(ThySistas.com) The first half of 2020 has been a challenging year. Political and social unrest, a global pandemic and worldwide lockdown that has seen millions of people have to stay home for weeks on end.
In terms of the Coronavirus, the world is slowly starting to emerge into a more normal state, but it’s likely that at some point in the future, we may well have to spend a lot more time at home.
So, as the weather warms up, it’s a great time to spruce up our gardens ready to be enjoyed over the summer months. Here are a few budget-friendly tricks to use.
Reuse Your Existing Items
You don’t need to buy everything brand new. Try and reuse things you already have by giving them a makeover. Old plant pots and planters can be painted in bright colors to bring some life to your garden. There is a range of paints that you can use to stain and paint planters and garden furniture, to learn more about which one would work best for your project, Pinterest is a great source of inspiration. 
Your can unusual items as plant pots including wellington boots and teapots.
Powerwash Your Patio
A good cleaning is one of the easiest ways to bring your garden back to life. It’s easy to miss the amount of dirt and moss that builds up over the winter months. If you can get our hands on a powerwasher, it will make short work of cleaning your garden. If you don’t have one though, you can still get a good result from some warm soapy water and a firm broom.
Make Your Own Lawn Feed
A lush, green lawn is the centerpiece of any garden. Lawn feed is vital to keep it looking that way. You can make your own very cheaply by adding a can of soda with a cup of baby shampoo and 10 gallons of water. If you have a fireplace, then add any ashes from this too.
Make Your Own Weed Killer
Weedkiller is expensive and filled with nasty chemicals but you can mix up a batch of your own with a few household items. The best way to get rid of weeds is to pull them out of the ground but if there are too many, or they are established, try using white vinegar or salt on them. You can also cover them with mulch. It will take longer for them to die than with traditional weed killers but they are much safer for the environment and wildlife.
Bird Feeders
Attract birds to your garden by hanging some inexpensive bird feeders from the local garden center. You can also place birdseed or leftover scraps of food on old plates. Your garden will be alive with beautiful birds before you know it.
Use Old Mirrors As Decoration
If you have some old mirrors lying around the place, or find any at garage sales, they are great for placing around your garden to create the illusion of space. You don’t need to clean them like you would a mirror in your home, a bit of dirt and overhanging flowers will help them blend in nicely with the rest of your garden.
Staff Writer; Shelia James