​Grand garden ideas on a budget

That garden not only needs to be beautiful, but practical, too. That’s why we kick off with a winning garden idea: laying down some plush pillows in a corner on the wooden deck, on an existing bench, on the terrace, even under a tree in the yard.

The main aim of this exercise is to have your garden look open, inviting and friendly, not to mention comfortable. And for that, we opt for colourful cushions with striking patterns.

As the garden is one of the most popular spaces where we like to flex our DIY skills, why not build your own outdoor furniture? 

Wooden pallets can be picked up for next to nothing outside builders’ yards. Then, it’s simply a matter of watching a few online tutorials before you’re well on your way to building a timber sofa, table, chairs, or whatever else you deem necessary for your garden. 

Another popular (and easier) way for low-budget garden furniture is by dry stacking low-cost concrete blocks and covering them with a foam pad. Feel free to add the colourful cushions from point one here as well!

Garden ideas on a budget don’t necessarily mean a cheap look. Even though brick- and concrete paths ensure quite a stylish touch up for the outdoors, they tend to be costly.

Plan B? Use gravel!  

1. Mark the area where you intend to create a new path. 

2. Dig up any turf, rocks or plants. 

3. Pat the soil to make it compact before putting down a layer of permeable membrane. 

4. Scatter the gravel over the area and spread it evenly using a rake. 

homify hint: Wooden planks (slightly wedged into the gravel for safety) make for great stepping stones.

We can already see ourselves spending quality outdoor time with friends and family this spring/summer. But first we need to ensure some decent lighting for the garden, patio and/or yard. 

Even though there are lots of options to consider (from free-standing lanterns to tea-light candles), outdoor fairy lights remain one of our favourites. They’re fun, provide a decent amount of illumination, plus ensure a touch of sparkle. And thanks to inventive backyard options, they are available in numerous colours and shapes.

Wrap them around a tree, dangle them from the patio roof/pergola, lay them down on the terrace floor against the wall, or drape them down an outdoor table for a twinkling centrepiece.

Tiny outdoor spaces, like balconies, are easy to clutter, so what do you do when your décor options are limited? You opt for one single colour!

Pick slender planters to match with that chair, table, or other outdoor furniture piece. Splash them all with the same coat of paint (see which colours would best contrast with the plants’ natural greens, or complement it) and enjoy your colour-coded garden/balcony.

Garden furniture can be pricey, but you don’t need to pick the best, most expensive option available. Since we’re focusing on garden ideas that work with smaller budgets, search for a small table that suits your budget and still provides a place for relaxing. Then simply pop in a chair or two to complement the design and see how functional your garden becomes!

Before you break the bank on a new patio floor or decking area, consider other garden ideas on a budget, like a beautiful rug. And thank goodness that outdoor rugs are a reality, as they ensure a quick and easy way to add some luxury to an outdoor space, whether it’s a terrace, a pergola, or simply a touch of colour and pattern (and elegant underfoot sensation) on your lawn.

Maybe you can lay it beneath that cute table you acquired in number six?

If your garden needs a boost, the simplest way is to revive it is with container pots. And since personal taste dictates that no two gardens need to be identical, you don’t have to opt for those expensive ones in your neighbour’s yard.

Anything can be turned into an effective container, from pretty tins and old drawers to discarded boots and unused buckets. These are sure to add a touch of uniqueness to your garden while also coming in under budget.

Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint. But garden fences need more TLC than most people know, seeing as a simple paint job doesn’t last forever. 

So, if you want something different for your garden fence, treat it to decent wood paint, but instead of the usual white/brown/beige hues, consider a fresh and colourful alternative like strawberry red or daffodil yellow – see how that spices up the look of your garden!

What if you could change the look of your garden/yard without buying anything new? Cut the lawn into a clearly defined shape (like a circle, square, or something more intricate like a star, if you dare). Mark it out with string and use a spade to cut away the excess grass.

This is quite easy (depending on the shape), shouldn’t take longer than an afternoon, and is one of the best garden ideas on a budget.

Mirror are great for adding visual space indoors, so why not outside? Plus, the inclusion of a mirror in the garden (tied to a tree, fixed to shrubs, placed against a wall, or wherever you deem fit) is sure to provide a unique touch.

Speaking of exterior style, we bring you these Stunning stone landscaping ideas to be inspired by.