Six mega-cheap ways to transform your garden in time for summer

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Transforming your garden needn
Transforming your garden needn't cost the Earth (Image: Getty)

The challenge of transforming your garden on a budget can actually be a lot of fun if you put your mind to it.

It's understandable to think the cost of living crisis and recent news of a recession have derailed any future 'sprucing up' plans you had for your garden, but a little creativity can go a surprisingly long way.

With a bit of thinking outside the box, there's no reason why you too can't have a nice, relaxing outdoor space to look forward to this summer.

And to help you achieve your dreams, Johanna Elvidge, head of domestic design at Marshalls, has shared these super six tips for getting what you want without breaking the bank.

1 - Upgrade your patio

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A patio provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy your garden and whether you want to upgrade your existing one or create a new space, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If possible, try to source reclaimed bricks and paving slabs as this can massively reduce costs. Alternatively, consider options such as Towngate Sawn Sandstone paving as neutral options like this are often more cost-effective compared to other paving alternatives.

2 - Create bespoke zones

If you have a large garden space but you’re unsure what to do with it and want to avoid big costs on materials, consider creating zones designed to your interests. For example, you may create a small patio area with seating so that you can relax with friends while creating a zone for the younger members of the family, consisting of toys, a sandpit or even a den, allowing your children to let their imaginations run wild.

3 - Give shrubs and plants some TLC

If you haven’t been maintaining your garden over the winter months, some plants and shrubs may have grown out of control and have started to create a messy appearance. When spring hits, spend some time cutting back and re-shaping any unruly plants and this will instantly make your garden look more appealing. Once you’ve done this, try your best to maintain your selection of plants and shrubs as much as possible.

4 - Paint boundaries instead of replacing

Replacing fence panels can be a costly procedure, but unless they’re damaged and you have no other option but to replace them, a simple coat of paint can transform the look of your garden. Although there is a range of paint colours for fencing, darker shades can help to make plants and shrubs stand out more, so consider black, dark grey or navy for the ultimate bold aesthetic.

5 - Install solar-powered lights

During the summer months, there’s nothing better than sitting in your garden as the sun sets, but by using solar-powered lights, your garden can come alive after dark. Whether you situate lights in your borders or paved areas, garden lights can help to create a relaxing and inviting space which is something we all want to achieve, but remember to prioritise some dark areas to encourage bats and other wildlife to forage.

6 - Create a garden path

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If you don’t already have one, creating a garden path can help to connect zones within your garden and reduce the amount of people walking on lawns and muddy areas. Creating a cost-effective path is easier than you might think, as reclaimed materials such as paving slabs and gravel work perfectly and will help to create a more structured look for your outdoor space.

Paul Speed

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