Deirdre O Meara 
Summer is fast approaching, and for many of us, that means getting our gardens ready for outdoor living. However, sprucing up your outdoor space can be expensive. Fear not, as gardening expert Holly Jones at Garden Street has shared some simple ways anyone can update their garden for under £10, even if you have limited space.
A little can go a long way when it comes to your garden. Whether you have a small balcony or a big lawn, these tricks will work wonders. You don’t even have to be a gardening pro to elevate your space – a few simple additions are all you need to make your garden the talk of the town.
According to Holly, a few cheap accessories can give your garden an instant uplift without having to break the bank. She suggests using cushions, outdoor rugs, and mirrors to create a more luxurious space. These simple additions can transform a bland outdoor area into a cosy living space. You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive accessories. Shops like B&M and Home Bargains usually have cheap options you can make the most of. You could even DIY your own garden mirror by repurposing one you already own.
A fresh coat of paint can totally transform your garden with very little work, says Holly. Whether it’s your fencing, planters, or wooden furniture, a lick of paint is a cost-effective but impactful way to bring colour to the garden and freshen up existing items instead of buying new ones. You can grab a large tin of garden paint from Wilko for as little as £6, so it’s not going to break the bank either.
If you’ve got green fingers, you’ll need planters and pots, but they can be expensive, especially if you want the really posh ones. That’s why Holly suggests repurposing old furniture to spruce up your outdoor space instead. It’ll impress your neighbours and guests but won’t break the bank. She says, “Instead of buying new planters, why not use old tyres, Belfast sinks, or even old dressing tables to display your plants and flowers?” If you don’t have any old furniture of your own, you could even ask your friends and neighbours if they’ve got anything you can take off their hands or try and snap up a bargain from a local charity shop.
Lighting is a simple but very effective way to add ambience to your garden and create a cosy environment without having to spend too much money, says Holly. String lights can be purchased in most garden centres for under £10 and will instantly upgrade the look of your garden. You can drape them across your fence, wrap them around a tree, or add solar lights to your pots and flower beds for a luxurious glow in the evenings.
One of the most effective ways to give your garden a new lease of life is to simply get rid of any debris from the winter months and clear out old toys, furniture, weeds, and dead plants. If you have a patio, give it a sweep and scrub, and mow your lawn. It costs next to nothing to clean and tidy your garden, but it will make the biggest difference, no matter how big or small it is.
In conclusion, you don’t have to spend a fortune to update your garden for the summer. With a little creativity, some elbow grease, and a budget of under £10, you can transform your outdoor space into a luxurious haven. Follow these simple tips, and your garden will be the envy of all your neighbours and guests.
