Posted 18th July, 2023

Don't pay for a new patio.

Rather than paying for a new patio to be installed, simply disguise tired paving or decking with an outdoor rug. The majority are made from woven polypropylene and come in a whole host of different patterns and colours.

Warm and comfy underfoot, they are the easiest and ideal way to bring pattern into your outside seating space and make a handy focal point to arrange furniture around, too. What's more, they are easy to look after, can be left outside during rain showers, and are quick to dry.

Choose from monochrome geometrics, large-scale tropical motifs, or the very latest faded Persian-style rugs.

Get existing shrubs in order.

Bring fresh form and structure into your garden by reshaping large, unruly shrubs. It's quick and easy to do, and as long as you already have a pair of the best loppers or a hedge trimmer, it won't cost you. Plus, not only is it an opportunity to get creative – perhaps with some topiary – but it can also let more daylight filter in, encouraging other plants to grow.

Other reliable plants include shrubby honeysuckle or Hebe sutherlandii, as recommended by Guy Watts, founder of Architectural Plants. These both have a neat, compact, little leaf, which will give you crisp and defined lines when you clip them as a pillow or ball. They're also very dense plants, which provide additional definition if you want to define a specific space. Very versatile, they also look fantastic clipped and planted in formal border patterns, rather like a parterre design.

Clip up to 4–6 times a year, during the warmer growing period, removing fresh new growth. Avoid cutting into old woody stems and feed regularly with liquid fertilizer.

Upcycle objects for new garden features.

Head down to your local reclamation yard, or even FaceBook Marketplace, and you might be surprised at all the inexpensive treasure you find that has upcycling potential.

Corrugated metal sheets can be used for screening – embrace the raw industrial look or give them a makeover with a lick of exterior metal paint. And if you're keen on adding more sustainable garden features to your plot, a reclaimed barrel or two makes a statement water butt for recycling rainwater. 

Keep an eye out for large containers that can be used for garden planters, too. In smaller plots these can be an important part of your layout as they can be positioned as garden dividers.

Source reclaimed bricks for edges and patios

Reclaimed bricks offer a vintage charm that's perfect for country-cottage gardens, and they're durable too. Often, they can be found online – or ask around your local area – you might just pick up a bargain.

If you manage to get your hands on a large amount, you could use them to create an entire patio space. Alternatively, they're a smart garden edging for your borders or paths for an extra sense of definition. Combine with gravel – another budget-friendly material that also looks great and is good for soaking up rainwater, too.

Build your own garden structure for cool shade.

If you've been eyeing up pergolas and would love one of your own, then it's totally doable – even if you're on a budget. Okay, you'll need some DIY skills to ensure it's constructed safely, but building your own can be a great way to spend a sunny weekend if you love an outdoor project. Plus, it's much cheaper than buying one that's ready-made.

Want to add a bit more character? Grab a pot of exterior wood paint in a colour that complements your garden and give your new shade structure a couple of coats. Add some seating beneath and it'll be your new favourite feature in no time.

Learn how to make a pond.

Learning how to build a garden pond yourself is another outdoor project that's much more affordable than calling in the experts. All that digging can be a workout, but it's actually pretty straightforward, and can make a beautiful focal point for any backyard.

Line the edges with rocks and add aquatic plants to help it blend into its surroundings, whilst a small pump will offer a soothing sound and helps to keep the water oxygenated (and they don't cost much to buy or run).

Paint your boundaries rather than replacing them.

If your garden wall or fence is looking a little lacklustre, then you might be tempted to rip the whole thing out. However, before you fork out on a brand-new style, consider whether the existing design can be improved or repaired.

Maybe just one or two fence panels have rotted or broken, in which case you can just replace those. And sometimes, a good clean and a lick of fresh paint can do wonders at brightening up the dullest of walls.

There's a huge spectrum of exterior paint colours available these days, from soft blues, deep ochre and warming terracotta to on-trend charcoal or grey. To make a real style statement, paint your raised beds in a complementary hue, like in this smart example above.

Lay a DIY path.

Quick and easy garden path don't have to be expensive or arduous. From bark nuggets and slate chippings to gravel or pea shingle, there are a number of easy-lay options that are also practical underfoot and good-looking, too.

You could simply lay them straight on the ground or onto a hard surface (think concrete hardstanding or an existing ugly paved area) and rake them level. But in most cases, it makes sense to put down landscape membrane first and then the aggregate on top. This will both stop the aggregate from being pushed down into the soil and prevent weeds from growing up within the path.

One thrifty but attractive idea is to make a woodland-style log path. Made from cross-sections of sawn logs, it's natural paving at its best. Place the circular sections onto a firmed and levelled pathway and arrange them as stepping-stones. Fill any awkward gaps with smaller discs from younger branches and fine bark chippings.