In March, we see searches increase by 103% for garden furniture. But that’s not all. Tables and chairs jump 81% and lawn mowers increase 50%*. So we asked our in-house second-hand trends expert Hannah Rouch to share some of her top garden makeover tips. Read on to learn how to find the best sustainable and second-hand purchases to bring your garden to life.
Garden makeover tips
- Get your paintbrush out. Just like you would indoors, think about how colour can add to your garden space. Opting for black and neutrals can create a relaxed and modern look. While a pop of colour on furniture can create a fun and playful feel.
- Weather-proof your garden. Paint can transform tired garden furniture from faded to fantastic. For longevity, make sure you use a weather-proof spray paint on metal or an outdoor fence paint on wood and add a glaze of varnish where needed. This will keep it looking fresh year after year.
- Optimise your space. If your garden is small, look for second-hand mirrors to mount on walls or simply rest on outdoor furniture. This creates intrigue as well as the feeling of light and space in darker corners.
When introducing reflected items into your garden please be cautious to avoid starting a fire. or more details Gardeningetc has tips on how to safely use your garden mirror.
More tips
- The bigger the pot, the better. Savings can be made by buying plant pots second-hand – you can get beautifully aged terracotta at a bargain. In small spaces, planting a handful of the biggest pots you can find will create a more cohesive and relaxing feel than lots of little ones. Your plants will be happier, too! Bigger pots can also act as a blank canvas for you to put your own mark on and make them truly unique to you.
- Get creative with landscaping. Hard landscaping can cost a small fortune. But you can pick up paving slabs, sleepers and giant stones for a snip second-hand from local sellers on Gumtree. Often people will have discards they don’t need. Plus you’ll be able to give them another lease of life instead of going to landfill.
- Sweep your space. You can save a fortune by buying tools second-hand on Gumtree, and they often come beautifully pre-loved. In small, paved spaces, you can get by with a good hand-trowel, broom and dustpan and brush. Though these are crucial whatever size garden you have!
*Source: Gumtree internal data – week on week comparison to March 27th 2022
