I'm a gardening guru

May 28, 2024

WITH summer being the months of garden parties and BBQs, it's likely you'll want your outdoor haven looking in tip top condition ready for your guests.

But if your garden is in desperate need of some TLC, then no fear...because gardening expert Fiona Jenkins has revealed several quick and easy ways you can transform your outdoor haven in an instant.

And there's no need to splash the cash either.

Instead, the gardening whizz has shared her top bargain buys from the likes of B&M, Home Bargains and The Range - and with prices starting from as little as 79p, you really can't go wrong...

Firstly, Fiona, who is MyJobQuote’s gardening expert, advises "softening" hard fences, walls and screens with easy-to-hang pots."

Offering a few examples, she suggests the chic black and gold New York Planters with hooks, which are only £4 each from B&M.

The gardening guru suggests that the beautiful planter is perfect for bringing dark luxury to any outdoor space and will make any garden stand out.

The gardening whizz is also a fan of the pretty pastel-hued Etruscan wall pots which can be snapped up from The Range for just £1.99 each.

Available in a variety of suitable sizes and shapes, they're a super simple yet effective way to add a splash of colour to your plants or flowers and to add a pop of brightness to your outdoor space.

"Go a step further by painting your own fence mural," Fiona suggests.

"Exterior wood paint such as Johnstone’s Paradise Petals and Cuprinol’s Purple Pansy paint can be picked up from B&M for under £10."

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She goes on to note that Wilko do their own brand, which only costs £6 for a one-litre tin.

"They have a host of on-trend colours such as Coastal Cliff, plus, tester pots cost as little as £1.50.

"These are useful for adding details to your mural."

To finish the look, Fiona recommends lighting up your artwork with B&M’s pretty solar floral string lights, which are currently in the sale for just £5.

The floral bulbs give out a cool white LED light and what's more is they automatically turn on at dusk, so there's no wiring required.

Fiona recommends brightening seating areas on sunny summer days with tropical colours and patterns - all of which are under £10 each.

First up, she suggests B&M’s luxury seat pads which cost just £8 and are an easy way to bring maximum comfort and add style to your garden seating.

Next, she recommends Home Bargains’ palm-leaved outdoor rug.

Available in a black, grey or green, decorative outdoor rugs are the perfect way to give your patio, decking or outdoor haven an instant glow up.

They can be used to define seating or dining areas in outdoor spaces, add colour and texture to patios or decks, or simply provide a soft and comfortable surface for bare feet.

Finally, she suggests heading to The Range to nab some summery bunting, which costs as little as 79p, and features the likes of flamingos, pineapples and watermelons.

"They're all priced under £10," she says. "So, it’s easy to do a quick and affordable makeover."

Alternatively, the gardening guru suggests giving your outdoor dining a Mediterranean feel.

"You could use Home Bargain’s Moroccan-style solar lanterns," she suggests.

The 'Firefly Round Lantern Solar Light' will help to create stunning outdoor lighting and can either be used as a table centrepiece or to hang outside.

Fiona also notes that you could make a statement by snapping up The Range’s rustic stone pots.

The chic design and rustic aesthetic will help to give your outdoor haven character, while it's made from durable cement, adding an interesting texture to your garden.

The gardening guru concludes by suggesting you can add a fruity twist with lemon-print tablewear, such as B&M’s picnic plates, which cost just £1.50 each, and the vibrant yellow bowls from Home Bargains, which retail at £5.96.

"They're both good options," she says.