As summer arrives, homeowners across Britain are seeking affordable ways to enhance their gardens and outdoor spaces.
Whether working with a sprawling lawn or a compact balcony, transforming these areas needn't require substantial investment.
For Britons who want an "expensive" garden without straining their wallets, Furniturebox's Laura Carter has compiled eight budget-friendly tips.
Her practical suggestions range from simple cleaning solutions costing mere pence to creative repurposing ideas that breathe new life into forgotten household items.
Sprucing up rusty metal outdoor furniture
The first of Laura's money-saving suggestions tackles outdoor furniture maintenance using everyday household items.
"Nothing dates outdoor furniture more than rust," she said. "But it is easily cleaned off with an inexpensive household product such as £1.50 Brillo pads, which are great for surfaces such as steel or cast iron.
"A cheap hack for cleaning wood and outside upholstery is distilled vinegar as it can remove bacteria, dirt and grime without harming the wood."
The expert recommended distilled vinegar, namely Tesco's 568ml bottle priced at just 35p. But for those who shop elsewhere, this cleaning staple is available at many major supermarkets.
'It is quite amazing what a difference a quick coat of paint can make'
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And Laura isn't the only gardening guru who swears by distilled vinegar for wooden garden furniture.
According to garden furniture specialist Bradley Spencer, it's the secret weapon against accumulated dirt and grime.
For excellent results as opposed to a garden disaster, it's important to dilute your vinegar before you start scrubbing.
Laura advised: "To clean outdoor wooden furniture with vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bucket. Apply the solution to the furniture, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely.
"For rust spots, apply undiluted vinegar directly to the rust, let it sit for 30 minutes, add salt for abrasion, and scrub gently."
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'A cheap hack for cleaning wood and outside upholstery is distilled vinegar'
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Create a mini wildlife corner
Cultivating a wildlife-friendly corner represents another affordable enhancement, Laura added.
She suggested installing bird feeders, birdbaths or squirrel feeders, all available for approximately £10.
"It's worth planting pollinator-friendly flowers like lavender, cosmos, or salvia," the expert added. "These changes boost local biodiversity and add a tranquil, natural element to your garden."
Zoning
For those working with a small space, even modest gardens can be "transformed into a haven" through strategic zoning.
To ensure a space that promises entertainment, relaxation, and more, "section your space into distinct areas to create a feeling of separate 'rooms'".
She suggested establishing a quiet corner tucked under a mature tree, "maybe with an egg chair or a moon chair as a relaxing enclave to enjoy a good book".
A touch of paint
A simple tin of weatherproof paint can rejuvenate "tired" garden features for around £15, the expert advised.
"It is quite amazing what a difference a quick coat of paint can make to either buildings, furniture, fencing or raised beds in the garden," she observed.
Style your patio like a pro
Patios benefit from thoughtful styling touches, including outdoor rugs, planters with striking foliage, and solar lighting or lanterns for evening atmosphere.
Look indoors
For an entirely free garden revamp, homeowners can find new purposes for indoor furniture that no longer suits their interior décor.
"There's probably furniture in your home that no longer fits with your current aesthetic," Laura suggested, recommending old drawers be filled with potted plants or converted into direct planters with drainage holes.
Grab a mirror
Mirrors offer another budget-friendly solution for smaller spaces, Laura added.
"Much like they do indoors, mirrors can help to create the illusion of more space and enhance the overall look," she explained.
Make your own hanging basket
For a final flourish, the garden guru suggested a DIY project: crafting hanging baskets from old colanders.
"Add a liner, some compost and flowers to plant up, and you're done," she advised.
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