3 tips to spruce up a property for sale this Christmas

“A lot of families enjoy a barbeque and seafood feast outdoors on Christmas day. Now is the time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for what is one of the biggest entertaining occasions on the calendar,” said Matt Leacy of Landart Landscapes.

“Your garden greenery provides the perfect backdrop for festive decorations and lighting and, with a little planning, can be maximised to create a beautiful outdoor setting for Christmas celebrations.”

Deck the halls with plants

By including plants in a property’s garden that have lush and green cuttings, Mr Leacy said these can be used by the new owners as decoration for indoors or outdoors.

“Gum leaves can … look great draped down indoor and outdoor stair balustrades, tied off with beautiful festive ribbon,” Mr Leacy said.

“Wing it – anything that is lush and green from your garden can be used on mass to create a beautiful display.

“Adenanthos ‘Wooly Bush’ is also a great option for a native Christmas tree. It looks fern-like but is as soft as a teddy bear to touch!”

Additionally, potted topiary trees from the garden can be repurposed as live Christmas trees, and then can be reused back in the garden after the festive season.

“For something native try a Wollemi Pine,” Mr Leacy added.

Plants that can beat the heat

Considering how summer can see temperatures rising consistently over 30 degrees, making sure garden plants can take the heat will ensure purchasers will not be left with rapidly wilting plants.

“Given how hot Christmas can be in Australia, look to plants and live greenery that won’t wilt and fade,” Mr Leacy said.

“Succulents can be used on stones with water, potted, and floating in vases or in wreaths to great effect.

“Keep in mind that any succulent cuttings you use for decorations can then be used to plant in soil and start a new garden.”

Another idea to consider is to plant herbs that can be integrated with cocktails and food, Mr Leacy added.

“Mint is fast-growing and looks and smells great – just ensure it’s grown in a contained location so it doesn’t take over,” he said.

“Layering rosemary with thyme, basil, coloured lettuce and other summer staples like coriander can also form a decorative and practical patch.”

Throwing shade

Establishing protection from the summer rays should also be considered, Mr Leacy said.

“It’s no secret that the quintessential Australian Christmas is one spent outdoors.”

“However, outdoor festivities will invariably require protection from the harsh Aussie rays.”

Mr Leacy recommended if the property does not have some form of outdoor shade structure, it would be best to set one up.

“The great thing is that the investment will pay dividends year-round, offering protection from the sun throughout summer and then rain and wind during the cooler months, he said.

“There’s loads of weather protection options on the market – both permanent and non-permanent – and they don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

“Shade sails, retractable awnings, marquees, canopies and big market umbrellas can be great low-cost mobile options – and then you’ve got more permanent options like outdoor pavilions, pergolas and gazebos.”