A HOMEOWNER showed off the DIY transformation he gave to his garden.
He explained that the space had previously been “neglected” but he was able to revive it with items from Facebook Marketplace.
3
3
In his Reddit post, user Civil-Ad-1916 showed a before and after look at this garden.
“The new property came with a neglected garden and we decided it needed a bit of a facelift,” the poster wrote.
He revealed that the overall cost of the transformation was approximately £2,500, which included the hire of a cement mixer for a weekend.
“We were fortunate to be able to pick up a lot of the timber for the deck joists and raised beds for free off Facebook marketplace, which helped keep the costs down,” he said.
The homeowner explained that he and his partner cleared “all the overgrown brambles, ivy, and weeds” from the space.
They also replaced broken and missing panes in the greenhouse as well as the worn out door rollers.
“[We] dug out tonnes of soil to level the site and prepare the concrete base for the shed,” he explained.
After the concrete set, the couple erected the summerhouse from a kit they purchased online.
They then constructed the deck and gazebo to their own design during what they described as “the wettest winter on record.”
The homeowner said he thinks they kept quite close to the original concept and overall design of the garden.
“There’s a small section of decking to the side of the summerhouse to complete but overall I’m pretty happy with the results,” he concluded.
The pictures documented the progress the couple had made, including a glimpse at the deck foundation and raised flowerbeds.
Both structures were created without any additional cost due to donated items from a man on Facebook Marketplace.
“A nice guy was putting another storey on his bungalow so [he] ripped out all the ceiling joists and roof,” explained the original poster.
Reddit users shared their thoughts on the transformation in the comments section.
How to update your garden on the cheap
IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you’ve come to the right place…
Plan and Prioritise
- Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend.
- Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points.
DIY Projects
- Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters.
- Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations.
- Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.
Plant Smart
- Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety.
- Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club.
- Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run.
Use Free Resources
- Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
- Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
- Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Repurpose and Upcycle
- Old Furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a dresser drawer into a planter.
- Containers: Use buckets, tins, or even old shoes as quirky plant containers.
- Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost bins from discarded pallets.
Shop Smart
- Sales and Discounts: Look for end-of-season sales or discounts at garden centers.
- Second-Hand Stores: Find pots, tools, and decorations at thrift stores or garage sales.
- Online Marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies.
Maintenance
- Weed Regularly: Stay on top of weeding to keep your garden looking tidy.
- Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants and deadhead flowers to encourage growth and blooms.
- Tool Care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to prolong their life and effectiveness.
By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!
“Did well on a £2,5000 budget,” wrote one impressed reader.
“Excellent work! Good inspiration for me too, we’re currently renovating the summerhouse and don’t really know what to do with the garden once we’ve finished everything else,” said another person.
“Great job! Looks really nice,” commented a third Redditor.
“Good to see a solid deck build,” wrote another commenter.
“I’ve seen some shockers just sat on slabs with no noggins, and joists spaced too wide.”
3
