DIY gardens: How to do up your garden on a budget

My garden is a real mess at the moment, so I was very grateful to be sent these fab tips as a guest post. Do you have any more to add?

As the nights draw out and the days get warmer you might be looking for low-cost ways to spruce up your outside space. The good news is with companies like ashridge nurseries offering a wide range of affordable hedging, garden bulbs and fruit trees you can push your imagination to the limit – just don’t be afraid to think outside the box and be as creative as possible.

With this in mind, here are several ways of doing up your garden without breaking the bank:

1. Take care of your lawn

A well-manicured lawn can make a big difference to the overall presentation of your garden, so if you want to improve the curb appeal of your property remember to water, fertilise and aerate all grassed areas properly. Always cut your lawn using a sharp blade to avoid ripping the grass blades and, when it comes to watering, be sure to give your garden a few good soakings rather than lots of sprinkles as deep watering will help your grass to develop strong, deep and healthy roots.

Similarly, use weed killers to stop evasive plants from stealing water and sunlight from the lawn and fertilise in early spring to help encourage root development. Aerating – the process of perforating the lawn with small holes – will also allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots helping them to grow deeply.

2. Power wash paved areas

Paved areas such as driveways, pathways and steps can become surprisingly dirty, so if the weather is settled and you have some spare time on your hands, why not spray these areas down thoroughly? You’ll be amazed at how much dirt comes away and when you compare paving that’s been cleaned with paving that hasn’t you’ll instantly see the difference. While power washers are a great investment they can be costly, so try to borrow one from a friend or relative if possible.

Can’t get your hands on a power washer for a reasonable price? Then use your hose with a Gilmour high pressure hose nozzle attached to get the dirt off. You’ll be surprised what a difference the hose nozzle makes, and while you may have to give it a little scrub with a hard-bristled broom afterwards the results will be worth it.

3. Give your garden a splash of colour

Want a quick, simple and cheap way to make your garden a happy and more vibrant place? Then try planting some colourful, eye-catching plants. All-weather perennial plants are a great choice as not only are they full of flower but they have incredible stamina meaning they’ll come into their own year after year. There are many varieties available but the bright pink flowers of foxgloves are an absolute delight as are penstemons (which will flower even if temperatures drop to minus fifteen!)

Another way to make your garden more colourful is to upcycle furniture that’s seen better days. An old wooden bench, for instance, can be completely transformed by sanding down the rough, chipped surface and decorating using weather-proof paints. If you’ve got kids you could also ask them to put their personal stamp on the garden by painting terracotta pots, which can then be filled with bright plants of your choice.

There are many low-cost ways to improve your garden, but these ideas are a great way to start.