Make your backyard into an inviting space to entertain and unwind with these 10 outdoor living and gardening ideas. First, it is important to identify what your priorities are as well as who will be using the space.
Add water features such as a fountain or pond to create an oasis of serenity and attract wildlife by providing feeding stations, birdbaths, and native trees, shrubs, and flowers as part of a habitat for birds and other creatures.
1. Add a Water Feature
Water features add an eye-catching flourish to any garden. They come in all shapes and sizes—from simple to extravagant designs—and serve both as focal points and sculptural features.
Waterfalls surrounded by rocks create a natural aesthetic and can be combined with winding streams to connect various parts of your yard. Furthermore, this type of feature also assists with water circulation and aeration.
A simple fountain made out of an upcycled metal drum can add rustic charm to any garden, while planting climbing plants around it brings color.
2. Create Garden Beds
As lawns give way to more ecological plantings, landscape ideas such as garden beds are providing an outlet to reconnect with nature. Choose drought-resistant varieties like sage or ornamental grasses for drought conditions; add shade lovers such as Heucherella or Camellia into shady corners for optimal shade conditions.
Raised garden beds should be placed so you can walk alongside them without compaction, for easier tending. A four-foot maximum length would provide enough airflow without restricting airflow or impairing drainage.
Add some excitement and fun to your backyard with an outdoor putting green, an ideal solution to bring families together while engaging them in an activity they all can enjoy together.
3. Create a Bird Sanctuary
Establishing a backyard bird sanctuary allows you to connect with wildlife and discover its wonders. A sanctuary will draw different species of birds into your backyard, producing a wonderful symphony of chirps and songs to delight the senses.
Provide Food: Install feeders to provide birds, both resident and migratory, with seeds and suet. Maintain consistent feeding times in order to promote habitual visits from all bird species while decreasing competition between them.
Provide natural shelter: Plant trees, shrubs, and thickets as a form of protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Also add a water feature or pond for wildlife to drink from and stay hydrated.
4. Add a Fire Pit
Add an outdoor fire pit to make your yard even more inviting for hosting backyard parties and lounging around under the sun, or as an attractive focal point in your garden space. This DIY project should be easy enough for any masonry enthusiast, making your yard into an intimate yet welcoming setting.
Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, and clear away flammable materials like grass or wood decking from around your new fire pit. Additionally, check with your home insurance to make sure that if something does happen regarding fire safety, they are adequately covered.
5. Set Up a Movie Night
Backyard movie nights are an enjoyable way to spend summer evenings. Set the scene with your own homemade projector and sheet, or transform your backyard into an outdoor cinema experience! For added charm, use heart-shaped food items or film reels as themed decor to emphasize the movie theme.
Establish an enjoyable movie-watching experience for everyone in the family with seating that comfortably fits everyone—children and grandparents alike. Consider various seating options like wrought iron benches, low retaining walls, garden seats, or other options available—then be sure to test any audiovisual equipment prior to the screening and have enough extension cords on hand!
6. Add a Seating Area
Create an inviting outdoor living area with a relaxing seating area using this easy DIY project. Not only is it simple and cost-effective, but it can help extend the space available in your backyard.
Install a tree seat around a large or small tree to create a cozy nook in any outdoor space. Add plantings like trees, shrubs, and climbers around it for added privacy and an enclosed feeling.
Add a hammock or swing to create an elegant and romantic setting for napping or reading in the afternoon—just remember where to store all those cushions when not in use!
7. Add a Trellis
Trellises provide an attractive way of vertically guiding flowers or vegetables while simultaneously improving air circulation within your garden, reducing fungal diseases among fruit trees and vegetable plants, and drawing in pollinators. You can purchase kits containing everything needed—be it arch, tepee, or grid styles.
Create your own cage trellis! Start by cutting bamboo poles to the desired dimensions and driving them into the ground—add more poles as needed.
8. Add Containers
Container gardens bring flowers, plants, herbs, and vegetables into backyard spaces that don’t have enough room for full gardens. Plus, they make for an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your green thumb or simply add color and interest.
Establish an attractive potting station to store all your gardening tools, unify your backyard design, and add visual interest. Add depth by mixing different-sized containers and heights—for visual variety—as well as being sure to regularly remove weeds that sap nutrients from plants.
9. Add Lighting
With the right lighting, any backyard can become an idyllic retreat. Even something as simple as string lights strung along a simple trellis can transform it into a cozy seating area reminiscent of an indoor room.
Illuminate garden beds, seating areas, and pathways with affordable backyard ideas. Tiki torches make great choices for patios, as they add an exotic vibe and can even be filled with citronella candles to repel bugs!
Lights in jars add rustic, farmhouse style to your backyard while being an easy DIY project. Installing solar or battery-operated lights can significantly lower energy costs while keeping the yard illuminated after dark.
10. Create Pathways
Add paths to your backyard for easier, safer garden access as well as added beauty and value to your property.
Your choice of materials for your path or walkway will have an effect on the style and character of your landscape, too. Wood and mulch work particularly well in cottage- or coastal-inspired gardens; pavers and concrete are more formal options.
Widen your pathways so that all family members can navigate them comfortably, including wheelchairs and strollers, especially if there are pets or children present. This should also help ensure a smooth experience when driving!
