Our house had a neglected garden, but we gave it a new look using free stuff from Facebook

A homeowner showed how he transformed his yard with DIY projects.

He explained that the space had previously been “neglected,” but that he was able to breathe new life into it with items from Facebook Marketplace.

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In his Reddit afterUser Civil-Ad-1916 showed a before and after look at this garden.

“The new building had a neglected garden and we felt it needed a makeover,” the poster read.

He revealed that the total cost of the transformation was around £2,500, including the hire of a cement mixer for a weekend.

“We were fortunate that we were able to source a lot of the timber for the deck beams and raised beds for free through Facebook Marketplace, which helped us keep costs down,” he said.

The homeowner explained that he and his partner had cleared “all the overgrown brambles, ivy and weeds” from the space.

They also replaced the broken and missing windows in the greenhouse and replaced the worn door rollers.

“[We] “We dug out tons of soil to level the site and prepare the concrete foundation for the barn,” he explains.

After the concrete had hardened, the couple built the shed using a kit they purchased online.

They then built the terrace and gazebo to their own design, during what they describe as “the wettest winter on record”.

The homeowner said that he feels they have stayed close to the original concept and overall design of the garden.

“There is still a small section of decking to be finished at the side of the shed, but overall I am very pleased with the result,” he concluded.

The photos show the couple’s progress, including a look at the patio foundation and raised flower beds.

Both structures were built at no additional cost thanks to donations of supplies from a man on Facebook Marketplace.

“A nice man was busy adding an extra floor to his bungalow, so [he] “All the ceiling beams and roof have been removed,” the original poster read.

Reddit users shared their thoughts on the transformation in the comments.

How to renovate your garden cheaply

IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you’ve come to the right place…

Planning and prioritizing

• Rate your space: Take a walk around your garden and see which areas need improvement.
• Set a budget: Determine how much you can spend.
• Prioritize projects: Focus on the areas with the greatest impact first, such as pathways, seating, or focal points.

DIY projects

• Build your own planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to make your own planters.
• Make garden art: Use old objects like tires, bottles and cans to create unique garden decorations.
• Paths: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.

Plant smart

• Buy seeds, not plants: Seeds are less expensive than mature plants and offer greater variety.
• Share and exchange: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local garden club.
• Growing perennials: Invest in plants that come back every year to save money in the long run.

Use free resources

• Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen waste and garden waste to enrich your soil.
• Rainwater harvesting: Install a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
• Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings or wood chips as mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Reuse and upcycle

• Old furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a chest of drawers into a planter.
• Containers: Use buckets, cans or even old shoes as separate planters.
• Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost heaps from discarded pallets.

Smart shopping

• Offers and discounts: Check for end-of-season offers or discounts at garden centers.
• Second hand shops: Visit thrift stores or garage sales to find pots, tools, and decorations.
• Online marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies.

Maintenance

• Regular weeding: Keep weeding to keep your garden looking neat.
• Pruning and flowering: Prune the plants regularly and remove faded flowers to encourage growth and flowering.
• Tool care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to extend their life and effectiveness.

With these tips you can give your garden a fresh, renewed look without spending a lot of money. Enjoy your garden!

“Well done on a budget of £2.5k,” wrote one impressed reader.

“Excellent work! Also a good inspiration for me, we are currently renovating the garden house and don’t really know what to do with the garden when we have everything finished,” said another.

“Good job! Looks really nice,” commented a third Redditor.

“Good to see a solid deck built,” wrote another commenter.

“I’ve seen shock absorbers that just sat on plates with no supports and the beams were too far apart.”

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