With spring in sight, many gardeners may be looking ahead to find ways to spruce up their gardens with more flowers, shrubs and trees.

While a beautiful, blooming garden is fulfilling, it can be an expensive hobby, with many flowers needing to be replaced and replanted year after year.

What's more, with the unpredictable nature of UK weather, achieving that picturesque garden can quickly become a labour-intensive chore.

With that in mind, Jonathan Creber, commercial director of Modern Garden Rooms has shared the easiest ways to maintain a stunning garden with minimal effort.

He says perennials are a great choice for those looking to add a splash of colour to their garden while keeping costs low since they regrow every spring.

Some of these perennials can last decades - and even up to 40 years - when cared for correctly.

Here are three popular perennials and their estimated cost over time:

Lavender

This aromatic plant is a favourite for many garden enthusiasts. You can find lavender plants online for less than £4, or opt for a pack of seeds for less than £2, according to the expert.

He added: "When you consider that a lavender plant can last between 10 to 15 years, the cost per year is around 27p if you buy a plant or 13p if you grow them from seeds."

Geraniums

You can introduce these vibrant plants to your garden for around £2 a plant from stores like Homebase.

"While they provide consistent bursts of colour and charm for two to three years, they can become a bit woody and yield sparse blossoms as they age. Keeping geraniums for at least five years costs around 40p per plant per year," Jonathan said.

Echinacea

Known for their daisy-like blooms, a six-pack of young Echinacea plants can be acquired from garden centres, such as Dobbies, for less than £5.

Jonathan added: "Echinacea has a remarkable lifespan of up to 40 years in natural settings, which means these plants can cost as little as 2p per year if well cared for. It's advisable to divide Echinacea every four years in garden settings to ensure that they flourish.

"Platforms like Facebook Marketplace are great for snapping up a bargain, as users often list plants like these for free, after thinning out or redesigning their garden spaces."

Other reliable plants also include shrubs such as boxwood or holly, according to the gardening expert.

"Shrubs like boxwood or holly are like the reliable friends of the gardening world. They are resilient, can withstand the UK's unpredictable weather, and demand very little care," he said.

"Their robust nature means less time spent on maintenance, and their evergreen presence ensures the garden looks lush year-round. You can find these shrubs on Amazon for between £8 to £14."