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You can make your garden an enjoyable, relaxing space, even if it’s only very small. You just need to make the most of every inch.
Transforming your small garden doesn’t have to be expensive either. Here’s a list of cheap garden ideas to help you transform your space in no time!
From adding garden furniture to decorative plants and decors, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s go!
1. Simple pergola
A simple pergola will give your garden a whole new look. If you’re handy with a saw you could even build your own pergola to keep costs down.
Add some climbing plants for extra privacy and shade, or any garden screening design ideas you can think of.
2. Corner pergola with simple table
If you’re short on space, make use of every inch by creating a cosy seating area in the corner of your garden. Add a pergola, climbing plants and terracotta pots to transform a concrete corner into a relaxing hideaway.
3. Grass island
A circular lawn helps a small square garden feel less enclosed and boxlike. A trellis is a great way to hide an unsightly shed and divide your garden into defined spaces.
4. Plants and bench
Use plants of different heights and colours to disguise walls and fencing. This will help your garden feel more like a forest setting than a concrete, square garden.
You can also mix a variety of potted plants in the background for a more tropical vibe.
5. Old garden steps
Recycle your old garden steps as a base for tiered planting. The extra height means they’ll take up less space than regular beds so they’re great for small gardens.
6. Mirror in garden
A mirror is great for making a small space look bigger. It also reflects more light into the garden, so it will feel less enclosed.
If you have a tiny urban garden or city garden, this trick also works wonders!
7. Middlesized garden with deck
You can use different floor styles to create defined areas in your small garden and make it feel more spacious. This tiered garden looks great with a decked seating area, a lawned area for relaxing or playing and a gravelled area at the back for a shed and some greenery.
8. Vertical garden
A vertical garden is a great solution if you haven’t got much space for planting on the ground. This example uses an up-cycled stair Bannister to create a beautiful herb garden.
9. Hanging flowers
If you have a tree, try hanging plants or flowers from it to gain some ground space. If you’re on a tight budget, brighten up an old colander with some paint and use it as your hanging basket.
The draining holes are perfect for allowing excess water to seep through.
10. Vertical vegetable garden
Grow your own herbs or veggies in your backyard in a homemade vertical garden. Design your vegetable garden that works for you and your needs.
11. Small cosy side yard
You can still create a comfortable spot to relax in a side yard. Use light colours to give the feeling of space and airiness.
Bamboo screening is a budget-friendly way to cover a plain wall or fence.
12. Bricks and plants
Use asymmetrical planting to make your garden feel less square and fussy. Bricks are a simple and affordable material for creating your own flower beds.
13. Small patio with couch
You don’t need a large space to create a relaxing outdoor environment. All you need is a comfortable sofa to spend those sunny days and add some neat flower beds and a tidy lawn to give it a contemporary look.
Make sure to place your outdoor seating in sunny spots of your middlesized garden to enjoy the warm weather. Add a source of shade like a pergola to protect yourself against the UV rays.
14. Zen small backyard
The trickling sound of a water feature is perfect to help you relax in your zen garden. Add some simple flowers and plants for a splash of colour.
15. Plant walls
If you like greenery but there’s not much room to plant on the floor, try the walls! A living wall is the perfect way to spruce up a plain fence or shed.
16. Corner planters
Make the most of every small space in your garden by adding some corner planters. If you have a small yard, this is the perfect solution to add some colour to a concrete space.
17. Open simple garden
If your garden has plain walls, brighten them up with some hanging planters and tall plant pots. Add a bench so you can sit out and enjoy your garden.
18. Middlesized garden shed
A tall, narrow shed is the perfect spot to keep all your gardening tools in one place when you’ve only got a small garden space.
19. Picture frames in garden
A living picture frame is an amazing decoration for your backyard, with close to no upkeep needed. Help bring some life to a plain wall!
20. DIY vertical planter
Design your own vertical planter to keep the cost down. All you need is some wood and the results could be amazing!
This is a great solution if you’re short on planting space.
21. Balcony garden
Even if your only outside space is a balcony, you can still create a beautiful area to relax. Add some cosy seating, an outdoor rug and plenty of flowers to make the most of your small space.
22. Garden beds and corner bench
Build your seating into your garden bed borders to make the most of the space and give your garden a modern look.
23. Small garden cabin
Add a small log cabin into your garden to give yourself some sheltered space outside, so you can still enjoy it when the weather isn’t great. Add some cosy touches to make it feel homely.
24. Simple side yard
Side yards are cosy by nature. Add a small table and chairs, and then decorate it with colourful bunting and beautiful flowers to turn that plain side yard into a calming, peaceful space.
25. DIY tiered planters
Use some leftover fencing to create your own planters. Go for a tiered-style planter if you’re trying to save space but still want to add some colour to your garden.
26. Wall string trellis
Add some life to a plain wall by creating your own string trellis to grow climbing plants. It’s a budget-friendly solution and you can get creative with the shapes.
27. Corner shed
A small corner shed is a good way to keep all of your tools in one place and not have to worry about your kids playing with them.
28. Custom stepping stones
Use leftover stones to create your own customised stepping stones or garden path. You can design it yourself and they’ll give your garden a whole new look.
You could even get the kids to help you paint the stones! This is also a perfect children’s garden ideas.
29. L-shaped sofa
An L-shaped sofa with monochrome accessories will give your small garden a modern look.
30. Small backyard lighting
Add some soft lighting to your small backyard to make it feel a little cosier.
31. Minimalist modern backyard
Use minimalist furniture and light colours to make a small space feel less enclosed. Add tall trees to soften a harsh wall and elongate the garden.
32. Side flower beds
Leave the centre of your garden clear for it to feel more spacious. Place all of your plants and flowers to the sides of your garden to brighten up plain fencing.
33. DIY garden bar
Create a little spot to serve drinks for your garden gatherings with a foldaway bar.
34. Zen fountain
Nothing beats relaxing in your backyard while listening to the sound of running water. A modern bowl-style fountain is easier to install and maintain than a pond and takes up much less space.
35. Floating pots
Make your plants look like they’re floating on the wall by using minimalist hangers. It will help to spruce up a plain white wall and give you back some ground space.
36. Shed vertical garden
Recycle an old wooden pallet to create a vertical floating garden to hang on your shed or fence. Add some small blackboard pieces so you can keep a note of what you’re growing.
37. DIY wood pallet deck
Create your own decking using recycled pallets for a simple but effective patio area for your dining table. Add some splashes of colour with planters and a colourful umbrella.
38. Pots on shelf
If you’re short on ground space, add a shelf along your wall or fence to give your plant pots a new home. Bunting and string lights will also add charm to your middlesized garden.
39. Herb garden on corner
Use simple planters and some old steps to create a tiered planter for an empty corner of your garden. It’s easy to set up but will add some appeal.
40. Large garden bar
Another example of a foldaway bar, this one has a built-in planter for decoration and a sturdy table top for eating and drinking.
41. Wood lined plant frames
A different but stylish choice to have your plants on the wall instead of the floor. These would be easy to create yourself using leftover wood and then hang them on your fence or wall.
42. DIY bench and pergola
You’ll need some wood and maybe some patience but the outcome will be a nice place to sit in the corner of your garden and relax. You could even add some climbing plants to the trellis and pergola.
43. Gravel garden path and flowers
Gravel looks great as a substitute for grass and can make a small garden look very classy. It’s also an inexpensive way to transform your garden.
44. Japanese lanterns
Transform the look of your garden with zen lanterns or sculptures to help you relax the moment you step outside.
45. Hanging pipe planters
You can craft a planter out of almost anything. This leftover plastic piping looks great for this hanging planter and can be easily modified.
46. Classy natural stone garden bed
A simple garden bed can transform the look of your garden. This style is easy and inexpensive to make yourself.
A gravel base is great for drainage and helps to keep weeds at bay. This concept would also look good in a courtyard garden, or in any garden setting!
47. Pallet garden table
The possibilities are endless when it comes to wooden pallets. You can even use one as a garden table to enjoy your meals outside.
48. Recycled junk garden
Got some old stuff in your shed? Use it to add some personality to your garden.
49. Buried pots
Bury your plant pots to add a different style to your garden beds. The addition of white stones in the curved pattern gives this bed a modern look.
50. Balcony hanging pots
If you live in an apartment or flat, decorate your balcony with some hanging plant pots. Add a number of pots to the same metal rod to make it a real feature.
51. Relax in a hammock
If your outdoor space is too small for garden furniture, a hammock can serve the same purpose for relaxation. A stylish hammock adds that cosy factor to your space, best for an afternoon nap or getting lost in a good book.
52. Decorate it with globe string lights
No matter how small your patio or yard is, string or fairy lights in the mix can light up the mood. You can choose to hang them on garden fences or under a pergola.
If you want maintenance-free garden lighting ideas, go for solar lights.
53. Depend on garden sling chairs
Sling chairs are one of the best seating options for a garden with limited space. Its folding feature lets you free up the space when not in use.
Plus, sling chairs make the perfect companion for an impromptu yard game.
54. Dead landscape nooks makeover
In a small backyard, it’s easy to overlook the areas that don’t get a lot of attention. This includes the corners of the house or even the garage.
But you can turn those spots into unexpected focal points like this! Add a centrepiece tree, oversized flower pot, and a variety of plants for interest.
55. Repurposing an old shutter for the plants
Vertical planting is the best solution for small garden spaces. This exterior wall has an old shutter installed on it, filled with hearty plants.
What a creative way to introduce vertical gardening to your humble space and make use of an old item! This would also look great on bare brick walls.
56. Hanging herb planter for your small garden centre
Looking for more cheap garden ideas for your humble yard? This DIY won’t cost you that much, but it needs some creativity and a bit of labour.
57. Welcome wildlife with a bird bath or bug hotels
Even a tiny bird bath with bird feeders can help attract birds, what’s more if you have a large one! To welcome more wildlife in your yard, add bug hotels and pollinator-friendly plants.
For more, read our Wildlife Garden Ideas next!
58. Stick with natural garden materials
Perfect for country gardens, grey and green combo are an excellent landscape design for those who like a natural backyard setting. You don’t need much garden materials or fixtures; all you need are lush foliage, shrubs, trees, and a wooden bench.
59. Take a cue from small contemporary gardens
A garden layout like this will save space and instantly make your compact plot feel bigger and brighter! An L-shaped corner couch is your best bet when it comes to outdoor seating. And a small fire pit can complete the look.
60. Create a seasonal garden
No productive garden is complete without bedding plants for a veggie or herb garden, or for blooms. With a seasonal garden, you make the most of your plot all-year-round.
You’ll also be able to see how much your garden changed throughout the year!
Round-up
It can be tough to know how to make the most of a small yard when you’re on a tight budget.
Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration in our list of garden design tips to help you revamp your garden without spending too much and create a relaxing extra space you can enjoy.
And if you have, why not add to it with some furniture or a garden building from BillyOh? Just click the button below to have a look around.
Shop The BillyOh RangeFAQs
How do I budget for a small garden design?
First, you need to plan; sketch what you have in mind, measure out the garden, and shop around for materials and reclaimed furniture.
Set your budget, get creative on the cheap and maximise the space.
How do you make a small garden look nice?
Transforming a small outdoor space is way easier than larger gardens. All you need is plenty of inspiring design ideas like the ones in this guide to to make more of your backyard.
What can you do in a small garden?
The possibilities are endless for small garden design ideas! Dedicate a blank wall for your art and make it a gallery wall.
Or create a mini kitchen garden, mini yard cinema spot with outdoor lighting, set up a private bar, or a kid's corner.
What colours make a garden look bigger?
Light, cool-coloured coat of paint shades can help make a small landscape design feel larger. While bright, hot colours and darker shades can make the space feel the opposite.
The same goes with plants.
How do you add height to a small garden?
Planting a tree, large shrubs, or vines for green walls is one of the budget garden ideas to add height to the landscape. You'll have to wait for a while for the plants to grow, though.
We recommend opting for fast-growing and low-maintenance plants. Not only can they add height to your small space, but also shade and privacy.
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