How to update your garden on a budget

June 20, 2022 • Chris Bardsley

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on your garden, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to keep it looking good. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can update your garden on a budget.

Here are a few cheap garden ideas to give your outdoor space the uplift it desperately needs.

Use recycled and reclaimed materials wherever possible

One way to update your garden on a budget is to use recycled and reclaimed materials. This can include things like using old tyres as planters, pallets for raised beds, or scrap wood for trellises or other garden structures. Not only does this save you money, but it also helps reduce waste and can give your garden a unique look. Plant pots and hanging baskets come in all different shapes. You just need a little imagination to get started.

For example, if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to build raised flower beds, wooden pallets are a great option. You can usually find pallets for free or at an affordable price at your local hardware store or construction site. Building raised beds with pallets is also a quick and easy project that doesn’t require any special gardening tools or skills.

Opt for pay weekly garden furniture

Another way to save money in the garden is to buy garden furniture on a pay weekly basis. This can be a great option if you don’t have the upfront cash to buy furniture outright, and it can help you spread the cost of your purchase over time. Fair for You offers flexible and manageable loans for all kinds of household items – from garden furniture to kitchen appliances. Browse through our online catalogue of items, and apply for a Fair for You loan.

Shop around for the best deals on plants and garden supplies

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best deals on plants and garden supplies. First, it is important to shop around and compare prices at different stores. Second, it is often possible to find coupons or discounts for these items, so be sure to check for those before making a purchase. Finally, it is also worth considering buying a few plants in bulk, as this can often save money in the long run. You might find a few bedding plants or potted plants that really work for your garden soil. Draw inspiration from the existing plants in your garden to see what works and what doesn’t. For example, hanging planters may work better for a balcony garden – while a larger space can house oversized planters and garden beds.

Get creative with your plant choices

One of the best ways to reduce your gardening workload and water usage is to choose plants that are well-suited to the UK climate and require less maintenance. There are a wide variety of these low-maintenance plants available, so you can find ones that suit your personal taste and garden space.

Native plants are those that occur naturally in a particular region or ecosystem. They’ve evolved over time to be well-suited to their environment, so they tend to be hardier and require less water and maintenance than non-native species. That’s why they’re such a great choice for gardens and landscaping! If you’re looking to create a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden, native plants are a great place to start.

  • Black-eyed Susans are a classic wildflower that adds a pop of colour to any garden layout. They’re easy to grow and care for, and they don’t require much water or fertiliser.
  • Blanket flowers are another beautiful and easy-to-care-for native plant. They come in various colours, and they’re heat and drought-tolerant.
  • Lupines are a striking native plant that comes in a range of colours, from white to purple to pink. They’re perfect for adding height and interest to your garden, and they don’t require much care.

If you’re looking for more ideas, a quick Google search for “native plants + your region” should give you plenty of options to choose from.

Do as much of the work yourself as you can

Gardening is good for the mind, body and bank account. You can save a lot of money by doing most gardening work yourself – instead of employing professionals. Dedicate a few weekends to your garden and start building a wonderful outdoor space. Besides, the finished product will be far more satisfying.

For example, you could build a DIY garden bar for those summer garden parties or a garden shed to house your natural garden materials, an outdoor rug and spare garden ornaments. Extra garden storage always comes in handy!

Paint your garden furniture

You can easily paint your garden furniture yourself with a little time and effort. First, sand down the furniture to create a smooth surface. Next, apply a primer to help the paint adhere better. Once the primer is dry, start painting with your desired colour. You could go for a pop of colour on your garden shed with vibrant pink or a more neutral hue for your dining table. Finish your furniture with a clear coat to protect the paint job from weathering.

Go for gravel in your outdoor space

Gravel is an affordable material that can be used in various ways, from paths and driveways to borders and beds. And it’s easy to maintain, too – just give it a quick brush down every now and then to keep it looking fresh.

Outdoor lighting is essential for all budget garden ideas

If your garden is looking a little tired and needs an update, there are plenty of ways to do it on a budget. One simple and effective way to add new life to your garden is to change your outdoor lighting.

There are all sorts of affordable outdoor lights available these days, from solar lights to fairy lights and more. You can use outdoor lighting to highlight your favourite features in your garden space, like your garden shed or the birdbath. Simply add some extra illumination for evening entertaining and finish the garden design with plenty of flowering plants in terracotta pots.

Plant fast-growing climbers

With a little bit of planning, you can create an updated garden that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for ways to update your garden on a budget, consider some fast-growing climbing plants. These plants can provide quick coverage for bare walls or fences in small gardens, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Training them takes some effort, but the results are definitely worth it. You can even add some lights to create a beautiful evening garden.

Find Out More

If you or anyone you know is struggling to afford the essential items they need to furnish their home or support their family, then Fair for You is here to help.

As mentioned, we look to offer essential goods to those on a low income, but in a way, that’s different to the companies that set out to do so for massive profit at your expense. Instead, Fair for You is on your side, and we strive to offer our stock at the lowest price possible in line with retail value with a flexible payment schedule. Our focus is on people, not profit.

Check out our online shop to view our products for sale, including beds, laptops, sofa, dining room furniture, children’s beds, hoovers and much more.

Need any further advice on anything we’ve mentioned above, or want to find out more about Fair for You? Go to our blog for all things finance and Fair for You.



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