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I spend hours each week admiring and spending time in my garden, so this topic is near and dear to my heart.
Unfortunately, I know how costly it can be because I’m always working on my garden. But what if I told you there are better and cheaper ways to brighten up your garden?
To help, I compiled a list of ways to brighten up your garden without spending a fortune.
When compiling this list, I chose projects and decorations that are cost-effective. The ideas on this list shouldn’t cost you more than $15. Several of these projects are DIY-friendly.
So, let’s look together at these 15 ways to brighten up your garden without spending a fortune.
1. Use Dollar Tree Seeds
Don’t sleep on Dollar Tree seeds. Their garden section is top-notch. You can get so many cute decorations and useful gardening tools for just $1.25.
Who says you need to pay an arm and a leg for a packet of seeds? At Dollar Tree, you can find a wide variety of flowers, vegetables, and fruit seeds for about a quarter. My favorite seeds are the sugar baby watermelons. I harvested two healthy watermelons in under three months from one seed this year.
2. Paint Rocks
Rocks are everywhere. Honestly, you don’t even have to pay for them. More than likely, you have quite a few in your backyard. Even if you spend money, you can find smooth rocks for as cheap as a dollar a bag.
Paint is just as cheap. You don’t need to buy the most professional kind. Spend a day or even a week painting rocks to decorate and brighten your garden. It’s a nice and relaxing activity.
3. Hanging Baskets
Investing in hanging baskets is another affordable and cute way to brighten your gardens. Hanging baskets hold beautiful flowers and vines. The vibrant colors can enhance your garden.
You also don’t have to spend a lot. I make hanging baskets with rope, ribbons, and online tutorials. Some people even make hanging baskets out of old plastic bowls and ribbons.
4. DIY Garden Signs
Sure, you don’t have to hang a sign in your garden. But welcome signs are a nice touch. My dad made me one that stands at the entrance of my community garden plot.
You can get super creative with garden signs. My dad used an old metal sign and paint. Other materials you can use include wood and stones.
5. Bold Paint
Paint is frequently mentioned on this list, and for good reason. A little splash of color can make all the difference.
A cheap way to brighten up your garden is to paint one side of your fence a bold color. If your fence is white, try painting one side teal, black, or even yellow. Eye-catching colors act as a breath of fresh air.
6. DIY Suncatcher
My garden is whimsical. I’ve always loved cottage gardens full of wacky colors and decorations. If this sounds like you, consider adding a suncatcher.
Suncatchers reflect light beautifully. Honestly, I can watch them all day. Suncatchers are also super easy to make. You can make them from paper, mirrors, strings, beads, or resin.
7. Thrifted Wind Chimes
Not everyone prefers DIY decorations. And I can’t blame them. Gardening is hard work and can take hours of your week.
Instead of making your own decorations, thrift them. Check out local antique or thrift stores for beautiful-sounding wind chimes. You can also find them in yard sales.
8. Bird Seeds
Last year, I spent hours each day admiring the birds at my birdfeeder. There were titmice, cardinals, and mourning doves eating with delight and also making a mess. Out of the mess came stunning sunflower sprouts.
I was blown away! But it’s true that at the end of the day, bird seeds are seeds. If you want to save money on seeds and already have bird seeds lying around, sprinkle them in your garden.
9. Leftover Bricks for Pots
Containers are expensive. Prices for containers can easily climb to $50 at big-name stores. Why pay so much when you can use bricks as containers?
This is an excellent idea if you have a border. It also maximizes space. Use leftover bricks and fill the holes with flowers if you have a border. Zinnias and marigolds look stunning in brick borders.
10. DIY Markers
I’ve forgotten where I’ve planted seeds an embarrassing amount of times. Because of this, I now make and place markers. I like using old stones or wooden pieces, but you can get creative.
DIY plant markers give your garden personality. They can be tall, short, colorful, or gray. The choice is yours.
11. Vintage Colander Planters
I’m a vintage frugal gal. I love saving money and finding deals, but I also love vintage finds. Vintage colanders are charming and rustic, but they are also incredibly affordable.
If you want to impress your garden visitors, create colander planters. Since colanders have drainage holes, you don’t have to do much to them. It’s a low-effort and cute DIY project. Colanders also make great hanging pots.
12. Wheelbarrow Garden
This one might be a bit too niche. Not everyone likes the rustic country garden look. If you do and also happen to have an old beat-up wheelbarrow around, use it!
Position the wheelbarrow in a corner of your garden. Then, add potting soil inside and plant seeds. I recommend wildflowers or herbs.
13. Old Sheets for Shade
Hanging out in the garden is a blast until it becomes unbearingly hot. All plants have their limits. Too much sun, for instance, can cause sunburn and even kill tomato and pepper plants.
Creating shade doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. You can use old and gently used lightweight bed sheets. Bed sheets tied to supports in your garden can give you and your plants much-needed relief from the sun.
14. Climbing Vines
Since I rent a plot at my local community garden, I don’t have space for large plants. But long and beautiful climbing vines can enhance your garden’s loo if you have a backyard.
They provide shade, privacy, and something beautiful to look at. Some stunning options to plant include passion fruit vines, night-blooming jasmines, and morning glories.
15. DIY Path
Garden paths are a favorite. You can lay a path to your tool shed, back door, or a specific section of your garden.
While you can use virtually any material to create a path, I love smooth stones or clay. Air-dried clay is cheap and effective. You can place rocks, beads, and fake gems in them or stick to paint.
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