When buying a new home, the first thing many prospective homeowners look for is a garden.From its size to whether or not it’s south-facing, the outdoor area plays a vital part in making or breaking the purchase of a property. And with a survey from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) noting that 77 per cent of Brits garden regularly (along with 82 per cent saying it makes them feel happier) it just goes to show that the garden can really make a difference – both emotionally as well as physically!
But what happens when you neglect your beloved outdoor area? That once perfectly pruned garden is now looking rundown, and you haven’t got the time to restore it to its former glory. No problem – thanks to our clever upcycling tips, you can create an even more impressive outdoor space. Save time – as well as money – by following these simple tricks:
-
Terrace. Want to make an attractive, focal feature for your outdoor area? Then create a garden terrace using recycled concrete slab and gravel – kind to the environment, and kind to your bank balance!
-
Cable table. Those unsightly used cable drums? Get creative and upcycle them into a great-looking coffee table.Either give it a lick of white paint for a fresh feel, or leave it as is for that rustic appearance – there’s plenty of potential in the trusted cable drum.
-
Scrabble piece plant markers. Got some leftover Scrabble pieces you no longer use? Then make your own creations by sticking them onto strips of woods when marking your plants. For a personal touch, paint the sticks to help you colour code the plants – and have fun racking up high scores with your oregano and cilantro today!
-
Teapot birdhouse. One great idea of recycling discarded crockery is turning your teapots into birdhouses – so if you have any cracked or chipped teapots that are headed for the wastebin, make sure they take a diversion to the garden, as their large, wide lids provide the ideal nesting space for birds looking to make your garden their new home.
-
Pallet planter. This trend is all the rage for gardeners, where vertical pallet planters can provide decoration in the garden or can even be built as a screen to hide an unsightly water tank. Minimal prep and maximum results, there’s hundreds of ideas available for upcycling a pallet.
-
Milk cartons. Yes – you read that right! Grow your own herb garden simply by cutting milk cartons in half and attaching them to a wooden rack. Alternatively, use an old shoe organiser and place in a sunny spot to help start seeds off – then hang outdoors in warmer weather. It also helps prevent against any pesky slugs from getting to your beloved plants!
What other tricks and tips do you have to share with the rest of the green-fingered community? Add a splash of colour to your upcycled outdoor hacks with Johnstone’s Paints – and turn other gardeners ‘green’ with envy today!