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If you’ve been neglecting your outdoor space, these budget garden ideas are just the thing to perk up your patio without spending a fortune. While low on spend, they’re high on style and will transform your garden or patio into your favourite outdoor spot (and the envy of your neighbours).
From seating to colour, planting to hard landscaping, a little work now will make all the difference to your garden all summer long.
Don’t just take our word for it – plenty of experts agree, starting with Charlie Davis, stylist and creative director. ‘You don’t need to spend a fortune on your garden makeover. Planning is key so that you make the most out of the space you have and budget available.’
‘A boring patio doesn’t need to stay looking dull,’ says Charlie, ‘even if funds are tight. Turn it into an extension of your interior, styled with either calm colours or flashes of brights.’
It’s worth stressing that the art of gardening should never be overlooked as a way to revamp your space. Joel Bird, garden designer and presenter definitely thinks this is the place to start. ‘Gardening is one of the few things you can do for free. People always look for the “makeover” but remember how important the plants are in a garden, providing cover, shade, colour, texture as well as space for nature.
‘Look for the best place to sit in your garden, whether that’s for a morning cuppa or a drink after work. Find out where the sun is, and then pop a seat or bench there. A place to sit and plants are the very foundations of a garden for me, whatever your budget might be,’ he says.
So for starters, have a look at your space and assess what you need to tackle first before exploring the more decorative ideas that we’ve listed below. Your garden will probably need a good tidying up first, so get your the lawnmower, pruners and all the rest out of the shed and trim back any green overgrowth.
‘Spring cleaning your outdoor space is a crucial first step when it comes to preparing for the new season, giving you a fresh canvas,’ says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies. ‘One of the easiest ways to tidy up your garden is by neatening your beds and borders for the growing season. You can do this by hoeing borders to remove weeds and applying a good layer of mulch or manure over the surface to lock in moisture and give plants a boost for spring.’
Don’t forget that other straightforward DIY tasks like knowing how to clean a concrete patio or how to paint a fence can have a huge impact on your space for very little spend, too.
Budget garden ideas
(Image credit: B&Q)
There are plenty of easy and affordable updates that you can make to your outdoor space, which can transform its appearance and make it a far more enjoyable space to be in.
Even if you’re really strapped for cash or saving up for something special, there are even some free garden ideas that you can try that won’t cost you a penny, from using self-seeding flowers that will bloom season after season, to dividing up plants to boost next year’s planting scheme.
1. Bring the indoors outdoors
(Image credit: Dunelm)
One of the easiest ways to redcorate your patio or garden is to shift your indoor furniture outdoors. Think rugs and dining furniture, perhaps an easy-to-move armchair, loads of cushions and throws for when it the sun goes down… the options are endless.
Don’t bother with anything too unwieldy – be realistic, you won’t fancy lugging it indoors at the end of the day. Go for lightweight pieces that can be bundled up come evening time.
Doubling up you decor like this also makes the outdoor an extension of your home’s interior, which is an ever-popular trend for gardens.
2. Make a feature of your potting table
(Image credit: Joanna Henderson)
Create a feature wall above a plain potting table by hanging garden related bits and bobs on hooks and nails. Try an array of inexpensive bird boxes and a barometer, if you have one (if not, try an antiques shop). Finally, hang a few wire box shelves on the wall or fence, filled with potted plants or herbs.
For even more storage, you could attach an iron or powder-coated utensil rail above the table and hang your most-used garden tools using S-hooks.
3. Create some instant (and inexpensive) shade
(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)
If you have a compact patio garden that’s a bit of a sun trap, try hanging a simple sail-like canopy. It won’t take up the valuable space that a parasol would, but still gives you a little bit of much-needed shade from the hot sun. You can buy affordable sail shades at B&Q.
‘If you have a seating area but no room or budget for a parasol try draping some white fabric or sheets in your garden to provide some respite from the sun as well as a stylish area to sit and relax,’ says stylist Charlie.
Get creative and make your own garden shade ideas out of an old sail or sheet and attach it to a wall, tree or fence using thin rope.
4. Add light and warmth after dark
(Image credit: Dobbies)
Firepits are a brilliant focal point in a garden and prove an essential when the sun goes down and a chill sets in. Stylist and creative director Charlie agrees: ‘Looking for a change that you’ll enjoy past summer? Firepits are always a winner,’ she says.
They tend to be pricey though so look out for summer sales (you’ll easily snap one up at the end of the summer to use for next year) or try looking on Freecycle, Gumtree, Freegle, and Facebook Marketplace to see if you can find a pre-used one the cheap or even free of charge.
5. Snap up an affordable lounger
(Image credit: Habitat)
Every now and then, a high street brand will bring out a piece of furniture that we’ll do a total double take on – as in, “surely it costs more than that??”.
This summer style steal is the Habitat Teka garden chair. This super smart seat oozes contemporary cool and looks not too dissimilar to a Ferm Living garden chair that costs a cool £310.
Imagine yourself lounging back in the soft cotton sling (a brilliant neutral shade so it goes with literally everything) sipping a cool drink in the sunshine and feeling all smug that you’ve saved yourself a couple of hundred quid.
Yes, the Teka chair will set you back a mere £45, which is a pretty good bargain in our books. Keep a look out for special offers too, as – at the time of writing, the chair had 20% off…
6. Carve out a space for an outdoor kitchen
(Image credit: Future/Jemma Watts)
Extend your cooking area into the garden by adding a slim worksurface along one side of a patio. It shouldn’t cost a fortune, just some planks of wood, coated in an exterior paint will do the job.
Give it extra focus (and a stylish edge) by tiling directly onto the wall behind to create a striking kitchen splashback ideas.
7. Create a gallery wall with planters
(Image credit: Future/Tim Young)
Create a display of frames and wall-hung planters on an exterior wall in the same way that you would hang pictures inside. Old loaf tins make great planters – just remember to drill holes for drainage.
Stylist and Creative Director Charlie loves creating living walls in gardens: ‘They can be literally can be made from anything – old metal buckets, picture frames, tins, wooden pallets and so much more. Plant up with succulents or trailing plants, or better still go for herbs, which will create a lovely aroma.’
Garden designer Joel agrees: ‘I love finding pots and planters on auction sites, like eBay and local pages on Facebook,’ he says, ‘often all you need is a little imagination. Yes, plants will grow in almost anything, but you need to choose the right plants and water and look after them.’
You can even fix a picture ledge or shelf along a wall above a garden sofa and arrange potted plants and outdoor sculptures on it, to give the space an outdoor living room feel.
8. Paint a two-tone exterior wall
(Image credit: Little Greene)
When it comes to paint ideas for your home, the interior of a house seems to always get all the love. But who’s the say that you can’t do the same on your exterior garden wall?
This dado-high painted wall adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to the garden wall, providing the perfect backdrop for a makeshift alfresco breakfast bar.
To achieve this look, attach brackets and a shelf to an outside wall beneath an open window. Pull up some bar stools to make a fabulous spot for eating breakfast in the sun.
9. Smarten up a plain set of furniture
(Image credit: B&Q)
If you don’t have the budget to spend lots on garden furniture, you needn’t worry. An inexpensive set, either bought in a sale or via eBay, can be zhushed up with accessories.
‘If you don’t have the budget for outdoor furniture, use outdoor cushions and rugs to create a relaxed sitting area – it’s a cheap and easy way of making your space useable and also no need for a large shed to store it all come winter,’ says stylist Charlie.
Gabrielle Anderson, Outdoor Living Buyer, John Lewis & Partners agrees: ‘Textiles, such as cushions and throws, are another great way of adding colour on a budget,’ says Gabrielle, ‘along with lanterns and outdoor rugs. Don’t be afraid to go bold with colourful accessories to create a vibrant space, using indoor-outdoor rugs to create zones.’
10. Use climbing plants to offer privacy
(Image credit: Habitat)
Climbers, once planted, will stretch and grow to cover unsightly fencing or walls and provide a lush, verdant borders to your outdoor space. Cleamatis is an excellect choice as it effortlessly weaves its way across surfaces and flowers beautifully in summertime.
‘If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy beautiful blooms year after year, perennials are the perfect solution,’ says Amy Stubbs, development and project manager, British Garden Centres.
‘These low-maintenance plants are easy to grow and can be used as fillers in borders or planted in containers.’ Once established, they offer a range of colourful blooms and attract wildlife and pollinators to your outdoor space,’ she adds.
11. Plant a tree to add some height to your space
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Before you point out that pre-grown trees can be super expensive, it’s important to note that this idea is a slow burner.
Buy a small decorative tree, like an acer, palm, olive or apple – try Aldi and Lidl for affordable versions – and either plant it in the ground or pop it in a planter. The latter is a better option if you’re renting so you can bring it with you when you eventually move.
This small tree over the years – with a little love – will grow to become a wonderful addition to your garden, adding colour and interest to a dull corner.
12. Go for a versatile bistro set
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
‘Great-value bistro sets are perfect for balconies or smaller gardens. They are easy to fold away, too,’ says Gabrielle from John Lewis.
Francesca Morris, senior buyer, Garden Trading agrees: ‘Having a small patio can be just as rewarding as a rambling garden when thoughtfully styled. The key to making the most of a small outdoor space is utilising flexible furniture with a slimmer silhouette – offering space to host a feast of drinks and nibbles but without looking bulky.’
‘Easy to tidy away at the end of an alfresco dinner party,’ continues Francesca, ‘folding bistro sets are a great option for those who want to utilise patios and verandas for multiple purposes throughout the warmer months and be able to switch between dining and lounging effortlessly.’
15. Sow your own wildflowers
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
If money’s tight and investing in potted plants and bulbs seems too pricey, then consider sowing some wildflower seeds instead.
‘If you’re looking to create a vibrant wildflower garden, using seeds is your best bet. These can be conveniently found and purchased at most garden centres and are available in a wide range of colours and styles, from traditional cottage gardens to nectar-rich blends that attract bees and butterflies.
For an easy-to-maintain garden, select mixes that include low-maintenance varieties like Ox-eye Daisy, Corn Poppy, Cornflower, and Corn Marigold. Once you’ve chosen your seeds, simply scatter them in the desired location and lightly rake them in,’ suggests says Amy Stubbs, development and project manager, British Garden Centres.
14. Whitewash your walls
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Giving your exterior walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the best and easiest budget garden ideas. It will instantly refresh them and give them protection against the weather when it changes next season.
White, as with interiors will reflect and brighten and provides a neutral background for your outdoor dining scheme.
15. Green up your patio
(Image credit: Dobbies)
For a modern scheme that may feel a little stark, add greenery in containers to add a more natural feel. They won’t distract from a monochromatic scheme, rather add an organic element.
Amy Stubbs, development and project manager, British Garden Centres says: ‘Creating beautiful arrangements of plants and pots can instantly enhance your outdoor area. Container gardening is effortless and efficient, as it eliminates the need for extensive digging and weed removal. You can simply plant your desired flora and relish in its beauty.’
‘Wasting water by showering the entire garden with a hose is a thing of the past,’ continues Amy. ‘With containers, you can water your plants with precision, getting water directly where it is needed most. Investing in containers that have auto-irrigation capabilities can ensure that your plants will thrive, even when you are not around to tend to them.’
16. Paint your exterior tiles
(Image credit: Future/Claire Lloyd Davies)
Tired of your existing patio tiles but no budget to revamp? Consider painting some of your tiles them to create a graphic pattern.
All you need is a good quality primer that you can apply once you’ve cleaned the area you want to paint and marked off the design. Once dry, paint your tiles in the chosen colour – make sure it’s for outdoor use – and finish with a good quality sealant.
17. Try faux grass for value and ease
(Image credit: Carpetright)
‘While it’s easy to assume that designing a stylish, low-maintenance garden requires a significant investment, this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little thoughtful planning, it’s possible to create an inspiring space without breaking the bank.
Artificial grass provides the perfect solution for creating attractive, functional outdoor areas without the hassle and expenses associated with traditional lawn maintenance. Whilst it gives a similar underfoot sensation to the real thing, artificial grass is hard-wearing, long-lasting and fade-resistant.
Once installed, artificial grass requires little upkeep. With minimal effort, such as occasional brushing and removal of dirt and leaves, it remains vibrant and natural looking all year round,’ says Sarah Hooper, grass buyer, Carpetright.
18. Paint a bold feature wall
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Stark white masonry walls can be a bit of an eyesore in a garden, a dull blank canvas that is calling out for something to perk it up. Painted surfaces works wonders in a garden, with darker colours working particularly well in contract to the verdant greenery.
This saturated blue paint shade pops against the green grass (which, because its artificial, you can guarantee it will always keep that colour) providing a bold and beautiful backdrop to other planting.
19. Make neat plant markers
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)
Prettify your pots with slate labels. Never confuse your chives with your chervil again by creating handy labels to pop in your herb pots. Use a white marker pen or piece of chalk (if you want to rub them out) to write the plant names on mini slate tiles.
Bend wire using pliers to make rods with curled hooks to hang them on. Write how often plants need watering on the back of the marker.
20. Make use of an old kitchen trolley
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
This may seem like an expensive idea, rather than a budget garden one – but you really can create your own outdoor kitchen without spending a great deal. All you need is a BBQ or pizza oven – which you probably already have – a corner to keep it in and some extra worktop space for food prep.
An inexpensive kitchen trolley (try Ikea or Robert Dyas) makes a good base for your grill and is even better if it is has wheels. If it’s made from wood, don’t forget to seal it with a weatherproof paint or stain to ensure it withstands the rain and wind later in the year.
21. Reshape your borders
(Image credit: Future PLC / Douglas Gibb)
Simply altering the shape and size of your flower beds can revitalise your garden, costing no more than an hour or two of your time, and a bag of compost. Why not introduce relaxed curves or sharp-lined geometric beds for a more contemporary vibe that will transform your garden border ideas.
Whatever your design ambitions, a good quality, sharp edging tool is a must for this job. Tool specialists Burgon & Ball advise to ‘use borders to create optical illusions. Different shapes of flower bed can dramatically alter the atmosphere of a garden.
‘Straight beds down either side will make a garden look smaller, whereas a sweeping curve can make it feel bigger than it actually is. And creating flower beds a metre deep allows them to comfortably accommodate several different heights of plant for a full, rich look.’
22. Cover up a shabby patio
(Image credit: Future PLC / Claire Lloyd Davies)
Rather than forking out for a new patio to be installed, simply disguise tired paving or a weathered deck with a colourful, all-weather rug or rugs.
The majority of outdoor rugs are made from woven polypropylene and come in a whole host of different patterns, bright colours or earthy neutrals and can be picked up for under £100.
Warmer and more comfortable underfoot than cold slabs, a rug is an easy way of bringing instant colour and pattern to an outside seating space and can make an eye catching focal point to arrange garden furniture around. Durable and hardwearing, they can be left outside during rain showers and are quick to dry.
23. Refresh your fence
(Image credit: COATS Paint)
For an instant pick-me-up when the weather turns warmer, why not try painting the fence a fresh pastel shade or a dramatic dark? An easy fix for weathered outdoor timber that’s looking a little jaded, such as fence panels and trellis, garden fence ideas and spruce-ups can be completed in less than a day.
‘You should choose a paint colour that enhances your existing garden or terrace,’ says Aaron Markwell, COAT’s paint colour guru. ‘Pairing smoky dark greens with a black paint or a green-grey will make your plants pop and serve as a beautiful background for your outdoor furniture.’
‘Greys and green paint tones work perfectly outdoors and can create an illusion of space that can make a small garden feel bigger.’
24. Re-seed the lawn
(Image credit: Future PLC / Lizzie Orme)
If you love the idea of lush lawn ideas for summer picnics or for the kids to have a run-around, then you’re in luck, as it’s cheap and relatively easy to create. However, while using rolls of turf may be quicker, it’s definitely more expensive, so if you’re prepared to be patient, grass seed is the way forward.
You’ll need to prepare the ground first, removing any weeds or stones and levelling it out before re-compacting it and raking over the top. Lawnmower manufacturer Stihl recommends ‘seed coverage of 15g to 20g per sq metre’ and warns that ‘if the grass plants are sown too close together, they will impede each other’s growth.’ Water the seeds and keep them moist until it’s properly germinated.
25. Lay a DIY path
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Creating a quick and easy garden path idea doesn’t have to be an expensive or arduous project. From bark nuggets, slate chippings, gravel or pea shingle, there are a number of easy lay options that are also practical underfoot and good looking, too.
You could simply lay straight on the ground or a hard surface (think concrete hardstanding or ugly paved area) and rake over a loose material like gravel or shingle level, but in most cases, it makes good sense to put down landscape membrane first and then the aggregate on top.
This will both stop the aggregate from being pushed down into the soil and prevent weeds from growing up, within the path.
Another thrifty and attractive idea is to lay a woodland-style log path using cross sections of sawn logs. Place them onto a firmed and levelled pathway and arrange as stepping-stones, filling in any gaps in-between with bark chippings.
26. Create a candle centrepiece
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)
Use vintage terracotta pots to make a simple patio display. Fill the pots with sand and push in a selection of dinner candles.
Odd numbers feel visually balanced, so use three standard sized candles or seven to nine skinny tapered ones.
Place on the table as a rustic centrepiece or along walkways to cast light and create a relaxed ambience. To repel insects, use candles that contain citronella which is an essential for deterring pesky mosquitoes.
27. Make beanbag floor cushions
(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Scarboro)
Rather than lug heavy floor cushions around the garden, opt for an easy-carry DIY version filled with lightweight polystyrene beads. Use brightly-coloured striped or floral fabrics and a PVC-coated fabric for the base so that the floor cushions will be waterproof.
Start by making a large square cushion shape, created using two large square pieces (for the top and bottom), joined together using four long pieces (to create the side gussets).
Use a sewing machine to join together, adding a long zipper on one end gusset and then a small carry handle on the opposite end. Once complete, fill with bean bag beads through the back zipper opening.
28. Make an easy water feature
(Image credit: Future PLC)
The soothing sound of trickling water or the sun reflecting off the surface adds a new dimension to any outdoor space and creating a DIY water feature idea is easy to do without too much effort. While there’s a huge range of designs available to buy, a DIY water feature is super-easy to put together and can look just as effective.
Choose a shallow yet wide open container – a vintage enamel basin, galvanised metal tub or even an upturned dustbin lid will do the job perfectly. Place your container on level ground or raise up on a simple brick or timber plinth, away from trees or shrubs.
Decide what you want your feature to include, whether still water, a mini solar-powered bubbling fountain or a selection of aquatic plants. Then simply fill with water and enjoy the reflection of scudding clouds overhead and visits from thirsty birds and other wildlife.
29. Bring in easy-fit solar lighting
(Image credit: Lights4fun)
Perfect for showcasing your garden’s best features, a few staked spotlights shining up through a tree or a sculpted shrub will transform it into a stunning focal point and add instant depth and drama, too. Alternatively use them along the edge of a flower bed or path to define the area.
‘Subtle lighting is perfect for creating that romantic/magical feel,’ says stylist Charlie, ‘and solar lights are a great budget-friendly option.’
Garden designer Joel agrees,’ Solar lights are the way forward – you don’t even need to think about the wiring. Try using uplighters to highlight planting, too.’
Solar spotlights can be placed in any sunny spot. Needing just 6-8 hours of daylight to charge fully, the rechargeable battery will store energy to illuminate the garden at night. Minus any irritating or ugly wires, they can simply be pushed into the ground or container where needed, and even moved around if desired.
30. Create a sunnier outlook
(Image credit: Protek)
If you’re fed up of staring at scruffy brickwork or tatty plaster, then grab a pot of paint and give a dreary outdoor wall a glow-up. Whether it’s a wall at the end of the garden or on the side of a garage, a bold colour will look much more uplifting than standard white or neutral and will give a drab space a bit of a boost.
Bold shades make a great foil for flowers, foliage and planters and will make bright colours pop. Ensure that any render or brickwork is clean, dry and free of loose flakes before painting and always use exterior masonry paint for a longer-lasting finish.
31. Go for a one-colour planting scheme
(Image credit: Future PLC / Annaick Guitteny)
A super-simple way of making a style statement outdoors is by co-ordinating your planting scheme and keeping to a complementary palette of colours rather than a random mix.
Sticking to a single colour throughout beds and borders, such as all-white flowers and blooms, looks striking and can often be as beautiful as using many different colours.
Another way of creating a co-ordinated planting scheme is by repeating the same plants in various places throughout beds and borders. Try to arrange plants in small groups or clusters, where you can.
Odd numbers appear more natural and pleasing to the eye than even numbers, so aim for small plant groupings of three, five and so on. Repetition creates unity and will help to draw the eye more smoothly through the garden.
32. Make oversized planters
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
Buying tubs and planters for the garden can cost a small fortune, especially when it comes to larger sizes. Try this purse-friendly idea for industrial-style planters that can be tailor-made in any size and are perfect for small trees or large shrubs.
Use sheets of corrugated steel bought from a DIY store or builders merchants and simply wrap a length into a large circle, then secure with roofing bolts into pre-drilled holes. Make sure that any ends are tucked inwards so that there are no sharp edges. Then simply fill with a layer of hard core, top with soil and get planting.
33. Create a focal point
(Image credit: Future PLC / Lizzie Orme)
Whether you’ve a small outdoor space or a rambling plot, giving the garden a focal point is a great way of creating a visual resting spot. Whether you add a bench or small tree halfway down the garden, adding a focal point helps to draw the eye in and encourages further investigation.
Invite interest with a pathway, semi-secluded seating area or strategic planting that highlights a particular spot or lovely view. Consider adding a painted wall to create an end point at the bottom of the garden. Adding a backdrop helps to create a natural destination point that will encourage visitors to wander further in.
Don’t be tempted to overuse focal points though, too many will create confusion, so limit the amount to just one or two.
34. Reuse old corks for planting
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)
Save the corks from bottles of wine enjoyed with friends and upcycle them into vegetable tags. Carefully slice one fifth of the cork off to reveal a flat surface, then use a permanant marker to write each vegetable name on.
Use a wooden skewer pushed into the bottom of the cork to give your tag height, then pop into the ground when you’re growing your veg to remind you what’s what.
35. Use old guttering to plant up strawberries
(Image credit: Future PLC/ /Howard Walker)
Don’t just chuck out old plastic guttering once it needs replacing, but use it as a cheap container for growing strawberry plants instead. Attach the guttering to the wall of your house or garage and arrange in lengths sat on top of each other.
Not only will this make an attractive display, but it will also save you from having to bend over low flower beds, and makes the plants more accessible to pick once ripe.
36. Make a planter with built-in drainage
(Image credit: Future PLC /Howard Walker)
Another great way save cash on a planter is to use an old metal colander, and attach four lengths of chain to it to make a hanging basket.
The beauty of a colander is that it has ready-made drainage holes already built in, so you don’t need to worry about your roots becoming water logged. Plant it up with a mixture of flowering plants and trailing plants to make a beautiful display.
‘It’s important to remember what a garden is – it’s the plants that will bring you the joy,’ says garden designer Joel.
‘Get as much planting in as you can, find the best sunny spot and make it yours… the result is that you’ll create your dream space, whatever your budget.’
37. Create a free veg garden with kitchen scraps
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)
If you want to grow your own on a budget, but don’t really have space or the energy to plant and tend to a full-scale veggie patch, why not try a compact vegetable trug instead?
Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director, Dobbies Garden Centres suggests ways to grow vegetables from kitchen scraps! ‘Spring onions and celery are two kitchen staples that are easy to regrow from their root base with a couple of inches of stem attached’ he explains.
‘Slice across the stems, then stand them root down in a shallow glass of water. When new roots appear, plant them out in the garden to grow on.’
‘For chillies and sweet peppers, collect their seeds and plant them directly into fresh compost. Then leave them to grow on a warm sunny windowsill, watering regularly.’
38. Build a budget corner sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)
Making your own furniture is always going to prove more budget-friendly, plus you get exactly what your heart desires.
Visit your local DIY retailer and buy some basic sheets of MDF to construct a seat for your corner sofa, fashioning a back with scatter cushions for comfort. Ensure the base is securely fastened to the walls and well-supported beneath to take the weight when garden gatherings ensue.
‘It’s surprisingly easy to make a bench from railway sleepers,’ explains garden designer Joel, ‘but the trick is to paint any base or legs black and sand the top lighter, so it looks made and designed. Sleeper raised beds give a garden structure and planting space, but try to work to the dimensions of the sleepers, rather than waste time, effort – and often money – cutting to fit.’
39. Introduce plenty of pattern and colour
(Image credit: Dobbies)
If you want to make your grassless garden ideas a little bolder, perk up your patio slabs with a splash of paint and a stylish stencil pattern. A striking floor will enable your furniture and outdoor accessories shine brighter as a result of the backdrop.
Meanwhile, add a splashes of bright colour behind your existing plants to help to breathe new life into your garden. Painting a feature wall in a bright colour, such as a sunshine yellow, will deliver huge impact without much budget or effort.
Be sure to paint with a specialist exterior paint to ensure it’s suitable for the space. And choose a coordinating colour palette for pots and garden accessories, to create a cohesive look.
40. Carve out a gravel path
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Navigate your garden with a path paved with gravel and concrete slabs. This DIY garden path idea is a great budget solution for those who want to do it themselves, rather than having to source a professional to do the job – which would substantially add to the costs.
Alternatively, you can salvage a pile of leftover bricks and put them to good use by making a path that mirrors the edge of your flowerbeds. Lay them in a bed of gravel to create a decorative curve and experiment with patterns – lay them vertically or horizontally, or try a basketweave design.
41. Open a DIY garden bar
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)
Garden designer Joel loves a garden bar, ‘I build then everywhere,’ says Joel, ‘if they get people into – and using – a garden, then that’s good for humans and nature. They are surprisingly easy to make – you just need a table that’s elbow height. Why not clad yours with scrap wood?’
Why not fashion your own DIY garden bar with an upcycled wooden pallet? You can mount it to the wall, with a chain to drop down when required. Cheap to make, plus it’ll save you a fortune from not spending at the local. Plus you can make your own DIY pallet bar – for as little as £35!
42. Upturn crates to fashion garden shelving
(Image credit: Future Plc/Spike Powell)
Use old wooden crates imaginatively to create bespoke garden storage. Upturned crates can be stacked to fashion shelving for displaying plants or simply storing pots and accessories – even garden shoes.
To ensure safety we recommend attaching the wooden crates securely to the fence behind, where possible. If being used as a freestanding storage unit, say in a shed, simply attached the crates to one another and ensure they are positioned safely – so as not to topple over.
43. Transform old shelves into a vertical herb garden
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
If you have an old set of shelves mount them to a fence and fill with terracotta pots to create your own vertical herb garden. You can also convert an old pallet or ladder if you don’t have any old shelves lying around.
Hang it on a wall or fence near to where you have your barbecue so you can add fresh herbs to your grill, as and when you need them.
44. Add instant colour with bedding plants
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Val Corbett)
A tray of Tagetes or Antirrhinum (snapdragons) will add instant colour to your front garden and bloom throughout the summer. Be sure to feed them weekly with tomato food in the summer keep them well watered in the heat – snip off any dead flower heads to keep them looking top notch.
With the right care they should be packed with flowers until early autumn.
45. Impress guests with a multipurpose shed
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson)
Create the perfect place to entertain by making a your garden shed a multi-purpose solution. Rather than disappear into the house every time another drink is needed, you can make cocktail hour an alfresco affair and open out your shed into a bar for garden parties.
Add a temporary surface to lean your drinks on and hang herbs from the roof to utilise as ingredients or garnishes for cocktails. Then, when chillier weather sets in, you can return all the garden furniture into the shed for safe keeping till next year.
What is the most low maintenance garden?
A garden that requires little maintenance can still be beautiful, you just need to set a few things in motion to get it started.
Evergreen plants and hardy shrubs will be your best friends, once in the ground they will do their thing and keep your garden looking lush. If you have a backyard and no lawn then opt for pots and fill them with bulbs during the winter and seedlings in spring. Both require little effort and the rewards will be seasonal flowers that don’t need much care.
How much should you spend on a garden?
This really depends on how much you want to spend. When budgets are low there are several options to consider that will help those pennies stretch further.
‘You can reuse the clutter and recycled materials in your home and turn them into planters. For example, you can easily make an attractive garden planter from leftover wooden pallets or crates. You can even give your garden a unique and creative look by using old tires or bathtubs as planters.
One effective method to reduce gardening expenses is by producing your own compost. Put a compost bin in your garden and start collecting old food waste and scraps to create homemade fertiliser that will help your plants thrive,’ suggests Chris Bonnett, founder, Gardening Express.
How can I landscape my yard cheaply?
DIY garden landscaping ideas are how you do it cheaply. Put a pile of leftover bricks to good use by fashioning a cheap garden path that mirrors the shape of your flowerbeds. Lay them length and sideways in a bed of gravel to create a patterned curve that looks professionally done, rather than DIY.
Use pots of low maintenance plants to frame patios and pathways, while building raised beds using reclaimed wood to create depth for your border planting will also help save on garden landscaping costs.
How can I make my backyard beautiful on a low budget?
From upcycling to make your own furniture to painting the stone tiles to add some much-needed colour – there are so many ways to make the garden beautiful on a budget. where you can try your hand at DIY to ensure whatever you are updating is cost-effective.
Try dressing the garden with accessories such as outdoor rugs and shower-resistant cushions to instantly make the space feel more premium and well-dressed. All of these things can be a cheap fix to enliven outdoor spaces of all shapes and sizes.
Additional words: Holly Walsh, Jill Morgan, Sophie Warren-Smith
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