Transform Your Space for Less: Affordable Home & Garden Hacks

9 Affordable Home & Garden Hacks

If you’ve been neglecting your outdoor space, these budget garden ideas are just the thing to perk up your patio without spending a fortune. While low on spend, they're high on style and will transform your garden or patio into your favourite outdoor spot (and the envy of your neighbours).

1. Create some instant (and inexpensive) shade.

If you have a compact patio garden that's a bit of a sun trap, try hanging a simple sail-like canopy. It won't take up the valuable space that a parasol would, but still gives you a little bit of much-needed shade from the hot sun. You can buy affordable sail shades at B&Q.

2. Add light and warmth after dark

Firepits are a brilliant focal point in a garden and prove an essential when the sun goes down and a chill sets in.

3. Create a gallery wall with planters

Create a display of frames and wall-hung planters on an exterior wall in the same way that you would hang pictures inside. Old loaf tins make great planters – just remember to drill holes for drainage

5. Use climbing plants to offer privacy

If you don't have the budget to spend lots on garden furniture, you needn't worry. An inexpensive set, either bought in a sale or via Amazon, can be zhushed up with accessories.

Outdoor cushions and rugs to create a relaxed sitting area – it’s a cheap and easy way of making your space useable and also no need for a large shed to store it all come winter.

4. Smarten up a plain set of furniture

Climbers, once planted, will stretch and grow to cover unsightly fencing or walls and provide a lush, verdant borders to your outdoor space. Cleamatis is an excellect choice as it effortlessly weaves its way across surfaces and flowers beautifully in summertime.

6. Go for a versatile bistro set

Great-value bistro sets are perfect for balconies or smaller gardens. They are easy to fold away, too. Having a small patio can be just as rewarding as a rambling garden when thoughtfully styled. The key to making the most of a small outdoor space is utilising flexible furniture with a slimmer silhouette – offering space to host a feast of drinks and nibbles but without looking bulky.

7. Try faux grass for value and ease

Artificial grass provides the perfect solution for creating attractive, functional outdoor areas without the hassle and expenses associated with traditional lawn maintenance. Whilst it gives a similar underfoot sensation to the real thing, artificial grass is hard-wearing, long-lasting and fade-resistant.

Once installed, artificial grass requires little upkeep. With minimal effort, such as occasional brushing and removal of dirt and leaves, it remains vibrant and natural looking all year round

8. Reuse old corks for planting

Create a display of frames and wall-hung planters on an exterior wall in the same way that you would hang pictures inside. Old loaf tins make great planters – just remember to drill holes for drainage

9. Bring in easy-fit solar lighting

Perfect for showcasing your garden’s best features, a few staked spotlights shining up through a tree or a sculpted shrub will transform it into a stunning focal point and add instant depth and drama, too. Alternatively use them along the edge of a flower bed or path to define the area.

Solar spotlights can be placed in any sunny spot. Needing just 6-8 hours of daylight to charge fully, the rechargeable battery will store energy to illuminate the garden at night. Minus any irritating or ugly wires, they can simply be pushed into the ground or container where needed, and even moved around if desired.