A well-presented garden in May does more than look appealing; it helps potential buyers picture themselves living in the home during the best months of the year. Whether it’s children playing on the lawn, quiet evenings with a glass of wine, or weekend lunches in the sun, outdoor space becomes part of the lifestyle on offer.
If you’re planning to sell this summer, May is the perfect time to get your garden market-ready.
Start with the basics. Mow the lawn, trim the edges, and clear out any weeds. Sweep the paths, tidy borders, and remove any clutter—old furniture, plant pots that have seen better days, or unused garden toys. First impressions are formed in seconds, and a neat, low-maintenance garden gives buyers confidence from the outset.
Pay close attention to kerb appeal too. As days get brighter and gardens start to bloom, the approach to your home should feel as cared for as the inside. Repainting a gate, scrubbing paving stones, or adding some potted plants by the door can make your home feel instantly more welcoming. It’s often the first thing viewers see in person—and always the first thing they see in photos.
Beyond tidying, think about how your garden can be used. Even a small patio or courtyard can be elevated with a café-style table and chairs. Add a cushion or two, a lantern, or a throw to suggest outdoor living. It doesn’t take much, but it helps potential buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space, not just maintaining it.
Adding colour this time of year is easy and effective. With bedding plants like geraniums or petunias widely available in garden centres now, a splash of coordinated colour in borders or planters brings freshness and life. Keep it simple and stick to two or three colours to avoid a fussy look. A little mulching around beds will also keep things neat and reduce weeding between now and your first viewings.
The back garden often seals the deal for family buyers. Make sure it's clean, open, and feels like a natural extension of the home. If there’s a shed, tidy it inside and out. If bins are visible, try to tuck them out of sight. Trimming back hedges or trees that block light can make a huge difference to how spacious and bright the garden feels.
At this time of year, when gardens are just starting to come into their own, any unfinished bits can stand out. Take the time to repair or repaint a fence, coil up a hose, or deal with patchy lawn spots. If your garden borders a less attractive view, trellis or screening can soften what buyers see—and focus their attention on the positives.
Lighting may not be essential for daytime viewings, but it plays a role in setting the mood for your marketing. If your agent is capturing both day and dusk photography—as we often do when the property calls for it—adding some soft lighting to your garden can pay off. A string of warm bulbs, a few solar lights along a path, or a lantern on a table can all enhance the atmosphere in your photos. These touches signal that the garden isn’t just for summer afternoons—it’s a place to enjoy year-round.
Lastly, don’t forget that simplicity often wins. Most buyers want a garden they can enjoy, not one that demands hours of work. If you can present your space as low-maintenance—using raised beds, gravel, or bark—it’ll appeal to a broader pool of viewers, even those who aren’t keen gardeners themselves.
At Sherry FitzGerald, we understand the unique selling power of an Irish garden, especially as we head into the summer season. Gardens in May are full of promise, and that’s exactly what buyers are looking for—a home that offers enjoyment, inside and out.
If you’re planning to sell this summer, now is the time to start preparing. A few thoughtful improvements now can help your property stand out when the market is in full swing.
