Everyone’s looking for ways to save money, so spending too much on your garden might feel like a luxury you can’t afford at the moment. But who says gardening has to be expensive? 

At Fothergill’s, we’re passionate about making gardening accessible and fun for everyone. With a little thought and creativity, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that’s a joy to spend time in without breaking the bank. Here are our ten top tips on how to transform a garden on a budget!

1. Spruce up your walls and fences

If your garden perimeter is looking a bit tired, but having a brand new fence or wall built is out of your budget, spruce it up for less by giving it a quick lick of paint. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make, and it’s so easy to do yourself – no need to pay a labourer! 

Pick out a fun new shade, hose down your wall or fence, apply a couple of coats, and they’ll look brand-new. Remember to choose an exterior paint that’s suitable for wood, brick or stone, or you’ll be doing it again next year!

2. Plant perennials, not annuals

A little gardening know-how goes a long way if you’re looking to save money. One of the things it pays to learn is the difference between annuals and perennials.

If you’ve never been an avid gardener, your first instinct might be to ask, “Aren’t annuals the ones that flower every year?” Actually, the opposite is true. Annual flowers begin and end their life cycle in just one year, so as beautiful as they might be, you’ll have to buy new ones for next season. While some “self-seed”, meaning they put down their own seeds once they’re done flowering, many don’t.

Perennials, on the other hand, die back in the winter and come back again in the spring. So, they make a great investment for gardeners on a budget – buy once, plant once, and enjoy their glorious colour for years to come! 

3. Reuse household waste

When it comes to garden ideas on a budget, getting creative with what you already have is a brilliant way to save money. Start by setting up a compost heap – an eco-friendly way to turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants. Pair this with a water butt to collect rainwater, reducing your water bills and helping the environment in the process.

Why not reuse your waste packaging, too? Empty tin cans make excellent plant pots if you drill a couple of drainage holes in the bottom. Corks from wine bottles can be turned into quirky plant markers, and old colanders are perfect as hanging baskets with a bit of lining and some trailing plants.

4. Sow your own seeds

If your beds and borders are looking bare, you might be tempted to buy some new flower plants. Established plants are a great fast track to a thriving garden, but if you’re looking to save money, try sowing flowers from seed.

Flower seeds tend to be much cheaper than plants, but the results are just as beautiful. Hardy seeds can even be sown outdoors, directly in their growing position, so there’s no need to buy expensive propagation equipment. Plus, the experience of nurturing a plant from seed is so rewarding and much easier than people think! 

Start with good-quality seeds, follow the directions, and by next year, you’ll have gorgeous flowers. All of Mr Fothergill’s seeds come with complete growing instructions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

5. Upcycle old furniture

Upcycling old furniture is another creative and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into your garden. Not only does this save money, but it also adds a personal, one-of-a-kind touch.

An ancient chest of drawers, a bathtub, or even an old musical instrument case can become a unique and eye-catching planter! Or, an unused dining chair can be transformed into a statement piece with a pot of flowers in place of the seat. Get creative - the only limit is your imagination! 

6. Shop Facebook Marketplace

Be on the lookout for garden bargains because you can pick things up for next-to-nothing second-hand. Facebook Marketplace, in particular, is fantastic for cheap deals! Gently used garden furniture and ornaments, unwanted Christmas gifts, big and bulky things that need to be collected in person, hot tubs, and barbecues that people want rid of after summer – you can find almost anything and at surprisingly cheap prices!

7. Get a bird feeder

Who doesn’t love bird watching? Encourage feathered friends into your garden by adding a bird feeder. They’re an affordable addition, with options starting at just a few pounds. Whether you hang one from a tree or place it on a stand, a bird feeder adds endless joy to your outdoor space while giving local British wildlife a helping hand.

At Fothergill’s, we stock a range of bird feeders to suit every garden, from small feeders for patios to larger ones perfect for bigger spaces. They’re simple to set up and an easy way to make your garden feel more alive. Take a look at our bird food, too, to keep your guests happy!

8. Make a DIY bird bath

Bird baths are suitable centrepieces for the most beautiful of gardens, but they can be costly, at upwards of hundreds of pounds. But there is a budget-friendly option – why not make one yourself?

All you need is an old plant pot and a flower pot saucer. Turn the plant pot upside down, place the saucer on top, fill it with water, and you’ve got a basic bird bath. Glue the saucer down for stability, and paint it a natural stone shade if you want it to look a little more realistic – or go for a bold, eye-catching hue to inject some colour into your garden!

9. Add cheap yet pretty lighting

Outdoor lighting can make such a difference to any garden. From creating a cosy atmosphere to throwing big and impressive plants into relief with light and shadow, you can completely change the way your garden looks for next to nothing. 

String lights are a good choice. They can delineate a space or serve as a cosy, colourful backdrop. Lanterns are nice, too, and you can choose between electric or candle-powered. Or, pick up some solar-powered lights for the ultimate budget-friendly garden lighting – you don’t even need to pay to turn them on!

10. Take cuttings

Propagating plants from cuttings is a cost-effective way to grow your garden without spending a small fortune at the garden centre. Many plants like lavender, rosemary and hydrangeas can be easily propagated with just a small cutting. All you need is a healthy parent plant, a sharp pair of snip scissors and a bit of patience.

Simply snip a healthy stem just below a leaf node – the point at which a leaf or leaves emerge from the stem. Remove the lower leaves, and put the cutting into a pot of compost or even a glass of water until roots develop. Once established, you’ve got yourself a brand-new plant for free! Not only is this method budget-friendly, but it’s also a wonderful way to preserve and share your favourite plants with family and friends.

Transforming your garden on a budget with Fothergill’s

So, there you have it. There are hundreds more ways to transform a garden on a budget, from putting down a cheap gravel path to turning old pallets into planters. If you’d like more hints and tips from Fothergill’s, be sure to check out our gardening blog!