7 Easy DIY Backyard Ideas to Try Now
Illustration: Julia Abbonizio/Getty Images
Whether your backyard is simply overgrown or out of style, you might be thinking this summer is the perfect time for a glow up. And it is! But the trouble is finding ways to transform your outdoor space quickly in time for key summer holidays like the Fourth of July, when family and friends want to gather, without lots of hard work or expenses.
Hence the backyard hack. Keep it simple with new flowers or pop in some patio furniture. These DIY backyard ideas are easy, affordable, and fast. They are also creative and fun to do, and can easily be accomplished with helping hands. So grab a buddy or two, lay out some snacks, and get to hacking. Here are easy backyard improvements to try this weekend, according to garden, patio, and backyard experts.
Garden hacks
Pollinator garden
A small pollinator garden will have flowering plants to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It’s also a pretty spot for entertaining guests in summer. “This garden will support local ecosystems by providing pollinators with food sources,” says Nancy Trautz-Awot, a horticulturist at Burpee, a company that sells flowers, shrubs, and gardening supplies. But the garden’s flowers will also add an aesthetic value as well, she says, pointing out they can beautify a backyard. “The colorful array of flowers can create a focal point in the garden.”
This type of garden is easy to create. First, choose a sunny, level place in your yard. “Pollinator plants need at least six hours of sun a day,” says Trautz-Awot. Pick a space size wherein you can easily reach all the plants. “Usually, three to four feet in diameter will produce enough flowers,” she says. Or pop in a planter. “For a modern look, choose a round galvanized planter; it is easy to put together and lasts for many years.” Then, fill the planter with a good quality potting mix—do not use garden soil. “Choose a mix of easy-to-grow annual and perennial pollinator favorites. You will only need about 10 to 12 plants to fill your container.”
A garden bar
Add a garden bar. According to Nick and Aleah Valley, founders of Valley & Co., adding one of these is a great way to raise your summer entertaining game. “Even if you don’t have the space to entertain directly in your garden,” says Aleah, “think about how special it will be to step outside and mix a cocktail with freshly clipped ingredients and flavorful garnishes like mint, thyme, basil, or lemon balm.”
To get the look, you’ll need just a few backyard additions. These include a durable, weather-resistant bar cart, table, or counter to create, display, and serve drinks. Then pop in some glassware. “Let your personality shine through with these trays and bar accessories like bottle openers and jiggers,” she says. Even a linen cocktail napkin with a stitched edge is a charming touch when passing cocktails out to guests. “Or think about naming your garden bar and having napkins embroidered with the name or an icon to represent your space.” It’s all about the personalization to make this space both beautiful and functional.
Culinary garden
Everyone needs to eat. And a culinary garden full of great ingredients for summer dinners can be added with just a few planters or hanging pots. “When planning and planting your culinary garden, think about items that you will be able to incorporate into what you most frequently cook,” says Nancy Parragué Barclay, partner and vice president of client relations at Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events. “We have the most beautiful culinary garden at our property in the Napa Valley, which inspires our seasonal menus.”
Create your culinary garden by adding your favorite ingredients like rosemary or sage. Barclay says their garden is full of tomatoes because they grace their summer menus well into October. But don’t feel forced to do big-ticket items that might need more work. “If all you can muster from the garden are fresh herbs, that in itself can lend to a fun, easy way to elevate the overall backyard experience,” she says. There is always a place on the menu—or perhaps in your glass—for fresh herbs. “Using a sprig of rosemary to season your meats or vegetables on the grill, or adding it to your gin and tonic, is a simple, delightful touch.”
Patio and outdoor spaces
Lighting
Usher in romance to your space with outdoor lighting such as string lights, lanterns, candles, or luminaires. “The soft glow of your chosen lighting not only increases the cozy atmosphere of your space but provides visibility for safety after sunset,” says Amanda Cimaglia, vice president at TimberTech. This hack will make your outdoor patio space safe and inviting to summer guests.
The best part is that these types of lighting ideas are easy to find in stores. “I always find a great selection at Target and HomeGoods, including battery-operated and solar-powered waterproof options, often with timers,” she says. Mix and match sizes and designs for a lived-in, eclectic feel. If your patio has rails, consider exploring lights built into their railing for an elevated look.
Platform deck
Platform decks, also called floating decks, are low-lying structures that are detached from the house and can be built anywhere in the yard. “They’re typically simple rectangular designs that can save time and money on installation, and they’re easily customized to your preferred size, color, and decor,” says Cimaglia. Of all the materials to choose from for this deck idea, composite decking can be easier to install, so it’s a good choice if you’re working with a speedy summer deadline. “It also lasts longer with less maintenance than traditional lumber, saving you time year after year. Find a thorough guide to building a platform deck to determine what exact materials and tools you’ll need.
Patio style
Outdoor wooden couch with white cushions
Make your patio pretty. “Try rearranging existing furniture and playing up your style with decorative throws, outdoor pillows, battery-powered table lamps, and some fresh vases,” says Nick Valley. All of these add a feeling of warmth and comfort to the backyard. You don’t even need that many items. If you are limited on time and money, opt for a rug. “A good outdoor rug can introduce patterns into an outdoor entertaining space and provide depth and interest,” he says. It’s also a feature that can last well into fall and winter because it adds so much coziness.
Or, if you are thinking about bigger DIY backyard ideas, consider painting your porch floor. According to Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design, “A simple checkerboard pattern is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to transform a covered porch.” Just be sure to tape it out properly before dipping into paint. “Painting an area should be first mapped out on paper, then taped out. It is not as simple as creating squares, as the corners need to touch.”
Fruit trees
Adding a fruit tree is a great weekend project that doesn’t cost a lot. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive. “Fruit trees start around $30 and go up from there based on size,” says Lara Hermanson, cofounder at Farmscape, California’s largest urban gardening company. “Start by heading to your local nursery to find out what grows best in your region. Then select a 5- or 15-gallon plant.” A larger, more expensive plant will bore fruit sooner, but be sure to pick the size that is right for your outdoor space.
Planting the tree is easy. “Dig a hole roughly two times the size of the root ball, and then lightly disturb the tree’s roots so they don’t maintain the shape of the pot after planting,” she says. Fill in any open spaces with 50% organic compost and 50% native soil. “A great pro tip is don’t plant too deep,” Hermanson says, “because that can cause disease and even hold up your fruit production.”
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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