I'm a gardening expert, my £10 tricks will totally transform your garden with minimum effort but will have a high impact

The Sun

25-05-2025

WITH summer right around the corner, Brits are itching to get back out into their gardens.
But, a well-designed outdoor space isn't just for show – it could boost your home's value by a whopping 20% - a staggering £53,480 based on the average house price.
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Alison MacLean, property expert at the award-winning national housebuilder, St. Modwen Homes, has revealed five budget-friendly garden upgrades that could add serious value to your outdoor space this summer…
Maximise light and shade
While simply owning a south facing garden is enough to boost your property's value - regardless of your outdoor orientation, finding a way to make the most of British summertime is key.
Those with a north or east facing garden will find their outdoor spaces are naturally shadier.
Prioritise lighter areas by adding seating or decking, and in the shadier areas, focus on brightening with shadow loving plants, painting fences in lighter colours, and adding reflective surfaces such as mirrors and water features.
For west or south facing gardens, zoning can help to create shady retreats.
Planting taller trees on the west side of your garden can provide cooling coverage from the afternoon heat, and installing small structures can help to create shaded areas to spend time throughout the day.
If you have more money to invest, a pergola can be a great option, or a more budget-friendly parasol can be bought for as little as £10 to provide a similar effect.
If you're lucky enough to have a newbuild home and a blank canvas to work from, track the sunlight before making any big decisions—understanding how it moves through your space will help you create a garden that's both practical and primed for the sunniest days.
Put down some roots
Although obvious, adding plants and flowers to your garden can be one of the most costs-effective, and transformative, ways to boost your curb appeal.
Choose plants that will thrive in the space you have and that also meet your budget.
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Marigolds and pansies are both excellent choices for those who want to create instant bursts of colour without the wait – ideal for a brand-new garden.
Raised wooden vegetable or herb gardens are an easy way to grow homegrown produce, and of course, earn garden bragging rights.
They're equally functional as they are aesthetic, and cost on average around £200 to build.
Create a sense of privacy
Incorporating trees, hedges or climbing plants can be a perfect way to create visual barriers.
If speed is a priority, bamboo is fast-growing option, and for those willing to play the long game, a clematis can also make for a beautiful privacy screen over time.
Looking to add a structural element? Trellis is a fantastic choice and can cost just £15 - £20 per panel.
Whether it's built alongside fences to support climbing plants or used to zone off standalone areas of the garden, it's a versatile upgrade that offers a huge amount of creativity in its use.
Improve your lawn health
A well-kept lawn requires some effort but makes an enormous difference to your outdoor space.
With the British summertime as unpredictable as ever – as well as regular mowing, keep an eye on whether your lawn needs some extra hydration.
For homeowners that have purchased a new build, don't just cross your fingers and hope for the best - freshly laid turf may need some extra love and care.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. "
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add.
'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
"Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.'
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros.
However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Watering once a week or less if the weather is damp, with collected rainwater, can help your new garden to establish itself to remain green all year round.
Adding mulch is also cost-effective way to improve your soil and grass health without breaking the bank and can cost as little as £110. Think of it as a superfood for your garden – but without the hefty price tag.
Keep it secure
A sure-fire way to boost your property's value is to improve your garden security.
Ensuring you have robust fencing, strategically planted borders and gates with strong locks and bolts are all basic measures to undertake, but what other things can be done to deter unwanted intruders?
Motion-activated lights are a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution, and are best placed near access points such as back doors or gates.
Opting for gravel paths can also make it more challenging for an intruder to approach quietly at a budget-friendly cost of just £10-£30 per square meter.