How?

Mulch is fairly inexpensive, 5/$10 this week at Lowe's. You can spread it out. Then either plant flowers in ground or in pots.

While discussing Lowe's they always have plants marked down. They sometimes need some serious attention from a lack of water. Most garden stores mark down things after blooming. There are garden groups in most areas where you can trade or get plants.

For soil, pavers and rocks I've found it theses free on craigslist and on buy nothing. Tree companies will dump mulched tree parts. That is a wonderful top layer or full yard cover that keeps the weeds down.

Some ideas from other Hometalkers

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/landscaping/amazing-backyard-transformation-on-a-tiny-budget-30619943

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decks/small-mostly-freebie-backyard-deck-154282

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/plants/easy-and-affordable-tiny-diy-greenhouse-for-your-patio-or-backyard-36332013

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/flowers/gardening-black-eyed-susan-flowers-4224457

Perennial flowers will come back every year, do you have any gardening friends or neighbors that might give you some plants? There are some ideas here:

https://countrylivinginacariboovalley.com/how-to-restore-a-neglected-garden/

Check on FB marketplace for perennials that others have divided and are selling for cheap or giving away.

You could do container plants

her is a link https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/

Look online on your local garage sale sites and free pages. I've seen people give away lots of landscaping materials, outdoor furniture and plants for free. Lots of people are happy to give things away. Here are some outdoor gardening ideas for you to scroll through:

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=outdoor%20gardening

Check with friends and neighbors, see if they have plants they can split or check on Craigslist. Sometimes you can find free plants there.