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You do not have to spend excessively to create a beautiful and functional garden area, as there are so many budget garden ideas to choose from. With a little planning and imagination, you can turn even the smallest garden into a peaceful space that meets your needs without going over budget. Incorporating small garden ideas, such as DIY vertical gardens and indoor decor outdoors, can help maximise limited space effectively.
Simple garden makeover changes like using recycled materials or a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a tired space and turn your garden dreams into reality. This guide will cover topics such as low-maintenance garden ideas on a budget, garden painting ideas, and simple garden ideas on a budget, including DIY garden decor ideas to help you create the perfect inviting outdoor setting.
Editor’s Note [13.01.25]:
Our original article “Exciting Garden & Patio Ideas to Use When On a Budget” was originally published on November 20, 2014. Much of the original content has been enhanced and updates have been provided. The following new sections have also been added – patio ideas on a budget, affordable patio designs, DIY garden décor ideas, cheap ideas for raised garden beds, low-maintenance garden ideas on a budget, as well as our final thoughts.
Simple and stylish – Cheap garden ideas on a budget
Designing a garden doesn't have to be an expensive task. With a bit of imagination and planning you can turn your outdoor space into an enjoyable retreat that is customised around you and save cash. Consider using indoor furniture in your garden to repurpose items you already own, making the transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces seamless and cost-effective. There are lots of beautiful gardens all over the UK that have been created on a limited budget, to prove the point.
In this guide, you will find some useful ways to help you save money on your garden design project too. From using reclaimed wood and recycled materials to growing bare root plants and building your own raised beds, there are plenty of affordable options. A few clever choices can turn smaller gardens into a functional low-maintenance space that looks fresh and welcoming.
Patio ideas on a budget
You do not need to complete a costly renovation exercise to create a charming patio. Transforming a garden shed into a functional area, such as an outdoor bar for gatherings, adds value to your great outdoors. Start with simple DIY garden decor ideas and cheap garden seating ideas that fit your tight budget and your style. Opt for durable and affordable options like concrete slabs or wooden pallets for easy stylish seating and pathways. These are perfect options to give the small space you love a new lease of life.
Plan for simple garden ideas on a budget
Before you start to garden, you need to decide on your available budget because, without a decent start-up plan, it is often hard to know how to proceed.
The other things you need to consider are what you want to do in your garden and determine your priorities.
For example, will you need a place for children to play, a seating area, a vegetable patch or water features? You could also consider using a garden wall for hanging planters or other creative features.


Why not make some rough designs on paper?
Once you have these initial ideas in place, you can easily find some free garden design apps online, and produce a better, more detailed design.
Another good idea is to tidy up your garden, in preparation for any major work; this will help you to see more possibilities or problem areas.


Patio garden ideas on a budget
Transform your patio without overspending with these budget-friendly ideas that bring style and function outdoors:
- Colourful outdoor rug - lay a bold colour outdoor rug on a flat surface for instant warmth and character. This quick and low-cost idea is perfect for adding personality, and it can be switched out as you update your patio garden ideas on a budget
- DIY concrete slab path - create a modern path or seating area with concrete slabs that are both affordable and durable. This design adds structure to your garden size while making a chic statement that is easy on the budget
- Oversized planters as dividers - use oversized planters filled with small trees or climbing plants to divide spaces on your patio. This not only provides natural shade but also brings in lush, green privacy without the need for hard landscaping
- Solar lighting accents - add charm to your patio with energy-efficient solar garden lighting along pathways or around seating areas. This cost-effective choice brightens up your outdoor area while keeping electricity costs down
- Wooden pallets for seating - repurpose wooden pallets to create DIY seating that fits perfectly on a small patio. Add cushions for comfort and style, making this a comfortable and affordable seating solution for simple garden ideas on a budget




Inexpensive garden painting ideas
To instantly brighten a dull and tired-looking garden or patio area, painting with bright colours can be a good way forward.
This can cheer up walls, doors, tables, chairs and old wood fences.
You can also look for old pots and unusual planters, to add a special touch of originality to your garden. Cheap plastic planters and pots can be painted with yoghurt and water, to give them an old, weathered look.
Some people look for old sinks or barrels, though these are not quite as cheap as they used to be. Yet, if you look around or go to farm sales, you can still pick up some bargains.
You can even swap your unwanted, unused items for garden furniture on internet sites.
These low-budget garden design ideas can create instant gardens, without much effort or strain on your finances.


Budget garden ideas for planting your garden
If you’re unsure about what plants to buy, or what would grow best in your area, ask at a local garden centre, as they have plenty of trained staff on hand. Then you can look online for the most competitive prices for your purchases, as they can vary quite a lot.
Other ideas include asking friends or neighbours for their spare seeds or cuttings, or visiting farmers' markets, jumble sales, plant sales and fêtes. These are all good places to find plants, shrubs and seeds at a reasonable price.
You may even already have some plants in your garden, from which to take seeds or cuttings. Propagating your own plants from seeds is much cheaper than buying seedlings or plants.
The added benefit is that you have done the work yourself, and you can see the seeds turn to seedlings, and then on to fully-grown plants, giving you a feeling of immense satisfaction.




You can recycle old pots and containers to grow your new seeds, saving even more money with your garden project.
You can also produce your own personalised labels, as well as a diagram showing where you want your plants to go.
There are so many different varieties of plants - some fragrant, others colourful and many to help you attract wildlife. Utilising rainwater for your garden can reduce water costs and decrease the need for additional plant food, promoting a more sustainable gardening approach.




If you're unsure about anything, just ask a friend or family member who is in the know; they may well be able to save you some money.
Organic compost
Another way to save money is to create your own compost.
Build a cheap compost bin from scrap materials and begin to gather household food waste, such as eggshells, old vegetables, leaves and shredded paper. Alternatively, buy the Forest Garden 3'x3' Slot Down Wooden Compost Bin, which is an excellent compost bin to choose.
Don’t use dead plants, meat or processed foods, as this can lead to problems.
Once aired and rotted down, this fantastic compost will not only save you hard-earned pennies spent on shop-bought compost but, again, you will feel a sense of pride in having produced something yourself.
Hungry plants always benefit from good composting and mulching.
DIY garden décor ideas
Are you looking to refresh your garden areas with unique and creative décor? Here are some of the best DIY garden décor ideas to try out:
- Bright wall painting - paint a nearby wall in a bright colour and transform your decking area. This garden idea adds an instant WOW factor to the space and creates a beautiful backdrop for your deck
- Birdbath focal point - add a decorative birdbath to your deck and create a stylish focal point. This will add charm to your garden design and attract local wildlife to your outdoor space
- Hanging baskets - use hanging baskets on your decking for a bit of vertical garden fun. Fill them with trailing plants or flowers and add instant colour with minimal effort and cost
- Reclaimed wood seating - build decking furniture from reclaimed wood for a rustic and eco-friendly touch. This DIY garden idea is cheap and sustainable and adds character and warmth to your deck
- Unusual planters or unique plant pots - place unusual planters on your decking for a bespoke look that matches your garden. Go for bold colours and different sizes to add visual interest and make the space feel welcoming
Cheap ideas for raised garden beds
Building raised beds on a budget is a great way to increase your garden’s productivity without breaking the bank. Here are five affordable and practical ideas for building raised beds that save time and money.
- Cinder blocks for structure - stack cinder blocks to form a raised bed and fill with soil straight away. They are cheap and you can adjust the size or shape of the garden without breaking the bank
- Compost-filled wooden crates - use old wooden crates as raised beds and fill with your own compost for a fertile growing space. These crates look rustic and are perfect for a small garden or patio
- DIY reclaimed wood frames - build frames from reclaimed wood for a low-cost, eco-friendly raised bed option. This adds character to your garden and is a sustainable way to create raised beds in a small space
- Recycled tin planters - repurpose large, recycled materials like tin tubs or buckets as raised beds. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage and you have a vintage look that is functional and cheap
- Stacked bricks for flexibility - stack loose bricks to form raised beds, you can move them around to suit different plants or layouts. This low cost option is perfect for cheap garden ideas
Low-maintenance garden ideas on a budget
We appreciate that some of the above ideas may be time-consuming. Therefore, below we thought it was only right to add some low-maintenance garden ideas on a budget. Implement any of these and after your upfront effort you can enjoy these for years to come, with minimal effort:
- Add bold gravel pathways – if you detest weeds, you will love this idea! We suggest you choose a bold colour or perhaps mix gravel shades for a little bit of creativity. Enjoy a weed-free path with no effort!
- Bare root plants for value – choose bare root plants rather than ones in pots. They are more cost-effective, easier to plant, and you avoid the pot cost. They bring new life to the garden and once planted require minimal effort
- Fence panels for privacy – if you need privacy with minimal upkeep then add some fence panels for privacy. Although usually in your back garden, these could be in your front garden too. Fence panels define private areas well and avoid the need for planting bushes and subsequent regular pruning
- Native plants for resilience – if you choose UK plants, they are likely to thrive in the cooler climate and be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. By doing this you save money on plant care later and will find this a cost-effective approach
- Recycled materials for raised beds – why not complete a DIY raised beds job by using recycled materials? Not only is this eco-friendly, but it is also budget-friendly! These cheap ideas for raised garden beds add structure also useful growing space
Cheap garden seating ideas
There's no need to pay over the odds for garden furniture, either. You can find some superb sets at very reasonable prices, as long as you shop carefully.
The best place to start is Buy Fencing Direct's superb range of garden furniture.
After you've done that, why not hunt for bargains amongst our range of outdoor living or read some more of our gardening advice?
Final thoughts
Our budget garden ideas show you that a beautiful garden can be had for a meagre budget. These ideas will help you add to your garden for next to nothing and still have a gorgeous space. Whether it is our patio garden ideas on a budget or ways to make seating areas inviting, the focus is on a budget so you can have high style at a low price tag. For a functional and pretty garden, cheap raised garden beds are practical solutions that look professional and add functionality.
Our low-maintenance garden ideas on a budget mean upkeep is minimal and charm is provided all year round. Even with limited funds, affordable patio ideas and creative planting solutions mean you can have a lush, beautiful garden to be enjoyed by everyone. With a few tweaks, your small space or back garden can be transformed so you can make the most of your outdoor area without breaking the bank.
Contact us
Why not become a budding garden designer and implement some of our budget garden ideas? Enhance your existing garden with our ideas such as potted plants complete with colourful blooms, and artificial grass for low-maintenance, and choose plants for your new patio area. Find a sunny spot and add some wooden furniture and you are ready, all while you are saving money through our affordable suggestions.
Speak to the Buy Fencing Direct team about cheap garden ideas through any of these contact methods:
- Call us – by dialling 0333 003 0515
- e-Mails - send emails through our Contact Us page
- Live Chat - message us live through the orange icon (Live Chat - Ask a Question). This is located at the bottom left corner of any page