by Steve Martin

Created on: August 31, 2006   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

There are many household items that can be picked up for next to nothing at jumble sales and car boot sales that can look excellent when strategically placed in a garden. Painted plates can be hung on walls and fences to add colour and a Mediterranean feel to a garden. Mirrors can be hung behind bushes to make the garden seem larger and more densely planted. Ornamental mirrors (wrought-iron etc) look fantastic.

Lighting can be highly effective.There is no need to spend a lot of money. Christmas lights can snake among trellis or branches to add an exotic touch of light. Solar lights are cheap, avoid the need for wiring and give a nice, subtle light.

There are places that produce very cheap garden furniture. Sheltered accommodation for those with learning difficulties often have carpentry shops. Prisons sometimes have excellent garden shops. Many organisations like this are not allowed to advertise as they use free labour and can undercut local businesses, so it is important to look around.

If you pass an impressive garden, ask the owner about his or her plants. Skilled gardeners are some of the most generous people around in terms of advice. soemtimes it is possible to pick up cuttings etc as well.

Putting plants in pots as opposed to planting directly in the ground. This allows for great flexibility in terms of garden design. It is also worth bearing in mind that it is easy and cheap to make your own, impressive pots (e.g. spray-painting buckets, using old watering cans etc). Planting in pots also gives flexibility as to the type of compost used and the variety of plants you are able to grow (Alpines etc).

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