17 Upcycling Garden Ideas on a Budget

There’s so many upcycling garden ideas out there, each with their own unique looks and aesthetic. Whether you’re on a strict budget and need some low maintenance ideas to get your garden glowing, or you’re becoming more eco conscious and need some upcycling tips to get your sustainability journey started, there’s an upcycling garden idea for everyone.

How upcycling can make your garden look nice on a budget

Upcycling is the practice of taking something used and repurposing it to something of greater or different value. Utilising this mentality of sustainable consumption, you can create an elegant, modern garden space with old objects around your home and little to no money. You’ll not only give your garden a makeover, but you’ll prevent additional plastic wastage.

The knack with these is to get creative! A bottle simply isn’t a bottle, it can be so many different things, you just need to look at it with a creative mind. Using creativity in your garden upcycling projects will bring something unique to your outside space, as well as giving you many mental health benefits along the way.

1. Wine & spirit bottle candles

This is a classic garden upcycling idea that will give your outside space a rustic, authentic feel. Use bottles of spirits, wine and soft drinks you love, as not only do they keep your garden lit at night, they’re also fantastic conversation starters. All you need for this upcycle trick is a bag of cheap tea lights and a way to cut the bottom off your bottles.

2. Upcycled garden benches

A low maintenance upcycling idea that once done, will give you seating for years to come. You’ll need some old lengths of wood, breezeblocks and construction adhesive to complete this look. Or, you can upcycle whatever objects you have around your home to make a DIY bench. They look great in borders, or on block paved pathways.

3. DIY garden shed bar

Throughout the pandemic, back garden bars were popping up everywhere. With a small shed or covered space, a few shelves and a splash of creativity, you can give your garden a much-needed makeover.

Dust out the old shed, give it a lick of paint, throw in a bar area and your chosen drinks, and you have somewhere that can be used all year round. This upcycling idea is fantastic as there’s so much room to make it personalised to your tastes.

4. Watering can & wheelbarrow planters

Old wheelbarrows and watering cans are so common, and can be easily upcycled into planters. With a selection of traditional watering cans and a wheelbarrow, you can give your garden a rustic look from end to end. Simply fill with your favourite flowers and plants.

5. Grow your own vegetables

Although this isn’t directly upcycling, it’s definitely worth a mention as there are so many ingenious ways growing your own vegetables can make your garden look amazing. And not only is it cheap, you get the reward of eating your produce too! You can even upcycle old cans and toilet roll tubes to make seedling planters.

6. Pallet seating

Need some seating space fast? If you’re on a budget, pallets make a great garden seating idea. Pallets are often free; you can get them from friends, or go to a local builders merchant who can give you a good deal. With a lick of paint, some cushions and a thoughtful arrangement on natural stone paving, you’ll have the best boujee upcycled sofa space.

7. Tile plant tags

This is a fun upcycling idea the entire family can get involved with. With some old popsicle sticks, a few pieces of old white tiles and some paints, you can get your garden fully labelled. You’ll be able to see exactly what you’re growing, whilst your guests will see a haven of growth and creativity.

8. Jar & can planters

We cycle through jars and cans at an alarming rate, and aluminium cans especially have a harmful impact on our environment. Let’s upcycle them for a better purpose in our gardens! You can upcycle jars and cans into small garden planters; they’re perfect for cacti, herbs and even holding cutlery.

9. Tree trunk seats & footstools

When giving your garden a makeover, it’s likely you might be taking a tree down. Don’t just throw it away! This upcycling idea is incredibly low maintenance, as once done, logs can be used for a multitude of things. A seat, a footstool, a table or even a glorious pedestal for your plants.

10. Colander hanging baskets

Hanging baskets can be surprisingly expensive, so why not stick to your budget by using colanders? You can upcycle colanders into beautiful baskets by attaching twine and hanging them outside your home. Not only do hanging baskets give you extra space to grow, they’re scientifically proven to give yourself something pleasing in direct eyesight.

11. Wall tire planters

When you think of upcycling ideas for the garden, repurposing tires is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. You or a friend might have some old tires about; with some paint, rope and flowers, they make a great garden wall feature piece.

12. Left over tiles

If you’ve recently renovated your patio, kitchen or bathroom, you might have some decorative Victorian style tiles left over. You can upcycle these to make a sophisticated backsplash to your outdoor dining or gardening area.

13. Create your own table centrepiece

A centrepiece can make your guests experience a night to remember! You can upcycle so many home items, such as wine crates and glass jars to create a stunning garden table centrepiece. Add a splash of leftover pastel paint and some homemade herbs to create a rustic aesthetic.

14. Spoon hangers

Old spoons and cutlery are fantastic upcycling items as they’re so versatile. You can pick up spoons at your local charity shop, or use your own end of life cutlery to design an upcycled garden feature. One idea is to bend the spoons to create a curve, nail them to the wall and use them as a place to hang your small flowers or herbs.

15. Make your own candles

Although this upcycling garden idea requires a little more forethought and planning, it can create a fun activity you can do in spring, in preparation for summer. With old washed out candle jars (or any jars!), some wicks and wax, you can dab your hand at candle making. If you want to go that step further, add some lemongrass oil to keep those pesky flies at bay.

16. Cycle planter

Salvaging an old bicycle is another one of those iconic upcycling garden ideas. With a coat of paint and a few secured flower planters, you can give an unused bike a new lease of life. Situated against a once plain wall or fence, this upcycled bike will give your garden a picturesque, country appearance.

17. Old wood stepping stones

Creating a modern garden path is a charming garden makeover idea. To keep the earthy, natural atmosphere, while not going over budget, you can upcycle old chunks of wood to make a garden path. A wooden path will give your garden a clean look and deliver a practical solution from getting from one side of your outside space to the other.
If you want something a bit more long-lasting, you can use wood-finish porcelain to achieve the same effect.