Home » Misc » Small garden makeovers

Small garden makeovers


22 Cheap Garden Ideas - Best Garden Ideas On A Budget

Looking for some cheap garden ideas? It's easier than you think to give your garden a budget-friendly makeover. We've listed some quick fixes to help you save cash whilst making your outdoor space look fantastic, which in turn will enable you to spend more time enjoying your outdoor sanctuary.

Whether it's painting an old shelf, getting clever with how and what you plant, or repurposing old items, take a look at how you can save money without scrimping on style.

So, are you ready to give your garden a new lease of life? Try these easy garden ideas on a budget, perfect for patio areas, small gardens, or outdoor spaces of every shape and size...

1

Paint effect

-Getty Images

You'll be surprised by how much a lick of paint can transform an old fence and provide a striking backdrop for greenery and jewel-coloured plants. And the colour you should opt for? For a dramatic look, choose black.

'The depth this colour gives is magical for garden designers; paint a fence black and it disappears, a shed becomes less of an eyesore and that old bench suddenly becomes a chic focal point,' says Chelsea Flower Show garden designer Andrew Duff.

This is a great garden idea if you want instant impact. Don't forget, you can give your plant pots a new lease of life by painting them too.

• Head to Homebase, Wickes or B&Q for garden paint.

READ MORE: Garden paint: A guide to transforming exterior walls

2

Grow from seed

Homebase

Without a doubt, the cheapest way to get a thriving garden is to sow seeds. Whether it's flower seeds or vegetable seeds, remember to check the seed packet size, as some contain far more seed than you’d be able to sow in a year in the average garden.

• Pictured: House Beautiful Cornflower Midget Mixed Seeds at Homebase

3

Plant and divide

AlpamayoPhotoGetty Images

A cost effective way to fill flowerbeds with great looking plants is to buy perennials that you can divide. This may sound like advanced level gardening but really it isn't. It will work with clump-forming perennials such as geums, astrantia and hardy geraniums.

Simply tip the plant out of its pot and pull it apart into two or three bits, each with some stalks and root. Dig a hole and plant each part in your flowerbed. Next year when they've grown and spread, you can dig them up and pull them apart again to gain even more plants.

You'll get a wonderful display in a couple of years for very little cash. Six geranium plants are usually enough to get going in an average sized garden.

Shop a wide selection of perennial plants at Crocus

4

Grow a lawn from seed

Swell MediaGetty Images

'The cheapest way to get a thriving garden is by growing a lawn by seed, as turf isn’t cheap and can be difficult to lay. With seeding, you’ve got much greater control over which species of seed are going into your new lawn,' advises Carlos Real, Lawn Care Expert and Managing Director of TotalLawn. 'For example, if you want an aesthetically pleasing lawn, you should be looking for slender fescues – this forms a close turf with bristle like, dark green, glossy leaves.

'Not only this, if you sow in the spring, you won’t have to wait long for it to grow – it’s a simple and cost-efficient way to renovate your outdoor space.'

5

Shape up

WestburyGetty Images

A simple and cost-effective way to transform your garden is to cut the lawn into a clearly defined shape – something like a circle, a square or an oblong. Mark it out with string and use a spade (try this Stainless Digging Spade by Spear & Jackson) to cut away the excess grass. It's not a difficult job and should only take an afternoon.

6

Use containers for patios

Made. com

No lawn? Container gardening is a really easy way to get your garden looking beautiful with blooming flowers. It's especially ideal for patios, balconies or other paved areas. Remember, containers can restrict root growth, so you need to ensure an even water supply and good drainage, and choose the right compost.

Pictured: Colleta, Set of 2 Splatter-Effect Planters, MADE

7

Get creative with storage

Tom MertonGetty Images

'Creating storage for your shed is the perfect time to reuse items or upcycle,' says Jack Sutcliffe, Co-Founder of Power Sheds. 'Items no longer needed in your home can all take on a new life in the shed. For instance, an old shoe rack can be used to store garden footwear or be hung onto the wall of your shed and provide great storage for things like paint cans or tools.'

8

Create a cosy outdoors

Land of Rugs

As extensions of our homes, our outdoor spaces are becoming 'rooms', and so there's a need to bring that cosy feeling into the garden. An easy way to do this is to invest in an outdoor rug. Inject some personality into your space with a pop of colour or bold pattern – and it will help to zone your space, too. To accessorise, add some garden lanterns and outdoor cushions

Pictured: Antibes Outdoor Rug Blue White Linear, Land of Rugs

9

DIY garden bar

Wayfair

Want space for entertaining in your garden? If a garden bar is out of your budget, transform your area with a DIY cocktail bar.

'There's no need to invest in a pricey readymade bar when you can update a cheap and cheerful potting bench by day into a chic drinks station by night with a simple, purse-friendly lick of paint,' says Wayfair's Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill.

'A good quality primer & undercoat will remove the need for laborious sanding, so all you need to think about is selecting your go-to hue. Miami pink will add a retro flavour to your bar, whereas cornflower blue is the perfect tone for an English garden spritz and pistachio tones will blend seamlessly with spring foliage. Don’t forget to seal your bar with a waterproof finishing wax to keep the sundowner sessions flowing summer after summer.'

And, of course, don't forget to style it: Add a drinks dispenser, coloured glassware and your favourite beverages – and finish off with succulents and greenery.

10

Start a vegetable patch

Svetlana Fomina / EyeEmGetty Images

Grow Your Own, even in the smallest of spaces, and save lots of money in the process. Simply corner off a section of your garden, prepare the soil, and plant some vegetables. Not only will it be a great addition to your garden, but you’ll have your own supply of tasty veg!

Chillies remain a popular choice owing to their ease of growing, colour and varieties, with names such as ‘Etna’ and ‘Meek and Mild’. Beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, soya and other legumes are also a staple of the vegetable plot, overtaking more traditional choices such as parsnips and calabrese.

READ MORE: Allotment ideas for beginners

11

Reuse old furniture as planters

GuasorGetty Images

One of the most cost-effective garden ideas is to simply upcycle! You can give old and tired furniture in your home a new lease of life in the garden. Old sinks and dressing tables can be turned into quirky planters, or you could use pallets to make planting tables, furniture and much more.

'Wooden pallets aren’t just cheap and easy to get hold of, they’re also incredibly versatile in your garden,' says Jack Sutcliffe of Power Sheds. 'Take a wooden pallet, fasten it upright on your shed wall and you’ve got yourself a space to store your garden tools. This type of solution may seem a little more rough and ready, but it’s cheap and very effective. '

12

Hanging baskets

Antony-KempGetty Images

Want instant colour in your garden? A really easy and inexpensive way to do this is to plant up some hanging baskets. Choose plants such as fuchsias, verbena or petunias, or you can even grow vegetables like tomatoes.

READ MORE: The best hanging basket plants for a vibrant display

13

Welcome birds

Moorland Green Wood

If you're looking for ideas to increase wildlife to your garden, install a bird feeder, bird bath or bird house. More birds attracted to your outdoor space will also mean more chances of listening to the sound of birds singing, which is great for your wellbeing. In fact, research shows that listening to the sound of birds can help lower stress and fatigue, as well as helping to combat anxiety.

You could buy one (shop a selection at the RSPB) or, if you're looking for a cheaper way, wash out old tin cans (from soup and baked beans), then paint, fill with bird seed, and hang in the garden for your own homemade bird feeder.

Pictured: Bird feeder in Moorland Green Wood Paint, Thorndown Paints

14

Transform your space with lights

Lights4Fun/Oliver Perrott Photography Ltd

It's all about the ambience! Outdoor lights offer a quick, simple and cheap way to bring a pretty glow to a patio and beyond – and there are so many styles available. Solar garden lights are popular, or you can opt for outdoor battery lights which include string lights and lanterns.

If you're using fairy lights or festoon lights, you can style them through trees or shrub branches, attach them to fences and furniture, or suspend them from canes stuck into the ground. Stringing fairy lights across a pergola or arch or even around a parasol, always looks wonderful and creates a perfect setting for alfresco dining.

Pictured: 80 LED Battery Operated Parasol Lights, Lights4Fun

15

Use stake lights to illuminate plants

Lights4Fun/Oliver Perrott

Buy stake lights to scatter amongst shrubs, place on your lawn, or stick into window boxes for instant wow factor. These are pretty inexpensive and they add a wonderful decorative touch to your garden, however small it is.

With solar lights, just place it within a sunny spot in your garden to enable a full day's charge. As evening falls, the lights will automatically shine bright.

Pictured: Flower, Bee & Butterfly Solar Stake Lights, Lights4Fun

16

DIY pond

welcomiaGetty Images

Another great way to attract wildlife to your garden is with a pond – and it won't cost much at all. Simply collect pebbles and stones, dig a hole in the garden, protect the bottom with a pond liner and hide it using the pebbles and rocks. Then fill with water to create a pond.

READ MORE: 8 steps to creating your own garden pond

17

Make your own compost

Ann Louise HageviGetty Images

One of the easiest ways to save money and garden on a budget is to make your own compost.

Jack Sutcliffe of Power Sheds explains: 'Get a compost bin and turn your kitchen and garden waste into organic matter that you can use to mulch garden borders and fill pots, boosting the growth of plants and vegetables. This idea isn’t just cheap, it’s also a great way to make your garden even ‘greener’.

READ MORE: How to make compost

18

DIY outdoor cinema

Kel Harmer/Oh So Kel

Create an outdoor cinema using materials from your home. Transform your space in an instant for movie night using a white sheet, pegs and some string. Then all you need to do is buy a projector (shop a range at Amazon to suit all price budgets).

Interior stylist Kel Harmer created this fabulous outdoor cinema in her garden. 'To create the DIY Movie Night we used string, pegs and a kingsize white sheet to create the screen and a projector which we placed on a garden table and ran the leads underneath the seating to prevent hazards,' she explains.

READ MORE: Kel Harmer's garden makeover

19

Reuse plastic bottles

Cavan ImagesGetty Images

Plastic water bottles take an average of 1,000 years to biodegrade, so avoid throwing them away altogether and reuse them. They're ideal for the garden as they make great alternative planters. Just cut open one side, fill with compost and plant seedlings, then hang with heavy duty string.

20

Tree love

Simon McGilGetty Images

Considering their size and longevity, trees are very inexpensive and just a few will make a difference to the look of a garden. Try small trees like June berry, Amelanchier lamarckii, an ornamental cherry like Prunus × incam 'Okamé', or a crab apple. Three should be plenty for an average sized garden.

READ MORE: Top 5 trees for small gardens

21

Create a path with gravel or stone chippings

bgwalkerGetty Images

When it comes to paths and patios, gravel is a much more affordable surface than paving. To lay it in place; mark out the area, then scrape away loose soil or grass, pin down a permeable membrane to stop the weeds coming through and spread the gravel over it. Aim for a depth of 2.5cm. Honey stone chippings will contrast with your lawn and planting, creating a rustic look. A large bag will cover around 20 sq metres.

'We'd recommend going for 20-30mm size stones as they generally last longer than the smaller ones and feel sturdy underfoot,' Carlos Real of TotalLawn advises.

• Head to Homebase, B&Q or Wickes for all your gravel needs!

22

Use corks as plant markers

maramicadoGetty Images

Upcycle your wine corks and reuse them as plant markers.

Jack Sutcliffe, Co-Founder of Power Sheds, explains: 'Carefully slice one fifth of the cork off to reveal a flat surface, then use a permanent marker to write each vegetable's name on. Then insert your wooden skewer into the bottom of the corks. Who would have guessed that sipping wine could help you save money?'

The House Beautiful team News, advice and ideas from the team at House Beautiful UK

Small garden ideas to make the most of your outdoor space

If you've got a spatially challenged outdoor space you might think you're limited for what you can achieve. However, there are a tonne of wonderful and creative small garden ideas to transform even the tiniest plot.

Petite spaces may require a little more thought than larger garden ideas, but they come with plenty of welcome advantages. For a start, it forces you to be a little more inventive, which can often result in serious style and beauty. The other big plus is that due to their size, more often than not they're delightfully low-maintenance.

So it's time to get creative and start exploring what you could create with whatever space you have available.

'Decide on the main role for the space,' says Alix Hollingsworth, award-winning garden designer and co-founder of Dig Club . 'Committing to a single use in your garden if it's small is important;  choosing what you'd like the garden to be primarily used for (such as a dining area, drinks terrace or only a space for planting) means it won't feel overly busy and cramped.'

Small garden ideas

Whether you're looking to create an impressive balcony garden, squeeze outdoor furniture into a courtyard or fill a plot with greenery, you'll find lots of small garden ideas to inspire you.

1. Think vertically

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Save precious outdoor square footage - be it lawn or patio - by taking what you can off the ground. If you have a wall or strong fence available, this is the ideal spot to affix a slim shelving unit. Alternatively, DIY it by exploring garden ideas with pallets.

You can use these levels to display potted plants, keep smaller garden accessories, and to double up as somewhere to set your drink or hold your hat.

2. Repurpose an old step ladder for plants

(Image credit: Future)

This is another way to take pots and planters off the ground. By placing them on the steps of a step ladder you're freeing up the space below for more greenery. The well worn appearance of an old or no longer used  wooden step ladder also adds rustic charm to your garden. 

3. Go big with variety 

(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)

'Don't be tempted to plant only small plants as these will only emphasise the space of a small garden,' says Alix Hollingsworth of Dig Club. 'Instead plant a range of sizes to create shape and variety. 

'When planting shrubs, opt for larger specimens but don't go for very dense varieties as these will look like they take up more space than they do. If you want a tree, choose multi-stem ones which appear lighter, as you can see through the stems to the rest of the garden. '

4. Make the most of a patio

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Patios and decks are just begging to be brightened up. Revive a dreary outdoor space by whitewashing brickwork and refreshing weathered wood. Create a cheery festival vibe by adding a stack of cushions and rigs in folksy florals and sunny brights.

Not only will these patio ideas bring joy, but the pops of colour against a white backdrop will give the space an illusion of being bigger than it is in reality. Choose slightly small benches and rugs than normal to heighten this effect.

5. Create a layered look

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Layers don't just add the illusion of depth when in your hair - they can go a long way in gardens, too. Combine both raised beds and ground levels beds to add height and create a layered look to your planting, implying the presence of much more foliage than there actually is.

Additionally, slightly raising a path or walkway will make the ground level planting seem taller, too. It's really beneficial to work out how to plan a small garden in advance of starting.

6. Shade a dining spot with an awning

(Image credit: Hillarys)

There's no denying that pergolas draped in Wisteria look lovely but in a small garden it may simply not be practical. 

'It's not a great idea to put pergolas right up against the house as this can cause a lot of unwanted shade in the winter,' says garden designer designer, Charlotte Rowe .

If you're going to want shade during alfresco summer lunches without limiting light in your home over the winter months, an adjustable awning is a great space-saving option for petite patios.

7. Attract wildlife with flowers and food

(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)

Just because a garden is small doesn't mean it can't provide a home for nature. Hang nut and seed feeders for birds on tree branches and leave a tray filled with water for them to drink and bathe in.

Leave gaps in fences to create a hedgehog highway and fill your garden with colourful flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinators. It will not only make your garden a calming space, it will delight little ones when they spot visiting wildlife too.

8. Plant according to sun and shade

(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)

Plants need sunshine but there are plenty that don't like direct sun all day and prefer shady spots. So plant according to your garden's situation, as well as its soil.

'Shady gardens can still look fabulous,' says Alix Hollingsworth at Dig Club. 'If your small garden doesn’t get much sun, don’t worry, you can still fill it with wonderful plants that can bring character and personality to the space. 

'“Jungle” or “Forest” style plants such as Ferns, Dwarf Bamboo and impactful shrubs like Fatsia japonica with their large leaves can help fill the space and create a lush, green haven. Colour can still be delivered through Geraniums such as ‘Rozanne’, Alliums and Irises which provide pops of confident colour amongst the greenery.'

9. Turn it into a tropical oasis

(Image credit: Future / Alasdair McIntosh)

Outdoor living is wonderful but noone wants a garden filled with furniture and devoid of life. Fake plastic grass is depressing and too much concrete looks soulless. So create plenty of pockets of foliage around paths or patios with hedges, shrubs and trees.

If your small garden doesn't get much frost, grow species that thrive in warm weather such as grasses, palms and tree ferns (which like partial sun and shade). Tropical plants like these will give your garden a holiday feeling all summer long.

These living elements will make your garden more enjoyable for you and your family too.

'Trees bring several other benefits to your garden, such as the calming sound of leaves rustling in the wind and lowering the volume of artificial noise in your garden,' says Cass Heaphy at Paving Direct .   

10. Include an arbour

(Image credit: Future / Lizzie Orme)

Enjoy your garden from a new angle with an arbour. These sheltered areas take up less space than a pergola would yet provide an extra shaded seating area.  

Placing an arbour at the end of your garden in a sunny spot away from the dining area enables you to make the most of the space at different times of the day.  

It could be a quiet retreat to enjoy a morning coffee before the day revs up, or somewhere to relax with a sun downer and take a breath after work. 

11. Add interest with plenty of pots and planters

(Image credit: Future)

Having plants in pots and planters means you can move them around - and into a conservatory, greenhouse or indoors to protect them when a frost is due.

'Interesting planters and pots of various heights mean they are not only a space saver but can be used to create a sense of enclosure when placed around a seating area, or as focal points around the garden,' says garden designer, Alix Hollingsworth at Dig Club. 

'The style of planter is important too - ensure it's in keeping with the overall style of the garden and even the interior of the house to create a sense of continuity. Don’t feel you have to stick to just one plant per pot. 

'For larger ones, consider a small tree like Olive or Bay, and underplant with trailing plants such as Vinca minor or Helianthemum ‘The Bride’ which tumble over the edges of pots and soften the edges. '

12. Use walls and fences for climbers

(Image credit: Future / David Giles)

In a small space don't forget to use walls and fences for greenery. Climbing plants provide shade and create a lovely sense of enclosure. They're good at absorbing noise and pollution too.

'Plant vertically in a small space,' Alix Hollingsworth, Dig Club. 'This could be with a living wall (although these can require a bit of maintenance), or with planters that are slightly oversized. 

'This also means you can play with the planting combinations within them and create interest and height with textures, colours and form. Using climbers such as the evergreen Star jasmine that can add interest and greenery, and don't take up too much space.'

13. Take the indoors out

(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)

Make a small garden feel bigger by making it feel like a continuation of your indoor space with outdoor living room ideas. Making the most of the space makes it more valuable, no matter how small. Dress your small garden space with a furniture set and add decorative outdoor fairy light ideas to ensure it's a space you want to spend more time.

'Do not let attention to detail go amiss, the same principles apply externally as they do an interior project,' says Emmie Brookman, Creative Director of Silver Mushroom . 'Your outdoor space should be an extension of your home, so make it comfortable and accessorise the same way you would indoors. Introduce cushions, throws, candles and bowls, after all you can always take them back inside if the weather turns.'

Similarly, a plethora of potted plants adds foliage, but as pots are moveable you get a sense of freedom to change things around from time to time.

14. Create a mini herb garden

(Image credit: Sadolin)

Herb gardens don't have to only exist on your windowsills or in a large dedicated vegetable patch. Upcycle a side or coffee table to create a homemade and bijou planting area, perfect for herbs.

As well as saving you space beneath for extra planting or storage, by having the plants higher, you'll save your back a lot of strain that you might get from bending over veg beds.

'As well as herbs, salad leaves and lettuce are also incredibly easy vegetables to grow,' says Cass Heaphy, gardening expert at Paving Direct. 'Some plants come through within four weeks. Find seeds in your local shop and sow in regular intervals for a full salad bowl throughout summer.'

15. Grow your own veg in containers

(Image credit: Future)

You may think this isn't possible to grow your own veg in a small garden, particularly if you want to use it to socialise. But not all crops require a large dedicated patch. 

'Tomatoes are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers,' says Cass Heaphy at Paving Direct. 'As long as you have a location that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight per day, you can grow tomatoes in a small corner or even a balcony container garden with ease. There’s a large variety of tomato species out there but if you are limited for space choose smaller types such as Cherry tomatoes.'

'Runner beans, sugar snap peas, broad beans, French beans can also be grown in a small spot, as long as they’re basking in the sun all day. All you need is a pot that is at least one foot deep, and if you have a climbing variety, a trellis-like structure for the vines to grow on. Make sure to sow seeds regularly so you get a succession of crops over the summer.'

16. Hang your plants

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Hooks go a long way in space saving in interiors, and they work just as well for small garden ideas. On a fence or exterior of your home, attach a few hooks and use this to hang smaller plants until they're big enough to plant out or move into larger containers on the ground.

Plus, if you're ever off to a party and realise you're missing a hostess gift, grab one of these and voila, problem solved!

17. Choose slimline options

(Image credit: Future PLC /Dunelm)

Slot in a slimline plant stand in smaller outdoor spaces. Cover bare areas of fence or brickwork with plants and trailing greenery and then look vertically for extra planting. Add a ladder stand to add height to displays - it's one of the easiest budget garden ideas and easy to move if you fancy a change.

18. Add a gallery wall

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

In the same way you would hang pictures indoors, create a display of frames and wall hung planters on an outside wall, fence or shed. Utilise junk shop finds by hanging old wooden frames and up-cycle old loaf tins as planters. Just drill holes in the base for drainage and in the side for hooking onto the wall.

Hang above a pretty garden bench, as you would a sofa indoors and finish off with some cushions and a throw.

19. Create a mini outdoor kitchen

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

Extend your kitchen capacity into the garden. Potting tables can provide a slim, compact surface along one side of a patio for outside food prep, choosing units with galvanised or zinc topped surfaces will make wipe-down easier and protects wooden surfaces from weather damage, too.

Hang a bamboo pole above your units from cup hooks screwed into the wall or fence and use S-hooks to hang kitchen utensils along its length.

20. Double your space

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

When working out how to make a small garden look bigger, one foolproof idea is to use garden mirrors. Create your own using an old gate or some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board.

This is not only an inexpensive alternative to an outdoor mirror it also prevents any danger through mirror breakage. Set a table close by so that you can enjoy a view of the garden wherever you are seated.

Top tip: using a grid style mirror means that birds are less likely to fly into it.

21. Create a kids corner

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

Sacrifice a raised bed to create a section of deck with a giant blackboard and covered sandpit for some sunny-day play. Try using old railway sleepers to create a barrier for sand and soil.

Finish by fixing a peg rail to the underside of the sandpit lid for hanging toys and tools.

22. Set up a private bar

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

Look to outdoor bar ideas to create your own little entertaining zone with a clever pull-down bar made from a couple of pallets and a length of chain. Cut the top section from the pallet to use as the flip down section and attach using two strong hinges and lengths of chain.

Adding an outdoor herb planter to the top section will keep them within easy reach for drinks and barbecues.

23. Hang furniture to free up floorspace

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young/Charlie Young)

When working with small indoor spaces, designers will explain the importance of elevating furniture off the floor to create the illusion of more floor space. Wall-mounted bathroom units are a prime example of where this applies.

Use the same design idea in a small garden by choosing a hanging chair.  A nook of a garden is all you need for a reading corner, the perfect place to get away from it all. This hanging bamboo chair keeps the floor and sightline clear giving a feeling of space in even the smallest of spaces.

Highlight the area with clusters of pots that contain foliage at varying heights and scales and mix up shop bought planters with vintage buckets or troughs. Mix materials like zinc, rattan and terracotta, to give your garden an effortless layered up look. 

24. Make a small space work harder

(Image credit: Future PLC /Colin Poole)

Divide your garden into zones to gain the illusion of extra space. With individual purposes, the space will feel larger because of the multifunctional uses and outdoor 'rooms'.

Depending on available space, and what you like to do, there's a multitude of zones you could create. Think an entertaining space, reading nook, outdoor kitchen ideas, play area, vegetable plot... the garden's your oyster!

25.

Enliven the space with colour

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dobbies)

As with interior decorating, think of how using colour can help invigorate an outdoor space. Use small garden ideas to add depth to the space with using garden paint ideas to paint the walls in a vibrant shade.

A flash of bold colour allows the plants to really pop against the colourful backdrop – creating an illusion of a sense of space. Not to mention the mood-boosting power a splash of colour can have on the senses.

26. Create a sense of height through planting

(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)

A clever and simple idea for planting a small garden is to play with the heights to add a feeling of space and depth. Use clusters of different pots that contain foliage at varying heights and scales to make the most of the space.

An ideal solution for small patios, courtyards and balcony gardens.

27. Add new levels

(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)

Add interest with small garden ideas by adding perspective with different levels. A classic way to do this is to have a raised or sunken terrace, and the lawn at another height.

The ledges and steps will help open up how you can use the space, adding in extra spots for plant pots to be arranged or areas to add furniture to accommodate guests.

You can also cheat this look with the clever use of raised beds.

28. Give fences double duty

(Image credit: Future PLC /Joanna Henderson)

Take inspiration from the elements of a living wall, by using vertical wall space for thoughtful planting. This allows even the smallest of garden spaces to flourish, making the most of the space, and is particularly useful if you are looking for decorative grassless garden ideas.

The simple yet savvy addition of horizontal fence panels can turn the side of the shed into a decorative living wall. This could also work on a stretch of bare fence or wall when planning your front garden ideas, or on the side of a balcony. Any of these small outdoor spaces can be transformed into a vertical garden, accommodating smaller plant pots and baskets.

29. Zone with different flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)

Look down for some new small garden ideas. Choosing different mediums for the flooring across zones suggests changes in space without having to physically divide the space with borders or planting.

30. Camouflage your walls

(Image credit: Future PLC /Lizzie Orme)

In a small garden it's beneficial to camouflage the walls as much as possible. Painting any exposed walls in a green exterior paint helps to blend in and further the sense of the surrounding greenery.

Add a decorative garden mirror on top to bounce around images of surrounding foliage to add to the illusion.

31. Get creative with shelves and hooks

(Image credit: Future PLC /Jamie Mason)

Shelves and hooks aren't just for indoors. Create extra precious surface area for pots and pretty accessories by putting up some shelves. Ideally they should be mounted into brick, as your garden fence might not be able to take the weight.

Reclaimed scaffolding boards are an inexpensive solution, supported by wrought iron brackets that you can pick up for a few pounds from your nearest DIY store. The wall-mounted shelves will clear up your floor space from lanterns and plant pots.  A recycled peg rail can also become the perfect place to hang outdoor lighting.

32. Go halves

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Don't let limited space stop you from enjoying alfresco dining. Invest in a compact dining solution like half-sized tables or bistro sets. The small dining set can then sit neatly against a wall, serving the purpose without encroaching on the limited space.

 

33. Zone your layout with an outdoor rug

(Image credit: The Rug Seller)

Put down a decorative outdoor rug to direct the eye. It's one of the easiest small garden ideas to achieve, and works by drawing the gaze to one defined area. The space around it won't be as obvious upon first look, giving the illusion of more space.

 

34. Use paint to trick the eye

(Image credit: Cuprinol)

Draw the eye up with a cleverly painted backdrop, creating the illusion of extra height and space. A simple two-tone block colour treatment can jazz up any expanse of garden fencing.

Using a dark colour helps to make more of a statement with the effect, it also compliments green foliage beautifully.

(Image credit: Argos)

Grab extra seats for when needed. Invest in a few oversized floor cushions for when you have guests over. Floor cushions are less imposing than alternative garden seating solutions. Plus they are easy to pile one on top of the other when not in use, ideal for easy storage.

Pattered or brightly coloured cushions will also help to inject personality into the space.

36. Make the most of space with a multifunctional shed

(Image credit: Future PLC /Joanna Henderson)

Make a shed work harder in your small space by making it multifunctional. Use the shed to house garden furniture in the winter, then open out into a bar for garden parties and alfresco sundowners in the summer months. Cheers to that idea!

37. Elevate plants to new levels

(Image credit: Future PLC /Colin Poole)

Make the most of your small space by taking things to different levels with vertical shelving. This planting solution creates extra space to showcase potted plants and garden accessories. No matter how small your space, you can guarantee you'll be using it as efficiently as possible.

 

38. Use every corner of a courtyard

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

If your small garden space is a courtyard think about how you can use every inch of space to full potential. Often a courtyard area has the potential to feel very enclosed, simply by the nature of looming brick walls surrounding it.

Using clever corner seating will not only use the space most effectively, the high-back sofa design can help to hide a large portion of said imposing walls. This in turn will distract from the walls and create the illusion of space.

39. Squeeze in a mini greenhouse

(Image credit: Ikea)

Even the most modest outdoor space can include greenhouse ideas for growing plants. You can find half sized greenhouses, mini versions, as well as low-level options which can run along the wall of your home or garden fence.

 

40. Fix planters under the kitchen window

(Image credit: Future PLC /Joanna Henderson)

Window boxes are a classic way to add planting to small spaces, but go one stage further by doubling up. Simply buy or build two simple troughs on top of one another.

It's a great place to grow herbs, especially if placed underneath a kitchen window. Just open the glass and reach out to grab what you need.

41. Introduce low walls that double as seating

(Image credit: Future PLC /Amy Cutmore)

You might only have room for a chair or two, so what happens when friends come over? By adding raised beds surrounded by walls, not only will your plants be easier to look after, you'll also create extra places for people to perch.

Add some cushions for comfort in complementary colours to your plants.

42. Paint walls white

(Image credit: Future PLC/Nick Pope)

White paint is often used to make the most of a small space because of its brightening and lightening properties, and small garden ideas can benefit from this trick, too. With white painted brickwork and white garden furniture, you can create a beautifully summery scheme that has serious style.

 

43. Plant a garden in pots to surround the seating

(Image credit: Future PLC /Keith Henderson)

You don't need a lawn to create a lush garden - and flower beds aren't necessary either. A low-maintenance 'flooring' option such as gravel is great for small gardens. Add lots of pots, filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to tall and bushy trees.

Finish off with some garden furniture and you'll have the perfect spot to enjoy a summer's day.

44. Trail plants up a fence

(Image credit: Future PLC /Jamie Mason)

Make use of a fence to add colour and greenery. Climbing plants and trellises are a great solution for small gardens, as they lift flowers and foliage up off the ground.

A pretty fence will do a lot to detract attention from a teeny plot - after all, if you or your visitors are focusing on beautiful roses or a hot-pink trellis, who's going to notice a garden's dimensions?

45. Brighten with colourful furniture

(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)

Even the tiniest terrace can be transformed into something exceptional. If your garden is short on square footage, a planted terrace can be a good solution, combining elegance with low maintenance. Simple paving such as travertine or traditional stone creates a sleek or rustic look, while clever planting will soften and provide privacy.

Just add comfortable seating to create an ideal outside room. Plus, if your WiFi should reaches to your terrace, you've got a ready made summer WFH spot.

46. Plan a multitasking garden

(Image credit: Future PLC /Polly Wreford)

If space is tight, make sure that what you have is working hard for you. A well-planned garden could have a raised flower bed, garden wall and garden seat all rolled into one.

Think about including greenery to provide shade, privacy and interest up high, while the wall would offer a handy ledge for lanterns, plus practical built-in seating. Cushions bring the comfort of indoor living outside and add a lovely hit of colour.

47. Mix your media

(Image credit: Future PLC /Annaick Guitteny)

Make a small space attractive and ensure a crisp contemporary look with strong landscaped lines. Create interesting interlocking zones with distinctive materials, such as woodstained decking ideas, pale patio slabs and decorative stones or chippings.

Finally, plant up to let lush foliage burst through, filling the space with structural greenery for a controlled finish that’s easy to maintain.

48. Focus on furniture

(Image credit: Future PLC /Annaick Guitteny)

Place objects of interest at the end of your garden and create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is. Choose white garden furniture and position it towards the back of a paved area.

Play hide and seek by strategically planting large shrubs to partially obstruct the view; your mind will think there is more beyond to see. Add interest with plants at all heights and in all areas – with climbers and ramblers, evergreen shrubs, sculptural grasses and ground cover, all enlivened by colour-heavy cottage-garden favourites such as foxglove and delphinium.

49. Aim high

(Image credit: Future PLC /Annaick Guitteny)

Turn a small courtyard into a lush habitat with a tactile and towering living wall. Plant up a natural focal point for a super contemporary way to add interest while keeping much-needed floor space clear for patio slabs and super-sociable seating. Balance the domineering wall with a trio of large pots with small fruit trees and bedding plants.

Living, or green, walls, once the domain of designer installations and pioneering commercial sites, are increasingly making their way into residential gardens. When it comes to how to make a living plant wall, foliage is rooted into a structure that is attached to a wall.

A range of herbaceous perennials, grasses, small shrubs, herbs and even fruit and vegetables can be used to create these vertical small garden ideas. Try including scented plants, seasonal flowers and bulbs, but talk to your local garden nursery about plants that will suit the aspect and microclimate of the wall on which they will be grown.

50. Make room for little ones

(Image credit: Future PLC /Annaick Guitteny)

Come up with an ingenious small space that will appeal to both the design conscious and the fun conscious. Build a playhouse that blends seamlessly with the garden perimeter - here, contemporary linear fencing.

Finish off the camouflage effect with a sedum roof so the little house blends perfectly into its environment. Store brightly coloured furniture inside this elevated version of garden shed ideas so it's easy to take out for play time and return again when not in use.

51. Build a cool cabana

(Image credit: Future PLC /Chris Everard)

Include garden shade ideas in your small garden with a homemade sun lounger – a few square feet, budget materials and your imagination are all you need. It's a fine summer garden idea you'll thank us for when the heatwave finally hits.

Take two branches, two pallets, and a fabric offcut and assemble them to create a bohemian lounger for two. Make it comfortable and inviting with a bolster in funky geometric fabric. If your garden is dominated by the overhang of a tree, angle the fabric so that it can also act as a canopy, protecting the area below.

52. Choose easily stored seating

(Image credit: Future PLC /Simon Bevan)

Choosing outdoor furniture that folds or stacks when not in use is a great way to save on precious space in a small garden. Mix and match your colours for a bright looking garden scheme.

53. Opt for a neutral scheme

(Image credit: Future PLC /Simon Bevan)

Just like indoors, opting for neutral walls and flooring can make a small garden feel lighter and brighter. Even if you have a small plot with not much natural greenery, you can create the look of a colourful garden with flower-filled pots and planters.

Plus, you can swap these in and out to create different looks for different events.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)

When considering small garden ideas, one of the most important things is to work out how to make the most of every inch of available space. If you're working with two levels, see if you can carve out an overhang and create a shaded area.

A lovely place to curl up with a book, or stay cosy in the evenings with a firepit without taking up any lawn square footage.

55. Pretty up with soft furnishings

(Image credit: Future PLC /Darren Chung)

Small garden ideas require careful planning if you're going to make to most of a cosy corner. A garden bench is a practical and stylish way to make an impact – if you don't mind relinquishing some precious floor space – and will be perfect for lounging should the sun make an appearance this summer!

Choose a streamlined modern design and give it a colourful makeover with exotic cushions.

How do you make a small garden look pretty?

Living green walls are ultra-fashionable and can be used to hide unsightly boundaries and add lush foliage even in a garden where space is limited.

A funky fireplace makes for a quirky focal point in the garden and allows you to enjoy summer evenings even longer (or even gives you a place to store your wood). Ask your garden designer to incorporate a built-in fireplace into their plan, or head to Amazon  for a good selection of freestanding fire pits, from £30.

Bright colours will also make a small garden really sing. Naturally, you can do this with planting, but there are other ways – such choosing a brightly coloured bistro set, or even by painting your fences or shed in a vivid pink or blue.

How do you lay out a small garden?

If your want to change your small garden layout, start by looking at the existing space. ‘Look at what plants are thriving and think about where the sun falls,’ advises Katrina Wells of Earth Designs .

'If you like having the gang round for dinner, for example, you’ll probably want to position your dining table and chairs where it’s sunny. If it’s a lunchtime gathering, you’ll need some shade too. Also is there any dead space? Or a shed keeping your garden in the shade for half the day?'

Next, consider its upkeep. ‘Think really carefully about how much time you are willing to dedicate to maintaining the space,’ says London-based garden designer Charlotte Rowe . ‘If you’re time poor, more hard landscaping and sturdier plants will require much less attention than a lawn and beds with complex planting.’

Paving and gravel courtyards are still popular, while concrete is right on trend.

What are the best plants for small gardens?

(Image credit: Future PLC /Polly Eltes)

‘Start by working out the type of soil, the soil pH and the conditions in the garden, then buy the best plants for those surroundings,’ says Sally Tierney of Yorkshire Garden Designer .

'Include evergreens for year-round interest, use shrubs and trees for structure and height, and soft grasses and herbaceous perennials to add pops of colour and soften the architectural elements.

'Plant a mix of bulbs that will flower in winter, spring and autumn in easy-to-arrange pots to add drama – they’re also low-maintenance and look great in the high-traffic areas such as around the patio or a favourite bench.'

Climbing plants are great for small gardens – clematis are easy to grow, while honeysuckle and jasmine will fill your garden with fragrance.

You could also plant fruit trees and fill raised beds with veg. Is there anything more rewarding than harvesting your own fresh crop of lettuce or strawberries?

Potatoes, beans and onions are also fairly simple to grow successfully – and you don’t need acres of space to cultivate them. It's possible to grow enough to eat five a day from just 10 sq m of raised beds.

How much does it cost to landscape a small garden?

You can plan your own garden, but a trained designer will help you not only with your plant selection, but also know how best to maximise your space. Some will also do the landscaping (or work in tandem with a landscaper) to complete the job.

Garden landscaping costs depend on the size of your garden, the complexity of the design and how much experience the designer has. An initial consultation might cost £450. A typical urban garden can cost anything from £6,000, including the design and build.

Repairs in a kindergarten: features and requirements

As of 2019, there were 2,061 preschool institutions in the Moscow Region alone, designed for 419,000 pupils, and 23 more were under construction. Almost half a million children actually live in kindergartens five days a week, and therefore the requirements for repairs in them are special.

Who can make repairs in kindergartens

Carrying out repairs in preschool educational institutions is regulated by law, so hiring a private team for these purposes will not work. Only those companies that specialize in the provision of construction and repair services have the right to carry out repairs in kindergartens. If we are talking about a major overhaul, then the kindergarten needs to hold a tender and determine the winner. nine0003

Scope of work during the repair of the kindergarten

Major and cosmetic (current) repairs are noticeably different. Cosmetic is performed to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the building and maintain its performance. During its implementation, minor defects in engineering systems, foundations, walls, roofs, landings and steps are eliminated, sockets, switches and failed fire alarm sensors are changed, floor and cladding are restored or replaced. nine0003

Major renovations aim to restore or improve the performance of a building, so the scope of work is much larger. When they are carried out:

Kindergarten after renovation

Features of the layout of the premises during the repair of the kindergarten

When carrying out major repairs, special requirements for the layout of premises in kindergartens must be taken into account. In such institutions there should be separate changing rooms for each group of children, bathrooms, bedrooms, a medical office, a catering unit and group rooms. In addition, if there are more than 120 children in the institution, two halls will be needed: a music room and a physical education room. After repair, the ceiling height should be at least 3 m, and the area of ​​group rooms should be at least 50 m 2 . The last parameter depends on the number and age of children for whom the room is intended: each child under 3 years old must be provided with 2.5 m 2 of space, and from 3 to 7 years - 2 m 2 .

Requirements for the kindergarten catering unit

Kindergarten catering unit requires a special approach to repair, because the regulatory authorities pay special attention to it. As a rule, it includes a hot shop, a section for processing vegetables and fruit and berry products, a distributing, washing room, a room with refrigerators and pantries for storing flour, cereals, vegetables and fruits. nine0003

A pantry for storing fruits and vegetables must not be placed under a swimming pool, toilet or shower.

When repairing a catering unit, several mandatory requirements must be observed:

This is what a standard kindergarten catering unit might look like

Requirements for finishing materials used in kindergarten repairs

The main requirement for finishing materials used in repairs is safety. They must be environmentally friendly, not cause allergic reactions and not be toxic. The safety of finishing materials must be confirmed by certificates. nine0003

Floors may be smooth, non-slippery, resistant to wet cleaning and household chemicals.

Walls in group rooms can be washed with wallpaper. In bathrooms, laundries and ironing rooms, only tiles are allowed.

There are recommendations for choosing the color of facing coverings for group rooms: cold colors (blue, light blue, purple) are preferred for rooms with windows to the south, warm colors (yellow, pink, orange) are preferred for rooms with windows to the north. nine0003

Fire safety requirements for kindergartens

Kindergartens are subject to fairly stringent fire safety requirements that must be taken into account when building a building or performing repairs. Such establishments must be equipped with fire alarm systems. In order for them to work smoothly even during a power outage, it is necessary to have a backup power source.

In the event of a fire, the building must have escape routes for children and staff. They are subject to separate requirements for the width, number of lifts, the presence of fences, the slope of flights of stairs and ramps, the number and width of emergency exits. nine0003

After the repair, the kindergarten must comply with all the requirements of the current regulatory documents

What regulatory documents should be relied upon when performing repairs in the kindergarten

We can highlight several of these documents:

Conclusion

Renovation in a kindergarten is a complex and responsible task, because not only the results of inspections of institutions by regulatory authorities, but also the health and sometimes life of children depend on its quality. For this reason, only proven and experienced companies should be trusted with such work. nine0003

In Yekaterinburg, 144 kindergartens will be closed for repairs in the summer of 2022, schedule and full list of addresses, June 2022 | e1.ru

Pots are out of fashion for a long time. In most kindergartens, small children's toilets are gradually being installed

. We have compiled a large list of kindergartens in Yekaterinburg for you, specifying which days they will not work (and what exactly will be repaired there). nine0003

For convenience, we have divided the list into districts - look for your kindergarten in it!

Plastic windows will be installed in many kindergartens in the summer

Share

Many of the types of work are related to fire safety or epidemiological requirements, but practically no one announced the repair of areas around kindergartens

Share

Children's rooms will also be put in order

Share

Only one kindergarten is declared from this territory:

It is in this area that most kindergartens need major repairs. However, not all kindergartens indicated what exactly they would do during the closure.

In most kindergartens, children's rooms are updated annually: walls are painted, lockers are repaired, floors are changed if necessary

Share

One of the advantages of a major overhaul is to eliminate leaks and replace plumbing

Share

The branches of the kindergarten "Childhood"

will be closed for about a month for cosmetic repairs during which walls and ceilings will be painted, children's rooms will be put in order, and the flooring will be changed in some places. And here are the dates:

Similarly with the branches of the kindergarten "Nadezhda"

In Yekaterinburg, parents are again not allowed to prom in kindergartens, citing covid restrictions. Note that since June 3, it is officially allowed not to wear masks in public places. nine0003

Read also the interview with the Head of Pre-School Education of the Yekaterinburg Mayor's Office. Natalya Vedernikova answered all the uncomfortable questions of parents about enrolling in a kindergarten: when to carry documents, how to change kindergarten, and what to do if there are two or even three children in the family. And more recently, Yekaterinburg residents told how much they spent on graduation in kindergarten (including gifts for teachers).

Related