Landscaping on a Budget

Landscaping on a Budget

When I was growing up, we were always the type of family to DIY. When it came to our yard or anything related to our home, my mother and father always thought they could do it better and they always did. Not only did DIY project help me to become crafty, but it also taught me the value of a budget. We would manicure the edges of the lawn, plant flower gardens, restore old pots, and build paths all by ourselves by performing our labor and with materials we would purchase from the local hardware store. The point of this article is to show readers that you don’t have to open your wallet too wide to improve your landscape.  Landscaping on a budget is doable and has many benefits.

If you are in the market to overhaul your landscape this season, then start out by determining what needs replacing, and what can be repurposed. Take for example pots. Are they broken, or has the color faded and they are no longer attractive? You can repurpose old pots by slapping on a new coat of paint or adding some artwork to it so that it fits your new landscape. Simply adding color to your yard can work wonders for its appearance. You can paint old chairs, your deck, and even the concrete to add more life to your yard. Just be sure to opt for an exterior-grade paint, and if you’re painting over metal to choose a paint that is rust-resistant.  If you are considering painting the concrete, go with concrete paint and don’t hold back. Concrete paint is affordable and just as easy as painting a wall. Come up with your own design or build/buy your own stencils and templates to create an artful surface for your furniture and plants. Another inexpensive way to change your landscape is to introduce new fabric. Low priced tablecloths, cushions, and pillows can turn your backyard into a dream getaway.  The alternative is to invest in outdoor quality rugs and furnishings. These items may be slightly more expensive, but will last for years. If you haven’t changed your flower garden or if you don’t have one at all now is the time to start. Building flowerbeds are simple and require more labor than actual money. Opt for perennials to save you time and money year over year. This will add beauty to your home while also increasing its value. In addition to using more pots, more flowers, more color; don’t hesitate to use or salvage old containers or structures. Just because your wheelbarrow wheel broke off, doesn’t mean it won’t make a great addition to your flowerbed. There are tons of items you can salvage and restore from dumpsters or thrift shops that can give your landscape extra appeal and a touch of uniqueness.

Updating your landscape doesn’t require a professional or a big checkbook. Take a deep hard look at your yard and utilize this season to make improvements. Follow these ideas and many more or even come up with your own to stay under budget and add that extra oomph to your landscape. 

Source: 

  • http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/budget-landscaping/#page=0
  • http://www.sunset.com/garden/landscaping-design/chic-affordable-backyard/chic-backyard-shed-office