IF your garden looks a lost cause after winter, it might be time for some new plants.
But don’t waste your money on the prettiest flowers in the garden centre.
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Instead, be inspired by these value buys that will perk up your patch for years to come.
ALL ROUND COLOUR: Pretty annual plants perk up a tired bed, but only for one season.
Instead opt for perennials that will brighten up your garden year after year.
Lee Burkhill of gardenninja.co.uk says: “Some of the best flowers are perennials that have a long flowering window but are also slug-resistant, such as geraniums and geums. Easy to divide and low-maintenance, these plants can be shared with neighbours or quickly bulk up your borders without you spending huge amounts.”
BULK UP: Shrubs may be costly but they pay for themselves in the long term as they last many years.
Evergreen hebes, which flower in the summer, make a good-value option.
Lee loves mixing low-fuss grasses into borders to bulk them out and add a little movement.
He says: “Carex, Stipa and Acorus are pest-proof super grasses even for small gardens.”
Most read in Money
MONEY-SAVING SHOWSTOPPERS: Looking for a plant that makes an instant impact and is a quick grower? Phormiums look great in sunny borders.
Described as “undemanding exotic-looking, evergreens” by the Royal Horticultural Society, they make a stunning centre point.
Salvias are another option.
They will give you flowers all summer long and are a magnet for bees and butterflies.
EASY DOES IT: Some plants need less looking after than others.
Lavender, thyme, oregano and geraniums require little watering.
Buy them as young plants or seeds and put them in big pots to give them lots of room to grow.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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LIFE will be a bed of roses with this floral pyjama set from Studio.co.uk that comes with a cute scrunchie. Down from £40 to £20.
SAVE: £20
Cheap treat
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PAINT your own Peppa Pig Easter canvas, part of a new craft and activity range at The Works. Down from £4 to £2.
SAVE: £2
What’s new?
SAVE yourself a packet on Easter fun in the school holidays by searching for free local activities at eventbrite.co.uk.
Type in “Easter” or the activity you are interested in, and set the price filter to “free” to find a list of events near you, ranging from egg hunts to arts and crafts.
Top swap
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BRIGHTEN up your decor with the Dinah sculptural lamp from Dunelm for £45.
Or find a hole lot of love for the B&M Donut lamp which is a smaller size for a smaller price, £10.
SAVE: £35
Leah’s little helper
FANCY trying a sport but do not want to commit to buying kit yet?
Check out the new rental service at Decathlon on items such as paddleboards and bikes, from £10 a day (decathlon.co.uk/rentals).
Shop & save
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BUY a Vitaskin product, such as £15 Vitamin B Blemish Control moisturiser, at Holland & Barrett and get another at half-price.
SAVE: £7.50 on two
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