Creating a beautiful garden doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some smart planning, you can achieve a stunning outdoor space without spending a fortune. Below are practical ways to cut costs for each of the garden scenarios we’ve explored in our Garden Landscaping Costs Guide, along with estimated savings. Whether you’re looking to DIY some elements or make cost-effective design choices, these tips will help you make the most of your garden without overspending.
Summary Of The Fundamentals to Save Money:
Have a Clear Visions From The Start: When recreating or enhancing a garden a lot of money is often wasted by not having a clear vision for what the garden will look like at the end. When there isn't a plan then elements get repeated which means time & money is spent redoing parts of the garden over and over again. Check out our Garden Design Packages if you need help
Know The Right Plants For Your Garden's Conditions: Plants are expensive, so, similar to the advice above, you only want to be buying once. To do this you need to make sure you're buying the right plant for the right place. Plants are sensitive, so ensuring you're buying the right ones based on your soil, the amount of sunlight, the amount of work you want to do, the size of your garden, plus your tastes is important to know from the start. Take a look at our Border Design Package for help with this - buy online for just £95.
DIY Where Possible: Labour is a significant part of garden landscaping costs. If you’re handy, consider taking on some tasks yourself like painting fences, planting, or laying turf.
Opt for Budget-Friendly Materials: Choose cheaper alternatives like concrete slabs instead of natural stone for patios, and softwood decking instead of hardwood or composite decking.
Choose Young Plants Over Mature Ones: Mature plants and trees are expensive. By choosing smaller or younger plants, you can save a considerable amount, while still enjoying the satisfaction of watching your garden grow.
Reclaimed/Reuse Materials: Using reclaimed bricks, sleepers, or stones for raised beds or patios not only saves money but adds character and sustainability to your garden. Alternatively if you have materials like paving slabs in your garden they could be cleaned up with a pressure washer and reused for big savings.
Phased Approach: If you can’t afford the entire project in one go, implement it in stages. Prioritise elements like the getting the layout/zoning in place first and key planting in place, and save hard landscaping like patios and decking for later.
Buy in Bulk or Wait for Sales: Materials like fencing panels, decking, and paving often come at a lower price if purchased in bulk. Keep an eye on seasonal sales or clearance stock at garden centres.
Cost Saving Guide For Different Garden Sizes:
1. Small Courtyard Garden (25sqm)
Original Cost: £4,500 - £15,000
Budget Tips:
Use cheaper paving materials (basic concrete slabs instead of natural stone).
Build raised planters with reclaimed timber or bricks instead of new sleepers.
Opt for small trees (saplings) instead of mature ones.
Paint fencing yourself to save on labour.
Estimated Cost Savings: £1,500 - £5,000
Budget Estimate: £3,000 - £10,000
2. Small Back Garden (100sqm)
Original Cost: £12,000 - £45,000
Budget Tips:
Replace composite decking with softwood decking, or eliminate decking altogether by opting for more turf.
Use basic paving slabs for the patio.
Lay the turf yourself.
Focus on young, fast-growing plants instead of established varieties.
Estimated Cost Savings: £4,000 - £15,000
Budget Estimate: £8,000 - £30,000
3. Small Back Garden (100sqm)
Original Cost: £10,000 - £35,000
Budget Tips:
Swap natural stone for concrete slabs.
Use seed or budget-friendly roll-out turf instead of high-end grass.
Choose smaller, local plant nurseries for young plants.
DIY planting, turf-laying, and fence painting.
Estimated Cost Savings: £3,500 - £12,000
Budget Estimate: £6,500 - £23,000
4. Medium Back Garden (150sqm)
Original Cost: £15,000 - £55,000
Budget Tips:
Reduce the size of the patio or opt for a cheaper material like concrete or gravel.
Stick to young trees and smaller plants.
Limit the use of hard landscaping features and focus more on planting and turf.
Estimated Cost Savings: £5,000 - £20,000
Budget Estimate: £10,000 - £35,000
5. Medium Back Garden with 2m Level Change (150sqm)
Original Cost: £20,000 - £70,000
Budget Tips:
Simplify the levelling design—opt for a gentle slope or DIY terracing with cheaper materials.
Use gravel or budget-friendly patio options.
Do the turfing and planting yourself.
Source reclaimed materials for retaining walls or raised beds.
Estimated Cost Savings: £8,000 - £25,000
Budget Estimate: £12,000 - £45,000
6. Larger Back Garden (200sqm)
Original Cost: £25,000 - £75,000
Budget Tips:
Scale back the size of the patio and opt for cheaper materials like gravel or concrete slabs.
Use more turf or wildflower meadows (cheaper and lower maintenance).
Focus on planting from seed or using young plants and trees.
DIY labour wherever possible.
Estimated Cost Savings: £8,000 - £30,000
Budget Estimate: £17,000 - £45,000
How to Make the Most of Your Garden on a Budget
Even on a tight budget, you can create a vibrant, functional garden that brings joy. Here’s how to get the best bang for your buck:
Maximise Greenery: Plants are often more affordable than hard landscaping, and they bring instant life to your garden. Fill gaps with fast-growing shrubs, grasses, or even climbing plants that add height and interest.
Create Zones: Use different textures to create distinct zones without breaking the bank. Gravel or bark mulch can create walkways or seating areas at a fraction of the cost of decking or patios.
Go Vertical: If you’re short on space or budget, vertical gardens (using trellises, hanging baskets, or wall-mounted planters) are a cheap and effective way to add greenery and depth to your garden.
Wildflower Meadows: Instead of paying for high-end turf, consider a wildflower meadow. It’s cheaper to plant from seed and requires less maintenance over time. Plus, it’s great for wildlife!
Low-Cost Lighting: Solar-powered garden lights are inexpensive and can make a huge difference in creating an inviting atmosphere in the evenings without the need for expensive electrical work.
By applying these budget-friendly approaches, you can create a beautiful garden without the hefty price tag. Keep in mind that while you may sacrifice instant maturity and luxury materials, your garden will still be a lush, enjoyable retreat!
Comments