PREP SCHOOL
The top 4 ways to instantly spruce up your outside space including the hack that costs less than a fiver
One hack will cost you less than a fiver!
WE'RE one week away from the last bank holiday until Christmas.
So we want to make the most of the tail-end of summer.
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And while we can't promise the sun will keep shining, we can bring some bank holiday cheer!
We've scoured the shops for the easiest ways to spruce up your backyard.
Because if we're going to celebrate the end of the summer holidays by hosting a garden party, we're going to make sure our outside space is on point.
Some of these tricks will cost you less than a fiver, plus you'll even be able to use them come Christmas Day, too...
HOME & STYLE
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GO POTTY
Use potted plants to separate your cooking and socialising areas, then try drawing on your own unique designs with Edding's colour pop permanent acrylic pens.
They are waterproof and work on wood, terracotta and even stone.
Plus, they start from just £4.99, so the kids can even have a go.
Most read in Fabulous
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PLANT UP
Got space for some more plant babies? Consider bamboo.
"Bamboo is a great value way to get height, grace and movement, and to dress up an outdoor space," says David Mitchell, garden and seasonal buying manager at Homebase.
"By keeping it in a pot, you don't need to worry about how invasive it can be, too," he adds.
Olive trees are a classic and a string of fairy lights weaved around the branches helps them look even prettier come dusk.
The 200 Starburst Solar USB String Lights, £27.99, from Lights4fun.co.uk glow as soon as dusk hits, but also come with a handy USB cable to charge if needed, plus a remote to set to one of eight atmospheric modes.
David also suggests adding an acer (also known as a Japanese maple) or two.
"Acers are on-trend and are great in pots with their delicate foliage and bright colours. A potted hydrangea will also give an instant blast of colour,” he explains.
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GLOW FOR IT
Still not invested in a rechargeable lamp? Now is the time.
This beauty from Rockett St George is pricey, but that's because it's waterproof, has three mood settings and a whopping 140-hour charge.
That saying your nan had - "you get what you pay for" - often rings true when it comes to lighting.
And as Rockett St George co-founder Jane Rockett tells us: "You don't want your lights dying mid-party!"
So, our biggest tip? Check out the charge time.
A lot of the designs, however pretty - and sometimes pricey! - don't stay lit for very long.
If you are after a budget option though, there's this cute £12 design from Ikea.
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It would make a nice buy for any students starting uni, too.
FAKE IT
If your outdoor space is not looking as green as you'd like and you're not feeling particularly green-fingered, recruit some faux friends to fill in the gaps.
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Ikea has a new range of artificial plants at incredible prices - although although you might want to pop them into prettier pots.
To help fool your guests into thinking they are real, add some newspaper into the decorative pot, then cover with soil or pebbles.
While we're on the subject of faking it, although we adore real candles, this gorgeous new LED candle definitely deserves a space at your table.
It's an ornament, too!
Read More on The US Sun
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While you're in Ikea, nab this indoor / outdoor trolley - it's perfect as a side table for drinks come party time, and a home for your house plants afterwards.
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We'll say "cheers" to that!
Garden features that add the most value to a house
A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.
Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.
And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed.
- Shed - 82%
- Patio or paving - 76%
- Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72%
- Outdoor lighting - 66%
- Sturdy decking - 62%
- Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58%
- Modern garden furniture - 54%
- Artificial lawn/grass - 40%