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Budget garden makeover ideas

Garden 1

Looking to spruce up your outdoor space can be an expensive game. However, there are ways around spending a fortune if you’re willing to put in the work. Our guide to budget garden makeover ideas is packed with creative and affordable tips to transform your garden into a charming oasis.

Whether dealing with a small backyard or a spacious lawn, these easy and cost-effective strategies will help you achieve a stunning garden makeover on a budget. Get ready to dig in and discover how you can create a beautiful, inviting outdoor area without spending a fortune!

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Paint your fences

Paintng Fences And Sheds

It might sound obvious, but a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference in your garden. Not only will it protect your fence from the harsher weather once it returns, but you can also make your boundary into a garden feature by painting it a bold shade. It’ll also give your plants a backdrop to stand out against, all for the cost of a pot of paint. 

Build a simple bird bath

Another fantastic upcycled garden idea that could save you money while improving the aesthetics of your green space is a makeshift bird bath. Not only will you have an attractive new garden feature, but it’ll attract a wealth of birds.

All you need is a terracotta pot, a glazed terracotta saucer, and some external waterproof glue. If you have these to hand, fabulous. If not, we’ve included some links to help.

To start, turn the pot upside down and add a circle of glue to the base; stick the saucer on top of the upturned pot, ensuring it’s central. Leave it to set for a few hours, then fill the saucer with water. 

Add lighting to your garden

Cosy Outdoor Seating

External lighting doesn't have to run off the mains and be expensive to improve your garden. From good old-fashioned candle lanterns to battery-operated fairy lights and solar-powered borders –there's a wealth of inexpensive options on the market.

Just remember to try to choose softer lighting rather than brighter, white LED lights, as they can harm bats, insects, and other animals at night.

Take plant cuttings

Pruning The Garden

Why not take advantage of the simple and cost-effective method of building up a stock of your favourite plants by taking softwood cuttings? This is a great way to expand your plant collection without spending a penny. The best time of year to take cuttings is typically between March and August.

Some plants you could take cuttings from include salvias, penstemons, fuchsia and pelargoniums – just remember to ask permission before taking cuttings. 

Bag a plant bargain

If your borders look a little sparse, look out for bargains to restock your display. Good places to look include the plant sections in supermarkets, roadside stalls, markets, and discount stands at your local garden centre.

Just remember to check the plants for pests and diseases before purchasing them. End-of-season perennials may look bare on the top, but if the plant has a healthy root system, it’ll regrow well in spring. 

Reshape your boarders

Creating a new border or reshaping the one you already have can freshen up your garden with minimal effort. Try adding curves to change the layout of your garden or make the edges of your border sharper. Even edging your lawn can make a dramatic difference to the feel of your outdoor space. Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear the correct protective equipment when using any shaping tools.

Turn pallets into planters

Homemade Herb Garden

A fantastic option to gain a free or very reasonable upcycled garden planter is to use pallets. In some cases, pallets can be sourced for free and repurposed with minimal effort.

To begin with, wash your pallet and leave it to dry fully. Once dry, you can personalise your pallet with a lick of paint or leave it as it is—it's up to you!

You can use the pallet to display bedding plants or salads. Trailing plants can spill over the edge of the pallet to soften the look of the display. The pallet can also add height and cover bare walls or fences.

It's crucial to select pallets carefully. Avoid those with the Markings MB or SF, as they may contain harmful chemicals. Also, steer clear of pallets that are already blue, as these are used in the export industry and should not be used for DIY projects. 

Purchase an outdoor rug

In a time when we're all trying to extend our living space to include our gardens, an outdoor rug can make a huge difference. Not only can they instantly bring a cosy feeling to any lounging space, but they can also incorporate a pop of colour into your decor and hide any unsightly garden slabs that might be out of budget to replace.

With their increasing popularity, the market has witnessed a surge in the variety of shapes, sizes, and designs of outdoor rugs, catering to every budget. The lower-priced rugs, typically made from weather-resistant polypropylene, offer a sense of security, being both weather and UV-resistant. However, it's always a good idea to bring them indoors if heavy rain is on the horizon or during the winter months.

Affordable garden rugs can be purchased from several accessible high-street stores, such as B&M and Home Bargains, and supermarket favourites, such as Asda and Tesco.     

Plant architectural plants

Architectural plants can be easily incorporated into any garden, adding structure and a sense of drama with little effort. Whether you opt for a plant with bold foliage, spiky leaves, or a towering height, these beauties will always make a statement. Even in a small garden, a plant like a phormium or yucca can serve as a striking focal point, be it in the corner of a border or a container. 

Great options for architectural plants include cordyline, Acanthus mollis, tree ferns, yuccas, and ornamental grasses like Stipa gigantea. For bold exotic foliage, try cannas and ginger lilies.

Use your furniture as a feature

Colourful Outdoor Seating

If you’re lucky enough to own garden furniture already, take the opportunity to add interest to your green space by making a statement with it. Painting your garden furniture a bold or contrasting colour to your fences is an easy way to add intrigue without breaking the bank.