As lockdown measures continue, many of us now find ourselves stuck at home and looking for new project ideas and hobbies to try, but these new hobbies can be expensive. With the expense of materials, equipment and books, the cost of your new interest could quickly add up. Thankfully, there are many things we can still do when on a tight budget, and revamping your garden is one of them. In this article, we explore 5 budget-friendly tips to help you transform your garden from a neglected and tired space to a relaxing oasis. So, what are you waiting for? You aren’t going anywhere else!
1. Identify problem areas
Even the best looked after gardens can have areas which require improvement. Whether you think your garden needs a complete makeover, or just a few tweaks here and there, improving your space can be far easier if you focus on one area at a time.
Take a walk around your garden and make note of the areas you want to improve. Think about how you use your garden on a daily basis: what areas do you use for dining, relaxing, playing with the kids? Could the solution to your problem be as simple as rearranging the garden furniture?
Once you’ve taken note of your gardens problem areas, make a list of projects to accomplish in order from least, to most expensive. Before you go splashing the cash on a new patio dining set, first clear out that pile of rubbish you’ve been meaning to take to the recycling site. Try and think about the less expensive ways you can improve on the problems in your garden. For example, if it’s the look of your old and tired garden furniture that’s bothering you, try giving it a lick of paint or just replacing the cushions rather than the whole furniture set. Even if these are not final solutions, they will improve the look and feel of your space while you save up to get the items you really want.
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2. Consider the layout
The layout of your garden can make a huge impact on how often it is used. Identify which areas get the most sunshine, which spots have the best view and what spaces have the most privacy. Consider what is important to you and how you’d like to enjoy your space. Are you an active family that wants to keep a clear space for outdoor games? Or, do you like to soak up the sun while enjoying a good book? Consider how you can make the most of your space and rearrange your furniture and appliances accordingly.
3. Be Realistic when it Comes to Plant Life
When giving your garden a makeover it can be tempting to fill it with new plant life of all sizes, shapes and colours, but by doing this you may be biting off more than you can chew, especially if you’re not naturally green-fingered. Those blooms may look beautiful when first potted, but if you don’t know how to take care of them properly, you may end up with a garden of unsightly browning and dying plants instead. Keep things simple and fill your space with one or two colourful plants in the areas you use most. Alternatively, you could choose to place your plants and flowers in the view of your favourite relaxation spot. If you want to add more colour to your garden, you can always opt for a mixture of faux and real flowers and plants, adding more live varieties as you feel comfortable.
4. Stick to one, good quality investment piece
Going back to tips number one and two, understanding how you like to spend time in your garden is key to a budget friendly makeover. Don’t waste your money on items and appliances you’ll never use because you think you ‘need’ them. For example, if you’re a family that loves to light up the BBQ at the first sign of sunshine, take a portion of your budget to invest in a good grill that will withstand years of use. In contrast, don’t blow your budget on the best BBQ in the range if they aren’t really your thing, spend your hard earned cash on something that will be used and enjoyed by your family.
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5. Use your DIY skills to your advantage If you’ve ever walked the isles of the garden centre, browsing at the fountains and decorative features and thought “I could make that”, then now is the time to try! A great way to save cash is to make your garden features, instead of buying them. Usually, the cost of materials will work out less than the store price of a product. Of course you’ll have to invest your time and effort, but you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project yourself, and your wallet will thank you for it. At online building supplies we have a wide selection of products, suitable for a wide range of garden DIY projects. From
timber carcassing, perfect for archways and
garden arbours, to
aggregates ideal for installing decorative features. For information on deliveries during lockdown please visit
here for more info.
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