

You've probably heard this one before, but it bears repeating: your gardening efforts will only ever be as good as your garden soil is. (Image credit: Ammentorp Photography / Alamy Stock Photo)
#Low cost cheap backyard makeover ideas install#
Cable runs and the associated pipework need to be factored in very early on, even if you actually plan to install the system itself later, when further funds are available. If you plan on spending a little more money, go for attractive fittings that will double as decorative features.Īlways consult a qualified electrician for anything other than simple clip-together systems. Waterproof festoon lights are a flexible, temporary and cheap solution to lighting your garden, and they will create a comfortable and casual atmosphere.Ĭheaper spotlights are useful where fittings will be hidden by foliage, so you will save money if you decide to conceal your garden lighting. To make the most of it, use lighting to illuminate trees, beds, water features and sculptures and it will feel like a completely different space at night. Solar lighting can be the cheapest – and is cheap to run, so start there. Garden lighting ideas add another dimension to any garden, as well as potentially extending the time you can spend outdoors. Nine times out of ten, they will want to beat their competitor’s price.' 13.

Get a written quote from one builder’s merchant and show it to another. Most builder’s merchants will negotiate with you on price. The same applies to materials for your garden according to Kilpatrick, 'If you have to buy new materials, the best place to buy them is at a builder’s merchant rather than a DIY store. Many prices aren’t fixed and it’s possible you can get a better deal if you ask, and often you can just ask for their expertise for one day and it will make all the difference if you really have no idea where to start. When you're sprucing your garden remember that you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a good job out of specialists, and certainly don’t forget to negotiate. Always negotiate with professionalsĪn experienced garden designer can save you time and money in the long term, helping with everything from planning the entire garden and managing contractors, to guidance on where best to proportion your budget. You can often find similar materials at a fraction of the price and consider visiting building merchants or reclamation yards, too.' 12.

'When planning paving, you can reduce the cost by infilling with gravel, and replacing natural stone with cast pavers can look equally as good and save money. If you live in a limestone property, warm, similar-toned paving and chippings will ultimately look best,' says Paul Harvey-Brookes, RHS judge and award-winning garden designer. 'If you live in a red-brick property, for a harmonious look try dark greys or warm earthy tones, and steer away from buff or yellow. Just make sure the soil is compacted and reasonably level.'ĭry stacked stone or rendered blockwork costs less than ‘faced’ brickwork, while Western red cedar decking is cheaper than other decking timber, and works just as well. You don’t need to have a hardcore base for lightly used areas. Barve explains, 'Gravel and good quality weed membrane can make a very usable and relatively cheap path or patio.
#Low cost cheap backyard makeover ideas how to#
Gravel is, in fact, one of the cheapest materials for your garden, and you can learn how to lay gravel yourself.

Both are easy to lay on landscape fabric to keep the weeds down, and you can break up a large area of gravel with oak sleepers or ground cover planting. For seating areas, a solid surface is essential, but elsewhere cheaper gravel, or even bark, will do. There’s always a way to reduce the costs of garden landscaping.
