NOW that Spring has officially arrived, many of us will be thinking about getting the garden ready to create the perfect haven.
And with the sun set to return in the coming weeks and months, now is the ideal time to spruce up an outdoor space so we have somewhere to relax, lounge around or have guests over.
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But it can feel a little daunting when you look outside and see the toll that winter has taken on the garden.
Even more so when you start to think about how much you might need to fork out to update and transform the space.
But don’t panic – in a bid to help, experts have revealed how you can give the garden a makeover without breaking the bank.
Paint and Interiors Expert Lucy Steele, from Valspar Paint, has shared her top seven tips on how to give your furniture a fresh look while keeping costs low.
Clean it first
Before you start fixing up any furniture, it’s important to get everything nice and clean first.
Winter can have a huge impact on our gardens – not only can grime and dirt build-up, but mould can even form if it’s been kept in dark, damp places.
She said: “Before getting started on upcycling any furniture, it’s essential to give everything a clean first.
“Garden furniture can accumulate a lot of grime and dirt after being kept in cold and damp conditions over the winter period, and lemon juice is the perfect cheap hack for removing mould.
“Mix lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and use a sponge to gently remove mould and stains.
“For any paint jobs, start by sanding the surface down to remove any existing paint, then you’ll want to go in with a primer to ensure a nice even, long-lasting finish.”
Fresh coat of paint
It’s amazing what a fresh lick of paint can do for your garden, and the experts say that doing this early can give your space and instant lift.
Lucy says: “A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, transforming tired and weathered furniture into vibrant focal points.
“Opt for weather-resistant paint formulated for outdoor use to ensure longevity.
“Experiment with bold hues to inject personality into your garden, such as tropical summer shades like Sunset Spice and Sail the Seas.
“Or stick to classic neutrals for a timeless appeal, try using warm cream tones and lighter greys.”
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Fabric Facelift
Outdoor cushions can look drab and dingey when the spring an summer months roll back around.
So if you’re thinking of getting all new covers for them, Lucy has said this doesn’t need to cost a bomb.
She suggests: “Give any outdoor cushions a makeover by reupholstering them with a new fabric.
“Look for budget-friendly options or repurpose old curtains, tablecloths, or even shower curtains for an eco-friendly twist.
“With basic sewing skills and a staple gun, you can easily create custom cushion covers that complement your garden’s aesthetic.
“Don’t forget to add a layer of waterproof sealant to shield the fabric from rain and moisture!”
A touch of greenery
A garden isn’t complete without some plants, so Lucy says now is the time to bring some greenery into the garden.
But this doesn’t mean you need to go buying expensive plant pots and flowers.
Lucy advises: “Integrate some plants into the furniture design by incorporating planters or trellises.
“Convert an old ladder into a vertical garden by attaching planter boxes to each rung or simply placing potted plants on each step.
“lternatively, attach trellises to the back of benches or chairs to support climbing vines, adding lush greenery and privacy to your outdoor oasis.”
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DIY Coffee Table
Over the last few years, coffee tables have become more and more popular in the garden.
Lucy has revealed how you can add one to your space without forking out hundreds of pounds for a new one.
She said: “With the growing popularity of grassless gardens and the popular trend of decorating outdoor spaces more like the indoors, a coffee table becomes an essential furniture piece for your garden, too.
“If you’re on a budget, buying new garden furniture can sometimes feel so far out of reach.
“All you need is two wood pallets, wood glue, caster wheels, and a few coats of paint.
“You can opt for a classic white, or make this DIY coffee table a statement piece by going bold with a bright pink or sunny yellow.”
£1 trick to help your grass grow in time for summer
GARDEN lovers are being urged to sprinkle a £1 bath time favourite onto their lawns to help their grass grow in time for the summer.
Many experts rave about the hack as a budget friendly solution for keeping lawns healthy.
And it can drastically improve soil health, boost plant growth, and protect against the weather conditions expected in the coming days.
The item that seasoned gardeners swear by is Epsom Salts which is available from local supermarkets and only costs £1.
Applying Epsom salt now ensures plants and lawns absorb the necessary minerals before they are washed away.
For best results, experts have come up with a variety of ways to apply the budget solution depending on your needs.
For General Soil Improvement: Sprinkle one tablespoon of Epsom salt per square foot of soil and lightly water it in.
For Individual Plants: Dissolve two tablespoons in a watering can and apply every two weeks for steady nutrient absorption.
For Lawns: Mix one cup of Epsom salt with a full watering can and spread evenly for greener, healthier grass.
For Potted Plants: A half-teaspoon per litre of water every month ensures container plants receive adequate magnesium.
Dress up old furniture
It’s all about upcycling this year, which means there are plenty of ways you can spruce up your old furniture.
To save from buying new sets, Lucy says: “There is something quirky and magical-looking about seeing ornate interior furniture out of context in an outdoor environment.
“Feel free to go quite bold with this piece. Using bright complementary colours will add a fun burst of life to the garden. Fill the drawers with potted plants so you can change the display through the seasons.
“Alternatively, line the drawers with heavy plastic and drill some drainage holes if you want to plant directly into them, but remember the weight of the soil could make them heavy to handle.”
Magic Mirrors
You might not think of adding a mirror to your garden, but Lucy says they can work wonders in making the space look bigger.
She explains: “Using mirrors strategically in your garden can add visual interest, create the illusion of more space, and enhance the overall ambiance.
“They’re also great if your garden doesn’t receive a large amount of sunlight, as the reflections will help brighten up the space.
“Mirrors can be pricey, so if you’re sticking to a smaller budget try upcycling existing mirrors in your home that no longer serve a purpose or second-hand shops are a great place to start.”
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