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Summer is when all the work that went into the garden in spring truly gets to shine. Everyone is naturally spending more time outside, and there’s nothing like taking in all of the bright and beautiful flowers in full bloom and enjoying fresh vegetables from the garden at the dinner table.
With all the effort that already goes into setting up the perfect outdoor living space, it can be tempting to stop there. Or, you might be someone who loves regularly caring for and updating their garden to look as lovely and manicured as possible. Either way, there are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to take a beautiful garden even further and bring a thoughtfully curated and high-end look to life.
Even something as simple as how you style your plants can make a big difference in your garden’s presentation. Small touches and additions like lighting that create warmth and ambience or playing around with textures and accents that feel upscale can elevate your garden. And the great thing is, you don't have to overspend to make it happen.
Just a few well-placed additions and thoughtful layout and design ideas can take your garden from basic to beautiful, and this guide can help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer.
15 Cheap Summer Garden Upgrades That Look Expensive
Below are some simple garden upgrades that will have you covered on everything from beginner-friendly hacks to lighting and decor tweaks that make a big impact on a budget.
High-End Hardscaping Hacks
Mulch
Mulch isn’t just good for your garden; it’s also a budget-friendly way to make your flowers stand out. It gives any garden a clean, crisp display, all while helping the soil stay cooler during the summer heat too.
Pea Gravel
Around your planters, flower beds and beyond, pea gravel is another low-maintenance way to accent your garden that looks way more expensive than it actually is. At about $5 a bag, it’s a noticeable upgrade that’s incredibly affordable and easy to apply.
Define Garden Borders
Using elements like bricks, stones and rocks to create a neat border around your garden can make your outdoor space look upscale and intentional. For some inspiration, these garden edging ideas are a great starting point.
Water Features
Small fountains and birdbaths are an eye-catching, peaceful addition to any garden. Water features can be expensive, but small, solar or DIY options can add an elevated feel for less.
Lighting Tricks That Mimic Boutique Resorts
String Lights
The garden might not be the first place you think to hang string lights in your yard, but draped on a trellis, wrapped around trees or styled strategically, they can create a stunning and unforgettable atmosphere.
Solar Lights
Lots of solar-powered lights are extremely affordable and give your garden a warm and elevated feel. Sunken solar disks, solar stakes, lanterns and more are all cheap upgrades that can give your garden an elegant glow.
Globe Lights
Arranged along a garden border or in between flower beds, globe lights are a stylish, versatile choice. They come in different colors and sizes, and they bring a fun, modern look to your garden.
LED Curtain Lights
LED curtain lights can create an enchanting garden backdrop and a twinkling, magical atmosphere on garden fences and walls.
Related: 13 Bird Bath Ideas to Make Your Garden a Feathered Paradise
Plant Styling Tricks That Look Professionally Landscaped
Trellis
Trellises are a garden staple, turning unused vertical space into a charming focal point. They also come in lots of different styles, and are a dreamy touch.
Garden Arch
Like trellises, garden arches are another impressive feature that draws the eye and effortlessly transforms your garden with whimsy.
Statement Planters
Playing around with sizes and styles of your planters can help emphasize them and make a statement that feels high-end.
Color Coordination
Sticking to shades of flowers that complement each other or that are all the same color can give your garden a cohesive, elevated look.
Luxury Textures and Decor Tweaks
Weatherproof Outdoor Mirrors
Around the house, mirrors are an easy way to elevate your space and make it feel brighter and larger. That same idea can apply to your garden thanks to mirrors that are weatherproofed for the outdoors. They'll make your garden feel bigger and more whimsical.
Vessels With a High-End Look (But Aren’t)
Planters, urns and containers that feel high-end but are far more affordable in reality are a simple upgrade with a big impact. There are plenty of budget-friendly picks from stores like Wayfair that look like they’re concrete, marble and limestone but are actually a lot cheaper than they seem. And you can even DIY your own for less too!
Floating Solar Fountains
A floating solar fountain is an example of a small water feature that’s also inexpensive. It’s a dreamy, elegant touch that’s an easy addition because it conveniently runs on power from the sun without any outlets or cords needed.
These summer garden upgrades prove you don't need to spend a lot to step up the look and feel of your garden. From the right lighting to styling tips to design elements, your garden can feel and look like luxury at budget-friendly prices with these easy summer garden upgrades.
Related: Building a 'Secret Garden' Is the Ultimate Offline Experience
