The backyard budget – 5 garden makeover tips that won't break the bank

As kids begin to venture back outside and the sound of lawnmowers being dusted off echoes across Ireland, we have our fingers crossed for some garden-worthy sunshine this summer.

And while there might be a bit of work to do before your backyard is fully summer-ready again, the good news is you don't have to spend a fortune to get there. Instead, with a little bit of elbow grease and the right tools, your garden can go from drab to fab in no time. 

 So, get your gardening gloves ready and check out these budget makeover tips. 

 Gardens tend to get a little out of control during the winter months. While we are cosying up in front of the fire, our summer havens can become quite the mess. So, before you start planting, painting, or pruning, you'll want to clean the garden. 

 Getting rid of dead leaves, overgrown briars, and pesky weeds gives an outdoor area an instant facelift minus the cost. However, remember that they will pop back up again unless properly removed, so be sure to either dig them out or use a weed killer.

While good lighting is considered a hugely important element of interior design, we sometimes forget that the same rules apply to outdoor spaces. Whether you have a balcony or a backyard, making clever choices around lighting means you can enjoy your garden long into the summer nights. 

Solar lights are a budget-friendly way of introducing additional lighting outdoors. You don't need to worry about a power source, and you can easily move them around. There are also many different styles, from single lights that stick straight into the soil, to hanging bulbs that can be draped overhead or across a wall.

Another highly impactful feature that won't break the bank or require any labour is a fire pit.

Not to mention the heat it provides, meaning you can stay outdoors even longer.  

Treating a cement wall or an old fence with a lick of paint can give your garden a whole new vibe without costing a bomb.

Some basic things to remember when painting outdoors are:

Use the correct type of paint for the outdoor surface. If in doubt, ask for advice at your local hardware.

Check the forecast. In a country where you are likely to experience four seasons in one day, make sure to check that there is no chance of rain before you start painting.

Choose colours that suit the area. Dark colours such as slate and forest green will work well in larger areas; however, stick to lighter tones to make a small space feel bigger and brighter. 

Keep animals indoors if possible - specifically cats. Cats love to climb on things they aren't supposed to. So, remember to keep them away from wet surfaces, or you might end up with freshly painted paw prints all over your sofa. 

Use the right tools for the job. There is a reason why professional painters use paint sprayers. They make the job easier, cleaner and faster than traditional brushes and rollers. 

You will have to get a little dirt under your fingernails for our final tip. However, seeing the (literal) fruits of your labour sprouting to life is a rewarding and budget-friendly way to make noticeable changes. 

If you are new to plant-parent life, start with some fuss-free shrubs and slowly ease your way into it. The likes of lavender, hydrangeas, and pansies are reasonably priced and super easy to look after. All they need is some sunlight and water (maybe a dash of plant feed now and then), and away you go. 

Remember that planting some veggies can add greenery to your garden and food to your table.

Tomatoes are a great place to start. They can comfortably grow in a pot on a balcony or will thrive in a sunny spot in the garden. 

Some other vegetables that are easy to grow include spring onion, lettuce and carrots, while strawberries are a low-maintenance fruit. Strawberries are ideal for planting in a spot you might not use too often as they don't mind being in the shade. 

Get your garden ready for summer with a fantastic range of garden essentials from Independent Shop. Click here to find out more.