1 - PAINT THE FENCE

Garden fences need more care and attention than we usually care to think about – the paint job it needs never lasts as long as we hope it will. So, if you’re looking for garden fence ideas, why not treat it a bit differently next time you give it a coat of wood paint. Instead of your usual shades of golden or ashy brown – sounds like a trip to the hair salon! – consider a fresh, playful colour instead. This sky blue fencing brings a whole new feel to the garden, and all for the cost of a can or two of garden paint. Introduce some planters and lush foliage for a fresh, tropical feel all year round.

2 - OPT FOR A ONE-COLOUR WONDER

In a balcony garden, don’t overcomplicate things; choose slender planters in a rich, summery colour and match your furniture. A lick of metal paint can update an old iron garden chair quite easily and is a cheap update, too. This beautiful blue has a real Mediterranean feel and, together with the slender lines of the plant pots and the chair, the small garden area feels comfortable rather than cluttered.

3 - BOOST A BENCH WITH COLOURFUL CUSHIONS

Keep a feeling of warmth, even in a shady corner with bright cushions and matching planting. Give your bench a coat of weatherproof wood paint, and (once dry) layer it up with cushions for a modern, budget conscious look. A crisp white base cushion looks fresh when combined with hot pink striped designs that match the summer blooms that have been planted nearby. A wooden-framed lantern makes the ideal finishing touch… and, because it lights the area at night, it means you can get your money’s worth!

4 - CREATE A CUTE BIRD FEEDER

It’s not always big things that change the feel of a garden – it can simply amount to the sounds you hear outside. Boost your garden’s atmosphere by encouraging birds in with a DIY bird feeder; their song will instantly create a more positive feel. This simple design only requires a cup and saucer and some superglue. Talk about budget garden updates!

5 - CREATE A MINI VEGETABLE GARDEN

If you want to make your garden a bit more about sustainability, but don’t really have space (or the funds) to plant a full-scale veggie patch, why not try a neat vegetable trug instead? Give it a little personalized paint job, plant out your vegetables and see your garden discover a whole new lease of life all year round.

6 - UPCYCLE DRAWERS TO CREATE A UNIQUE PLANTER

If you have an old, unused chest of drawers knocking about the house, give it a new lease of life by turning it into a unique colorful garden planter! This four-drawer unit is well-balanced with two staggered tiers of plants, that bring a playful touch to your back garden design. Drill some holes in the bottom of the drawers you plan to plant out, to allow for water drainage. Then paint the drawer fascias using weather-resistant paint in a tones of the same colour – blues or creams work particularly well. Then pick your plants and off you go; easy garden update complete!