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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I share my top tips for low cost landscape gardening so we can make the most of our outdoor space on a budget.
Are you dreaming of a beautiful garden but worried about the cost? Don’t let a tight budget hold you back! In this post, I’ll share my top tips for creating a stunning outdoor space without breaking the bank. From DIY projects to clever landscaping tricks, I’ll show you how to maximize your garden potential while minimizing your expenses.
With the help of Matt Draycott, Senior Designer at Hekla Saunas, and Ali Wooldridge, gardening expert and co-founder of luxury outdoor furniture company, Gardenesque, I’m going to share tips for a budget-friendly garden makeover!
Top Tips For Low Cost Landscape Gardening
Create Zones
If you crave a garden that’s not only visually appealing but also functional, consider creating designated zones. By dividing your space into distinct areas, you can optimize its use and create a more inviting outdoor environment.
How to Create Zones:
Assess Your Needs: Determine how you want to use your garden. Do you envision a peaceful seating area, a vibrant vegetable patch, or a playful space for children?
Plan the Layout: Based on your needs, sketch out a rough plan of your garden, dividing it into zones. Consider factors like sunlight, privacy, and accessibility.
Define Boundaries: Use physical elements to separate your zones. Some popular options include:
Hedges: Living boundaries that add privacy and visual interest. Consider evergreen options like privet or deciduous choices like hawthorn.
Fences: Wooden, metal, or vinyl fences can create defined spaces and provide security.
Trellis or Arbors: These can be used to support climbing plants, creating vertical interest and dividing areas.
Paths: Stone, gravel, or wood paths can guide visitors through your garden and delineate different zones.
Examples of Zones:
Seating Area: Create a cozy spot for relaxation with comfortable furniture, cushions, and perhaps a small table. Consider adding a fire pit or outdoor heater for chilly evenings.
Vegetable Patch: A sunny location is ideal for growing vegetables. Raised beds can make gardening easier and help prevent weeds.
Play Area: If you have children, designate a space for play with a swing set, sandbox, or climbing frame.
Herb Garden: A fragrant and functional addition to any garden. Consider planting herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme in pots or raised beds.
Flower Garden: Showcase your favorite blooms with a colorful flower bed. Choose plants that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and bloom time.
If you like structure, create designated zones. Divide your space into different functional areas according to your preferences and plan the layout of each zone based on how the space will be used.
For example, you could create a designated sit-down area where you place your furniture and set this up close to the entry of your house to reduce path travel and make it easier when bringing food and drink in and out. If you want to create a vegetable patch, you may want to set this up in a space that attracts plenty of sun.-Ali Wooldridge
Form an ‘IT’ point
A well-placed focal point can elevate your garden from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the element that draws the eye, adds visual interest, and creates a sense of drama. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Natural Focal Points
Trees: A majestic tree, whether it’s a flowering cherry, a weeping willow, or a towering oak, can be a stunning focal point.
Water Features: A pond, fountain, or waterfall can add a soothing sound and visual element to your garden.
Rock Gardens: Arrange rocks and stones in a creative way to create a unique and eye-catching display.
Man-Made Focal Points
Pergolas and Arbors: These structures can be adorned with climbing plants to create a shaded and inviting space.
Gazebos: A gazebo provides a sheltered area for outdoor dining or relaxation.
Fire Pits or Outdoor Kitchens: These features can be both functional and visually appealing.
Painted Walls or Fences: A bold color or decorative design can make a statement.
Tips for Creating a Focal Point
Consider Scale: The focal point should be large enough to be noticeable from a distance.
Balance: Ensure the focal point is balanced by other elements in the garden.
Lighting: Highlight your focal point with strategically placed lighting to create a dramatic effect.
Surrounding Elements: Use plants, paths, and other elements to draw attention to your focal point.
Create a focal point of your space that you want people to notice. Ideas include a secluded seating area with a bench and flowers at the bottom of your garden, or a painted wall or fence which has plants strategically hung to create a pleasant view.
-Ali Wooldridge
If you’re wanting to make a big item such as a hot tub or sauna the focal point, place shrubs, climbing plants, and bushes around or near it. Not only will it look inviting, but when placed correctly, the plants will also offer extra privacy.
-Matt Draycott
Create a DIY walkway or seating area
When designing your outdoor space, a well-crafted walkway or seating area can enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Consider using materials like gravel or bark, which are not only budget-friendly but also easy to install on landscape fabric.
Steps to Create a Walkway or Seating Area:
Plan and Mark: Determine the desired size and shape of your walkway or seating area. Use a garden hose or spray paint to mark the boundaries.
Remove Turf: Carefully dig up the turf within the marked area, ensuring you remove any roots to prevent weeds.
Lay Landscape Fabric: Install a high-quality weed barrier fabric to prevent weeds from growing through your walkway or seating area. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
Add Base Material: If necessary, level the soil beneath the fabric. Then, add a base layer of gravel or sand to provide drainage and stability.
Install Your Chosen Material: Lay your preferred material, such as gravel, bark, or pavers, over the base layer. For a more polished look, consider edging the walkway or seating area with stones or bricks.
Material Options:
Gravel: A versatile and affordable option that comes in various colors and sizes.
Bark: Adds a natural and organic feel to your garden. Choose a bark that complements your overall aesthetic.
Pavers: Durable and stylish, but can be more expensive than gravel or bark.
Flagstones: A classic and timeless choice for walkways and patios.
When creating a walkway or seating area materials such as gravel and bark are easy to lay on landscape fabric. They’re also a cheaper alternative to other materials such as paving.
Creating the designated area or walkway can be as simple as marking out the space with stones, digging the turf, laying the fabric to prevent weeds and filling it with the preferred materials. But be sure to lay quality weed control fabric first and check that the soil beneath is reasonably levelled.
-Matt Draycott
Reangle flower beds
One of the most effective ways to revitalize your garden is to alter the shape and size of your flower beds. By experimenting with different configurations, you can create a more visually appealing and functional outdoor space.
Tools and Techniques:
Shears: Used for trimming edges and shaping plants.
Half-Moon Edgers: Ideal for creating clean, curved edges.
Spades: Necessary for digging up turf and reshaping flower beds.
Choosing the Right Shape:
Straight Edges: Create a modern and sleek look.
Curved Edges: Add a more natural and organic feel to your garden, especially in long, rectangular spaces.
Creating Precise Lines:
Wooden Plank: Use a short plank of wood as a guide for straight edges.
Garden Hose: Map out curved edges by bending a garden hose into the desired shape.
Additional Tips:
Consider the Style of Your Home: Choose flower bed shapes that complement the architecture of your home.
Think About Functionality: Design your flower beds to be easy to maintain and access.
Experiment with Different Sizes: Try varying the size of your flower beds to create visual interest.
Plant in Layers: Add depth and texture to your flower beds by planting in layers of different heights.
Altering the shape and size of your flower beds can help switch up your space. Using tools such as shears, half-moon edgers and spades, you can opt for straight edges to create a slick look or curved edges for a more natural look. Curved edges are also great for breaking up long, rectangular gardens.
To ensure good, straight lines use a short plank of wood as a cutting guide. If you prefer curved edges, a garden hose can be used to map out your curves and act as a cutting guide.
-Ali Wooldridge
Tidy up edges with borders
Borders are essential elements in landscape design, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They can define different areas in your garden, prevent plants from spreading, and create a polished, professional look. While you can purchase pre-made borders, there are many DIY options that allow you to personalize your outdoor space.
Materials for DIY Borders:
Stones: Collect a variety of stones in different shapes and sizes. Arrange them in a row to create a natural and rustic border.
Bricks: Dig a trench that is the same depth as the bricks. Add a layer of sand for drainage, and then lay the bricks side by side.
Chicken Wire or Wire Mesh: These materials can be bent and shaped to create a more flexible and rustic border.
Steps to Install a Border:
Plan and Mark: Determine the desired location and shape of your border. Use a garden hose or spray paint to mark the outline.
Dig a Trench: If using bricks or pavers, dig a trench that is slightly deeper than the width of the materials.
Add Base Material: For bricks or pavers, add a layer of sand to the bottom of the trench for drainage.
Install Border: Place your chosen materials in the trench or along the marked outline. For stones, you may need to secure them with landscape adhesive or bury them partially in the ground.
Additional Tips:
Consider the Style of Your Garden: Choose border materials that complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Vary the Height: For a more dynamic look, create borders of varying heights.
Add Plants: Plant along the base of your border to create a colorful and vibrant display.
Borders create a professional, landscaped look and you can use them to separate areas such as grass from paths or to stop flowers and plants from spreading. Whilst you can buy cheap wooden boarders, you can make your own with materials such as stones and bricks.
Collect large stones in different shapes and sizes and place them in a row around the border of the designated area. If you opt for bricks, be sure to dig a trench that’s the same size as the bricks, add a little sand to the bottom and then lay them next to each other.
Other options include chicken wire or wire mesh panels which can be bent and shaped to give a more rustic look.
-Ali Wooldridge
Use solar lights to define areas
Lighting can transform your garden into a captivating and enchanting space, especially at night. By strategically placing lights, you can highlight key features, create a cozy ambiance, and extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Lighting Ideas:
Fairy Lights: String fairy lights around trees, shrubs, or along fences for a whimsical and festive atmosphere.
Pathway Lights: Illuminate walkways and paths with solar-powered lights or lanterns to ensure safety and create a guided path.
Accent Lighting: Use spotlights or uplights to highlight focal points such as trees, sculptures, or water features.
Ambient Lighting: Create a soft and inviting glow with lanterns, string lights, or outdoor torches.
Tips for Responsible Lighting:
Consider Wildlife: Opt for soft, warm-toned lights that are less disruptive to wildlife, such as bats and insects.
Use Motion Sensors: Install motion-activated lights to conserve energy and only illuminate when needed.
Choose Energy-Efficient Bulbs: Opt for LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
Create a Balanced Effect: Avoid over-lighting your garden. Aim for a harmonious balance of light and shadow.
From stringing fairy lights around trees and shrubs to using solar lights alongside paths or to highlight focal points at night, lighting adds another dimension to your space. To protect wildlife such as bats and insects, be sure to use soft lighting.
-Matt Draycott
Apply a lick of paint
A fresh coat of paint can instantly revitalize your garden and give it a new lease on life. From fences and seating to walls and pots, a well-chosen color can transform the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Color Choices for Summer:
Pastel Tones: Soft hues like pink, lilac, and blue create a calming and inviting atmosphere.
Bold Colors: For a more vibrant and energetic vibe, consider using bold colors like red, orange, or yellow.
Neutral Shades: If your garden is already bursting with color, opt for neutral shades like black, white, or gray to create a balanced look.
Painting Tips:
Prepare the Surface: Clean and sand the surface to ensure the paint adheres properly.
Choose High-Quality Paint: Invest in weather-resistant paint specifically designed for outdoor use.
Apply Multiple Coats: For a durable and long-lasting finish, apply multiple coats of paint.
Protect from Weather: If possible, choose a dry and sunny day for painting to allow the paint to cure properly.
One way to make your space pop is by keeping everything freshly painted. A new coat of paint or varnish can help things like fences, seating, walls, pots and even guttering look brand new. Colours perfect for this summer include pastel pinks, lilacs and blues.
If your garden is already home to brightly coloured flowers, plants and accessories then you could always opt for painting other items black to create an instant impact. Plus, black never dates so you can keep the same colour scheme all year.
-Ali Wooldridge
Negotiate, if you’re bringing in the professionals
When seeking professional services, it’s important to understand that quotes are often negotiable. Many professionals are willing to discuss pricing and may be able to offer a better deal than initially presented.
Here’s a strategy to get the best price:
Obtain Multiple Quotes: Get written quotes from at least three reputable professionals. This will give you a clear comparison of pricing and services.
Use Quotes as Leverage: Once you have multiple quotes, share them with each professional. They may be motivated to offer a lower price to beat their competitors.
Be Prepared to Negotiate: Clearly articulate your budget and be open to discussing potential compromises, such as reducing the scope of the project or accepting a different payment schedule.
When speaking with the professionals, most of their quotes won’t be fixed, and you can often get a better deal if you ask. Most will negotiate with you on price so, get a written quote from one expert and show it to another. Most times, they will want to beat their competitor’s price.
-Matt Draycott
Sources
1. Search trends taken from keyword tool 01/07/24 and cover the last 12 months.
2. https://www.gardenesque.com/
About Hekla Saunas
Hekla Saunas, by Superior Wellness, the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, in Chesterfield, offers you a global choice of high-quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.
As part of the Superior Wellness family Hekla Saunas was established in 2023 and is inspired by nature using Baltic sauna traditions. Choose from a range of saunas including indoor and outdoor, as well as infrared and traditional heater options.
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