With summer fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your garden or outdoor space for all those al fresco picnics, barbecues and parties you may have planned. However, even if you don't have a huge budget, it's still possible to create a stylish and sociable space without spending a fortune. We've rounded up some of the best cheap garden ideas for both smaller gardens and larger outdoor spaces. Take a look through the gallery for inspiration…
Think about lighting
Lights and lanterns can be an easy way to update your outdoor space at minimal cost, creating the perfect atmosphere for entertaining. These beaded lanterns are available from £15 from M&S, invest in a few in different sizes for maximum impact.
Photo: Marks & Spencer
Create an eye-catching plant display
Displaying pots on a tiered stand can be a great way to add more plants and greenery into a small garden. Better still, use the display to create your very own herb garden which you can use for cooking, saving money on buying the ingredients.
Photo: John Lewis
Rethink the parasol
If you don't have room for a fixed parasol but still want somewhere to sit in the shade on sunny days, try hanging white drapes or sheets across trees in your garden. Not only will it provide respite from the sun, but it makes an interesting style feature too.
MORE: 14 inspiring city gardens to create an urban sanctuary
Photo: John Lewis
Make an inviting dining area
Who says you have to spend a fortune on garden furniture? Retailers like George at Asda show you can get stylish and high quality outdoor dining tables and chairs for as little as £45 for a two-person bistro set, or £299 for this six-piece rattan furniture set.
Photo: George at Asda
Create a comfy seating area
If you don't want to invest in outdoor furniture, you can still create a comfy seating area for entertaining by using a mix of patterned rugs and cushions. Not only are they more budget-friendly, but can easily be stored away when the weather turns.
Photo: Argos
Revamp old garden furniture
Bored of your old outdoor furniture? Give wooden chairs and tables a new lease of life by painting them in a new colour with a special garden paint. You'll feel like you have all new furniture for as little as £7.50 a tin.
Photo: Wilko
Welcome wildlife into your garden
Encourage an array of beautiful birds to come into your garden by hanging a bird house on your fence. The design of this bird house featuring Orla Kiely's signature prints has the added benefit of being cool and colourful too.
Photo: Cuckooland