You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a garden that makes your neighbors jealous. Check out these budget landscaping ideas for a stylish garden you’ll love!
Budget landscaping doesn’t mean settling for a shabby-looking garden. From choosing the right plants to making the most of the garden materials you do have, there are plenty of ways to save money while also designing a yard your neighbors will admire.
Not only will an attractive garden boost your own mood, it’s also a sure-fire way to increase the value of your home when you do decide to sell up. Plus, who doesn’t want a gorgeous outdoor space to lounge in and entertain family and friends, especially during the warmer summer months?
Ready to transform your garden on the cheap? Keep reading to learn how.
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Choose Beautiful Plants on the Cheap
When landscaping on a budget, the inclusion of affordable but beautiful plants is an easy way to breathe life and color into your garden.
While purchasing such plants can result in a stunning looking yard, you’ll need to choose your greenery carefully to make sure they’re suitable.
Make sure the plant is in good health when you purchase it, otherwise there’s no point in bringing it home. Inspect the leaves and vines to see if there are any bugs or diseases on them, and if they do, avoid the plant at all costs! If you’re not too sure how to determine if a plant is in good health, try to bring along someone that does.
Once you’ve planted your greenery, it’s important to practice proper plant care to maintain your garden and keep it looking healthy. While even high-quality plants require attention, cheaper options may need a little TLC. If your plants weren’t in tip-top condition at the store, you’ll need to be extra careful about watering them properly.
Be careful not to over-plant either. Keep in mind how big plants can grow and don’t make the mistake of believing every inch of your plant beds need covering. Otherwise, you may have to spend extra time removing and transporting overcrowded plants the following season!
If you do require the removal of larger plants, such as a towering tree, check out these tree removal costs for professional assistance. Tree removal to add light works well to brighten up your garden and welcome in as much sun as possible!
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Get Creative with Planters
Another of our affordable landscaping ideas includes choosing jazzy or interesting plant pots to brighten up a garden.
Use pretty containers on the front porch or patio to add some color.
You can even get creative and upscale old items that you don’t use anymore. Plant your greenery and flowers in old buckets, wooden crates, watering cans, or even a wheelbarrow to give your garden an earthy, whimsical vibe.
You can also opt for clay pots, too. Paint them a shade that coordinates with the rest of your landscaping, and you’ve got an expensive-looking planter for a fraction of the price. Plus, painting clay containers also makes them less porous and long-lasting.
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Go for Gravel
Bring style to your garden by incorporating gravel or mulch into the design. The addition of a garden path is a lovely way to break up big spaces of lawn and plant beds.
Instead of hiring expensive pavers to create a path using concrete, consider crafting a winding pathway with the use of crushed stone, shells, or mulch. Not only is it a cheaper option, but it’s more attractive and quainter than using plain concrete.
For a pretty and natural look, use affordable plants to create an edge. If using crushed stone or gravel, compact the material using a hand tamper or roller.
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Find the Freebies
Did you know that many cities around the country offer programs whereby residents offer locals free gardening materials? These can include unwanted plants, mulch, compost, and trees. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
In return, homeowners are expected to use these materials to decorate and stylize their yards. Your best bet is to check with your local officials to see if there are any similar programs in your area. Alternatively, many people give away free gardening materials on websites such as Craigslist.
If you’re seeking out brick and stone as part of your garden renovation, check out demolition sites where you might find some free and useful materials. Of course, make sure you gain permission from the job site owner before removing anything!
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Pick End of Season Purchases
When shopping for plants and garden supplies, the best deals can be found at the end of the growing season. Late summer and early fall are ideal times to buy shrubs, trees, and perennial plants.
Just make sure the plants you buy in fall are suitable to last through the cold winter months – otherwise, you’re simply buying them to die within a couple of months.
Luckily, many trees and shrubs fare well when planted in the fall as they have time to establish a good root system before the heat of summer arrives the following year. The soil is still warm enough to allow the root systems to grow yet cooler temperatures mean you don’t have to water constantly.
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Transform Instead of Toss
While it may be tempting to go for a full-on garden overhaul, resist the temptation to discard everything from your existing yard.
Many items can be re-purposed, so it makes no sense to throw everything away. Use bricks from a planter to create a new pathway, for example, or use old fence pickets to craft a gate. The possibilities are endless!
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Small Details for Big Impact
Choose inexpensive garden accessories to bring a big impact to your garden. For example, a cute bird feeder, house numbers, and a classic mailbox are all relatively affordable yet create instant charm within a garden.
Pretty glass accessories, in particular, will reflect light from the sun’s rays and sparkle.
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Search the Thrift Shops
To find some bargain buys, explore local junk shops, jumble sales, and thrift shops. Old yet charming items will give your garden a quaint feel – think vintage gates, weathered bricks, and stone troughs.
Not only will these items be cheap as chips, but you’ll give character to your garden.
Budget Landscaping for Beginners
If you’re new to renovating, then these budget landscaping tips are perfect for beginners.
Once you have the ideas you’d like to incorporate in your design, you can start planning to achieve your backyard goals and can start your structuring slowly. Before you know it, you’ll have a stunning new garden that’s bound to impress!
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