If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, consider planting some flowers so they’re blooming and thriving by the time the weather gets really hot.
Just because you want beautiful blooms, though, doesn’t mean that you have to spend an absolute fortune on your garden – contrary to popular belief.
TikTok user Cleo Masterson showed people how they can brighten and refresh their garden borders on a budget.
First, Cleo dug up the existing plants that she had in the border and topped the soil back up so her plants had enough to thrive in. She ensured that the layer of soil was thick and flat so the plants could grow properly when they were placed back into the border.
She then planted some beautiful blooms, saying that people need to “get themselves to B&M ». They can pay just £5 for the hydrangea she’s been “obsessed with”.
She then planted hollyhocks, saying that they have “the most gorgeous flowers” when they’re in full bloom. Next up, Cleo planted some lavender in the border, joking: “I’m hoping the lavender will stop the cat using this as a litter tray”.
Primrose shares: “Luckily, lavender plants come with a scent that’s nice for us but unappealing for felines.
“These purple flowers are evergreen, so they act as a year-round deterrent. Choose the tall varieties and plant them at the front of your borders as cats won’t jump over if they can’t see where they’ll land.”
Cleo then planted viola as part of her border as well. The combination of all these flowers will ensure that her border is looking glorious in a few months’ time.
Next, she added “a little water” to the plants, admitting that there were “more flowers to be added, hence the spaces”.
Cleo also added some mushroom-shaped solar lights to the border, so when it’s dark, the border will still be lit up and visible.
A pack of 12 mushroom-shaped solar lights will set you back just £5 from B&M, so it’s worth the investment as they can be placed into the ground, much like the flowers.
More jobs to do in your garden this spring
- Clear debris: Remove leaves, sticks, and any dead plant material that may have accumulated over winter.
- Weed removal: Pull out weeds before they have a chance to grow and spread seeds.
- Tidy up paths: Sweep and clean garden paths, patios, or decking areas.
- Turn the soil: Loosen compacted soil with a fork or tiller to allow better root growth and drainage.
- Add compost or fertiliser: Enrich the soil with compost, organic matter, or a slow-release fertiliser to promote healthy plant growth.
- Early seeds and bulbs: Plant cool-season crops like onions, peas, lettuce, and spinach, or flowers like pansies, snapdragons, and violas.
- Perennials and shrubs: Plant perennials, shrubs, and trees while the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
- Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around beds and borders to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve the soil.
- Look for pests: Check for slugs, snails, and other pests that may emerge in spring, and use environmentally-friendly deterrents if needed.
- Encourage wildlife: Put out nesting boxes, bird feeders, or small ponds to attract beneficial wildlife like birds, bees, and frogs to your garden.
