If you really want to make the most of your outside space, you’ve got to start thinking about your garden as an extension of your home rather than just a bit of grass or a patio area you occasionally visit when the weather’s nice enough. The fact is you can turn your garden into a gorgeous retreat where you can enjoy spending time and get away from everything – almost like a mini holiday without any fuss or having to pay out.
Well, almost without having to pay out. In reality, if you want a nice garden, you’ll probably have to spend some money to make it happen, but if you make some smart investments at the start, you’ll end up with long-term savings that you’ll love just as much as the results of your spending. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
A Robotic Lawn Mower
If mowing the lawn feels like a chore (because it is) and you never quite have the time for it (and even if you do, it still drops down to the bottom of your to-do list because everything else is easier or more interesting), it’s time to upgrade how you do it, and a robotic lawn mower could be the answer. It might sound futuristic, but it’s something you can get right now that, despite the initial cost, will pay off as time goes by.
These devices are so handy for keeping your grass nice and neat without you having to lift a finger, green or otherwise – they work efficiently and quietly, and they use less energy than traditional gas-powered mowers. Plus, since they keep your lawn looking good on a regular basis, it stays healthier and that means fewer costly repairs for patchy spots or overgrown areas.
Over time, this is the kind of investment that saves you hours or work and reduces the need for professional lawn services, so it’s a win for your time and budget, and the results are great too.
A Rainwater Harvesting System
Watering your garden is essential, but it can also be one of the biggest expenses, especially during the summer months, and even more so if you’re on a water meter. So, what about installing a rainwater harvesting system to help you and your garden out? It’s a great idea and a simple way to cut costs while also protecting the planet, so there isn’t a downside to the plan.
These systems are excellent – they collect and store rainwater that you can then use to water your garden, but on top of that, you can also use the water to wash down your patio, paths, and garden furniture, and perhaps wash your car too if you want. And all you need to get started is a basic rain barrel that you can pick up at any garden centre or DIY store (or get one delivered if you prefer). However, if you do want to take things further, you can also get more advanced systems that transport the rainwater into your home to use in your toilets as well, but that will usually need a professional to set it all up for you, and it will have a higher cost, so you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons.
Switch To Native Plants
You might not have thought about how the plants you choose for your garden can make a difference when it comes to investments and long-term savings, but there is a trick that’s worth knowing (and it can help make your garden look better and narrow down your choices, which, when it comes to picking plants, can be amazing because otherwise there are literally thousands to pick from). The key is to stick to native plants – they thrive in your local climate, they need less water, and they don’t need as much care and attention as non-native plants will.
Not only do they save you time and money when it comes to maintenance, but they’re also great for the environment because you’ll end up with loads of local pollinators like bees and butterflies. Over time, you’ll save money on things like fertilisers and pesticides (and your water bill if you’re not using a rainwater harvesting system like the one we mentioned above), and you’ll also have a garden that looks fantastic because all the plants are stunning and growing perfectly.
Invest In Quality Tools
Cheap garden tools might save you a few pounds upfront, but they’re also flimsy and prone to breaking, and you know what that means – you’ll end up having to replace them often, and that’s going to cost you money (plus it’s annoying to have the time and energy to tidy up your garden only to find you can’t do it because the tools you need aren’t working properly). The fact is that investing in better quality tools will cost you more at the start, but they’ll last for years (with a bit of TLC), so you won’t have to keep replacing them, and that means you’ll actually spend less money overally – plus you’ll know you’ve got reliable tools to use when you need them.
Look for durable materials like stainless steel, and go for an ergonomic design where you can because then the tools will be easier and more comfortable to use, so you’ll pick it up more often and be able to work for long, giving you a better end result.
Plant Fruit Trees And Edible Plants
Why not let your garden help you out and do double duty by growing your own food? Fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables are long-term investments that really do keep on giving as long as you do your bit when it comes to taking care of them because once they’re established, they’ll give you a steady stream of tasty fresh produce, which means you don’t have to buy it in a supermarket anymore. That’s sure to save you money, but on top of that, it’s healthier, fresher, and better for the environment because there are literally no food miles involved!
Start small with easy-to-grow things like tomatoes, herbs, and strawberries, and then, as you see what you can do and how to do it, you can add more produce so you end up with plenty of choice and lots of menu ideas.