Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop. "},{"name":"Arricca Elin SanSone","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/author/2429/arricca-elin-sansone/","@type":"Person","description":"
Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.","jobTitle":"Contributing Writer","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/29dc1f78-ddae-4377-840a-1dba434b76d7_1525357351.file"}],"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":56,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Skip the Grass","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-1","description":"Using pea gravel instead of grass is not only drought-resistant, it also gives your backyard a Mediterranean feel. In this cottage garden, a bistro table surrounded by bee-loving lavender, rosemary, and roses provides a serene and fragrant spot for a quiet breakfast or catching up on work. RELATED: Take a tour of this dreamy cottage garden.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/curtis-backyard-665a10e8729ec.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Decorate a She Shed","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-2","description":"Transform a plain backyard shed into a stunning she shed—complete with a fun barn quilt—in just two days.To make: Begin your project by hanging checkered fabric on the walls. Install it by securing a rope across the top of the shed and hanging the fabric over the rope. Next, use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the walls (this shed required about 30 yard of fabric). Finish the project by adding a small upholstered couch and accessories that complement your personal style like a rugs, decorative baskets, plants, and a side table. 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","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lawn-party-table-cl-0618-1527796057.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Build a Raised Bed Garden","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-4","description":"Raised beds allow the soil to warm faster in the spring, plus it’s the perfect gardening solution if your soil isn’t the greatest. Build it from lumber, bricks, concrete blocks, or purchase an easy-to-assemble kit. RELATED: The Best Raised Garden Beds to Buy That We’ve Tried and Recommend ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/white-garden-beds-landscaping-idea-1553025228.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-5","description":"We promise: It's so worth it! These little gems will make you smile as they zoom by and perform stunning aerial acrobatics! They beat their wings 50 times per minute and need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, so providing them with a hummingbird feeder helps supplement their diets. You can also up your chances for hummingbird traffic by planting these flowers that hummingbirds adore.RELATED: The Simplest Hummingbird Nectar Recipe ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/ruby-throated-hummingbird-at-backyard-feeder-royalty-free-image-1716922110.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Repurpose a Patio","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-6","description":"Marcus and Victoria Ford reenvisioned an unused concrete pad behind their garage into a fun and inviting seating area complete with a movie screen. If you don't already have a concrete pad, you can have one poured or even use pea gravel to create the area.RELATED: Makeover Takeover! Tour more of this amazing backyard makeover.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/makeover-takeover-outdoor-movie-screen-jpg-1623777070.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cool Off in a Stock Tank Pool","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-7","description":"Repurpose a stock tank to create mini pool haven in your yard. This modestly sized addition will make cooling off a breeze during the summer. 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Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs these little,but mighty bees will help your garden thrive.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/art-spring-care-for-the-ecological-garden-spring-royalty-free-image-1717069598.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Create a Bird Feeder with Dinnerware","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-9","description":"Think twice before donating or tossing old tableware into the trash. Instead, repurpose select pieces to design the cutest bird feeder for your garden. RELATED: Make a Bird Feeder Out of Dinnerware ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/15/10/crafts-feeder-0415.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Shake Up the Neighborhood with a Lemonade Stand","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-10","description":"Your little entrepreneurs will make lots of memories and have plenty of fun with an adorable old-fashioned lemonade stand! You can make a drink stand with a few items (a well-stocked toolbox, wooden crates, and handmade signage) on a weekend afternoon. Add this adorable lemonade stand to your yard and serve our Old-Fashioned Lemonade recipe to have your neighbors lining up for a refreshing drink. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/wooden-kiosk-with-lemonade-and-lemons-childrens-royalty-free-image-1716925331.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Craft a Watering Can Wreath ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-11","description":"Welcome the season by handcrafting a pretty garden wreath. Gather your favorite flowers, put them inside a watering can, loop a sturdy wire around the handle, and hang the finished product on your garden gate or back door.RELATED: 28 DIY Summer Wreath Ideas","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/watering-can-wreath-spring-craft-1555344710.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Plant a Starter Herb Garden","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-12","description":"If you’re a beginner gardener or find caring for plants challenging, try growing herbs. They’re easy to grow and care for throughout the year. Begin with starter plants in small pots or add them to a garden bed. Look for easy care perennial herbs (which come back every year) such as mint chives, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and chives.RELATED: How to Plant an Herb Garden, Complete with Garden Markers ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/herb-garden-on-a-balcony-royalty-free-image-1717060799.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Install String Lights","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-13","description":"Hang outdoor string lights above your outdoor dining table or seating area to create the ultimate mood lighting. Whether you’re having a glass of wine with your partner or chatting with friends over cocktails, strategically hung lights will add instant sparkle to your evening.RELATED: The Best String Lights For Your Backyard","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/finders-keepers-patio-0917-1520221691.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Add a Pergola","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-14","description":"Create an inviting space that feels like an outdoor living room—especially when outfitted with comfortable furniture under a pergola. RELATED: 20+ Pergola Ideas That Will Add Style and Shade to Your Backyard","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/curtis-california-lavender-garden-pergola-jpg-1616786556.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Plant a Thicket of Shrubs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-15","description":"Are you in need of privacy in your yard? Consider planting a thicket of fast-growing shrubs to buffer your patio, deck, or porch. Try planting a variety of shrubs (types and sizes) in a triangular pattern. This will provide widespread coverage and look more natural rather than adding a single type of plant in a row (which looks odd if a shrub suddenly dies).RELATED: 20 Fast-Growing Shrubs and Bushes for Privacy in Your Backyard","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/beautiful-spring-garden-plants-in-may-in-babylon-royalty-free-image-1717101231.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Add a DIY Window Box Planter","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-16","description":"Are you planning to purchase a new window planter? Before dipping into your backyard budget, learn how to build inexpensive window box planters with supplies that you probably already have sitting around your garage or gardening shed. RELATED: 20 DIY Window Boxes to Step Up Your Outdoor Décor","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/single-window-garden-royalty-free-image-1716920405.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Design a DIY Outdoor Bar","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-17","description":"Pull together a clever DIY bar area with artfully arranged tables, benches, festive linens, and seasonal decorations. With more than enough room for outdoor treats and summer beverages, you have no excuse to not take advantage of your backyard space. 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Here, the homeowners created a “patio” with landscape timbers and pea gravel, then buried a galvanized fire ring to make a firepit.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/memories-in-the-making-farm-cl-0618-1527198344.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Upcycle Vintage Containers","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-19","description":"Add an element of surprise to your front porch by trading your usual terracotta plant pots for vintage potato chip tins. Search Ebay and Etsy to find stylish vintage tins to pot your favorite seasonal blossoms (you can never go wrong with red geraniums!) for your back porch or deck. RELATED: 30 Best Summer Flowers","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/front-porch-potato-chip-tin-backyard-diy-1551220341.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Define a Spaces with Outdoor Rugs","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-20","description":"Make your outdoor seating areas truly livable by making them cozy and inviting. Add a pretty and durable outdoor rug to your deck or patio and layer chairs with blankets and throw pillows so your space feels just as comfy as your living room sofa. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/real-photo-of-a-white-pillow-and-pink-blanket-on-a-royalty-free-image-1716925099.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Build a Wood Walkway","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-21","description":"Utilize planks of reclaimed wood to build a rustic wood walkway. You can use it to link two areas of your backyard or add some character to a quiet garden corner.RELATED: The Best Places to Find or Buy Reclaimed Wood Near You","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/15/15/path.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Repurpose Old Containers","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-22","description":"Get creative with your stockpile of dumpster destined wares around the house. 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RELATED: The Best Privacy Trees for Your Backyard","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/beautiful-boho-backyard-with-rattan-furniture-royalty-free-image-1717103021.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Camp Out Under the Stars","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-25","description":"If you're searching for an inexpensive summer activity, pick a spot in your backyard for evening under the stars. Set up camp in a empty yard corner by stringing up outdoor lights, placing sleeping bags with plush pillows, and a few flashlights. 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Whether you're fond of scones, finger sandwiches, or sweets, you'll enjoy a Queen-worthy tea gathering on your finest vintage china and linens.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/an-outside-table-set-with-afternoon-tea-and-cakes-royalty-free-image-1716925801.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Repurpose a Pallet","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-28","description":"Shipping pallets are great for organizing gardening knicknacks. This upcycled pallet provides storage with the help of a rake head that holds tools, butcher’s hooks for hanging twine, and an anchored enamelware bucket for storing gloves and a hose. Note: Check for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo, which certifies that a pallet has been treated to prevent the spread of insects or plant diseases.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/potting-shed-idea-640b8be886aad.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Create a Unique Watering Area","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-29","description":"California homeowner, Jen Curtis, made use of an old galvanized wash tub to keep flowers from her cut garden fresh. 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","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/16/10/1457725970-crafts-flowers-0415.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":31,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Create Comfy Sitting Spots","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-31","description":"No need to splurge on a pricey new furniture for your yard when you can easily reinvent the look of old pieces. Give your furniture a fresh coat of paint to bring it back to looking new and add layers of warmth with upholstered seat cushions, pillows, and throw blankets.RELATED: Take of tour of this gorgeous backyard garden retreat. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/greenhouse-6658f86b0a1b8.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":32,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Unwind in a Hammock","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-32","description":"Whether you want to read a book or just need a good nap without a distraction, there’s nothing like lounging in a hammock outside. Enjoy the sun‘s warmth and wind on your face while listening to nature’s soothing sounds.RELATED: 15 Best Hammocks for Backyard Naps, Camping Trips, or Anywhere Else","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/copeland-hammock-6659fb03c7ca3.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":33,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Hang a Handkerchief Planter","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-33","description":"If you searching for more space for displaying potted planters, improvise with DIY hanging planter project. 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RELATED: The Best Outdoor Fire Pits to Make Your Backyard Extra Cozy","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/backyard-ideas-fire-pit-adirondack-1579902182.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":37,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Add Elegance with a Stone Planter","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-37","description":"Make a statement in your outdoor space with a classic stone flower planter. 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","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/two-smiling-girls-sitting-on-a-swing-bed-royalty-free-image-1717082328.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":39,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Hang a Tree Swing","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-39","description":"Swaying on a tree swing is a timeless backyard activity! You’ll fall for this nostalgic pastime and find your children (or yourself!) swinging the afternoons away all summer long!RELATED: How to DIY a Tire Swing","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mississippi-farmhouse-makeover-takeover-vintage-tire-swing-1664311663.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":40,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Make a Colorful Planter","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-40","description":"Using spray paint to add a pop of color to upcycled tires to use as planter or grounding base for a flower pot. 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(These 5 easy tips will help you identify birdsongs.)RELATED: Try These DIY Bird Feeders to Fill Your Garden with Songs","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-bedding-flowers-with-decorative-stone-bird-royalty-free-image-1717071114.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":42,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Lay Down a Stone Path","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-42","description":"Jazz up your backyard by laying a flagstone path or add pattern to your concrete pavers with a painted stencil if you want to make a style statement.RELATED: How to Make Stenciled Patio Pavers ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/stone-walkway-on-green-grass-royalty-free-image-1717087685.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":43,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"DIY a Sandbox Play Area","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-43","description":"A sandbox is a great place for kids of all ages to play. 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","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/decorative-light-fixture-on-house-exterior-royalty-free-image-1717088930.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":52,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Use an Outdoor Chalkboard","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-52","description":"Rather than covering every inch of your sidewalk and driveway and chalk, let kids flex their creative muscles with an outdoor chalkboard. No need to worry about erasers—rain will provide a natural cleaner.RELATED: 40 Fun Activities for Kids So They’ll Never Say They’re Bored","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/herb-garden-royalty-free-image-1716928667.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":53,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Make Mason Jar Luminaries","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g2314/backyard-ideas/#slide-53","description":"Light the steps to your front door or patio with these easy DIY lanterns. 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Warm days and breezy evenings beckon us outside. Where’s the best place to kick back and enjoy the beautiful season? Your backyard! There’s no better spot for unwinding than the inviting spaces around your home. Thankfully, upgrading your yard doesn’t have to hurt your budget and hiring a pricey landscape designer isn’t necessary to create a beautiful yard that fits your needs and personal style.
We’ve put together a list of easy backyard design ideas and gardening tips that your family, friends, and furry companions can enjoy too! If your yard is big or small, filled with sunshine or covered in shade, lush with thickets of trees and shrubs or nearly bare, we have an inspiring collection to get your landscaping design plans moving forward. Browse projects that include bird baths and bird feeders, lush container gardening ideas, crowd-pleasing fire pits, outdoor lighting ideas, and even a surprisingly easy-to-install DIY stock tank pool.
Take your time, select one to two projects, head to the local farm supply store or garden or home improvement center for supplies, and get outside to begin refreshing your green spaces. You’ll be ready for cookout season, movie nights under the stars, and so much more in no time at all!
Using pea gravel instead of grass is not only drought-resistant, it also gives your backyard a Mediterranean feel. In this cottage garden, a bistro table surrounded by bee-loving lavender, rosemary, and roses provides a serene and fragrant spot for a quiet breakfast or catching up on work.
Transform a plain backyard shed into a stunning she shed—complete with a fun barn quilt—in just two days. To make: Begin your project by hanging checkered fabric on the walls. Install it by securing a rope across the top of the shed and hanging the fabric over the rope. Next, use a staple gun to secure the fabric to the walls (this shed required about 30 yard of fabric). Finish the project by adding a small upholstered couch and accessories that complement your personal style like a rugs, decorative baskets, plants, and a side table. And don’t forget your barn quilt!
Set up a thrifty potting table for all of your gardening needs with extra items in the garage. A repurposed old door and upturned galvanized trash cans transform into a cute and fully functional workstation.
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4
Build a Raised Bed Garden
David Tsay
Raised beds allow the soil to warm faster in the spring, plus it’s the perfect gardening solution if your soil isn’t the greatest. Build it from lumber, bricks, concrete blocks, or purchase an easy-to-assemble kit.
We promise: It's so worth it! These little gems will make you smile as they zoom by and perform stunning aerial acrobatics! They beat their wings 50 times per minute and need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, so providing them with a hummingbird feeder helps supplement their diets. You can also up your chances for hummingbird traffic by planting these flowers that hummingbirds adore.
Marcus and Victoria Ford reenvisioned an unused concrete pad behind their garage into a fun and inviting seating area complete with a movie screen. If you don't already have a concrete pad, you can have one poured or even use pea gravel to create the area.
Repurpose a stock tank to create mini pool haven in your yard. This modestly sized addition will make cooling off a breeze during the summer. Plus, it's budget friendly and less expensive than a traditional in-ground pool installation.
Give your garden a natural boost by installing a Mason Bee house to attract these beneficial pollinators. There are a variety of mason bees that pollinate specific plants. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs these little,but mighty bees will help your garden thrive.
9
Create a Bird Feeder with Dinnerware
Brian Woodcock
Think twice before donating or tossing old tableware into the trash. Instead, repurpose select pieces to design the cutest bird feeder for your garden.
Your little entrepreneurs will make lots of memories and have plenty of fun with an adorable old-fashioned lemonade stand! You can make a drink stand with a few items (a well-stocked toolbox, wooden crates, and handmade signage) on a weekend afternoon. Add this adorable lemonade stand to your yard and serve our Old-Fashioned Lemonade recipe to have your neighbors lining up for a refreshing drink.
11
Craft a Watering Can Wreath
Brian Woodcock
Welcome the season by handcrafting a pretty garden wreath. Gather your favorite flowers, put them inside a watering can, loop a sturdy wire around the handle, and hang the finished product on your garden gate or back door. RELATED: 28 DIY Summer Wreath Ideas
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Plant a Starter Herb Garden
uuurska//Getty Images
If you’re a beginner gardener or find caring for plants challenging, try growing herbs. They’re easy to grow and care for throughout the year. Begin with starter plants in small pots or add them to a garden bed. Look for easy care perennial herbs (which come back every year) such as mint chives, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and chives.
Hang outdoor string lights above your outdoor dining table or seating area to create the ultimate mood lighting. Whether you’re having a glass of wine with your partner or chatting with friends over cocktails, strategically hung lights will add instant sparkle to your evening.
Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography//Getty Images
Are you in need of privacy in your yard? Consider planting a thicket of fast-growing shrubs to buffer your patio, deck, or porch. Try planting a variety of shrubs (types and sizes) in a triangular pattern. This will provide widespread coverage and look more natural rather than adding a single type of plant in a row (which looks odd if a shrub suddenly dies).
Are you planning to purchase a new window planter? Before dipping into your backyard budget, learn how to build inexpensive window box planters with supplies that you probably already have sitting around your garage or gardening shed.
Pull together a clever DIY bar area with artfully arranged tables, benches, festive linens, and seasonal decorations. With more than enough room for outdoor treats and summer beverages, you have no excuse to not take advantage of your backyard space. It can even double as a potting bench!
Turn your backyard into a place the family can hang out together all summer long by combining raised garden beds with a firepit area. Here, the homeowners created a “patio” with landscape timbers and pea gravel, then buried a galvanized fire ring to make a firepit.
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19
Upcycle Vintage Containers
DAVID TSAY
Add an element of surprise to your front porch by trading your usual terracotta plant pots for vintage potato chip tins. Search Ebay and Etsy to find stylish vintage tins to pot your favorite seasonal blossoms (you can never go wrong with red geraniums!) for your back porch or deck. RELATED:30 Best Summer Flowers
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Define a Spaces with Outdoor Rugs
KatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty Images
Make your outdoor seating areas truly livable by making them cozy and inviting. Add a pretty and durable outdoor rug to your deck or patio and layer chairs with blankets and throw pillows so your space feels just as comfy as your living room sofa.
