The £100 Garden Basket Challenge
How far does £100 really go when you're shopping for the garden? We headed to some of our favourite retailers to fill a virtual basket with the most beautiful buys we could muster – from practical tools to pots, lanterns and planting essentials
Equally, though, there are shops where £100 goes along way – and hallelujah for that. We set ourselves a challenge: fill a virtual basket at some of Britain's favourite garden and outdoor living outlets, spending as close to £100 as possible. Read on to discover what made our £100 hauls.
Garden Trading
The masters of understated outdoor living, Garden Trading excels at galvanised steel, natural wood, aged zinc and pieces that will weather beautifully.
What’s In The Basket?
What’s In The Basket?
Burgon & Ball
No one makes gardening tools quite like Burgon & Ball. The Sheffield company has been perfecting its craft for generations and its tools are as handsome as they are hardworking. A £100 budget here buys fewer pieces, but they'll probably outlast most of us.
Basket Total: £98.45
Basket Total: £98.45
Nkuku
If your garden is an extension of your sitting room, Nkuku will have you adding to basket like nobody’s business. Think lanterns, recycled glass, woven baskets and beautifully crafted accessories that make outdoor dining feel effortlessly stylish.
Basket Total: £98
Basket Total: £98
Crocus
Plants inevitably take centre stage here, but Crocus also offers excellent value on pots, tools and planting accessories. It's a particularly good option if you're refreshing borders and containers at the same time.
Basket Total: £98.96
Basket Total: £98.96
Sarah Raven
The destination for anyone who dreams in dahlias and cosmos. Expect colour, cutting gardens and plenty of inspiration for filling borders with flowers that keep coming all summer.
Basket Total: £95.25
Basket Total: £95.25
Petersham Nurseries
Petersham Nurseries has long been a pilgrimage for gardeners and interiors lovers alike. Its beautifully curated shop brings together artisan tools, handmade terracotta, Japanese secateurs and elegant accessories that feel as though they've been gathered from an Italian walled garden. Yes please.
Basket Total: £96.50
Basket Total: £96.50
IKEA
If you're refreshing a balcony, patio or small garden on a budget, IKEA is hard to beat. Alongside its ever-popular outdoor furniture, the Swedish retailer offers an impressive selection of planters, lanterns and practical accessories that demonstrate good garden design doesn't have to have you remortgaging the house.
Basket Total: £100
Basket Total: £100
H&M Home
H&M Home does a strong outdoor accessories game – browse for the decorative details that soften a patio or balcony without blowing the budget.
Basket Total: £94.30
Basket Total: £94.30
FAQs
Which garden retailer offers the best value?
If you're buying furniture and accessories, IKEA is difficult to beat. For classic garden essentials you'll use for years, Garden Trading offers excellent long-term value.
Where should I buy quality gardening tools?
Burgon & Ball remains one of Britain's finest tool makers, with many of its tools carrying lifetime guarantees.
Which shop is best for decorative garden accessories?
Nkuku is excellent for lanterns, planters and outdoor entertaining, while H&M Home offers surprisingly stylish seasonal pieces at accessible prices.
Where should beginners shop?
Crocus combines plants, pots, compost and accessories, making it easy to buy everything for a first gardening project in one place.
Is it better to invest in tools or accessories?
Tools are worth buying well, as they'll last for decades with care. Decorative accessories can often be updated more affordably as your garden evolves.
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Published July 2026
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
