12 simple garden ideas to give your space an update with minimal effort or skill

All of these simple garden ideas can be completed without the need for fancy tools or specialist skills. In fact, I'd even go as far to say that most of them could be performed by a complete garden novice.

And it's often the simplest touches that make the most difference, giving a new lease of life to our outdoor space, just in time for a nice spell of weather to kick in and our not-so-hard work can really be enjoyed.

There's always the option of paying a landscaper or designer to come up with some garden landscaping ideas for you, if you are in a position to do so. But you might find that it's just a few simple lifts that can make all the difference, saving yourself a wad of cash which could be used elsewhere.

Try one or more of these simple garden ideas

Sometimes all your space needs are some simple garden ideas to give it a new lease of life. Particularly if you're short on time, as so many of us are, we don't have the luxury of completely overhauling our garden design.

Start by clearing up any debris which has accumulated, and sweeping down your paths and patios. This gives you the clarity to assess your space and any dull areas which could do with a boost.

1. Smarten up a seating area

The key to get your garden summer ready is to try and keep your space as clear of clutter as much as possible. "Steer clear of cluttering up a patio area with furniture that sits unused most of the year," says Caron Grant, Brand Manager at Bridgman.

"Consider stylish and space-saving flexible furniture for your patio ideas. Choose stackable chairs, bar stools and even loungers that can be stacked on top of each other and stored away when not in use."

A super simple way to give a new look to existing seating is to add some cushions and throws. "A set of sumptuous outdoor scatter cushions will infuse any neutral garden furniture with a pop of personality and style, as well as comfort and softness. Better still, invest in some waterproof cushions for intense protection against fading, rain, spillages and stains," says Caron.

Caron Grant

Brand manager at Bridgman, brings over 30 years of expertise in the home furniture market. Renowned for its luxury furniture, Bridgman has been producing furniture for homes and gardens since 1977.

2. Add a smart garden edging

"Edging is an easy and affordable way to completely transform the appearance of your garden's lawn. Garden edging provides a crisp and clean border for your lawn that will not only elevate the appearance of your garden but will prevent the encroaching of weeds onto your lawn," says Garden landscaping expert Tom Clifford, from Gardenstone.

"There are many different styles of lawn edging available from plastic to wood or even decorative bricks. You can use living edging, like plants and flowers, to create a distinct border for your lawn and add more life to your garden."

Tom Clifford

Tom Clifford is the director of Gardenstone Limited, a leading garden landscaping supplier that specialises in garden edging, patio paving, gravel and walling materials. Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years making him an expert in garden design, paving and maintenance. 

3. Brighten dull patches with gravel

"If you wish to easily disguise areas of bare soil or weeds within your garden then gravel is the perfect choice. Using a fabric membrane and gravel is an affordable solution and will prevent weeds, while adding texture and visual interest to your garden," says Tom Clifford.

"Gravel garden ideas can also be a great choice if you wish to create a simple path within your garden, ensure your soil is level and simply lay the gravel down over a fabric membrane. If you have spare bricks you can use them to create a border for your path, this will create a focal point within your garden."

4. Give a new look to structures with fresh paint

“Painting a fence is not only a simple way to get your garden ready for outdoor entertaining, but it is also vital for protecting fence panels from wood damage. To start, use a Harris Seriously Good Wire Brush and Scraper at Amazon, to clean up the fence panel and achieve a smooth surface," suggests Nick Parsons, Head of Technical Development at Harris.

"Have a final brush down before painting/staining to remove any dust and debris caused by the wire brush cleaning. When the fence is ready, use a brush like the Harris Ultimate Shed & Fence Exterior Woodwork Swan Neck Paint Brush | 120mm at Amazon, to paint smoothly and evenly using only the best fence paints.”      

5. Smarten up your patio with a deep clean

"Cleaning patio slabs can go a long way in transforming the appearance of your garden. Over time without realising paving can become stained, dull and overrun with weeds or moss, this can be easily freshened up throughout an afternoon," says Tom Clifford. 

"Simply using a mixture of warm water and dish soap can be enough to remove tough stains, however, make sure to do a small patch test before cleaning your entire patio in case damage occurs."

Alternatively, you can use one of the best pressure washers on a setting which suits your patio material.

6. Inject colour with long flowering plants

“You can add excitement to patios and terraces with abundant displays of potted plants and flowers. Or why not combine different varieties for contrast, texture, and scale? I love the fantastic lipstick pink flowers of the Pelargonium ‘Surcouf’ at Sarah Raven. They make lovely displays and can expect flowers month after month from summer to winter," says plantswoman Sarah Raven.

“A compact and hugely floriferous, soft, peach-orange plant which blooms all summer, Coreopsis Lanceolata ‘Mango Punch’ at Sarah Raven, makes an ideal perennial container plant. The light colours combine perfectly in a container with the truly marvellous Dahlia, 'Totally Tangerine' at Sarah Raven. When planting ‘Mango Punch’, position it in plenty of sunlight and free-draining soil," says Sarah.

"I’d suggest clipping the spent blooms so that the flowers keep on coming and giving the entire bush a shearing after the first flush of flowers to tidy up the plant and encourage a re-bloom." 

Sarah Raven

Sarah’s love of gardening extends to all areas, from growing cut flowers and delicious vegetables from seed, to designing stunning gardens packed full of variety, colour, and scent. Always with a focus on helping the environment and biodiversity, Sarah’s gardens are havens for birds, bees, and other pollinators.

7. Add window boxes to brighten your view

Comment from Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, on quick solutions for sprucing up your outdoor space.

“One quick solution for sprucing up your outdoor space is to frame your windows by adding window boxes or planters. These can be easily installed beneath windows, adding a burst of colour and greenery to the exterior of your home."

"You can fill them with vibrant flowers, trailing vines, or even herbs, for both visual appeal and functionality. Window boxes come in various materials and styles to match the aesthetic of your home, whether it's classic, modern, or rustic, providing a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall look of your outdoor space."

“The vibrant colours and lush greenery of the plants outside the window can also create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere indoors, connecting you with nature and boosting your mood. They also provide a pleasant view to enjoy from inside your home, especially during colder months when spending time outdoors may be less feasible. Additionally, tending to the plants in the window boxes can be a rewarding gardening activity, as a starting point to spruce up your garden.”

Shop window boxes and troughs

8. Add an outdoor rug to a seating area

"A simple, cost-effective way of updating your garden is to bring interior elements outside," suggests Nick Acaster, Managing Director, Rugs Direct

"Laying an outdoor rug adds colour and texture and helps frame a space. Playing with shapes and colours is popular, consider stripes to widen a narrow garden and lighter colours to help the light bounce, creating a larger sense of space."

"The rising trend of layering outdoor rugs adds dimension and interest, increases comfort underfoot, and can showcase your style with ease," says Nick. We like Patio Patio 12 Diamond Mono Rug at Rugs Direct for a versatile look.

9. Add a new statement planter

Looking to spruce up your outdoor space without too much effort? Try adding a planter. They’re a much quicker job than full-blown landscaping, are very easy to maintain, and add instant colour to a patio or balcony.

Charlie McNeill, Managing Director at Rainclear Systems, suggests mixing and matching planters of various sizes and heights. "Group a cluster of smaller planters or just let one large, statement planter, be the star of the show," says Charlie.

"Generally speaking, the larger the container the better, as this will make watering and feeding much easier. Choosing a planter made of a metal material is a great option, as it provides a contemporary look to your outdoor space. Metal materials are also a sustainable choice and can be widely recycled, unlike their plastic counterparts."

10. Add outdoor shelving for a scandi look

“This spring, we are seeing the trend for modular shelving in our outdoor spaces grow. Modular shelving allows you to furnish your space with beautiful and timeless functional furniture that can be added to over time," CMO of String Furniture, Bo Hellberg,

"Even small garden designs need plenty of storage and with unique shelving, you will have a natural place to keep all your garden tools pots and other rough objects all year round."

11. Enhance atmosphere with ambient lighting 

"Add some solar garden lighting to bring a magical feel to your garden in the evenings," says Fiona Jenkins, garden expert at MyJobQuote.

"Festoon lights and lanterns are easy to hang up while stake lights can simply be pushed into borders and lawns. This enables you to highlight patios, paths and features such as trees and ornaments without needing to install electrics," says Fiona.

12. Look to the vertical space in your garden

“Vertical growing is another simple but effective way of refreshing your green paradise. By bringing your walls to life with pots of pretty plants, you can take a boring and dull small space, and turn it into a thriving and lively oasis," says Patty Willems, PR Manager of sustainable plant pot creator, elho.

“There are many ways to get growing vertically - pallets and old tin cans make for a rustic and thrifty look, or you can find many space-saving solutions in the garden centre. Simply fix to the wall or garden fence, and fill the pots with your favourite flowers and trailing plants, or even add a selection of herbs to create a hanging herb garden.” 

Simple garden ideas can be inexpensive, especially if you're saving on professional labour costs. Check out our budget garden ideas feature for more cost-saving updates.