If you are like many gardeners in the UK, you’ve probably spent time wondering how you can liven up your outdoor space and add more personality to your garden. If that’s you, and you’re in need of some inspirational garden ideas, you are in the right place!
In this guide, we bring you exciting garden tips, ideas and hacks that will transform your outdoor living space. Think of it as your garden design journey, from “drab to fab,” or from “dull” to “amazing.” It is not just about buying new plants; it is about creating an ambience and an atmosphere. So, you are ready to get started with our garden hacks? Let us begin to dig in.
Creative garden ideas
When you think about it, a garden is extra living space, if managed correctly it is like having an extra room, or if large enough maybe it is like adding an extra floor to your home. So, it is only right to make the most of this extra space. Listed below are garden ideas that are much more than planting a few tulips and buying a garden gnome. Read on to learn more.
1) Pallet recycling furniture on a budget
There is not always a need to pay large amounts of cash for garden furniture. Have you ever considered recycling old pallets and getting your creative juices flowing? From loungers to rustic tables, you can build practically any garden furniture you need. In Addition, pallet recycling is also great for the planet as well as your bank balance.
2) Boho chill spot
Who would not like a boho chill spot in their garden? Imagine it, twinkling fairy lights, vibrant cushions, a seating area or possibly a hammock. This is the ideal spot for zoning out during the day or having a laid-back evening with your friends and family.
3) Vertical gardening
Do you have limited square footage? Perhaps you live in a flat or apartment, or maybe have a smaller garden? We have a perfect solution for you – vertical gardening. This is building your garden upwards instead of outwards with the use of stacked shelves, living walls, hanging baskets, etc., Your plants get all the light they need, and you save valuable ground space. Click here to view a detailed blog article on this topic.
4) Upcycled planters
Throw out the basics and add a touch of quirkiness and eccentricity with upcycled planters. Use items such as old boots, crates, a disused bathtub, etc., as planters. This is not only green-friendly and better than the tip, but this recycling stimulates craft skills and helps to create an interesting and unique garden piece. If you prefer to buy our wooden planters, click here.
5) Garden cinema
Watch the latest movie blockbusters in your own outdoor movie theatre. A simple projector, a seating area, and a white wall are pretty much all you need. Invite your friends and family over for a garden film festival. This would be even better if you added a home bar, which you can also buy when clicking here!
6) Painted stones
Turn stones in your garden into colourful designs such as abundant bouquets, colourful birds, garden dwarves, miniature houses, stunning flowers, and fluttering insects. These can really transform a garden and are a nice project for anybody with craft skills! This is also something that you can get the kids involved with as they love painted stones and once in place they are incredibly low maintenance.
7) Splash out with water features
Add character and personality to your outdoor living space with water elements. Any garden would benefit from having fountains, a pond (maybe with Koi carp), and other water features.
Enjoy real-life ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) that tingling, shivering down your spine sensation that trickling water brings. With a wide variety of styles to select from, it is also possible to select water features which are mains-powered or solar-powered or have integrated LED lighting.
You may also attract local wildlife such as bees, birds, butterflies, frogs, etc., enjoying the new water source.
8) Birdhouses
While we are talking about animals, how about scattering some unusual birdhouses about your garden area? You would be supporting the local bird population while also adding character to your outdoor setting. Keep your phone nearby because you may get the opportunity to take some Instagram-worthy photographs as the birds settle in.
9) Chill in your zen spot
Life can get mad and stressful for most people at times. A zen chillout space in your garden could be the chill-out zone you need. Think of it as your personal escape place from all the drama and noise. It is like a VIP lounge for your soul, where you can meditate or just breathe without any distractions. Having a dedicated spot for some “me time” makes it easier to unwind and focus, whether you practice meditation or just need a second to collect your thoughts.
10) Snackable garden
Growing your own snacks is a great way to urge kids to eat their vegetables and try different new varieties, especially if they help with the planting and upkeep. Snackable gardens can be grown in a small bed or in pots on the patio in a sunny location.
Choose types that are naturally smaller in size or that may be enjoyed when still young and fragile for the snack garden.
Garden tips and hacks for a transformed outdoor space
We have already provided creative garden ideas above, but listed below are three additional garden tips and hacks that you really should try. We believe these garden tips will transform your outdoor space.
1) No-Mess planting
Okay, let us be honest, planting can be super messy, but it does not have to be a dirt disaster. Have you ever thought of using an ice cream cone as a seed starter? Not only does an ice cream cone hold the soil and seed together, but it is also biodegradable. So, when it is time to transfer your seedling, you can plant everything, cone, and all!
2) The magic of coffee grounds
A rich source of vital nutrients, coffee grounds will do wonders for your plants. You might not be aware that the leftover coffee grounds are a rich source of minerals like potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen as you enjoy your morning beverage. Phosphorus helps with root development, potassium supports general plant health, and nitrogen encourages the formation of lush, green foliage. Coffee grounds are essentially a nutrient-rich feast for your plants when you use them in your gardening regime.
3) DIY bug control
If you absolutely hate garden bugs on your garden foliage, then try this hack. Mix a dish of soap with water, add it inside a spray bottle and spray it on your plants. It is a far more natural option than chemical sprays, and it keeps your plants looking fresh and bug-free. It is ideal for preventing ants, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, and other bugs.
Garden space ideas
Are you looking to spice up your garden but are limited in space? Below we have listed some innovative garden space ideas to make the most of your outdoor space:
- Hanging planters – (also called hanging baskets) these hang these off the fence or from the ceiling saves ground space and looks neat
- Multi-use storage seats – buy storage chests that can double as seating or storage. These are very much a win-win, click this link as one example
- Retractable awnings - instead of a fixed canopy, opt for a retractable one so you can choose when to have shade and when to soak up some sun
- Foldable furniture - opt for foldable chairs and tables. They are highly practical, and you can tuck them away when you are not using them, or perhaps use them indoors
- Rolling planters - buy planters with wheels. You can easily move them around to change the look or make space for other activities. One good example would be the 2'7 x 1'4 Forest Linear Double Wooden Garden Planter with Wheels (0.8m x 0.4m)
- Use climbing plants – choose plants like ivy, wisteria, climbing roses, etc., to give you the greenery you desire without needing much ground space. Certain plant species climb walls, trellises, and fences exactly as you need, especially with a little training and encouragement
- Vertical gardening – we know we mentioned this earlier, but it is certainly worthy of a second mention as the last of our garden space ideas! Why let your walls go bare when they can be lush? Vertical gardens are an incredible way to be greener without sacrificing floor space
Greenhouse hacks and shed hacks
Do you ever feel like your greenhouse or shed could be working harder for you? Read these quick greenhouse hacks and shed hacks to get the most out of your space, without breaking the bank:
- Bubble wrap - line your greenhouse shelves and accessories with bubble wrap in winter for extra insulation
- Chalk - add some chalk in your toolbox to prevent your tools from rusting
- Hanging items – do you have a small shed? Use the doors to hang tools or even a fold-down potting table
- Pegboard - use a pegboard to organise your garden tools, so you are not tripping over rakes and spades
- Rain barrel - connect a rain barrel to your shed or greenhouse to catch and recycle water
- Recycle plastic bottles - make DIY drip feeders for your greenhouse plants
- Shoe organiser - use an over-the-door shoe organiser for storing small tools or seed packets
- Silica gel - keep a stash of silica gel packets to keep your shed and greenhouse dry and mould-free
Other garden hacks that actually work!
So, you now have your garden essentials sorted, but you are looking for those next-level tricks to make your outdoor space a paradise? Here are yet more eye-opening garden hacks that actually work, you will not want to miss these!
Composting
First off, let us talk about composting. OK, at first glance it does not appear to be the sexiest of topics, but it is eco-friendly and worthy of investigation. Use coffee grounds (as mentioned earlier) and eggshells to boost your compost pile, giving your soil some extra nutrients. View our compost bins here.
Test soil pH level
While we are talking about soil, did you know you can test its pH using vinegar and baking soda? Just take some soil, add vinegar, and if it fizzes, it is alkaline. No fizz? Add some baking soda and water; if it fizzes now, your soil is acidic.
Reuse cooking water
Also, do not throw away cooking water after boiling your vegetables. Let it cool and use it to water your plants. Full of nutrients, it has some of the elements of a liquid fertiliser.
Pest control tips
Now, let us talk about pests. No one likes finding their plants munched on by bugs. Keep slugs at bay by placing a saucer of beer in your garden. Slugs are drawn to the beer and will drown, saving your plants from becoming a late-night snack. A neat trick for aphids is to wrap some sticky tape around your hand, sticky side out, and pat the leaves of infected plants. The aphids will stick to the tape like glue.
Watering memory jog
If you are always forgetting when to water your plants, stick a wooden skewer into the soil and pull it out to check for moisture. If it emerges clean, your plants are thirsty and need watering.
Endnotes
So, there you have it! We have laid down some solid ideas to transform your garden from “dull to amazing” Whether you are on a restricted budget or have cash to spend, there is something for everyone in our garden tips, ideas, and garden hacks above.
You can opt for green ideas such as recycled pallet furniture or chill in your own boho haven, complete with fairy lights and a hammock. Get creative with planters, arrange a movie night, and get in touch with your artsy/crafty side with painted rocks.
Let us not forget about hacks, such as reusing coffee grounds as plant food and plenty of DIY bug control suggestions. These are practical and fun tips that will make your garden the envy of the neighbourhood.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gardening gloves and make your outdoor space as awesome as it possibly can be with our garden hacks that actually work!
Contact options
For further enquiries about creative garden ideas and offerings available from Buy Sheds Direct, feel free to contact us at 0333 003 0514. Our team is on standby to assist with garden ideas to enhance your outdoor living, even where space is restricted (with our garden space ideas).
If you prefer, why not email us today using the form on our contact page? Also, access our live text chat at the bottom left of any page.