Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your garden. The air gets warmer, the sun shines brighter and you add an extra hour to your day - so you can spend more time outside working to cultivate the perfect garden!
Not everyone has an unlimited budget to dedicate to craft an outdoor oasis - and that’s okay! There are lots of things you can do to create a beautiful garden area on a budget. You can still show off a great space without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to upgrade your garden without blowing your budget.
Think Ahead
If you want to create a garden, don’t just do it on a whim. Even though the idea might pop into your head, take some time before purchasing any big items to plan out your garden area. Consider how much you want to spend, what theme you want, the types of plants you want to have and whether or not you want your garden to provide you with food, herbs or just have flowers.
Consider your climate, too - you don’t want to plant fruits and veggies that don’t grow well in your area. Take some time to visit some landscaping and gardening centers to talk with the professionals about what grows best when and how to best plant in your space.
Don’t forget to measure your garden space! You’ll want to ensure your garden oasis isn’t overcrowded with plants or barren. Take a few moments before shopping to measure around the spaces you want to plant. Write down the measurements, take pictures or even sketch out a sample blueprint to use when discussing garden upgrades with the local outdoor stores. You’ll find that those considerations will save you money in the long run because you won’t be running back and forth to the store to find and return plants that don’t fit the areas where you want to garden.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
One of the best ways you can save money on an outdoor project is by looking into sustainable options for your garden. Ask your neighbors for planters they’re not using, upcycle items from yard sales or other second-hand stores and look for ways to DIY different things in your yard! You can easily turn an antique bicycle into a garden planter, or consider building an air plant frame to hang on the fence in your garden. Not only do these things give you a fun activity to do in the fresh air, but you can add some unique decor to your garden space that doesn’t force you to go over budget!
Less is More
You don’t have to fill your garden area with huge plants and shrubbery. In fact, if you have a small garden, consider adding a few smaller plants or a vegetable like mushrooms in a growing kit. Then, incorporate some smaller decor pieces, such as some personalized garden stones, between them to create some natural space between the plants. The personalized touch will really let you enjoy the space more. Plus, purchasing plants that might not be full-grown can save you a lot of money. They will continue to grow after you purchase them. Adding trees to your garden area? Find ones that haven’t yet started to bloom - they’re much lighter than ones that are flowering. Not only will they be easier to plant, but they will also help you stay within your budget. Don’t forget that the all-year plants will typically be less expensive to purchase than the seasonal ones. You’ll save time and money going with plants classified as ‘annuals,’ which grow all year regardless of season or climate.
Also, consider the outdoor furniture you’ll be adding to your garden. Consider some wooden fold up chairs and a table to use rather than a large patio set. This way, when the weather starts to get a little bad, you can easily transport your outdoor furniture inside, safe from the elements. On top of that, collapsible furniture can fit into smaller spaces really well. Even if you have a larger outdoor space, if you want the focus to be on the greenery, smaller furniture is the way to go.
Don’t Neglect the Front Yard
Even if you’re sprucing up your backyard, your front yard still deserves some love! Consider some small decor pieces in the front yard, such as walkway lights or a few personalized yard signs. Yard signs are great for the front yard, especially if you have a graduating senior or a military family member coming home. Walkway lights are perfect if you live in a more rural area that doesn’t have street lights. Your guests can find their way to your front door with ease, plus the motion-sensor lights serve as a bonus security feature for your home.
Include Your Friends
Another expensive part of garden upgrades is the labor. If you purchase large greenery from garden stores or nurseries, sometimes the companies will offer to plant the items for you - for a price. If you have any friends that know the dos-and-don’ts of landscaping, consider asking them for help, or watch some YouTube tutorials to curb the cost of installation and planting. Host a garden party, and invite all your friends, family and neighbors that live near you to come over and help you with garden activities. The kids can help shovel dirt, and everyone can lay down patches of grass, set up furniture or hang string lights. Building a fence? Find friends who are handy with saws and nail guns to assist you in installing and woodworking. Don’t forget to provide them with a hearty meal at the end of the day to thank everyone for helping you out!
You can still create a meaningful, beautiful outdoor space without blowing your budget. Remember to carefully plan your garden, upcycle your materials and enlist the help of your friends to minimize the labor costs. As long as your garden space becomes an area you want to spend time in, that’s all that matters.
