After your garden has spent winter getting battered by wind, rain and the occasional bit of frost, Spring is the ideal time to give the space a fresh look, especially if you’re gearing up to enjoy it in the warmer months. Happily, you don’t necessarily need to spend a bomb doing the job either; a few inexpensive materials and a bit of know-how can go a long way.
We can help with a lot of that here at RC Screws, with our extensive range of wood screws, decking and timber screws, and a variety of other fixings. And if you need a bit of inspiration to help you get started, here are our top five suggestions!
Decorative mulch
One of the most affordable ways to revamp your garden is by adding decorative mulch. It’s a simple solution that provides immediate aesthetic appeal, as well as a couple of practical benefits. Pebbles, pine cones, shells, or gravel can all be used to create a neat and tidy appearance. Mulch also enhances the look of flower beds and borders, making them stand out without costing a lot of money.
In addition to its visual appeal, mulch serves several functional purposes. It suppresses weeds, locks in moisture, and helps protect plant roots from extreme temperatures. Mulch also insulates the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help your plants thrive year-round. It’s never a bad idea to get started with!
Plant an herb garden
Another fantastic way to improve your garden on a budget is to plant an herb garden. Herbs are easy to grow and don’t require a lot of space, making them perfect for small gardens or even container gardening. Whether you have a small balcony, a windowsill, or a larger outdoor area, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh flavours in your cooking while saving money on your weekly shop.
Some popular herbs to consider include rosemary, basil, thyme, parsley, and mint. Not only do they all smell wonderful, but they also attract pollinators like bees, which can be beneficial for other plants in your garden. All you need to get started are some basic pots, good-quality compost, and seeds or starter plants. (And of course, a can-do attitude – but if you’re reading this, you’ve got that covered already!)
Make a birdhouse
Creating a DIY birdhouse is another fantastic project that you may well find very rewarding – and it’s also a fun way to involve the family. It’s an easy way to make your garden more inviting to wildlife, particularly birds. A birdhouse provides shelter, gives a bit of extra charm to your space, and offers a fun opportunity to teach children about nature and wildlife.
You don’t need to spend a lot on materials either – old wood, leftover paint, and screws you might already have at home will all work perfectly. When building your birdhouse, you’ll want to use galvanised or rust-resistant screws to ensure durability outdoors. Once finished, place your birdhouse in a tree or on a post in your garden. Not only will it attract birds, but it will also give your garden a personal, handmade touch that you can enjoy for years to come.
Upcycle old furniture
Upcycling is a fantastic way to give new life to old furniture while saving money (and in the current economy, that’s never unwelcome!). Instead of spending a fortune on new garden furniture, you might want to consider repurposing items you already have or picking up second-hand furniture from charity shops or online marketplaces. Wooden chairs, tables, and even old crates can be transformed into stylish garden features with a little creativity and effort.
For example, you could sand down and repaint an old wooden bench to give it a fresh appearance. Alternatively, you could turn an old chest of drawers into a vertical planter for a quirky touch. If you’re upcycling wood, make sure to use screws suitable for outdoor use, such as those made of stainless steel or coated to prevent rusting.
Revamp your fencing
Fencing can be one of the more expensive elements of a garden makeover, but with a little ingenuity, you can revitalise your fence without your wallet taking a massive hit. If your fence is in good structural condition but looks worn out, you might want to give it a fresh coat of paint or wood stain. It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference, especially if you choose a colour that complements the rest of your garden.
If the fence has damaged panels or sections, you don’t have to replace the entire thing. Simply replacing the damaged parts with new panels and reinforcing them with sturdy, weather-resistant screws can make the fence look as good as new. You could also consider adding climbing plants like ivy or roses to soften the appearance and bring a touch of greenery.
Those are just a couple of our ideas – you might well have plenty of your own! Whatever the case, we’re always here to help at RC Screws. We have all fasteners and fixings and more for the very best prices – so whatever type of screw you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it right here! And of course, if you’d ever like to double-check with a member of our friendly team to make sure you’re choosing the correct screws for your project, just give us a call at 01254 917744 – and we’ll be happy to help!