Over Memorial Day, when the weather was too crummy to do much outside (although the place really needs attention) I got hit with a creative streak and spent an hour or two pushing furniture around in my den.

There was something lacking, and I was tired of looking at the same old room.  It needed freshening.  Mind you, this was just an impulse sort of thing and I wasn’t ready for a real project.  I switched one chair for another, shifted the coffee table a little, took down a group of pictures and replaced them with one larger framed print.  Fresh flowers from the garden and Voila! a whole new look!

There is no reason we can’t do these ‘cheap and cheerful’ makeovers in our gardens.   If you can pull something like this together on the inside, there is no reason why you can’t do it outside. 

At one corner of a patio, something as simple as a well placed sundial or other garden art with a group of mix and match ceramic containers would do the trick.  At the front door, a bold planter, maybe a wall hanging and a unique welcome mat. It can be whimsical or classic, formal or not so much.  These elements should be an expression of your personal style.

Notes on the new design:

Out with the overgrown plantings, in with color coordinated pots and a bench. Flagstone along the edge of the walk softens lines!

Give it a little extra punch with a trellis on the blank expanse of the wall and Viola! You have a "Cheap and Cheerful" makeover; an entry that says "Welcome".

I hope this inspires you to start your own "Garden Revival".