NOW that warmer weather has finally arrived in the UK, Brits will be looking to take advantage of their gardens this summer.
From having friends over for a garden BBQ to simply relaxing in the sunshine, those with gardens are set to be making the most of what they’ve got at home.
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According to a study by Paving Shopper, 87 per cent of UK households have access to a garden, which highlights the importance of outdoor spaces in British life.
Many won’t want their gardens to be an eyesore, but with the cost-of-living crisis still having a tight hold on people’s purses, it can be difficult to fork out on lots of new products for the garden.
This is why there is a viral plant that everyone is raving about, as it’ll add a Mediterranean touch to your garden for cheap.
Even better, some of the main supermarkets are currently selling olive trees at bargain prices, so you won’t need to look far for them.
Shoppers are taking to TikTok to share their excitement about the plants, whilst also suggesting where to get them from.
One account, which goes by the name of ‘jl_23home’, shared a video urging other gardening fans to “run” to their local Lidl after finding one for £16.99.
After purchasing two for her garden, she explained: “Now I’m all for those huge ones, and I did really want them BUT this is my first time ever with real plants so if I can keep these two alive I bet you not I’m having those extra large ones next year.”
Her video received 242.7K views after just two days of being shared, as 1,962 people liked it and 43 people rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Many suggested other places where they had also got theirs, as a gardening fan mentioned that they got one for £15 from Tesco.
Another person mentioned that they got theirs for £8 in Asda.
Glam up your garden
A DIY enthusiast and savvy saver has revealed some clever tricks that will glam up your garden for cheap.
Shelley Carline revamped her grubby patio for just £20 after being determined to make her “garden look good without spending a fortune.”
Using black and white paint, Shelley crafted a striking checkerboard design on her patio, spending just £20.
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She proudly shared: “Made a huge difference, was a lot cheaper and easier than laying new flagstones and it’s lasted well.”
Shelly continued: “Our outdoor kitchen was built entirely from materials we had left from other jobs.”
Additionally, Shelley used the same black and white paint to refresh her garden furniture for just £20, giving it a stylish new look without splashing out.
May gardening jobs
The Sun’s Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.
