Clever ideas for 4 different types of garden

Outdoor space makeover on a budget

If you want to overhaul your garden or balcony on a tight budget, there are plenty of options. If your space is limited to a balcony and you want to add some foliage to bring your outdoor space to life, trees and plants are a great, cost-effective way to add greenery without breaking the bank. There are also lots of cheap decorative additions you can make, including outdoor fairy lights and bunting, while salvaged old pallets are perfect for Pinterest-inspired DIY projects. If you do have a garden, one of the most dramatic changes you can make is to shape your lawn into a circle or square. This will create a very defined grassy area separate from your patio space and flower beds

An outdoor space for families

For families with young children, you’ll want an outdoor space that works for the kids as well as the grown-ups. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a dedicated space for the little ones, while the adults might want space to grow plants or vegetables (on the windowsill if you live in a flat with a balcony), or relax on comfortable garden furniture. If you have a garden, make sure you consider safety by getting rid of any water features and placing grass or other soft, cushioned material beneath climbing frames and swings.

For parties and barbecues

If you enjoy throwing parties and family barbecues, you’ll need to accommodate for socialising. You could even build your very own outdoor grill using bricks or treated timber, along with storage for garden games including croquet and giant versions of Jenga and Connect 4.

Maximising small spaces

For compact gardens or balconies, there are plenty of ways to maximise your space and make the most of your outdoor area. If you don’t have room for flower beds, make use of pots to plant everything from herbs to perennials and even dwarf trees. When planning, make sure you add plants of different colours, sizes and textures which will help to create the illusion of space. Garden dividers, such as a small hedge or tree, can break up your outdoor space into distinct areas, especially useful if you want your small garden to cater for both youngsters and adults. This might not be possible on a balcony, but by being creative, you’ll be able to turn a small space into a great area where you’ll love to spend time with friends or family.