WITH glimpses of sunshine on the horizon and spring now officially here, it won't be long before we're hosting garden parties and BBQs.
But if your garden is looking a little worse for wear following the heavy rain we had during winter, then have no fear.
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins has shared some cheap and cheerful ways you can spruce up your outdoor haven in an instant.
And there's no need to spend a small fortune either.
After I checked out the latest bargains in Poundland and B&M, Fiona gave her expert opinion on what's worth your cash.
But it won't cost you much, as they start from as little as 80p.
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PLANTERS
"As the weather starts to warm up, it’s a good time to get your patio or seating area spruced up," Fiona, from , says.
"If you fancy giving your entertaining space a coastal theme, then look no further than B&M."
So, do you fancy bringing the refreshing and vibrant atmosphere of Brighton beach to your garden?
Well, the gardening whizz can't recommend the high-street store's assorted '' highly enough.
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"They have a range of cheery ceramic planters with wavy, stripy and crab designs to choose from," she points out.
"At £1.50 each, they’re just perfect for adding greenery to your outdoor table or creating a herb garden."
TABLESCAPE
If your garden table is looking anything but guest-ready, then take note...because Fiona has two bargain buys that she says will help to give it an immediate glow up.
"B&M have got some lovely coastal bunting for £3.50 and ceramic lanterns for £5 to keep the theme going day and night," she says.
To bring an extra pop of colour to your outdoor space, she recommends blue and taupe coloured '' which costs just £3.50.
And for anyone looking to bring a touch of coastal charm to their home and garden, she says the £5 '' will do just the job.
Not only will it help to illuminate your space, but it'll also add some warmth and style to your outdoor haven.
To complete the look, the gardening whizz adds: "And you can serve up a full coastal tablescape with B&M’s selection of maritime and blue and white tumblers, plates and bowls."
Sharing her top picks, Fiona advises staying refreshed with the £1.50 ',' enjoying a bite to eat on the £2 '' or helping yourself to snacks out of the super stylish £8 '.'
WALL ART
Is your garden wall looking dull and in desperate need of some TLC? Well, according to Fiona, there's a super easy way to transform it for as little as £8.
"If you prefer a botanical theme, B&M's Urban Nature range, such as the ',' will fit in well," Fiona says.
"Their leafy wooden and metal wall art at £8 is sure to perk up drab walls and fences as well as give your patio a stylish, contemporary vibe."
If your flowers and seedlings are currently in a mish-mash of plastic pots, slip them into some of Poundland’s cute pastel pots and pails to create an attractive display
Fiona Jenkins
Fiona adds: "This can be matched with solar lanterns, seat cushions and plant stands in a similar design to create a cohesive
look."
She's particularly a fan of the '' that's been reduced from £10 to £8 in the store's sale - and it's the perfect decorative accessory to add some shimmering light to your garden in the evenings.
Fiona also recommends the '', which features a stunning mono themed nature design that'd look fab contrasted against plants and greenery.
POTS AND PAILS
The gardening pro also reveals how you can transform your garden for as little as £2 using bargain buys from Poundland.
"If your flowers and seedlings are currently in a mish-mash of plastic pots, slip them into some of Poundland’s cute pastel pots and pails to create an attractive display," she explains.
"Or use their to create a vertical garden along a fence.
"Coming in pretty white, yellow, lilac and green colours and priced between 80p and £2, you can’t go wrong."
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To add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, Fiona suggests ',' which is designed to withstand the elements.
She also recommends the £1 pastel yellow 'Pepco Wilson & Gregory Metal Plant Pot with Handle' for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their home decor.
Not stopping there, Fiona concludes: "Fill empty window ledges with the help of Poundland’s ."
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Sharing a snap 'Pepco Wilson & Gregory Chest For Plants & Herbs', which retails at £2, she praises: "These have handles on either side, making it easy to pop them in position after planting and they come with floral detailing on the front, making them instantly attractive.
"They’re roomy enough to fill with bedding plants, trailing plants or herbs, so you can create fragrant and colourful displays."