There are lots of benefits to having a small garden. Not only are they easier to maintain – which means more time spent enjoying them rather than working in them – but they can also be incredibly affordable to renovate.
You might assume you need to spend hundreds on your garden design, particularly if it’s in need of a complete makeover, but these ideas prove it’s possible to achieve champagne results on a beer budget, all while embracing your compact space.
So, before you spend a penny on your garden, be sure to browse our ideas below – some are even free!
1. Source low-cost materials for your budget makeover
Materials tend to be the biggest expense in garden landscaping costs and they vary greatly when it comes to materials.
"If you're working with a small garden and a tight budget, I recommend acquiring inexpensive yet impactful materials, like gravel or bark chippings for your pathways," says Bex Lund, Co-Founder at YardArt.
"Consider incorporating wooden pallets for creative seating solutions, or repurposing old containers as planters. I also suggest integrating vertical gardening staples, such as trellises or hanging baskets, to maximise space and visual appeal without breaking the bank," she says.
A co-founder of an outdoor wall art business, Bex has a wealth of experience in landscape design and knows how to maximise small garden spaces without overspending.
2. Fill your beds and borders with cheap plants
Even in a small garden, plants can still stretch your budget, with mature plants being the most costly of all.
"The best way to border your garden on a budget is to avoid buying pre-grown plants and instead plant from seeds and cuttings," says Tom Clifford, a garden design expert at Gardenstone.
"Although this is not a quick solution and will require some practice, it can considerably reduce costs and provide a sense of achievement once your border is planted. Planting from scratch will require a considerable amount of thought as factors like the time of year, location and soil conditions can differ between variations of plants," says Tom.
On top of cheap plants, you can save money on other growing materials too. "Try to make your own DIY compost out of kitchen scraps and garden waste, while using fallen leaves as mulch for insulation and weed suppression," adds Bex Lund.
Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years making him an expert in garden design. He is the director of Gardenstone Limited, a garden landscaping materials company.
3. Upcycle existing furniture rather than buying new
Before splashing out on a new garden furniture set, ask yourself if there's anything that can be done to salvage an old set.
"Upcycling old furniture is an affordable way to enhance the look of your garden. Furniture makes up a major focal point within small gardens so it must stand out for all the right reasons," says Tom Dixon.
"Worn and tired-looking garden furniture can bring down the overall appearance of your garden. Simply sanding down your furniture to get rid of old paint or splintering wood and painting wood furniture again will provide your furniture with a whole new lease of life," says Tom.
Or, if you have any leftover pieces of decking, you could upcycle them into something new, like this DIY planter idea.
Shop furniture upcycling essentials
Wood filler is ideal for filling in cracks in old wood and will help give it an even appearance before you paint it.
This budget-friendly hand sander is far cheaper than electric ones and features a comfortable bi-material handle.
This outdoor paint range offers a range of beautiful colours and provides up to six years of weather protection.
4. Plant a bare root hedge instead of installing a fence
"To save money on your garden design, opt for a natural hedgerow rather than a garden fence. Hedges can provide an essential habitat for wildlife whilst also adding an abundance of greenery to your space," says Tom Clifford. Not to mention a hedge can last a lifetime and you won't have to factor in fence repair costs.
"Hedgerows are popular within small gardens as they help the edge of the garden to blend more seamlessly with its surroundings. Fences can be very abrupt and highlight the border of your garden, making it appear smaller."
The spacing of your hedge and how many plants you need to buy will depend on the variety you choose. Plant labels should detail how far to space your hedge plant, as well as what growing conditions they like most.
5. Choose furniture carefully in your budget small garden
If you don't already have furniture to work with, you need to know what to look for so your new purchase is worthwhile.
Second-hand furniture will generally be cheaper. Hudson Lambert, an upcycling expert at Roxil, explains that if you're buying pre-loved, you want to find something robust to ensure your investment lasts.
"Whether you are searching on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or in-person in charity shops, always try to identify solid wood pieces over softer woods as they are more resilient and less vulnerable to weather. Also, watch out for damage, such as rot or woodworm, that could mean it’s not structurally sound," he says.
Hudson Lambert is Roxil’s resident wood expert and Managing Director with over 25 years of industry experience. Safeguard Europe (the umbrella brand of Roxil) was founded in 1983 by Lambert’s father.
6. Revive fence surfaces with 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," says Nick Parsons, Technical Manager at Harris.
"Clean up the fence panel and achieve a smooth surface by using Harris' Seriously Good Wire Brush with Scraper, [available at Homebase]," he recommends.
"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 fence brush to add exterior wood paint or wood preserver to the surface," says Nick.
With a 35-year career working for a specialist paint brush company, Nick Parsons is an expert in this field.
7. Include an outdoor rug as a budget cover-up
A simple way to upgrade your small garden on a budget is by introducing an outdoor rug, as shown in the example above. Just make sure it’s made from UV-, mould-, and water-resistant materials and allows for sufficient drainage and airflow.
“With a bright and audacious colour scheme or eclectic print, an outdoor rug can make an eye-catching statement whilst also softening the space," says Suzi Samaddar, room styling expert at Furn.
"Splintering wooden decking and coarse gravel gardens aren't always kind to bare skin, but outdoor rugs will allow you to step out barefoot into your outdoor space," she says.
Shop these affordable outdoor rugs
This outdoor rug is both stylish and practical, with a waterproof, reversible, UV-resistant design.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this neutral runner will add timeless style to your small garden design.
Ideal for small patio areas, this round Medditerean-style rug will add a holiday feel to your garden.
8. Visually expand a garden space with a budget-friendly mirror
"Just like within a home, mirrors can go a long way in appearing to expand the size of a garden on a budget. Mirrors can be easily attached to walls and fences to reflect light, which can be especially helpful in dull areas of your garden," says Tom Clifford.
"Mirrors aren't only practical for creating the illusion of more space, but they are also visually appealing and will add a touch of individuality to your garden," he adds.
To prevent birds from flying into the mirror, ensure it does not reflect open sky or flight paths, or consider using one with patterned glass.
9. Put up screens to divide your budget small garden
"Creating zones within a small garden can go a long way in making your space feel bigger. You can use garden screens to divide it into separate sections," says Tom Clifford.
"Screens come in a range of designs, colours and materials so you're sure to find one that suits your taste and budget. Patterned screens are particularly popular for providing visual interest in your garden, whilst still allowing glimpses of light to pass through due to the cut-out design," says Tom.
"For small or narrow gardens, it is recommended that you include no more than three zones as this can have the opposite effect and actually make your garden appear smaller," he says.
Our privacy screen shopping picks
This outdoor screen maintains an open feel to your garden, while offering a feeling of privacy.
This super-ornate option is freestanding, so will work at zoning your garden and creating privacy in an instant.
10. Enhance a seating area with a budget-friendly fire pit
"A standalone fire pit is a great way to inject character into a small decking or patio area without breaking the bank, whilst creating a place for guests to gather, socialise and keep warm on cooler evenings," says Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves.
"Opting for a multifunctional fire pit with a grill attachment is a great way to add a hint of alfresco dining without taking up lots of room. You could also choose a fire pit design that can be easily dismantled to store away," advises Jon.
However, you'll need to ensure there is sufficient clearance around your fire pit, away from fences, plants, walls, and furniture, and avoid placing it on wooden decking or grass surfaces.
11. Accessorise your garden with budget throws and cushions
“With the ever-changing British weather, having throws to hand in your garden seating area is going to be the best way to enjoy your evenings long after the sun has gone down," says Suzi Samaddar.
"Accessorise with outdoor cushions to tie your space together. Opt for a boho blast of colours and shapes to add points of interest to a smaller space," she says.
While there are plenty of budget-friendly options from the likes of Dunelm and Amazon, you can also find second-hand options on Facebook Marketplace that are in good nick.
12. Draw the eye vertically with a decorative wall panel
According to Mirela Bajic, Senior Garden Designer at House Designer, vertical space is the biggest asset in a small garden, and it’s worth thinking about ways to draw the eye upwards.
One way to do this is by adding a decorative wall panel (like this willow trellis Amazon), which will create depth in your space without feeling cluttered.
"Decorative wall panels add another layer of interest, while trellises paired with climbers can create a lush green backdrop on a modest budget," she explains.
How can I make my garden look nice with no money?
If you want to spend no money at all on your garden, the first step is to give it a good tidy-up. Clear away any weeds, and wash down garden furniture and patio surfaces to brighten them up.
Speak to your green-fingered family and friends and ask whether they have any plants you can take cuttings from, so you can avoid spending money on new ones.
Check out Facebook Marketplace for cheap (or free) materials. Often, people order too much of a particular garden material – for example, when laying turf or gravel – and simply want to get rid of the excess. You may be surprised by the freebies you can pick up.
No matter the size of your budget or garden, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your outdoor space, and we hope these ideas have inspired you.
Another way to get more from your garden is with patio lighting ideas, which can extend the hours of enjoyment you can get outdoors. You may also want to learn how one writer renovated her small garden on a budget (and the lessons she learned along the way).
