Beginner gardeners might shrink at the idea of creating a garden that’s both functional and beautiful. However, it's not as difficult as it seems. And it shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket either.
From planting perennials to painting fences, here are some tips for creating a beautiful garden:
1. Grow flowers from seeds
Flowers, such as pansies, daffodils and marigolds, add vibrant colors to your garden. But you can burn through your budget by purchasing flowering plants alone. So start flowers from seeds instead. You may need to wait for a couple of months before you have a vibrant garden, but you will save yourself money in the process.
2. Plant more perennials
Flowers make a pretty addition to a garden, but some varieties can be immensely high-maintenance. Generally speaking, perennials require much less maintenance than annuals.
In addition, perennials regrow each spring, whereas annuals live for only one growing season. Therefore, you’ll save more money planting perennials than annuals. Certain herbs and wildflowers are also perennials. You may want to consider growing some on your flower beds for some variety. They attract butterflies, too.
3. Plant trees
Don’t be afraid to mix up your greenery by adding trees. Trees keep your garden from looking flat because they add height to your garden. If you have a small garden space, smaller trees like crabapples, peaches and figs. You can also plant some tall shrubs and create topiaries for variety.
4. Use lawn edging
Edging allows you to create clean, crisp lines between beds and other areas in your garden. These lines define a flower border, a shrub bed, a single tree or the transition from your patio to the garden. You don’t have to spend a fortune though. Get creative and use plastic pipes or recycled rubber tires to create edging.
5. Create a gravel path in the garden
Gravel paths add character to your garden, particularly when combined with edging. Gravel is a cheap material so don’t be afraid to go all out. If laying a gravel path on soil, lay down some garden fabric or newspaper to prevent pesky weeds from growing underneath the gravel.
6. Paint fences and garden sheds
If your garden looks dull even with flowers and shrubs, it might be time to work on the fences and structures in your garden. Spruce them up by coating them with a fresh coat of paint in a color that complements your plants. You can also go the extra mile and refurbish worn-down structures like sheds or gazebos.
7. Place decorative features throughout the garden
Decorative pieces like boulders, lattice dividers and plant stands can complement flower beds, herb pots, paths and more when positioned strategically. You can buy worn-down pieces or build them from scratch. For virtually zero-cost decorations, let moss grow on large rocks or place vining plants near fences and walls.
8. Set up a birdbath
Like bees and butterflies, birds bring life to a garden. They also eat pests that may otherwise destroy your beds. To attract birds to your garden, set up a birdbath somewhere cool and shaded. Make sure to replenish the water every day. Place some stones or twigs in the birdbath so that the birds have things to stand on.
9. Install garden lighting
Lanterns, path lights and string lights help illuminate the garden at night. When lit up against trees, sculptures, shrubs and flower beds, lighting helps create yet another attractive dimension to your garden. Battery-operated and solar-powered lighting are among the cheapest lighting options available.
10. Build a pond
Building a pond is another great way to bring more wildlife into your garden. Pick a spot, dig a hole, line it with pond liner at the bottom and decorate with small rocks and pebbles. Fill it with water and add a fountain pump if desired. Follow this guide for more detailed instructions.
11. Install outdoor hanging baskets
Hanging baskets, pots and planter boxes aren’t just for patios or indoor gardens. You can use them to create an illusion of height and dimension to your garden space. For budget-friendly baskets, repurpose old bottles, broken cookware, tins, spare wooden boxes or even coconut husks.
12. Get rid of weeds
Weeds are a gardener’s worst nightmare. These pesky plants can ruin a flower bed and crowd out garden crops. One of the best ways of keeping your garden looking stunning is to pull out weeds as soon as they appear. It may also help to conduct weekly inspections of your garden to check thoroughly for any weed growth. (Related: Natural weed control: 9 Herbicide-free tricks.)
Learn more about creating a functional and beautiful garden at HomeGardeningNews.com.
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