{"id":4280,"date":"2017-05-03T10:55:47","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T10:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/?p=4280"},"modified":"2020-05-27T15:29:49","modified_gmt":"2020-05-27T15:29:49","slug":"garden-ideas-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/garden-ideas-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden Ideas on a Budget: How to Freshen up Your Garden on the Cheap"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/?aff=blgbn\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Garden Ideas on a Budget: How to Freshen up Your Garden on the Cheap\" width=\"840\" height=\"128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1.jpg 1199w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1-300x46.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1-768x117.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1-1024x155.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Blog-Banner-3-1-750x114.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<p>While the sun may seem like a long ago myth, never to be seen again, it will make an appearance at some point or another. So as the summer edges nearer, it might be time to dust off the lawn mower and get your garden ready for the summer! If you&#8217;re looking for a few garden ideas on a budget, take a look at these top tips from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/short-term-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">short term loan<\/a><\/strong> provider, Mr Lender.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571337830.jpg\" alt=\"garden ideas on a budget\" width=\"840\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Using gravel<\/h2>\n<p>Gravel is by far cheaper than paving slabs if you want to lay out a path or seating area. While paving slabs tend to require less work, they are costlier to buy, and will also <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk\/job-profiles\/construction-labourer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">require a labourer<\/a><\/strong> to lay them properly. However you can easily buy a few bags of gravel for just a fraction of the cost at your local hardware store or garden centre. All you have to do is clear the area where you want the gravel to be, but make sure there isn&#8217;t any grass or loose soil around. Once the area is clear, lay some <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.homebase.co.uk\/en\/homebaseuk\/construction-and-landscape-membrane---2-x-6m-739592\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">membrane<\/a> <\/strong>down to stop weeds popping through, and then pour 2-3cm of gravel on top.<\/p>\n<h2>Cut your grass<\/h2>\n<p>Keeping your grass tidy will have a great impact on the way your garden looks. But if you want to give your garden a new look for less, consider reshaping the lawn. Use a piece of string to mark out a shape, for example a square, rectangle, or even a circle. Once you have your shape marked out, use a spade to dig up the grass around the edge. This is a great way to give your garden a new look for free.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_423726928.jpg\" alt=\"garden ideas on a budget\" width=\"840\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_423726928.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_423726928-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_423726928-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_423726928-720x480.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Perennial plants<\/h2>\n<p>Investing in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rhs.org.uk\/plants\/perennials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">perennial plants<\/a><\/strong> is a perfect way to add colour and life to your garden. A perennial plant is one which lives for more than two years, as opposed to just one season (these are known as annual plants). Spending your money on perennial plants will save you money in the long run, as your plants will last longer &#8211; so long as you manage to look after them properly.<\/p>\n<h2>Flower pot power<\/h2>\n<p>Not everyone was blessed with green fingers, and that&#8217;s okay. If you fall into this category, consider adding a bit of life to your garden with some different coloured plant pots. You don&#8217;t necessarily need to fill them with plants, but instead put an assortment of fun things inside such as pretty stones or small windmills.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4309\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571253560.jpg\" alt=\"garden ideas on a budget\" width=\"840\" height=\"561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571253560.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571253560-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571253560-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571253560-719x480.jpg 719w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Solar powered fairy lights<\/h2>\n<p>If your garden is in need of a little light, some solar powered fairy lights can work a treat. Fairy lights can add a mystical, dreamy effect to any garden when placed perfectly, and are far cheaper than buying a fixed outdoor light. You also won&#8217;t <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk\/find-an-electrician\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">need an electrician<\/a><\/strong> to fit them too, as you might do with an outdoor light. Another added benefit is that they are free to run as they&#8217;re solar powered.<\/p>\n<h2>Go faux<\/h2>\n<p>One great way of keeping your garden looking fresh as a daisy all year round, is to invest in artificial grass and plants. The initial cost may be a bit more than a tub of fertiliser and some plant seeds, but you will most definitely save money in the long run. Artificial grass and plants don&#8217;t need to be watered or fed, and the grass also won&#8217;t need mowing.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4310\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_223869016.jpg\" alt=\"garden ideas on a budget\" width=\"840\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_223869016.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_223869016-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_223869016-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_223869016-720x480.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Freecycle<\/h2>\n<p>Freebie websites don&#8217;t just help you to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/save-money-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">save money at home<\/a><\/strong>, but you can also get some great bits for the garden too &#8211; all for free!\u00a0If you&#8217;re looking for some new garden furniture or garden tools, take a look on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freecycle.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Freecycle <\/a><\/strong>before you splash the cash on the more expensive stuff. You can find some great pieces online, in great condition, and you won&#8217;t have to pay a penny.<\/p>\n<h2>Add a splash of colour<\/h2>\n<p>If pots, plants and colourful furniture just isn&#8217;t your thing, you could add some character to your garden by adding some bright, summery paint to your fence and shed. Instead of reaching for some plain wood varnish, opt for a brighter colour instead. This will instantly bring a new lease of life to an otherwise plain garden.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4311\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_75352372.jpg\" alt=\"garden ideas on a budget\" width=\"840\" height=\"559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_75352372.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_75352372-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_75352372-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_75352372-722x480.jpg 722w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Freshen up<\/h2>\n<p>Though this may seem like a fairly obvious point, you may be surprised how much of an impact a simple tidy up can have on your garden. Use a pressure washer to get your patio looking as good as new, and take a bit of time to pull up any weeds. This will instantly give your garden a fresh new look.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While the sun may seem like a long ago myth, never to be seen again, it will make an appearance at some point or another. So as the summer edges nearer, it might be time [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[245,246],"tags":[790,795,792,789,793,791,794],"yst_prominent_words":[5138,3518,5098,2407,3523,3519,3520,5134,5131,2940,2936,5137,5135,5132,5136,3522,2142,5133,3521,3517],"class_list":["post-4280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seasonal","category-top-tips","tag-budget-garden-ideas","tag-cheap-ideas-for-the-garden","tag-decorate-your-garden-on-a-budget","tag-garden-ideas","tag-garden-ideas-on-a-budget","tag-how-to-do-up-your-garden-on-a-budget","tag-ideas-for-the-garden-for-cheap"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_571337830-e1493389635173.jpg","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4280"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7206,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4280\/revisions\/7206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4280"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mrlender.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}