Gardening experts have urged homeowners to remove five common garden items to prevent their outdoor space from looking cheap and to boost curb appeal. While good landscaping can transform a garden and add value to a home, overloading with features can backfire.
Too Many Garden Figurines
Garden gnomes and fairy ornaments can undermine a contemporary garden style. Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nurseries, told Home and Gardens: "Overuse of garden figurines is certainly one of the most common things that make a yard look cheap. It is best to avoid using too many bright plastic figurines or decorative accents, as this can appear tacky."
Dated or Damaged Furniture
Worn, broken, or moss-covered furniture detracts from a garden's charm. Katherine Aul Cervoni, landscaper and founder of Staghorn NYC Design, explained to Livingetc: "Your patio's aesthetic also automatically looks cheaper if you're hanging on to dated or damaged furniture pieces. I don't mean a lovely, antique iron bench. Instead, I mean frayed wicker, rotted inexpensive wood, or scratched, warped, and faded plastic." Investing in high-quality, long-lasting materials is recommended.
Fountains or Ponds That Are Not Maintained
Water features can be relaxing but require special care. Celebrity landscape designer Stephen Block of Inner Gardens told Veranda: "They require special care that your gardener likely will not be able to provide, koi ponds especially. The birds and the raccoons will win." A simpler birdbath can be a more practical alternative, attracting birds without the upkeep.
Mismatched Materials
Using different landscaping materials can create a disorganised look. Design experts at Centurion Brands claimed: "Mixed materials in pathways and hardscaping sometimes create a cheap, disorganised look." They advise selecting materials that complement each other tonally, considering texture, scale, and laying pattern.
Visible Plastic
Plastic is a "big no-no in the garden," according to Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal. He told Gardening Know How: "Whether it's edging, plant markers, or decorative elements, plastic just screams low-budget. It fades, cracks, and just doesn't age well." Natural or premium materials are more durable and environmentally friendly. For budget-conscious gardeners, pre-loved vintage pieces offer affordability and character.
