Whether it is just sitting in your garden of hosting a get-together it can often be a better experience if it is looking good. And for those thinking about throwing a summer garden party when the weather improves, there are cost-effective ways to make your patio pretty on the day. ITV's This Morning gardening expert Daisy Payne has a string of cheap and easy tips to transform your outdoor area.
Daisy's new book, Start Growing, is out now and features simple, budget-friendly gardening projects for novices. So whether it is planting pots of blooms such as hydrangeas, pansies or geraniums or putting extra lighting around, here are her top tips for making the most of the summer outdoors. The expert recommends investing in some instant colour bedding plants which come in a variety of hues and can be inexpensive.
"They instantly add a lovely feel to any space," she says. "There are all sorts at this time of year pansies, geraniums, and so many lovely colours to pack into pots." If you're lacking in space, consider planting some hanging baskets, which will maximise your vertical space, and if you don't want bedding plants, think about substituting them with herbs to create a fragrant area and add flavour to your summer meals, she adds.
"Don't be afraid to upcycle items that could be used as pots you can get quite creative with that. Going to car boot sales or upcycling furniture, like drawers from your house, can be great. It's so cheap and adds character to space," she suggests.
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