With summer behind us, it’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. But landscaping can quickly get expensive — especially if you’re not sure where to start.
The good news? You don’t need a huge budget to create a beautiful, functional garden. With a few clever updates and some DIY know-how, you can completely transform your space for less.
We’ve rounded up 7 affordable landscaping ideas that deliver maximum impact without the hefty price tag, along with expert tips from renovation queen, Naomi Findlay.
Related article: How to choose the right mulch for your garden: One that looks good and plants will love
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1. Shape your lawn for instant impact
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to instantly improve your garden is by creating clean, defined shapes.
“Simply mark out the edges of your lawn with string and use a spade to cut away the excess grass. The best part? It costs absolutely nothing!” says Naomi.
Similarly, if old paths are overgrown with grass or weeds, use a shovel to define the edges and pressure wash the surface to revive them.
2. Lay new mulch
Adding fresh mulch to your garden beds is another way to easily and cheaply refresh the look of your garden. To keep costs down, get a larger quantity delivered from a landscaping supply company (rather than smaller bagged quantities from the nursery).
Lay it generously (around 5–10cm thick) to not only improve the appearance of your garden but also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
We’ve got tips here on selecting the right mulch for your garden.
3. Create paths
If you want a bigger visual impact, adding a path is one of the most effective upgrades you can make and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of affordable garden path ideas out there and below are our 3 faves.
DIY step stones
If you’re happy to roll up your sleeves, a DIY we’re loving is to make your own oversized concrete step stones using plastic garden edging to create the mould.
Watch this reel for all the materials and steps to make your own!
Pavers and gravel paths
When it comes to footpaths and walkways, gravel or a gravel and paver combo is generally a lot more affordable than full paving.
“To lay it in place, mark out the area then scrape away loose soil or grass. Pin down a permeable membrane to stop the weeds coming through and spread the gravel over it,” explains Naomi.
“To stop the gravel going everywhere — especially if it’s a high traffic path or you have pets in the yard — use garden edging to define the walkway and spray the stones with a gravel binder to keep them in place.”
Re-using bricks or pavers
If you’re lucky enough to have access to old bricks (or find some going for cheap on Facebook Marketplace), then take a look at the DIY brick paver path below. Yes, it’s a lot of work but we’re sure you’ll agree the results are so worth it!
4. Add trees for impact
If you’re looking for maximum impact with minimal effort, trees are one of the best investments you can make.
“Trees can be a more cost-effective option considering their size and longevity,” says Naomi.
“You only need a few to change the look and feel of your garden. They can provide shade, privacy and are fantastic to hang lights or a swing seat from. Three should be plenty for an average sized garden.”
Here’s a guide to picking the right trees for your garden.
5. Plant swap or propagate with friends
One of the easiest ways to save money is to grow your own plants or swap with friends and neighbours.
Many plants can also be divided as they grow, such as monstera plants, so you could ‘shop’ each other’s gardens. Also, succulents can easily be propagated from a small cutting and grow quickly.
You can even take it a step further by making your own compost and plant food.
6. Light it up
Outdoor lighting is one of the simplest ways to elevate your space and make it feel like an extension of your home.
Consider adding fairy lights to your trees and plants to enhance your back deck and your garden. You can arrange them through branches or attach them to fences and furniture. Festoon lights also look great draped over alfresco areas.
7. Use a retainer
Retaining walls are a great way to define zones, add visual interest and prevent soil erosion.
They look great in the front and back yard — just make sure they are built with quality materials so they don’t crack!
We hope this article helped you affordably landscape your garden. For more affordable ways to make your home luxe for less, subscribe to Style Curator.
