If you’re not sure where to get started with creating a lovely garden when you’re got a tight budget to stick to, I’m here for you. I’ve personally planted and tended to my own garden, which started out as nothing more than a scrap of wasteland and now it’s full of shrubs, flowers and tress.

The best bit? It didn’t cost a fortune to create it. While certain items do cost some money (I’m thinking decking, paving – all the heavy landscaping bits), the elements that you can save the most on are the plants themselves and all the pretty flowers. Here’s how…

General Maintenance Is Your Best Friend

I’m going to kick things off by saying that general maintenance is your best friend when it comes to creating a pretty garden. While you might not think so, this is over half of the battle because keeping it in good condition is what sets the foundation for you to build upon. 

You should be heading out once a week in the summer and spring time to cut your grass so that it keeps to a reasonable level. You should be pulling weeds out whenever you see them peeking through, and you should ensure that you are watering your grass using rainwater or waste dishwater through the warmer months to keep it green.

The more you do this general upkeep of your garden, the less time it will take. Trust me – I spent hours getting on top of the garden when I went away earlier this year but now that everything is pruned and trimmed, it’s much quicker to maintain.

Plant And Care For Some Flowers

Flowers aren’t that expensive, and if you get a couple they really add some colour to your garden space which it needs. You can go for an explosion of different colours, or you can create a peaceful look by choosing all the same colour (such a crisp white or soothing lavender) depending on what you want your garden to look like.

You can either head down to your local B&M or The Range, which are often the chapest place to buy bedding plug plants, and just see what they have on offer. Or you can save even more money by buying flower and veg seeds and growing your own vegetables for pennies.

There’s nothing better than harvesting and eating your own produce that you’ve grown at home. A great way to get the most out of your freshly grown fruit and veg is to protect your crops by installing fruit cages or using mesh tunnels. Either way, they’ll protect your crops from birds and bugs, meaning more fresh produce for you to enjoy. 

When growing fruit, veg and flowers from seed, you can grow hundreds of plants for just the cost of a packet of seeds to fill your garden with colour and produce. Plus, there’s no effort required for this option: just rake over the ground and sprinkle on the seeds and see what happens. I was surprised when I did this with some Sweet William seeds and left them to it – they came up the following year looking absolutely beautiful and they’ve even self-seeded and flowered again this year. Free flowers are always my favourite!

Likewise, spring flowering bulbs are a low-cost way to get a pretty display in your garden year after year. I’ve planted some budget bundles of daffodils and tulips in my garden so that there’s a succession of blooms at a time of year where the garden is rather sparse otherwise.

Another way to get some free plants is to ask around and find out if your friends or family members have any leftover plants you can use. Or you could take come cuttings of their shrubs to grow your own from scratch rather than spending money on bigger plants at a garden nursery.

For example, these hops in my garden were from my neighbours garden. I wanted it to climb a trellis and it has grown into a large plant that gives lots of coverage to keep our garden looking lush and green and hiding the bits I don’t want to see (the trellis and shed). Plus, I now get dried hop garlands for free to use in floral displays in the autumn and winter.

Look Into Getting A Shed

The next thing that I’m going to recommend is that you get a shed for your garden space. I know that some of these can be expensive, so it’s going to be a case of doing your research and seeing what you can get to fit in your budget, even if it’s just a small one or a second-hand one.

I got one that had previously been used in my in-laws’ garden and then my brother’s garden before beinging handed down to me and all it needed wa a bit of patching up and painting to make it good again.

If you fancy yourself as quite the handyperson and you think you would be able to, you could build your own shed. Have a look at shed bases and other materials needed to build it, then work out what the price difference is to build vs buy.

The reason to add a shed is that it ensures there’s nothing messy hanging around your garden, which makes the whole space feel nicer. You can stow away the tools that’ll make it easier to tend to your garden, along with any bags of compost, old pots to reuse next year and so on. A tidy garden = a gorgeous garden, in my opinion!

I hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the ways that you can create a lovely garden on a tight budget. Sure, it can take some time to make this happen and you’ve got to dedicate yourself to putting in the effort regularly, but as long as you do this your garden is going to turn out wonderfully. Good luck!

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Whether you want to grow some healthy fruit and veg to enjoy eating each day or want to grow some vibrant blooms that you can enjoy outside or cut and bring indoors as a beautiful bouquet, you can easily achieve this no matter the size of your garden.

That’s because even the smallest outdoor space can benefit from container gardening. A tiny courtyard patio can be brightened up with cute tubs of spring flower bulbs for a splash of colour at this time of year. A balcony can smell fragrant with little pots of herbs that you can use in your cooking. Even a home with no garden at all can install window boxes and hanging baskets to grow seasonal blooms or succulent fresh strawberries.

So don’t let a lack of outdoor space stop you from achieving your dream garden. The spring is the perfect time to get started so here are some suggestions for growing vegetables, flowers and fruit in the smallest of spaces…

Potted veg patch

I’ve been very keen on growing my own fruit and veg ever since we dug our first veg patch in the garden around 5 years ago. I even decided to take on an allotment for a few years – which gave me much more space for planting.

However, during that time, I also discovered that more space equalled growing too much produce. I had more veggies than I could use or preserve plus, it was taking up a lot of time and effort to just maintain the plot – those summer weeds were crazy!

So this year I’m focusing on the smaller space in my own garden, which feels much more manageable – and therefore more enjoyable! I’m going back to planting veggies in containers and pots, which worked brilliantly before and meant that I didn’t end up with too much produce – yet still provided excess to pickle, freeze and share with friends and family.

The good thing about planting vegetable seeds in containers is that you can dot the pots around your courtyard patio or balcony to brighten up the space – bright leaves like rainbow chard and beetroot are just as pretty to look at as flowers when they’re potted up.

Sowing lettuce and planting tomatoes in pots also means you can have them close to your back door so that you can easily pop out to pick some fresh salad for your lunch. Plus, potted herbs can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill so you’ve got them to hand while you’re cooking. I’ve previously shared a step-by-step guide to make this tiny mesh tunnel to protect your crops so have a look at that too.

I’d recommend planting carrots, parsnips and potatoes in deep containers so that they can grow long, whereas onions are almost on the surface of the soil, so you don’t need massive depth and can use a shallower tub that doesn’t need too much compost to fill it.

Likewise, strawberry plants don’t need too much depth so you can grow them in window planters or hanging baskets. They’ll look really pretty when flowering and fruiting and you can easily harvest a handful at a time for your breakfast.

By the way, you don’t need to buy expensive pots from the garden centre – anything can be used as a container for growing veg. I’ve previously used a drawer with a hanging rail above it to grow my tomato plants. And the little tunnel planter above was a small wall-hung shelving unit before I converted it into a salad planter!

Container cutting garden

If you love to have fresh flowers in your home, you can cut the cost of buying a weekly bouquet by creating your own cutting garden in your backyard. You might be imagining a vast patch of seasonal flowers when you think of a cutting garden, but you don’t need a lot of land to achieve this aim.

Seasonal pots are the way to go if you want to cut and arrange flowers in your interior. You can plant pots with daffodil bulbs a spring display that looks lovely outside and will be glorious when cut and brought inside too. This can be followed by tulips, lilies, gladioli and dahlias for bright colours throughout the year. 

Plus, a tipi of sweetpeas doesn’t take up much space in a single pot and the flowers can be cut daily and will bloom over and over again all summer. Plus, it looks so pretty in your yard too and will smell amazing.

Don’t forget to plant a container with your favourite foliage for flower arranging too. A simple fern leaf or a sprig from an evergreen shrub can fill out your bouquet and is a plant-once-and-done option. If you’re growing herbs, why not add a stem of mint or lemon balm to the display for even more fresh fragrance in your home?

Another option is to plant bulbs in small pots that you grow outdoors but bring inside when they start flowering. That way, you’ll have a lovely display of colour in your home without ever having to cut the stems. Then you can move the pot outside again to continue growing until the following year and bring in the next pot to bloom.

I hope this has inspired you to try growing something in your small garden this year. Even if you only have space for a pot on your indoor windowsill, try growing a few herbs or pick-and-come-again salad leaves, or a single houseplant. The wellbeing benefits of growing houseplants are well-documented and it’ll give you a great sense of achievement when you watch them grow and bloom.

Please let me know in the comments below what you plan to plant this year, whether that’s in your little garden, courtyard, hanging basket or window box. I’d love to hear what you’re growing and how you’re getting on with it.

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These days, with all the tech around us and the fact that we’re always ‘on’ and connected, it can feel like a bit of a luxury to find some time just for ourselves to really relax and unwind.

However, this kind of self-care is actually very important for our mental (and physical) health, so it’s definitely something you need to incorporate into your life as and when you can – and even specifically make time to do it. 

Of course, you might assume that self-care means going to a spa or having some kind of elaborate routine, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated – sometimes all you need is the chance to get outside and enjoy a bit of gardening.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a garden of your own – see if you can volunteer to do some gardening with a community group or at a local park, which helps to make the location more beautiful for everyone. You get all those health benefits alongside making social connections too, which are great for improving your mental wellbeing.

The fact is that digging in the dirt, planting seeds, and watching things grow isn’t just good for your garden – it’s good for you as well. With that in mind, here are some reasons why gardening is great for self-care…

It’s A Natural Stress Buster

Life can get pretty overwhelming, and stress is definitely something everyone has to deal with in one way or another, so understanding how to handle it and reduce it (or even eliminate it) makes a lot of sense. When you’re outside with your hands in the soil or just breathing in the fresh air, that’s exactly what can happen.

Gardening has actually been shown to lower cortisol levels (cortisol is known as the stress hormone) and boost the mood almost straight away, so it’s an ideal thing to do. It could also be down to the rhythm of the planting or weeding or whatever else it is you’re doing – it’s a bit like meditation.

Plus, it’s a mindful thing to do because you can totally focus on the moment and not have to think about or worry about anything else. And it’s a satisfying process; from a messy garden to something that looks stunning, you’ll see progress at every step of the way, and that’s going to make you feel great. 

You Get Sunshine And Fresh Air 

Something else that’s important to note is – perhaps obviously – gardening means you get to go outside, and if that’s not something you tend to do in your day-to-day life (for those who work from home, for example, they might not step outside for days at a time), this is the perfect opportunity to do it.

And it’s a good thing – the fresh air clears your head and the sun gives you a dose of vitamin D. On top of that, you’re moving your body, and even if it’s just a little bit, that’s better than nothing. Speaking of vitamin D, you might already know that it’s good for strengthening bones, but did you know it’s also a mood booster?

Studies have shown that it’s linked to reducing feelings of anxiety and even depression (although you’ll still need to see a doctor for professional advice) and even a short gardening session can leave you feeling so much better – once you give it a go, you’ll see what I mean and you’ll be more inclined to keep going and get outside in the garden more often. 

It’s Creative 

Gardening is definitely about maintenance and making your garden look good, but it’s also a great way to be creative, and in some cases it can even be considered an art form. Just look at garden exhibitions and competitions like the Chelsea Flower show – that’s definitely design and creativity at its best!

No matter how ‘arty’ you might think you are, when you’re choosing plants and designing layouts, you’re being creative and you’re giving your garden the personal touch that’s going to make it just right for you – and make it a space you want to spend more time in.

You can experiment with colours, textures, arrangements, layouts, and so on, and do whatever it is that makes you happy. Want a tidy, formal look? Grab a lawn edger and you’ll be able to create a sharp, satisfying border. Or maybe you prefer a wild, natural feel? Then you can scatter wildflower seeds and let nature take control.

The point is, there’s no right or wrong because this is your space to play with and create with, so enjoy that process. 

Patience And Gratitude

We’re all used to getting what we want when we want it (often after spending money to get it!), and after a while, that feeling of wanting things instantly can get a bit much – it can turn into needing things instantly, and the fact is that in most cases, we really don’t need anything at all.

And that’s where gardening can help because it’s the kind of activity that helps you slow down – you’ve got to be patient because plants take time to grow and flowers bloom when they’re ready. If you’re planting seasonal bulbs it’ll be months before they grow into beautiful flowers but it’ll certainly be worth it when you see those shoots coming up.

This slower pace means you can be more patient, which is a great skill to learn and, as we mentioned above, it helps with mindfulness as well, so it’s fantastic. When those two things aren’t usually a part of your day-to-day life, you’ll find gardening becomes even more important because of how good it makes you feel.

And when the flowers do bloom, you’ll be reminded to be grateful and appreciate the little things, and that’s always a positive way to be. 

It’s Physical Activity

Not everyone loves going to the gym, but gardening is a great alternative – it’s really exercise that’s disguised as fun, and a lot of the time you won’t even realise you’re taking care of your body, which can be good for those who aren’t keen on the idea of exercise or would rather workout at home. 

All that digging, planting, weeding and lifting keeps your body moving, and in the process, you’ll build strength, improve flexibility, and boost your heart health as well.

Plus, because you’re out in the fresh air and creating something beautiful, you won’t get bored and stop too soon like you might if you were on a treadmill – gardening might just be the perfect way to exercise.

I hope you’ll be inspired to get out in the garden this year and, in terms of thriftiness, you could even grow your own fruits and vegetables to reduce your food shopping costs or plant a cutting bed so you can enjoy fresh bouquets of flowers without the expense. I’d love to hear your plans for your own garden this year so please leave me a comment below.

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You may remember that I’ve been very interested in growing my own fruit and vegetables since moving into my home. With a bit of leftover wood from our garden landscaping project, we knocked up some veg beds in a disused slice of garden beside the path and haven’t looked back.

What began as a bit of an afterthought in the garden has – excuse the pun – blossomed into a passion. I’ve since taken on an allotment – starting with a half plot and working my way up to a full plot – and was growing so much fruit and veg that it filled two freezers and I still have cupboards full of pickles and chutneys.

With all the fruit plants I started growing at home, I was overwhelmed with fresh fruit – which kickstarted a healthier lifestyle for me. You wouldn’t believe how many bags of frozen berries, chopped apple and rhubarb I have in my freezer. Plus, when I want a sweet treat, there are plenty of pots of blackberry or strawberry jam in my pantry!

So, this year I’m scaling it back and want to see what produce I can grow in the limited space I have in my garden and just how cheaply I can do that. I want it to be achievable and rewarding – showing just how much can be achieved even in a small space and with limited time.

Now is the perfect time of year to start thinking about it as many vegetable crops can be started over the winter, ready for cropping in the spring. With money-saving at the forefront of my mind (as always) I want to only plant seeds that I can buy for pennies and grow produce that will save me money on my weekly food shop throughout the year. Such as:

• Beetroot
• Parsnip
• Radish
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Spring onions

All of these vegetable seeds come in packs that contain 100s of seeds and only cost £1 per pack – and sometimes you even get a twin pack for that price! This is a great time of year to buy your packs of seeds in preparation for the growing season as you’ll often find discounts and deals when buying out-of-season. Plus, it lets you get a head start on planning your plot.

Chillis, chives, parsley, rocket, coriander, basil and other herbs can also be grown from seed and can be grown indoors all year round. So, you can get started straight away by growing pots of herbs on your kitchen windowsill. Then there’ll be no need to replenish your storecupboard with dried herbs and spices throughout the year when you’re growing them fresh.

Oh – and don’t forget onion sets. Autumn is the time of year that onions must be planted in order to grow during the winter – and that applies to garlic bulbs and shallots too. So pick up a net of onion sets or some bulbs to get started straight away. It’ll help you to feel an early sense of achievement when those little green shoots start popping up in a neat line in your new veg bed.

The good news is that you don’t need any fancy equipment or materials to start a veggie patch of your own. As long as you’ve got some essential garden tools, such as a spade and fork, you can simply dig over a bit of unused garden and start sowing your seeds or planting your sets.

Let me know if you’re planning to have a go at creating your first veg plot this year – I’d love to hear how you get on in the comments below. Plus, please share your tips for bargain fruit and vegetables that are easy to grow at home. Thanks!

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I’m a real working-from-home enthusiast. I’ve done it for over a decade and I find it so enjoyable. Not only is my commute very short and eco-friendly (yes, I walk the ten yards to my home office!) but I also have a fun space to work in that’s personalised to me.

Even though many people like the office environment, it’s possible to create a space that’s equally as productive as your desk at work even when you’re working from home. In fact, I find that I get more work done at home because it’s nice and quiet, plus there are no distractions from colleagues chatting or needing me to take on extra last-minute tasks.

The main issue with working from home is when you haven’t got a dedicated office space to work in. If you need to pack away your laptop after working at the kitchen table, or if you’ve not got space for your files at your under-stairs alcove desk, I’m sure you’ll find WFH easier and more enjoyable if you create a proper home office.

But if you don’t have a spare room, where can you work? The garden! If you’ve got a patch of space outside, no matter how small, you can make use of it for your own home office. Perhaps you can convert a garage or you could try adding one of these options:

My little vintage caravan

For many years, I’ve had a vintage caravan in my garden that I converted into my home office. I bought it for £100 delivered, repainted the outside and repaired the windows to make sure it’s weather-proof. I then redecorated it to create a space that I love to work in.

Removing most of the interior of my little vintage caravan gave me more space for my paperwork and books, and I kept the bench seating and table to work at, which enables it to be converted into an extra spare bedroom if really needed – although I’ve only stayed in it once!

It was a handy WFH solution for me because I didn’t have to lay a concrete base – it just sits on slabs – and the wheels mean it’s technically not a garden structure so is less likely to need permission from the local council – but do check the regulations in your area if you fancy having a little vintage caravan for a home office.

A dedicated garden office

If that option feels a bit too temporary for you, you can check local planning regulations and see if you’re permitted to build a dedicated garden office instead. This building can be insulated so that it’s usable all year round and will have electrics fitted so that you can add lights and your tech essentials.

A garden office doesn’t have to be expensive – they’re usually made from timber, which makes them more affordable and less likely to require planning permits than a brick-built option. They can be clad in wood, metal or durable composite materials to create different looks from traditional to modern. You can visit this website to get some ideas on the different garden office options available.

The joy of having an office in the garden is landscaping around it so that it fits into the space seamlessly with trees, shrubs and potted plants. I’ve got a cherry tree and rose bushes right outside my garden office and one of the things I personally love about working there is fully opening up the window and hearing the birds singing while I work almost-outside amongst nature.

This type of structure is more permanent and weather-proof so you can decorate it the same as you would with a spare room office – choose your favourite wallpaper, paint colours, soft furnishings and practical desk. It’s your chance to make the space unique to you and create an office that you actually want to work in!

Image by Life of Isatu – I’ve written about her lovely home here.

Beach hut

Finally, a fun idea is to use a beach hut as a garden office. I’ve known a few writers who work from home in beach huts, sheds, shepherd’s huts, summerhouses and everything in between. Basically, it’s about using a cheap timber structure and making it a handy space for work.

You’ll probably need to do a lot of work to an existing shed to turn it into a workspace because it won’t have electrics, the interior walls won’t be insulated or lined with plasterboard, and the roof will definitely need to be more substantial than felt-covered board.

Even so, if you just want to escape to somewhere quiet with your laptop, there’s no reason why a summerhouse wouldn’t be a nice place to work when the weather is nice. Again, you can throw the doors open and let the fresh air in. Just don’t forget to also position a bird table just outside the window to attract some garden birds and provide that lovely soundtrack of birdsong while you work!

image by LucyLovesYa – I’ve written about her beach hut garden room here.

A Calming Garden Companion

One of the main benefits of working from home is that it allows you to have animals. Of course, it’s a massive undertaking to adopt a pet and it should always be thoroughly thought about – especially in terms of holidays, care and costs. But if you’ve always wanted to have a furry or feathered companion, being available at home during the working day allows this to become a possibility.

Although cats are loving but fairly self-sufficient and dogs are loyal companions but need more attention, you might also want to consider a different option in the small pets category. For example, adding Jubilee Orpington chickens near your garden office can create a soothing and inspiring atmosphere. These friendly and beautiful birds bring life to your outdoor space, making work breaks more enjoyable. Their gentle clucking and striking appearance can help reduce stress and boost productivity while working from home.

What do you think of these ideas for a unique garden office? Would you enjoy working from home in one of these options? Please let me know in the comments below if you have an interesting garden office or have hacked an office space in your home, I’d love to get your WFH tips!

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What is it about BBQs that makes the occasion so inviting? Is it the sizzling sounds of sausages on the grill, the aroma of smoky delights wafting through the air, or the warm glow of a summer evening spent with loved ones?

Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: a well-designed BBQ area can elevate the entire outdoor dining experience. In this article, I’ll explore the essential elements that come together to create the perfect BBQ area in your garden.

Paving the Way

A BBQ area is only as good as its foundation, and that starts with the paving. A well-chosen paving or decking material can set the tone for the entire space, providing a stylish and practical base for your outdoor gathering. Here are a few popular options to consider:

Natural Stone: A classic choice, natural stone paving adds a touch of elegance to any BBQ area. From rustic flagstones to sleek limestone, there’s a natural stone option to suit every style.

Porcelain Paving: A more modern alternative, porcelain paving offers a durable and low-maintenance option that’s perfect for high-traffic areas. Its sleek, contemporary look is sure to impress.

Decking: For a more rustic, laid-back feel, decking is an excellent choice. Whether you opt for traditional timber or composite materials, decking adds a warm, inviting ambience to any BBQ area. I previously made decking from upcycled pallet wood and it lasted for about three years before a couple of planks needed to be replaced so a deck doesn’t have to be an expensive option.

The Perfect BBQ

Of course, the star of the show is the BBQ itself. With so many options available, choosing the perfect BBQ can be a daunting task. Here are a few factors to consider:

Gas or Charcoal: The age-old debate rages on: gas or charcoal? Gas BBQs offer convenience and ease of use, while charcoal BBQs provide a rich, smoky flavour. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference.

Size Matters: How many guests do you plan to entertain? A larger BBQ may be necessary for bigger gatherings, while a smaller option may be more suitable for intimate gatherings.

Features and Accessories: From built-in thermometers to smoker boxes, and pans to pizza stones, there are countless features and accessories to consider when choosing the perfect BBQ.

Safety

Of course, with any outdoor grilling comes safety concerns – especially if you have young children or pets in your family who need to be kept at a safe distance from the cooking area. Hot temperatures, open flames and flammable gases or materials all pose a safety concern for any of your guests – and yourself.

So, it’s important to establish a clear space around the BBQ, fire pit or grill so that no one is having to squeeze past it or get too close. You’ll also need to consider secure places to keep your flammables, so be sure to investigate gas storage solutions like extra-safe gas bottle cages and to keep firewood, coals and firefighters safely stowed away.

Lighting the Way

As the sun begins to set, outdoor lighting becomes essential for creating a warm and inviting ambience. Here are a few options to consider:

String Lights: Fairy lights or string lights add a whimsical touch to any BBQ area, casting a warm glow over the space.

Table Lighting: For a more subtle approach, outdoor or rechargeable table lamps can provide focused lighting for specific areas, such as the dining table or BBQ station. If you’re careful, you could use candles and, if you choose citronella scents, this’ll help to keep bugs away too.

Floor Lamps: Floor lamps can provide a more dramatic lighting effect, casting a warm glow over the entire space.

Seating and Dining

Comfortable seating and dining areas are essential for any successful BBQ gathering. Here are a few tips to consider:

Outdoor Furniture: Choose durable, weather-resistant furniture that’s designed specifically for outdoor use. From sofas to dining sets, there’s a wide range of options available.

Umbrellas and Canopies: Provide shade and shelter from the elements with umbrellas or canopies. These can be especially useful for larger gatherings or in areas with unpredictable weather.

Dining Tables: A sturdy, weather-resistant dining table is essential for any BBQ area. Consider options with built-in umbrellas or canopies for added convenience.

The Finishing Touches

Finally, it’s the little things that can make all the difference in creating the perfect BBQ area. Here are a few finishing touches to consider:

Planters and Greenery: Add a touch of colour and vibrancy to your BBQ area with planters and greenery. Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants that can thrive in outdoor conditions.

Outdoor Heating: Extend the BBQ season with outdoor heating options, such as patio heaters or fire pits. These can provide a warm, cosy ambience on chilly summer evenings.

Decor and Accessories: Add a personal touch to your BBQ area with decorative elements, such as outdoor sculptures, wall art, or colourful pillows. Blankets are essential for keeping the party going when the temperature drops in the evening.

Creating the perfect BBQ area is a delicate balance of form and function. By considering the essential elements outlined above, you can create a space that’s both stylish and practical, perfect for hosting unforgettable summer gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of outdoor dining, with a little creativity and planning, you can create a BBQ area that’s sure to impress. So, fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get ready to savour the taste of summer in your very own perfect BBQ area!

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Just like our homes, after the long winter, our gardens often need a Spring cleaning. And, with the long bank holiday weekend over Easter and the school holidays, March or April is the ideal time to tackle your garden each year.

This means you’ll have your outdoor space ready to enjoy whenever the weather is warm enough. Whether you have a patio, courtyard, decking, garden or even a balcony, if it’s tidy and clear, you can start having your tea break or dinner outside on balmy days this Spring and Summer, and really make the most of your exterior space.

So, how can I spring clean my garden? Here’s a few DIY ideas to get you started:

Clear the clutter

I personally find that my garden becomes a dumping ground over the Winter. Any cardboard packaging from deliveries has probably been bunged in the shed and anything that I’ve planned to take to the recycling centre just piles up in the outbuilding. You may even still have a dried-out Christmas tree at the bottom of your garden!

So, the first step is to clear the clutter from the garden. Check inside and around outbuildings; I find all sorts of things have been dumped behind my little tool shed throughout the year and then never get moved.

Decluttering a garden can be a particularly overwhelming task, especially if you’ve got a big plot, or lots of outbuildings and junk to clear. You can get help from a garden clearance company to make the clean-up process easier and get help to clear overgrown areas. This will save you lots of time as they will do all the work to get your garden back into a tidy state so you can start enjoying it again this Spring.

Plus, it can be difficult to actually remove clutter from your garden if you only have a small vehicle – or a particularly nice car that you don’t want to mess up. The clearance company will bring a trailer and all the equipment needed to get the job done. Whether it’s removing broken benches, rusting bicycles or old prams, they can remove any rubbish that has accumulated in your garden without the need for you to hire a skip, which can be very costly.

This is an important first step in getting your outdoor space ready for you to enjoy during the Spring and Summer, so the sooner you’ve cleared out the clutter and cut back the overgrowth, you can start to use the garden more on nice days.

Pruning and weeding

Now that you’ve got a clear and tidy garden, you can see what the plants are doing. If the garden clearance company have also cut back overgrowth and taken away branches and brambles, you might even have more space to add extra plants – that’s when you can enjoy a fun trip to the garden centre to choose some new foliage or blooms.

But before that, you can get started on tidying up your borders and planters. Make sure that there are no weeds before you add anything new to a pot or flowerbed. This is the ideal time of year to spot weeds because they’ll be starting to grow and will usually be at a stronger phase than your other ‘proper’ plants.

It’s also the time to prune certain plants, such as Cornus ‘dogwood’. We’ve got some of these bushes in our garden and the bright red and yellow branches are ideal for adding a splash of colour in the winter. But you need to make sure that you cut them right back before they start to come into leaf in the spring so that they can grow bushy again this year. 

There are plenty of other plants that need pruning back before they start to regrow in the spring so do your research and check how much to trim off your shrubs and bushes. If we didn’t trim our Buddleja every March or April, it would get really top-heavy and overshadow the whole garden.

Again, pruning large plants and trees often results in a lot of garden waste that you need to get rid of, so it might be a job for a garden clearance team. They can cut up big branches so that they fit into their trailer and take away all those trimmings. When we pruned our garden, we had branches lying around for weeks until they could fit into the green bin, which just added to the clutter in the garden.  

Also, it’s time to give your lawn its first trim of the year, so dig out that mower or strimmer and get cutting. That is, unless you’re going for the wild meadow look in some areas, in which case you can leave it to grow long and you can even help it along by sowing some meadow seeds so that it will look its best in the summer.

Refresh outdoor furniture

When the weather turns colder in the Autumn, that’s when we store our outdoor cushions away and pack up any garden furniture for the Winter. We bundle up parasols and stow our hanging chairs in sheds or garages in anticipation of the cold weather. 

If left outside during those Winter months, it’s possible for garden furniture to deteriorate and require repair so it’ll help the longevity of your outdoor pieces if they’re kept under cover. You can find outdoor garden furniture covers for every type of furniture from dining sets and picnic benches to daybeds and parasols.

But, even if they’ve been packed away in outbuildings, you may still find that cushions are stained or parasols are dappled with mildew, especially if they had been put away with even the smallest amount of moisture on them. So now’s the time to spot-clean those marks off your outdoor upholstery and your comfy fabric hammock.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to carefully clean away mould and stains. Choosing a suitable cleaning product with a lovely scent will also help to refresh your cushions and get rid of that musty, stored-in-the-shed smell.  

Any furniture that has been left outside over the Winter will probably require attention. Check that they are still sturdy and that all bolts are secure. Check for peeling paintwork or splinters of wood caused by ice getting into the structure of the timber.

Give everything a good brush down to get rid of dust and cobwebs. Then you can give wooden pieces a fresh coat of paint if needed – benches and outdoor chairs look lovely in vibrant colours, just make sure you use the correct outdoor paint to protect the wood for the coming season. Here’s a quick video to show you how I upcycled my old Adirondack chair below.

I hope that this will give you the inspiration and motivation to get started on your own garden spring clean this week. Please share your own gardening tips in the comments below, I’d love to hear about your decluttering hacks and pruning advice.

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content

Welcome to March! It’s finally here, after what seemed like the longest winter ever. And straight away my thoughts have turned to the garden and how I can make the most of my outdoor space when I have friends and family over this Spring.

I think it’s because I spotted that the daffodils have just bloomed, so I dragged out the pots onto the patio yesterday and already it has brightened up the space. Now that spring is here, the garden will look prettier by the week and I want to share that with my family and friends.

Spring is a great time for getting out into the garden to celebrate. We’ve got Easter coming up soon, and there are multiple birthdays coming up within my family. Plus, we’ve got new babies and brides-to-be in our group of friends, so it’s inevitable that we’ll be hosting a celebration of some sort in our garden very soon.

So, I thought I would put together some essential elements for entertaining in the garden during the spring. From eats to activities and all-weather solutions, it’s time to get planning…

1. Food & drink

If you’re having your loved ones over for a fun day in the garden, where you can make the most of the fresh spring sunshine, you’re going to want to serve up some lovely things to eat and drink. What food and drink should you serve at a summer garden party?

Well, barbeques are always a winner – it’s almost a challenge to see who can host the earliest spring BBQ, isn’t it? This is a great way to ensure that your guests stay in the garden throughout the party as all the food will be cooked and served outdoors.

This also means that there’s less chance of spills and mess indoors, which is handy if you have children at your party. If they stay outdoors, they can drip ketchup wherever they like and you can easily wash it away with a watering can.

Another easy option is to dish up ice creams for dessert. No plates or cutlery needed. You can set up an ice cream ‘station’ with sprinkles, sauces and tubs of different flavours so that guests can help themselves. Or even just hand out lollies and choc ices directly from the freezer – it’s a lovely refreshing treat when the sun is out and the weather is finally heating up.

2. Outdoor fun

Following on from food and drink, why not make that into a fun activity too? During birthday celebrations and hen parties, you could hire a bartender to mix up custom cocktails and even teach a mixology class to the group. Learning how to make your own creative cocktail drinks is a handy skill to have for future parties too!

Again, because you’re hosting the party outside, it’s less of a problem if a drink is spilt, so novice cocktail-makers can drop their shakers as much as they like! This is so much more fun than just refilling your friend’s glasses yourself, and it turns the whole event into a truly unforgettable occasion for the bride or the birthday person.

Another idea for an outdoor event is garden games. Go for traditional lawn games like croquet, quoits and boules if you’re having a laid-back garden party with relatives. Games like these can elevate a simple scone in the garden into a lavish afternoon tea when you add classy contests on the lawn.

Image from Poptop

3. All-weather solutions

The thing with hosting an outdoor event in the spring is that the weather can change in an instant. You can enjoy bright sunshine in the morning and it be drizzling by lunchtime. However, at least the temperature doesn’t drop too much, so you can continue being outdoors IF you have the right coverage.

How can you make sure your outdoor party isn’t affected by the weather? Well, you could plan ahead by popping up a small gazebo over the patio or decking. This allows you to gather undercover if a rain shower blows through and you can still enjoy being outdoors with food and drinks. A gazebo also provides much-needed shade if it gets too hot in the midday sun.

Similarly, just a large patio umbrella can help to provide protection. As long as you’re all around the table, you should be covered by the canopy of the parasol. Plus, have you ever seen those sails or pull-out awnings? Another couple of handy options for creating shade and providing shelter.

What should you do if the temperature drops during your outdoor party? That’s the right time to get out the fire pit and burn some kindling and logs in your fire bowl. This gives guests a warm space to gather around and the light creates a cosy ambience for al fresco lounging. You could even toast marshmallows in the flames – s’mores make a love dessert option for after your BBQ meal.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to just have some blankets to hand. That way, you can offer a little extra cosiness to your guests if it starts to feel fresh or if the event carries on into the evening. Just hand out some throws and pop on the fairy lights to keep the party going without everyone retreating to the warmth of indoors.

Image from Poptop

Let me know what other things you’d need to consider for a Springtime garden party in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you’ve done in the past when you’ve hosted friends and family outdoors.

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content

I love spending time in my garden. So, when those drizzly days of autumn mean I can’t get outdoors, it doesn’t mean I have to miss out on preparing my garden for the spring. I can get stuck into a garden-related project instead!

The autumn and winter is the ideal time to tackle those outdoor DIY projects that need doing. Let’s face it, you’re not going to skip a summer BBQ in favour of removing rust from old furniture, are you? So, while you’re not spending time relaxing in the garden, why not tackle those tasks and get ahead for next year?

My husband and I inherited these cast iron bench ends from his grandad, who was gifted the bench as a thank-you for years of bingo-calling duties in the local village. It’s been many years since the bench was actually used as a seat, with it having been dismantled a while back and some of the old planks missing altogether.

The cast iron ends are a really pretty shape but needed a thorough makeover to make it useable. We wanted to both preserve it and enjoy using it in our garden so we took the opportunity to treat the bench ends with Hammerite (using Direct to Rust metal paint in smooth white).

I’ve shared photos of the full step-by-step process on the Do It With Cans website – have a look at the project here to see how we got on. It seemed like quite a big task when we started revamping the bench ends but, in fact, it was a rather enjoyable project.

And the most exciting part is that we were able to bring it back to life. What might have once gone straight to the scrapyard has now become a like-new bench for our garden. It’s going to be kept undercover in the shed throughout the rest of the autumn and winter so that it stays in tip-top condition for the summer.

If you have a similar project to tackle – or maybe you want to paint your outdoor chairs with fun stripes like I did – now is the ideal time to do it. If you’re not sitting out in the garden at this time of year, that means your outdoor furniture isn’t immediately needed so you can bring it into the garage or shed to work on it over the autumn and winter.

You can take your time to sand, repair and paint your garden furniture because you know you won’t need it to be back outside until the spring.

Plus, at this time of year, many DIY and garden shops are making space for their festive displays so they’re discounting outdoor products, such as garden paint etc. that you might need for your own project. You could get a bargain tub of wood treatment or outdoor paint for a fraction of the price of buying the same product in the spring.

Let me know what garden furniture project you’d like to work on this autumn or winter in the comments below. I’d love to hear your ideas for colour combinations or outdoor DIYs. Plus, don’t forget to upcycle your empty paint cans into the bug hotel I DIY’d for garden insects to over-winter in.

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With colder weather on its way, you can help the wildlife in your garden to survive chilly temperatures by making a bug hotel for them.

The little nooks are ideal for bugs to live in all year round but they’re especially handy for the winter months when many insects hibernate.

Groups of ladybirds often snuggle up together under bark tree bark to survive. Solitary bees love hollow stems as this allows them to seal themselves in and stay cosy over the winter. Even wasps need somewhere to take shelter during the frosty months.

So, why not give this project a try? Not only is it the ideal place for wildlife to thrive, but it also looks really cool with its cloud-shaped design.

I’ve shared the full step-by-step guide to build your own DIY bug hotel using leftover cans. You can collect empty tins of paint, food cans or any metal tins and put them all together to create a cosy home for bugs this winter.

Metal is endlessly recyclable so choosing products that are packaged in cans is great for sustainability – plus, it gives you the materials you’ll need to be able to make this DIY project yourself!

Be sure to head over to the Do It With Cans website to see the bug hotel project guide and to check out many other handy recycling projects.

Let me know if you have a go at making this project in the comments below and I’d love to see what you make so please tag me in your instagram photos @cassiefairy.

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