With summer just around the corner (at least on the calendar), it’s high time you take the matter of your garden décor into your hands. While it might not be the right time to trim bushes and plant new flowers, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done. If you’re worried that decorating your garden means you’ll go bankrupt in a matter of weeks, guess again. There are quite a few things you can do even if you’re on a budget, and we’re here to help you get started with a few useful ideas:
Paint the patio
If you don’t have enough space for a nice lawn, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to decorate. A splash of paint will do wonders for an old patio, and if you add a stylish stencil pattern, you’ll end up with a real gem. If you have outdoor furniture and some garden accessories, a striking floor is a great idea since it will make the said furniture stand out and shine brighter.
This trend emerged a couple of seasons ago and really took off since it’s cost-effective and eye-catching at the same time. You could also try painting your old fence a vibrant color because that way all of your greenery will be even more visible (not to mention everything will look very Instagram-able too). If you’re hoping to achieve a dramatic look, you could try painting the fence or the old shed black.
Reuse old furniture
Everyone knows that new garden furniture costs an arm and a leg, but you can always use some of your old indoor furniture if you really need it. By reusing old tables and chairs, not only will you save money, but you will also save space and clear out your kitchen. Of course, you have to be aware that the elements and exposure to sun and humidity are going to wear the old furniture down. Still, you will save plenty of money and be able to invest in proper outdoor pieces one of the following seasons.
If you have a hand and eye for DIY projects, you could also try upcycling some of the old pallets you have lying around and use them to make a lovely garden table. Once you paint it and attach some nice feet, it will look like it costs a fortune.
Grow from scraps (or seeds)
If you’re looking to save money on the decoration process and make your garden more sustainable in the future, you could try growing plants from scraps in your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to grow lettuce, cucumber, radish, and celery from the scraps left over after making a meal.
This kind of vegetable garden is cheap and sustainable, and you will save plenty of money in the long run if replanting from scraps becomes a practice in the future. There are also easy ways to grow chillies, sweet peppers, and aromatic herbs that will turn your meals into gourmet dishes. If you’re hoping to plant some flowers too, the cheapest way to do so is to sow seeds rather than already grown flowers. A great option can be blush pink roses for some color.
Create a cute garden sign
Even though cute garden signs are usually seen at weddings and birthday parties, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from making one and keeping it in your yard “just because.” It’s an adorable addition that will pretty up your plot, and you can create one in any style that matches the rest of your garden décor. It could be minimalist, fantasy, or modern, and you can even buy small garden solar lights and place them around the sign so that it stays visible in the evening. Write anything you want on it:
- The distance from the place where your best friend lives.
- The way to Narnia.
- The perfect place to take a selfie.
Recycle tins and jars
When you have plenty of old tins and jars but can’t make yourself start working on a creative project, this is your sign of changing that. If you have some old tins, you can simply wash them out, leave them to dry, and use spray paint to paint them your favorite color. Once done, you can use them to plant some small flowers and hang them around your porch.
An alternative idea is to put LED candles in to get that magical atmospheric glow, especially if you also punch out small holes and create pretty patterns. If tins aren’t really your thing, but you have some mason jars, you can do the same. Spray paint them, fill them with a bit of sand, and use them as candle holders on the table. Or tie a string around them, hang them up, and use them as your own version of a hanging garden.
Innovative candle holders
There would definitely be more people outside during summer if only there weren’t so many mosquitoes and other bugs around. An easy way to chase them off is to light scented bug-repelling candles. You can even make your own scented candle holders, which you can easily dot around the patio. It’s simple enough to do: you only have to fill a few terracotta pots with regular sand and push in several scented candles. There will be no need to worry about them tipping over, and even with the wax dripping all over the place, the sand will soak it up easily. Candles scented with citronella, lavender, and lemon balm are great for repelling insects, so leave them lit for an hour or two before sitting outside.
Repurpose old crates
Those old wooden crates you have in the garden shed don’t have to collect dust anymore because you can use them to make colorful wall cubbies. These are very convenient for displaying your favorite potted plants or other garden bric-a-brac. It’s simple, looks lovely, and best of all – it’s very cheap to make. Old wooden crates are a good starting point if you’re looking for ideas for your future vertical garden. They can make excellent mini shelves, but wooden wine crates will do the trick if you need something a bit sturdier. Make sure the paint you’re using is waterproof, or you’ll be left with washed-up shelves by the end of summer.
Decorating a garden can really make a huge dent in your budget if you’re not careful. Still, there are many simple and cost-effective solutions you can implement instead. By ensuring that your garden is in excellent condition for the upcoming summer, you will give yourself and your guests the rare pleasure of enjoying the beauty of nature while being comfy and tucked in a secluded corner.
