The £2.82 hack that will transform your garden and make a mini patio & it’s perfect for a cuppa in the spring sunshine
WITH the cost of living crisis showing no signs of easing, many homeowners are looking to make better use of their homes and gardens.
Rather than heading out to a pub garden to enjoy the sunshine, Brits are increasingly turning their own gardens into relaxing chill-out spots.
And creating a beautiful space doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as one savvy woman revealed a super cheap trick to transform her garden and create a mini patio.
Taking to the Facebook group Gardening On A Budget Official, the woman shared how she enjoys having her morning cuppa in the sunshine.
However, as her back garden doesn’t get much sunlight, she decided to create her own DIY mini patio at the front of her house instead.
She explained that the paving slabs cost just £2.82 each and that all she needed was a “few bags of sand” to complete the project.
Encouraging others to try it themselves, she wrote: “Never doubt yourself because you can!”
While she admitted her patio might be “far from perfect,” she said it works well for her, especially as she doesn’t have the “budget for a professional to do it.”
The post received 505 reactions, with 98 people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Many praised her efforts, with one writing: “Very impressive and well done.
“You can make a full pot of tea now and enjoy.”
Another added: “You certainly didn’t need a professional, well done – that looks fabulous!”
A third commented: “Looks professional enough to me. Great job. Enjoy your morning cuppas.”
Meanwhile, a fourth said: “This looks amazing! I really want to do it in my back garden (just a small patio like yours), but I’ve been too nervous to try it myself and don’t have enough to pay a professional. I think I might give it a go!”
How to lay a patio
Start off by determining the size and shape of your patio, before clearing the area and digging out the required depth – this will depend on the thickness of the bedding layer and paving slabs.
Then experts suggest applying a mortar or concrete mix bedding layer to provide a solid foundation.
It is now time to place the paving slabs onto the bedding layer, ensuring they are level, and if necessary cut the pavers to fit around any edges or obstacle.
Once the slabs have been laid, then you can fill the joint between them with grout.
Another gardening hack
Gardening experts have also revealed a DIY trick that you can use to help fertilise your plants.
According to the experts at Grow Veg, all you need to do is to dig out a popular kitchen staple and add it to your soil.
They are urging gardening fans to not throw out ingredients that are past their sell by date – and rule even applies for your gone off milk.
According to the experts, milk can be used as a “natural fertiliser” and you can do this by simply mixing it into the soil around your plants and on your lawn.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.
However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.