Affordable garden in new construction - how to proceed best?

Making a hedge yourself is really simple. You can order bare root plants online. Doesn't cost much.

Tilling, sowing, and rolling the lawn is also simple and cheap if you have the right level. Birds don't eat anything there. Water, sun, done.

Building a terrace definitely takes more effort. I'd rather have it done.

A fence is always the question whether you need it. Often you see it differently afterwards. There are also privacy screens made of willow, etc., which are less labor-intensive.

I was recently asked who did the landscaping at our place... Me with two small kids on the side.

And are hedges really that cheap?

50m of 125cm beech hedge costs about 500€. Sure, it’s not completely opaque right away. But do you have to live in prison? Think about the look when the small garden is completely fenced in at man-height with an opaque fence. For me, beautiful looks different.

So we currently paid €15,000 for the terrace and paths with concrete paving stones. We actually wanted to do it ourselves, but we had the money left over and no nerves left... €4,000 seems very cheap to me. Otherwise, the question is what you mean by "garden." There are paths, flower beds, terrace roofing, awning, railing, house entrance roofing, garage, driveway, gates, walls, outdoor lamps...

50m 125cm beech hedge costs about €500. Sure, it’s not completely opaque. But do you have to live in prison? Think about the look when the small garden is fully enclosed with a man-high fence. There are nicer options (for me).

At least at the back, the property borders a field edge, where a path will be created. That means, at least from there, anyone could look into the garden. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Make a garden plan. Draw what you want and then let it sit for a bit. Afterwards, do a calculation: 30m drainage strip, 50sqm paving for the driveway and carport, 10sqm paving for paths, 20sqm paving for the terrace, paving substructure for 80sqm, 10m hedge, and so on. If you want to do it yourself, don’t forget the tools. Such a mini excavator also costs a few euros.

Then look at which things you absolutely need (drainage strip) and where you can save (expensive paving only on the terrace). Otherwise, it’s all about doing it yourself and patience. Either you wait a month for the lawn or you take sod at a multiple price. Either you have it paved or you bend your back for a few days.

Some things can also be bought cheaply instead of rented. A hardware store vibrating plate costs €90 per week plus rubber mat. I bought a comparable one used for €250 through classifieds and can sell it again for a similar price. Borrowing a trailer privately is also good. The big things are usually delivered, but you will often still need some larger tool or something dirty or bulky that shouldn’t go in the car.

At least at the back, the property borders a field edge, and a path will be laid there. That means, at least from there, anyone could look into the garden. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Uh, sorry. You’re talking about a double rod mat fence and want privacy? Any properly planted hedge, whether with hedge plants or shrubs, becomes opaque within at most 4 years. A fence does not provide privacy. Maybe you should take a walk with open eyes through a finished residential area.
By the way, a lawn is the most maintenance-intensive thing a garden can offer. You can’t get a meadow from a roll.