Create A Beautiful Outside Space With These Clever Tips
RSG co-founders Lucy and Jane are both total garden girls at heart. For them, there’s nothing quite like getting outside, getting their hands dirty, how to update your garden on a budget and spending a bit of time surrounded by nature.
“It’s honestly the best stress-buster,” says Jane. “After a crazy week at work, a few hours in the garden totally levels me out. It’s like hitting the reset button.”
Lucy’s all about the colours and the feel-good scents. “It’s basically my budget aromatherapy session,” she laughs. “Whether it’s the smell of bluebells in spring, roses in summer or that fresh pine vibe in winter — I swear it does something magic to my mood. I like to think of all those lovely phytochemicals giving my brain a boost while I potter about.” Turns out, a bit of fresh air and foliage fixes just about everything.
In this blog, we’re going to talk you through how to update your garden on a budget, because let’s be real, not everyone’s got the cash for a full Chelsea Flower Show makeover. But good news: you don’t need it when you know how to update your garden on a budget. With a few clever tricks, knowing how to update your garden on a budget, a bit of creativity, and some affordable finds, you can give your outdoor space a glow-up without breaking the bank.
We’ll cover why gardens are so important for your wellbeing, how they boost your home’s kerb appeal, and most importantly — how to update your garden on a budget without sacrificing style. Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony, a courtyard patio or a sprawling lawn, there’s something here for you.
So, grab a brew, get comfy, and let’s dive into how to update your garden on a budget. Because a beautiful, feel-good outdoor space is totally within reach.
1. Tidy up
It might be basic, but trust us — it’s 100% necessary. If you’re wondering how to update your garden on a budget, the very first step is a good old tidy-up. Mow the lawn, rake up the cuttings, and give those flower beds a little TLC. Honestly, just turning over the soil makes everything look fresher and more loved.
Trim back any scruffy shrubs, deadhead the flowers that need a bit of attention, and generally just clear out the clutter. When it comes to how to update your garden on a budget, this is the easiest win because — apart from a bit of elbow grease and knowing how to update your garden on a budget — it won’t cost you a thing. Just your time, a pair of gardening gloves, and maybe a decent playlist to keep you company.
You’ll be amazed at what a difference a simple garden spring clean can make, and it’s hands down one of the best starting points if you’re looking for how to update your garden on a budget without spending big.
2. Add planters
One of the quickest, easiest ways on how to update your garden on a budget is to give your outdoor space a bit of a glow-up with planters. Seriously, if you’re wondering how to update your garden on a budget, this is one of the best tricks in the book. Grab a few pots, fill them with fast-growing shrubs or colourful flowers, and boom — instant garden refresh.
For a bit of extra interest, mix and match different colours, shapes, and styles of planters. It keeps your garden looking fun and full of personality. If you’re serious about how to update your garden on a budget, go for perennials too — they’ll pop back year after year, saving you from buying new plants every season.
You can even use your planters to frame a little entertaining space. Line them along a patio, around a seating area, or by your front door for a splash of colour that feels thoughtful and styled. It’s a fab, affordable way to tackle how to update your garden on a budget while making it a space you’ll actually want to spend time in.
3. Add an outdoor rug
If you’re looking for clever ideas on how to update your garden on a budget, adding an outdoor rug is an absolute winner. It’s a fantastically budget-friendly option, especially if your decking or paving stones have seen better days and you’re not quite ready to splash out on a full revamp.
Pop one down as a picnic rug or use it as a stylish focal point to arrange your seating around. It instantly zones your space and makes everything feel that little bit more considered and cosy. When it comes to how to update your garden on a budget, this is one of those little touches that makes a big difference.
The best bit? Outdoor rugs are hardy, weather-resistant and totally portable — so if the mood takes you (or the weather takes a turn), you can just roll it up and move it somewhere else. Whether it’s under a bistro table, next to your fire pit, or as a comfy spot to sprawl out with a glass of something cold, it’s a simple, affordable way to tackle how to update your garden on a budget while adding a pop of colour and texture at the same time.
4. Repurpose and upcycle
If you’re on the hunt for smart ideas about how to update your garden on a budget, start by having a rummage around your house, shed, or garage. You’ll be amazed at what you can repurpose or upcycle when thinking about how to update your garden on a budget. Old furniture, crates, pallets, and containers can all be given a new lease of life outdoors with a bit of creativity and maybe a splash of paint.
For example, scrub down those tired old plant pots, give them a lick of your favourite colour, and flip them upside down — instant rustic garden stools! It’s little ideas like this that make how to update your garden on a budget so much fun, because you’re creating unique, personal pieces without buying brand-new.
You could even turn old wooden crates into planters, use pallets to build a relaxed seating area, or string up some jars as cute candle holders. It’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to add charm and character to your space while ticking off your list of how to update your garden on a budget ideas. Plus, it’s a fab excuse to finally clear out that clutter lurking in the shed.
5. Add lights
If you’re looking for easy ways on how to update your garden on a budget, solar lights should be right at the top of your list. They’re super affordable, sustainable, and an instant mood-setter for your outdoor space. Whether it’s lanterns lining the path, festoon lights strung through the trees, or little stake lights scattered around the flower beds, they’ll add a soft, twinkly glow that makes everything feel extra special, especially when you're thinking of ways of how to update your garden on a budget.
One of the best things about solar lights is that you can go all out without worrying about your electricity bill — or the environment. Add as many as your garden can handle, and let them charge up during the day to work their magic at night. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to completely transform your space, and one of the easiest wins when it comes to how to update your garden on a budget.
6. Use mirrors
If you’re exploring how to update your garden on a budget, outdoor mirrors might feel like more of a splurge — but hear us out. They’re total game-changers when it comes to adding depth and light to your space, especially in smaller gardens, patios, or terraces.
They create the illusion of extra space and do an amazing job of bouncing sunlight around during the day. Come evening, they reflect all those twinkly fairy or festoon lights beautifully, adding a touch of magic without any extra effort.
Yes, they’re more of an investment, but they’re forever pieces. If you can stretch your spend just a little, it’s a fab way to add long-lasting style while still ticking the box on how to update your garden on a budget. One mirror, loads of impact, season after season.
7. Add accessories
When it comes to how to update your garden on a budget, never underestimate the power of a little squishy comfort. The great outdoors wouldn’t be quite so great without somewhere cosy to sink into, and that’s where outdoor cushions come in.
Invest in a few accessories designed for outdoor use and you’ll be loving them for years. Not only do they make your seating feel extra lounge-worthy, but they also instantly elevate your garden setup with a touch of chic, laid-back elegance. Scatter them over benches, chairs, or even picnic blankets for a quick, affordable style boost — it’s one of the simplest ways to nail how to update your garden on a budget while making your space feel like a proper outdoor living room. Dreamy.
And there you have it — 7 easy, feel-good ideas on how to update your garden on a budget! Whether you’re giving your patio a quick sweep, stringing up solar lights, or getting creative with a few upcycled finds, it just goes to show you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your outdoor space feel fresh, stylish, and inviting. We hope you’ve loved these tips as much as we’ve loved putting them together. Thanks for reading, and happy gardening!