Get creative with your garden

If you’re not a very experienced gardener, the thought of getting your outdoor space whipped into shape may be a little daunting, especially if, like the majority of us, your finances are a bit stretched. However, with a little creativity and know-how it is possible to create some quite interesting garden effects which are sure to create an impact.

Make Use of What You Have

First of all, have a look at what you already have. You may, for example, have a pile of logs or rocks that could be repurposed to create an attractive feature. Removing all but a very few large statement plants or bushes can give your garden a facelift.

It makes sense to work with the environment you have too. If you have a raised area, for example, highlighting it by creating a terrace can be very effective. If you have a pond or stream, then make the most of them with some water-loving plants. Grassy parts of the garden are always attractive so paying attention to basic lawn care will be important.

Think laterally to keep costs down. Old PVC piping, Wellington boots or a wheelbarrow can provide unusual yet attractive planting opportunities and a number of items will lend themselves to seating.

Plants

Wild plants can be especially helpful in gardens as they are both easy to maintain and pretty to look at. Mulleins, violets, cinquefoils and goldenrods will grow fast and require little maintenance. Consider mixing vegetables into the mix to make maximum use of your space. This has the added benefit that many flowers act as insect repellents, which is great if you want to garden organically.

Other ideas include creating a garden using pots, which have the advantage that you can move them about whenever you feel like a change. Choosing quick spreaders will help establish borders, but be sure to add in some plants with height to maintain interest and don't be afraid to mix colours together. Hellebore and day lilies are great for this purpose. You can even try swapping plants with friends and neighbours.

Paths

Creating attractive pathways can be done with gravel or mulch. These come in a large variety of colours and effects and can be cheaply bought in bulk from garden centres. They can have a big impact without breaking the bank. It is worth spending some time researching online for some good sources. Some companies even offer ground glass or seashells that could be mixed in. Stepping stones can be made from anything that comes to hand, from broken paving slabs to slices of logs. Look at the natural lines of your garden and lay them accordingly.

If your budget allows, try a trellis archway or arbour to add extra impact. A trellis is useful when you want to create some privacy within your garden, particularly if you combine it with fast-growing flowering vine plants. If you choose an evergreen variety, then you can enjoy it all year round too. Almost all of these plants can be grown from seed, which is a much cheaper alternative as long as you don't mind waiting for them to mature.