinica, cassia spectabiilis, croton megalocaron and pordocarpus latifolius grouped.
Ensure that the plants selected do not have any risks to your guests. Some plants are poisonous so be wary when choosing. Avoid species that exude some form of latex, especially in those areas where kids will be playing.
Also choose a few plants that will give an all-year-round effect. Plants such as tecomaria capensis, strelitzia species, abutilon, brunfelsia, cestrum, ensete and helitropium are suitable.
Choose plants that will give you fragrances – roses, gardenias, buddleias, magnolias, lavandula and aloysia.
A water feature such as a waterfall, stream, fountain or pond would be really attractive in a function garden. It will attract animal activity, especially birds.
Space permitting, create secluded spots for relaxing and photo shooting.
The need for proper planning cannot be over-stressed. From creating adequate parking space to having enough ablution facilities – all are important in transforming your garden.
Also register your premises and stay above board as far as the law is concerned. Keep your garden tidy and up to scratch! Happy gardening!
Andrew is a Horticulturist who has been in the landscaping industry for 10 years and he can be reached on [email protected]
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