Easy garden ideas – 34 low-maintenance ways to enhance your outdoor space

If you struggle to make time for gardening or are simply looking for quick ways to transform your space, you're probably in need of a few easy garden ideas.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can enhance your space without spending hours in the garden. Whether you're looking for budget garden ideas or simple patio ideas that won't break the bank (or your schedule), there's plenty of room for creativity.

We've rounded up our favourite easy-maintenance garden ideas to help you manage your time in the garden and achieve its best look yet.

Garden ideas

Transforming your garden doesn't need to be a vast and overwhelming task. Sometimes a bit of paint and a few tweaks can turn a concrete block into an oasis.

Whether you're not much of a gardener and need some easy maintenance garden ideas or are just looking for simple ways to overhaul your garden instantly this weekend, we've rounded up some of the best tips we've learned from garden designers and planting pros over the years.

1. Grow micro herbs in small spaces

If you're looking for easy garden ideas for small spaces, grow micro herbs for quick-win harvests that can be used in cocktails, sandwiches and other dishes.

Growing your own is the gardening trend that seems to, well, grow every year, and the beauty of herb garden ideas is that there are options for every garden size. If you're looking for small garden ideas, you can even grow micro herbs under the windowsill to save space.

'Micro herbs are a great way to bring that punchy aromatic flavour to your favourite drinks and dishes, and are easy to grow and maintain in a small space,' says Tom Massey, award-winning landscape designer and author of RHS Resilient Garden, speaking in collaboration with Herefordshire born Chase Gin & Vodka.

'Simply choose your favourite herb and sprinkle your seeds in shallow trays filled with potting soil (micro herbs only require light germination, so do not need to be covered in soil), ensuring there are holes for water drainage.'

2. Give companion planting a go

Companion planting is an effective, totally natural way to help your plants thrive. In essence, you'll need to select a combination of plants that work in harmony with each other to repel pests, attract beneficial insects and even enhance the flavour of fruit and vegetables.

There are so many companion planting ideas to choose from, and each will encourage your vegetable patch or flower border to look after itself. They make super easy maintenance garden ideas and help protect your plants from garden plant pests so you don't have to waste precious time finding solutions to get rid of them yourself.

3. Add colour with plant pots

A gorgeous garden wouldn’t be complete without some colour. For easy garden ideas in grassless gardens, plant up a range of pots with spring-flowering bulbs – or buy some pre-planted containers – and dot them around the space.

If you can’t wait a month or two for your bright blooms, make sure the pots you choose are cheery and colourful.

You can even change the colour of your pots with the seasons. 'You can paint these yourself using acrylic paint or look into getting some new ones,' says Jon Saeed, managing director at Lighting Legends. 'Choose brighter colours in the summer months and more moody and darker colours in the autumn and winter.'

4. Create hides for wildlife

If you're looking for easy wildlife garden ideas, there are plenty of low-effort projects you can try to boost biodiversity – and you'll likely have the materials to hand already.

'If you have any leftover materials from summer garden projects, you can use these to create hides for wildlife,' says Johanna Elvidge, a landscape design expert at Marshalls Plc. 'For example, logs, leftover rocks and bricks can create cubbies for insects and small animals. As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, wildlife will be grateful for this protection.'

5. Utilise gravel for a low maintenance garden

Gravel garden ideas have slowly been gathering speed as a popular gardening trend. It's one of the best easy maintenance garden ideas that will not only help keep weeds under control but also look super chic.

All you need is to choose a suitable liner for the garden and choose where the pockets of plants are going to go so you can make space for them. Then, simply fill the rest of the gaps in with gravel. That way, there's no lawn to mow and no weeds to tackle. That doesn't mean you can't grow anything there, though.

'People expect not to be able to grow on this stony ground and I think that's a lot of the problem with kind of more traditional approach,' explains garden designer Jon Davies of Wild City Studio. 'There's a wealth of beautiful wildflowers that grow in these very stony locations. That's actually what they really need.

'You create these spaces that are full of crushed stone and concrete, and they're very stressed environments – so you can't get the nettles and the brambles growing there. Instead, you get this flush of beautiful wildflowers.'

6. Spruce up your table and chairs

If you have to leave your furniture outside during the winter months, they can look a little unloved come spring. One of the easiest budget garden ideas has to be simply giving them a refresh with a new colour.

‘Chalk Paint™ loves the great outdoors! It offers an inexpensive way to freshen up garden furniture, fencing, plant pots, sheds, and even walls,' says paint and colour expert Annie Sloan.

'Choose bright colours to bring extra impact to your garden even when flowers aren’t blooming. Or use cool-toned pinks and neutrals to create sophisticated, minimalist-chic exterior spaces.'

7. Upgrade your lighting

As with our interiors, garden lighting ideas are key, and a well-lit garden will set the scene as the sun dips down and help to not only allow you to walk around safely, but to create a cosy feel, too.

‘Try adding layers of light to allow flexibility, depending on the time of day and the ambience you want to achieve,' suggests Marketa Rypacek, managing director at Industville. 'Wall lights will provide practical illumination for mixing cocktails and drinks preparations, whilst pendant lights will keep lighting soft to create a wonderful ambience.'

Looking through the easy garden ideas lens, we'd advise adding in more decorative, ad hoc lighting as needed if you don't have the time or budget to install wall or path lights. Think LED candles, lanterns and festoon lighting.

'Always ensure you opt for good quality outdoor lights that are compatible with LED bulbs,' adds Marketa. 'These are energy efficient and have incredibly long lives, making them the perfect sustainable choice.'

8. Line a path with stepping stones

Create interest with a stepping stone garden path idea that meanders down to the bottom of the garden. Understated and practical, their irregular nature makes them a good alternative to a straight path. Plus it’s a cost-effective easy-maintenance garden idea to update your garden with.

Consider limestone, sandstone or slate to add texture. Choose gravel to achieve a stylish rustic look.

9. Install raised beds for easy gardening

More and more of us are learning how to start a small vegetable garden, and raised beds are ideal if you want more space. You can make your own with planks, but if you don’t have the space, then consider a design that has height and length over width.

‘Summer flowering bulbs like dahlias, lilies and gladioli can be planted in raised beds in the spring for a burst of colour and fragrance in the summer months, and make great cut flowers for the home,' advises Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies. 'Begonia corms can also be planted now in containers for early summer colour.'

10. Add in solar lighting

The beauty of solar lights vs battery-powered garden lights is that you don’t have to do anything, yet you get beautiful ambient lighting. And, you’re not harming the environment – if that doesn't fall under the umbrella of easy garden ideas, then what does?

There are plenty of stylish designs to choose from. We particularly like paper lantern-style designs, available on Amazon, that suit rustic gardens. They can add a pop of colour, too.

11. Pop up a pergola

Pergola ideas add shade, zone an area and extend your living space. They’re also a wonderful space for entertaining, and all you need to do is choose a design that suits your space.

‘Think about what you'll use the pergola for as this will determine the style and type of materials you'll want to introduce,' advises Reilly Gray, co-founder of Suns Lifestyle. 'For instance, a decorative wood frame will add a more traditional feel (and require more maintenance), whereas one in 100% aluminium will have a contemporary finish whilst being more robust, low maintenance, rust-proof and suitable for use all-year-round,'

'Aluminium will also last a lot longer than wood, and the problem with wooden pergolas is that once the wood gets wet, it can drip sap on the furniture below and ruin it. The powder-coated aluminium will never fade and will look the same forever.'

12. Adorn a patio with fairy lights

Create a sparkling canopy of fairy lights above your outdoor seating area for one of the most magical easy garden ideas. It will set a wonderful scene and add ambient light, too.

'Extend your living space and create an enchanting fairy light canopy so you can enjoy evenings in the garden as dusk begins to fall,' says Hannah Willis, product executive at Lights4Fun.

'Daisy-chain multiple sets of fairy lights together and string the lights back and forth, up above the decking, attaching to pergola posts and wooden beams. Secure in place with cable ties for a fuss-free setup that’ll give your garden a simple yet effective refresh throughout the summer.'

13. Furnish an old greenhouse

With the UK weather always being slightly hit and miss, it pays to have a backup if you’re planning on having a gathering with friends and family. This is where a greenhouse can come in handy.

‘Looking to extend the brighter evenings and make the most of your outside space?,' asks says Nelly Hall, brand director of greenhouse company Alitex. 'With just a bit of imagination, you can use easy garden ideas to transform your greenhouse in the perfect setting for some alfresco entertaining – even if the Great British weather does threaten to scupper your supper!

'Dress your dining table with botanical textiles and flowers from the garden, and use plush cushions and blankets to bring a sense of texture and warmth. For some extra wow-factor, impress your guests by using delicate edible flowers as garnish, or infuse your favourite gin with some homegrown flavours such as basil and cucumber or rosemary and ginger.'

14. Create seating zones

Many people think of garden zones being created from structural additions. While it is true that planters, walls, screens and hedges can help to separate areas, one of our easy garden ideas is simply using cleverly positioned seating.

'Zoning your garden will make the space feel bigger and give everyone their own space in nature,' says Chris Bonnett, owner of Gardening Express. 'Dividing the garden up into different areas with different purposes can make the space feel more organised and is a simple way to make the most of every inch of green space.'

Create various seating areas in one space by making them all feel distinct from one another. For example, a table and chairs for dining, a hanging seat or hammock for chill time, and casual seating areas delineated with an outdoor rug.

15. Fake a living wall

Brighten up the side of a shed or drab brickwork by fixing a couple of vertical panels. Paint this a bright colour to make a statement, or allow it to blend in with the rest of the colours in the space. Add sturdy hooks to hang bucket planters and fill them with herbs or trailing plants to create a living wall on a budget.

Another benefit of this type of easy garden idea is that you can easily switch these up with the seasons so there's always some good greenery.

16. Build on benches

Raised beds are having something of a moment – and for good reason. They look great and are incredibly practical for many planting styles. However, without utilising easy garden ideas, you may be missing a trick.

Utilise the sides of the beds to add benches for a built-in seating arrangement. Accessorise with cushions and blankets to complement or contrast your planting.

17. Have an outdoor blackboard

Sacrifice a section of a raised bed to create an area of deck with a giant blackboard and a covered sandpit for sunny day play. It will keep children amused for hours so you can relax with one eye on them.

Fix a peg rail to the underside of the lid for to provide space for hanging toys.

18. Turn an old stepladder into a plant stand

Create a vertical planting area by making use of an old stepladder. Lean it against a fence and pile it high with your potted plants and decorative elements.

Keep the wood unfinished for a country garden look, or sand back and paint in a bright shade to make a contemporary statement.

19. Embrace outdoor accessories

A few outdoor living room ideas can transform your garden into a hub for socialisation and relaxation.

Water-resistant rugs, comfy furniture, garden art and mirrors help to create a stylish area. Invest in one of the best patio heaters to stay snug and get more use out of your new space during spring and autumn.

All home decor is making a move outside this year, we've even seen a growing trend for styling cafe lamps and even pendant lights outdoors. Treat your garden patio the same as any other room in your home.

20. Grow a wildflower garden

Add corners of living foliage that won’t require constant upkeep, like a single bed of wildflowers penned in with sleepers or stones to stop them from spreading out of control.

Scatter mixed packets of wildflower seeds for the ultimate easy garden idea. To maintain your wildflower patch, you simply need to mow it back once in a while.

'To encourage perennial flowers and grasses to make good root development, it is important to mow the meadow in the first year after sowing,' advises the RHS. 'Cut to a height of 5cm (2in) after about six to eight weeks of growth, and repeat every two months throughout the first summer.'

21. Create a quiet corner

Make the focus of your garden on creating a feeling of serenity and wellness. Position a garden bench or furniture in a secluded corner to allow a space for quiet contemplation, surrounded by a thriving oasis of plants.

This example features a pergola frame to allow the garden to grow above the seating for a fully immersive experience.

22. Make your own hanging basket

For a super frugal and easy garden idea, learn how to plant a hanging basket.

If you have an old colander at home, you've got the perfect starting point. All you need is a liner, some compost and flowers to plant up, and you're done.

A DIY hanging basket is perfect for adding a splash of colour to a small garden that is short on floor space.

23. Take your old storage solutions outdoors

An old set of shelves is perfect for creating a budget-friendly potting table or your own vertical planter. Be sure to weatherproof your furniture so that will last through winter and summer. And why not consider giving it a colourful makeover with a pot of garden furniture paint?

24. Make a garden feel bigger with a mirror

If there is a dark, gloomy corner in your garden, try transforming it with a weatherproof mirror, positioned to create a focal point where there previously wasn’t anything to see but cobwebs.

In a small, enclosed area, garden mirror ideas can also create the illusion of space, making it an effective easy garden idea for making the most of your garden's size.

25. Lay artificial grass

If you’re itching for a lush green lawn, but don’t want to forego easy garden ideas then artificial grass is the answer. No longer a taboo, thanks to some super-realistic designs, you won’t be afraid to tell your neighbours what’s got them so green with envy.

Just make sure to give it a once over with a stiff bristled brush every so often, and it's one of the best easy maintenance garden ideas.

26. Make a feature of overgrown flowerbeds

This is less a traditional easy garden idea and more official permission to lay your pruning shears down! Leave your mint to spill out of its plant pot, and alpine heather to grow unruly. Sometimes, nature is best left to its own devices.

Give daily pruning a rest, and make your neglected a garden feature. Just make sure you keep plants well fed and pick plants that can handle a little tough love.

27. Plant 'indestructible' succulents

Instead of constantly battling with plants you just can’t seem to keep alive, consider investing in succulents that can cope without daily watering and are basically indestructible.

But if you fancy something scented, jasmine is a great pick for easy-maintenance garden ideas.

28. Upcycle a tired bench

Refresh your garden seating ideas by revamping old garden furniture.

Try moving a garden bench to a new spot and creating a quiet area for rest and relaxation. Dress it up with plenty of cushions and a seat pad and think about sprucing it up with fresh paint if it's been left untreated for a few years. We love this side table that doubles as a drinks cooler.

29. Choose seating that swings

Egg chairs and hanging chairs can up the style factor of a garden instantly, not to mention create a lovely space to relax. For a boho vibe, opt for an affordable hanging seat in a light canvas, or a rattan egg chair like the Elena Foldable Rattan Hanging Chair from The Range.

If you prefer cottage garden ideas, a more traditional swing seat with space for planters on either side might be a better option for a cohesive garden design scheme.

30. Plant herbs or bulbs in jars and tins

Why spend a fortune on planters when you could create a pretty display with recycled jam jars and food tins?

Just be careful to sand down any sharp edges before you pot them up, and remember to place a layer of stones at the base of jars and pop holes in the bottom of tins for drainage.

31. Paint the shed

A pretty potting shed or smart summerhouse can be the focal point of any garden, but a shabby one can really spoil the view. Cheer up an outhouse by learning how to paint a shed.

We'd choose a sage green, deep blue or charcoal grey. Alternatively, make a statement with a vibrant pink that will contrast with the garden greenery. 'Painting with black will give an urban and contemporary edge, while a soft sage green embodies a country cottage look,' adds Nelly from Alitex.

32. Tidy up the lawn with hidden edging

A neat edge will keep your garden looking tidy. Moulded plastic edging, hidden in the earth, keeps grass and weeds away from your beds and brick or stone edging and helps to frame your lawn. It's available at all good DIY stores and garden centres. Your friends will wonder how you did it!

Putting a border edging around your lawn keeps invasive plants where they belong and stops soil or mulch from spilling onto the grass.

33. Create a mini-outdoor kitchen

If you love entertaining, an outdoor kitchen area is a must, but it doesn't have to be expensive. You can build in a countertop to rest the best BBQ or the best pizza oven on if you have the space and skill.

However, we've recently seen some ingenious methods for faking expensive outdoor kitchen ideas by repurposing furniture and crates. For example, a potting table or some old kitchen cabinets can be turned into a worktop with storage. Or, you can stack old crates for a rustic look.

The key is again to think about the space the same way you would an indoor kitchen. Style it with a mini herb garden, proper crockery and a large wooden chopping board for that luxe indoor-outdoor look.

34. Hang a shade sail

Make the most of hot summer days and create a shady corner in which to sit and relax. A simple awning like this one is easy to create – you could recycle on old sail or even sheets.

A parasol in a bright pattern is another great garden shade idea that will add colour to your garden while creating a cool, shaded area for relaxing.

FAQs

What is the easiest type of garden?

If you're looking for easy garden ideas, you'll want to consider ways you can make your space as low-maintenance as possible. Adding low-maintenance lawn alternatives and selecting hardy plants that can withstand a little neglect are great ways to take a step back and let your garden look after itself.

Going for an entirely paved garden can also work well if you want to curb time spent on weeding. But if you miss the greenery, you might want to include borders and container plants to retain the natural aspect of your outdoor space.

How to I make my garden look nice with no money?

Keeping your garden neat and tidy will make a big difference. Ask friends and family if they have any old tools, unused tins of paint and ways to help you start growing.

‘Spending time in the garden can have just as much impact as spending money,' advises Nelly from Alitex. 'Simply weeding, cutting back any old deadwood and turning the soil will tidy up your pots, beds and borders, giving you a clean slate on which to start your new growing season.

'Local seed swaps are a great way to try growing new varieties of plants, fruits and vegetables – usually if you visit your local allotment, you’ll find a ‘seed library’ where people leave any unused seeds for others to use. Facebook is also a great place to find other local gardeners that might have seeds or seedlings to swap or give away.'

If you do need to buy new items, check out Facebook Marketplace for pieces in your local area, make use of garden discount codes when shopping online, and compile a list ready for sale season.

Which easy garden ideas will you be using to transform your outdoor space?