I couldn't afford a new patio, so used a 10p hack to transform it with flowers – it's so colourful & stops weeds growing

The Sun

14-06-2025

A new patio in the UK typically costs between £80-£150 per square meter, but it depends on the materials and layout.
So a typical homeowner could end up paying a few hundred, to thousands to get a new one.
Amy on Facebook didn't have that kind of money to sort her patio out.
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Instead, she came up with a genius idea to transform her wonky slabs, into an area she would love.
Posting in the Facebook group Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, she said: "On a very tight budget, I couldn't stretch to funding a new patio.
"So, last year, I bought some ground covering seeds and planted them between some of my wonky pavers.
"I'm thrilled with how they now look but, the amount of bees that have been collecting the nectar from them is incredible. I'm so pleased."
She added a photograph of the results, showing her wonky patio slabs covered with gorgeous purple, white and blue flowers.
As for what flowers she sowed, replying to a comment, Amy said: "Mixed ground cover," and said it "will bring new life to your garden/patio".
She "added a little sand to the compost" which she was advised to do so by her local garden centre because "the sand stabilises the wonky pavers".
Her post has received 11,000 likes so far and hundreds of comments.
One replied: "I absolutely love this idea! I have a horrible concrete area that I cover with benches and pots! Also have an old paved area all sunken forever taking out the weeds in between! Thank you for the great idea x."
Can you find the hidden bee amongst the flowers in this tricky brainteaser-
Someone else wrote: "I think that looks lovely & far nicer than a new boring patio, it looks how nature would have intended it to look with plants tumbling out if cracks & crevices."
One comment read: "It looks so pretty! Love your solution and how nice that it's attracted pollinators too."
Another said they make a great replacement for pesky weeds: "Oh I love this. I'm going to pulled out those weeds and put in seeds."
Someone else was keen to know if any weeds grew amongst her flowers. They asked: "That looks lovely. Do you have any problems with weeds pushing through too?"
Amy replied: "I have had a couple yes, but by and large, the flowers are winning the 'cosy' and limited space."
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How to grow flowers between your patio slabs
1. Clean the area
Remove any weeds or debris from the cracks between your patio slabs. A weeding tool or a stiff brush can help with this.
Make sure the holes are at least six inches deep to help roots develop.
2. Fill with soil and compost
Use a mix of soil and compost to fill the cracks.
3. Choose your plants
Opt for low-growing, spreading plants that can tolerate foot traffic.
Some good choices are: thyme, chamomile, creeping speedwell, dwarf mondo grass, daisies.
4. Plant
If using seeds, mix them with a little compost and sand and push them into the cracks.
For plug plants, carefully remove and gently plant them into the cracks. Fill any surrounding gaps with compost.
5. Water
Water the seeds thoroughly and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells, until the plants are established.
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.