It is possible to have a beautiful outdoor space without breaking the bank as these budget small garden ideas will demonstrate.
Late spring and summer are the times when Brits start looking outwards at spending time in the garden. Shops are stocked with their new outdoor living collections and online searches soar.
It's easy to spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds on garden design in a blink, particularly if your garden needs a complete makeover. But you'll see that it's possible get champagne results on a beer budget, all the while enhancing your small space.
11 budget small garden ideas
These budget garden ideas for small spaces range from free upwards. So don't spend a penny until you've looked through them and decided whether any work for what you want for your garden this year.
1. Source low cost materials
Materials tend to be the biggest expense in garden landscape cost and they vary greatly when it comes to materials.
"If you're working with a small garden and a tight budget, I recommend acquiring inexpensive yet impactful materials like gravel or bark chippings for your pathways," says Bex Lund, Co-Founder at YardArt.
"Consider incorporating wooden pallets for creative seating solutions, or repurposing old containers as planters. I also suggest integrating vertical gardening staples, such as trellises or hanging baskets, to maximise space and visual appeal without breaking the bank," she says.
Gravel is one of the cheapest materials for creating a small patio area (Image credit: Jonathan Jones)
Bex Lund
A co-founder of an outdoor wall art business, Bex has a wealth of experience in landscape design and knows how to maximise small garden spaces without overspending
2. Fill your beds and borders with cheap plants
Plants can also stretch your budget, even in a small garden, with mature plants being the most costly of all.
"The best way to border your garden on a budget is to avoid buying pre-grown plants and instead plant from seeds and cuttings," says garden design expert Tom Clifford, from Gardenstone.
"Although this is not a quick solution and will require some practice it can considerably reduce costs and provide a sense of achievement once your border is planted."
"Planting from scratch will require a considerable amount of thought as factors like the time of year, location and soil conditions can differ between variations of plants," says Tom.
On top of cheap plants, you can save money on other growing materials too. "Try to make your own DIY compost out of kitchen scraps and yard waste, while using fallen leaves as mulch for insulation and weed suppression," says Bex Lund.
Approach friends and families for free cuttings of their plants (Image credit: Chris Snook)
Tom Clifford
Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years making him an expert in garden design. He is the director of Gardenstone Limited a garden landscaping materials company.
3. Upcycle existing furniture rather than buying new
Before splashing out on a new garden furniture set, ask yourself if there's anything that can be done to salvage an old set.
"Upcycling old garden furniture is an affordable way to enhance the look of your garden. Furniture makes up a major focal point within small gardens so it must stand out for all the right reasons," says Tom Dixon.
"Worn and tired-looking garden furniture can bring down the overall appearance of your garden. Simply, sanding down your furniture to get rid of old paint or splintering wood and painting wood furniture again will provide your furniture with a whole new lease of life," says Tom.
Everbuild Multipurpose Wood Filler – Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Wood filler is ideal for filling in cracks in old wood and help to give it an even appearance before you paint it. Sanding will smooth over the edges but save yourself effort by not slapping more on than needed.
Stanley 005927 305x101mm Hand Sander
A hand sander is a cheaper option to an electric one but will require more elbow grease. See if you can borrow an electric one if you're working over a lot of furniture.
This is just one of many different shades in this range. So you're sure to find something that you like. Whether that's something traditional or a little more out there.
4. Plant a bare root hedge instead of a new fence
"To save money on your garden design opt for a natural hedgerow rather than a garden fence. Hedges can provide an essential habitat for wildlife whilst also adding an abundance of greenery to your space," says Tom Clifford. Not to mention a hedge can last a lifetime and you won't have to factor in fence repair costs.
"Hedgerows are popular within small gardens as they help the edge of the garden to blend more seamlessly with its surroundings, fences can be very abrupt and highlight the border of your garden, making it appear smaller."
"For the most long-lasting hedgerow, bare root plants are the best choice and once grown can be trimmed into your desired shape and height," says Tom.
The spacing of your hedge and how many plants you need to buy will depend on the variety you choose. Plant labels should detail how far to space your hedge plant as well as what growing conditions they like most.
A hedge will help bring foliage into your garden and act as a barrier to sound and pollution(Image credit: Colin Poole)
5. Choose furniture carefully
If you don't already have furniture to work with, you need to know what to look for so your new purchase is worthwhile.
Second-hand furniture will generally be cheaper. Hudson Lambert, an upcycling expert at Roxil explains that if you're buying pre-loved you want to find something robust to ensure your investment lasts.
"Whether you are searching on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or in person in charity shops, always try to identify solid wood pieces over softer woods as they are more resilient woods and less vulnerable to weather. Also, watch out for damage such as rot or woodworm that could mean it’s not structurally sound," says Hudson.
Consider the function of your seating, will you be doing low-key relaxing or outdoor dining?(Image credit: Chris Snook)
Hudson Lambert
Hudson Lambert is Roxil’s resident wood expert and Managing Director with over 25 years of industry experience. Safeguard Europe (the umbrella brand of Roxil) was founded in 1983 by Lambert’s father.
6. Try and revive fence surfaces with paint
“Painting a fence is not only a simple way to get your garden ready for outdoor entertaining, but it is also vital for protecting fence panels from wood damage," says Nick Parsons, technical manager at Harris.
"Have a final brush down before painting/staining to remove any dust and debris caused by the wire brush cleaning. When the fence is ready, use a fence brush to add exterior wood paint or wood preserver to the surface smoothly and evenly," says Nick.
A new colour for your fence can really rejuvenate your who garden space(Image credit: Francisco Martinez / Alamy Stock Photo)
Nick Parsons
With a 35 year old career working for specialist paint brush company he is an expert in this field.
7. Go for an outdoor rug
“The energy in your smaller garden can be dialled up a few notches with the simple and budget-friendly introduction of an outdoor rug. With a bright and audacious colour scheme, or eclectic print, an outdoor rug can make an eye-catching statement whilst also softening an outdoor space," says Suzi Samaddar, room styling expert at furn.
"Splintering wooden decking and coarse gravel gardens aren't always kind to bare skin, but outdoor rugs will allow you to step out barefoot into your outdoor space," she says.
"Just like within a home, mirrors can go a long way in appearing to expand the size of a garden on a budget. Mirrors can be easily attached to garden walls and fences to reflect light, this can be especially helpful in dull areas of your garden that receive little light," says Tom Clifford.
"Mirrors aren't only practical for creating the illusion of more space but they are also visually appealing and will add a touch of individuality to your garden," he says.
"Creating zones within a small garden can go a long way in making your space feel bigger. You can use garden screens to divide your space into separate sections," says Tom Clifford.
"Screens come in a range of designs, colours and materials so you're sure to find one that suits your taste. Patterned screens are particularly popular for providing visual interest in your garden, whilst still allowing glimpses of light to pass through due to the cut-out design," says Tom.
"For small or narrow gardens, it is recommended that you include no more than three zones as this can have the opposite effect and actually make your garden appear smaller," he says.
Shop budget-friendly screens
Outsunny Outdoor Privacy Screen with Stand and Expansion Screws
With an openwork design you won't stop light getting to your seating area, maintaining an open feel to your space, still with a suggestion of privacy.
2'11 x 1'3 Forest Wooden Garden Living Wall Planter (0.9m x 0.39m)
This is the ideal choice for bringing more planting to your small space at the same time as creating elegant screening. And you can't beat wood for a natural yet contemporary feel.
Outsunny 6.5ft Metal Privacy Screen w/ Stand, Expand Screws
This super-ornate option is free-standing, so will work at zoning your garden and creating privacy in an instant. the leaf cut-out design will feel right at home in your garden space.
Training climbing plants over your screen will help blend them into your space(Image credit: Andreas von Einsiedel / Alamy Stock Photo)
10. Enhance a seating area with budget firepit
"A standalone fire pit is a great way to inject character into a small decking or patio area without breaking the bank, whilst creating a place for guests to gather, socialise and keep warm on cooler evenings," says Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves.
"Opting for a multifunctional fire pit with a grill attachment is a great way to add a hint of al fresco dining without taking up lots of room, or choose a fire pit design that can be easily dismantled to store away and save space when not in use," advises Jon.
From a collection at Dobbies(Image credit: Dobbies)
11. Accessorise with throws and cushions
“With the ever-changing British weather, having throws to hand in your garden seating area is going to be the best way to enjoy your evenings in your garden long after the sun has gone down," says Suzi Samaddar.
"Accessorise with outdoor cushions, resistant to water and UV rays to tie your space together. Opt for a boho blast of colours and shapes in your cushions to add a real pop of colour and add points of interest to a smaller space," she says.
If you're wanting to spend no money at all on your garden the first step would be to give it a good tidy up. Clear all weeds, wash down garden furniture and any patio surfaces to brighten them up.
Speak to your green-fingered family and friends and ask them if they have any garden plants that you can take cuttings from. To avoid the necessity of spending money on new plants.
Check out Facebook Marketplace for people who are getting rid of materials. Often people will order too much of a certain garden material, for instance when they lay turf or gravel, and simply want to get rid of any excess.
You may be surprised what freebies you might be able to pick up.
Another way to get more from your garden is with patio lighting ideas, which can extend the hours of enjoyment you can get from your outdoor space.
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Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.
In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.
