Having a three-day weekend is such a bonus when it comes to getting all those jobs done that you've had on your to-do list for months. So why not make the most of the long weekend, get into your garden and tackle those projects you’ve been meaning to complete?
Why stop with simply deadheading roses or jet washing the patio though when there's a whole extra day to fill? With that in mind, we've got five quick makeover projects you can try this weekend, all of which are guaranteed to smarten up your garden and exterior space with minimal effort and minimal spend. Give them a go, then head to our garden design ideas if you want even more garden inspiration.
1. Create a bee hotel
We all need to look after our bees more, and what better way than to make them this great bug hotel. Crafted from a rough sawn wood pallet, it's a simple project, even for a fairly novice DIYer. You can rope in the kids too to collect straw, pine cones, natural dried grasses and jute to create a cornucopia of nooks and crannies for the bees to enjoy. Both the fence and bee sections are painted in Cuprinol’s 5 year Ducksback Silver Copse which gives a lovely grey finish. Find the step-by-step instructions for this design in our guide to making a bug and bee hotel.
2. MAKE A PALLET PICNIC TABLE
This simple low table is made from two pallets placed on top of each other and finished with a Classic All Purpose woodstain in Light Oak from Sadolin. You could add as many pallets as you like to change the height, or keep it low and add some cushions for a relaxed boho style. It's outdoor dining made easy.
3. GIVE YOUR GARAGE DOOR AN UPDATE
A lick of paint on your garage door can work wonders – not only will it give your home some added kerb appeal, but it'll protect your doors for the rainy months ahead. We love this subtle taupe shade called Dolphin 246 by Little Greene, and if you fancy painting your masonry to match the wall colour shown here too, then check out their Rubine Ashes 243. Then all you’ll need is a blue bike to match!
4. MAKE YOUR OWN TRELLIS
This genius idea is made from some lengths of wood cut to size, some rope and simple hooks. B&Q will be the ideal place to source everything you need to make it, and then don’t forget to give it a coat of Sadolin’s Classic All Purpose wood stain in Natural, to protect it throughout the winter. You can hang pots on it like here, or buy a climbing rose or vine to train up it.
5. PAINT YOUR BENCH
We know we mention painting garden furniture on a regular basis, but it really is a great way to give something a new lease of life. With so many paint finishes available these days, it's easy to find the right product for your furniture to ensure it can stay out in the garden all year long. Painting a bench is a great project for a weekend and why not choose a sunshine yellow like Valspar’s Cabana Glow for an instant burst of colour in your outdoor space?
More Bank Holiday gardening jobs:
- How to clean decking: get it looking its best
- The best pressure washers: find your perfect buy
- How to clean a BBQ: follow our top tips
