Is your backyard looking a little boring? It doesn’t need to be! There are so many things that can be done with relatively few materials.
Are you ready for your next DIY project? Whether it’s a big change or a small one, it can make a huge difference.
Check out these fifty ideas that will genuinely take your backyard to the next level.
To create a look of abundance, plant multiple plants together in an area. This is especially helpful for landscaping in drier climates where a grass lawn may not be realistic.
Pick plants that have height and sculptural quality to turn your backyard into an artistic statement. A snake plant may be a good choice for some backyards.
#3 Add a copper pipe trellis wall
Over time, it will create a full privacy barrier between you and any neighbors. The
Horticult has DIY instructions on how to get started.
#4 Add outdoor bistro lights
They’re affordable and fairly easy to string up. They also change the look of a backyard or patio significantly and give it a nice atmosphere at night.
Use a simple fountain kit to turn just about any piece of pottery into a landscaping masterpiece. Skip on additional costs by reusing one you already have at home.
#6 Create your own fire pit
Do you want a backyard you can spend time in with friends and family? Add a fire pit to gather around, tell ghost stories, and roast marshmallows.
A Beautiful Mess offers a four-step tutorial to make the dream real.
The vines are long-living, and they look gorgeous hanging from pergolas, gazebos, and anywhere else you can think of. They’re also fragrant, easy to grow, and can reach as long as thirty feet.
Add a water feature to your garden area. You can DIY a concrete birdbath by following the instructions at
HomeTalk.
Add a row of shrubs or trees to create a natural implied wall between areas. Depending on what you plant, it may outlast any fence.
A succulent garden can create a unique area and an interesting topic of conversation. If you want unique, succulents are the way to go.
Have clear pathways to get through the space. They can be simple, like in this image, or more elaborate.
For a simple to create and inexpensive path, use wood chips or gravel. While framing the path and using a barrier is preferred, it may be possible to skip those steps for some simple projects.
A brick path is more durable and can add to the look of many gardens.
Family Handyman discusses how to build one.
#14 Rocks and steppingstones
Not all paths have to be entirely practical. In some cases, they can significantly add to the outdoor design.
Adding a small man-made pond can change the look of any outdoor area. The ducks are optional!
Simple steps can be built into the landscape to make navigating it easier. Depending on the type of materials used, they can also add to the aesthetic appeal.
#17 Create a pond fountain
This adds so much to an outdoor space for a whole lot less investment than what it looks like it’s worth. Check out the DIY instructions at
Curbly.
#18 Get added but affordable privacy
If you need full, thick, and tall trees to divide property, consider cheap but fast-growing trees. The Leyland Cypress is a favorite.
Outdoor furniture can look worn or mismatched with time. Give it new life and a new look with a different color of paint.
If you have a gazebo or other area to hang them, consider making your own DIY outdoor curtains. A
Beautiful Mess has a quick tutorial.
Potted plants aren’t just for indoors. If you have low maintenance plants, they may do well in larger pots outdoors.
A trellis works well with vine vegetables as well as flowers. Add some beauty to your garden while giving the vines room to grow.
Make a tee-pee trellis to create a unique effect while giving kids a shady and cool fort to play in during the summer. It’s dual purpose!
Do you want a look that really stands out? Include the house or other structures in your backyard makeover. Check out
Design Wine Dine for the tutorial on this setup.
If you aren’t ready for anything permanent (of semi-permanent), consider a simple vertical grow.
Instructables will walk you through the DIY process.
These repurposed paint cans are a great alternative to the previous two options. All they require are some DIY skills and a hook to hang on. See
Simple Stylings for the tutorial.
What’s more perfect than vine-fresh food? Vine-fresh food served in the middle of the garden it came from.
Get off the ground and use raised plant beds. They add to the look of an outdoor space while making it easier to access and maintain plants.
Raised beds don’t just need to be alongside the house. In fact, to avoid issues with mold and mildew, it’s best to give them their own space.
#30 A porch swing fire pit
Bring two already amazing things together.
Instructables has the DIY instructions for this one.
When you run out of things to add to your backyard, there is still one thing you may have forgotten – rabbits!
Instructables has the instructions for this one too.
Look around and see what you already have in the garage. You’ll be surprised what can be given a new life in the garden.
Even if what you have stored away doesn’t seem like it could fit, it still might. Consider using it decoratively.
Do you love the idea of a fire pit but want to skip the stone or brick look? Check out the tutorial by
House & Fig on how to DIY a metal fire pit.
#35 Turn your fence into art
Not all fences need to be boring or straight. Check out this sculptural fence.
Use painted rocks to bring color and vibrance to your backyard all year long. Get creative, but make sure to use paint that will remain waterproof no matter what the weather may be.
#37 Remember the garden shed
Garden sheds don’t need to be plain or hidden out of sight. Have one you can always be proud of.
Creating these lace stepping stones will take a lot less effort than you would assume. The people at
Instructables show us how to do it.
What garden wouldn’t benefit from colorful mushrooms. It’s a simple DIY project that the whole family can do.
Birds chirping nearby might be just what some backyards are missing. Purchase a birdhouse or create this DIY one from
Instructables.
Update your garden gate. It’s often the first thing people see and the first impression they get before walking into your backyard.
#42 A garden bench or picnic table
Add some seating to your garden. This
Instructables DIY project is both a bench and a table.
Bring some movement and life into the backyard with a swing. You can go traditional or with something that matches the style you are going for.
Add a little magic to your garden with a swinging bench for two. You can DIY it or buy one in a range of prices.
Large rocks can be more than just a hindrance. They can accentuate and build-up areas as well as providing a natural boundary.
Create secret gardens. Use climbing flowers and arches to create passages to other areas of your outdoor space.
Add a traditional raked garden. Incorporate bamboo and other traditional Japanese materials and plants.
Not every area needs to be one thing. Plant trees with flowers that do well in the shade.
Go bold and use tall plants that will do well in your climate. Add an array of plants for variety.
Shelves aren’t just for inside the home. They can add another dimension to gardening.
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Is your backyard looking a little boring? It doesn’t need to be! There are so many things that can be done with relatively few materials.
Are you ready for your next DIY project? Whether it’s a big change or a small one, it can make a huge difference.
Check out these fifty ideas that will genuinely take your backyard to the next level.
