Consider a DIY Backyard Makeover to Refresh Your Garden

stump flowers

Small details can matter more than you think when it comes to doing a backyard makeover. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune just to have a new look of your outdoor space. Today we are going to check out various DIY backyard makeover ideas to inspire you.

DIY Backyard Makeover Suggestions You Can Use

1.Concrete Homemade Path

Many people ask for help from specialized companies when they want to make a path in their garden. However, this isn’t something you can’t do yourself. One idea is to drive around to several construction sites if you have them in your area. Ask people there for broken pieces of concrete. Make sure they have a flat surface and are big enough. Alternatively, you can collect various types of stones. The more colors you include, the nicer the result.

Then, you need to put the chunks in the place you want them to stay. Dig about two feet down for each of them. The point is that the flat top will be flushed with the ground. Level each step and then use some pea gravel. Sprinkle it with marbles or other smaller colored stones. It may take you a while, but you can save some money and do a makeover for your backyard without too much effort.

DIY pathway made of stones and concrete pieces
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2. Old Stumps Flower Bed

When considering a DIY backyard makeover, you shouldn’t forget about old stumps. Whether you cut a tree and now you have the stumps lying around or you got them from someone else, it would be a shame to waste them. One of the ideas you can use is to make them flower beds. If it’s already hollow, it’s even better. If not, you’ll have to hollow it first with a hammer and chisel.

Then, fill the stump up with soil and plant herbs, flowers, and greenery there. You should use well-draining soil or break the bark at the bottom to ensure drainage. For an impressive aspect, you can use the same flowers and plant them around the stump as well. Other ideas you can use are to cover it up with moss or to use it as a base for a table, a vase, etc.

3. Homemade Weed Killer

If you want to have a DIY backyard makeover, it’s a good idea to remove the weeds. However, you don’t need to buy expensive weed killers for this. Here you have an easy-to-make recipe for such a substance:

  • 1 squirt Dawn;
  • ¼ cup salt;
  • Vinegar.

Mix them all together in a spray bottle. Next, spray them on the plant early in the morning, before 10 AM. Make sure you spray the center well so that the substance will be absorbed by the roots. Theoretically, this weed killer shouldn’t do anything to the surrounding grass, but it’s better to avoid spraying there anyway. After the sun shines over the sprayed weeds, they will turn black and shrivel. Be careful though, if you repeat the process too many times, the salt contained in the killer can damage the soil.

Trash cans turned into planters
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4. Concrete Ladybugs

If you want to quit your old garden gnomes and go for a DIY backyard makeover, concrete ladybugs are a great idea. Here is what you need for one of the most creative DIY garden projects:

  • Water;
  • Cement;
  • Plastic bag;
  • Round container;
  • Chalk;
  • White glass beads;
  • Red and black tiles;
  • Glue.

First, take the round container. Ideally, the shape of the base should resemble a ladybug. Use the plastic bag to wrap the inside, then pour the cement and mix with water. Follow the instructions on the bag of cement. When you see that the mold is dry, take the chalk and draw the patterns for a ladybug on it. Then, glue the tiles on the mode following the patterns. Finally, set the white glass beads as the eyes and you’re done.

5. Trash Can Planter

If you need some new planters, but you don’t want to spend a fortune in the store, there are plenty of vertical garden DIY ideas to draw your inspiration. One of them, for instance, is a trashcan turned into a planter. If you have an old trash can that you’re not using anymore, use some copper paint on it. It will look more stylish and it will bring an industrial look to your backyard. Complete the final aspect with some colorful flowers on it, such as big red blooms.

6. DIY Hammock

Turning your backyard into a special place for relaxation is not as complicated as it may seem. With just a hammock, you can stay there, have a Margarita and read your book or listen to some music. And you don’t even have to pay for one since you can do it yourself. Here’s what you need:

  • Cord, rope, or webbing – around 2-3 feet for each of the sides;
  • A piece of fabric (more than 7 feet long, minimum 3 ½ feet wide);
  • 3 mm utility cord – 3-4 feet.

The best idea is to use a cotton fabric that is quite resistant. If you decide to use simple sheets for this, make sure they are rather new. After all, you don’t want to see your hammock rip apart in the middle of the night. First, fold over one of the ends of the fabric. You should have an 8-inch hem (you don’t need any sewing). Measure two inches from the edge of the hem and then gather the fabric found on both sides.

Next, use the cord to tie a loop, but leave a 3-4-inch tail. Wrap the cord around the hammock and thread its end through the loop. Cinch down the loop and wrap the cord around the hammock 3-4 times. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped. Then, tie the two ends of the cord together with a sturdy knot. Thread the webbing, either by hand or by taping it to a yardstick and pushing it down. Tie a knot in it and then do the same for the other side. Here you can see a hammock that was completely crocheted by a garden owner.

DIY crocheted hammock
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7. Repurpose Old Wooden Chairs

Old wooden chairs can be a valuable resource for a garden. They have plenty of uses, but one of the best DIY backyard makeover ideas is to use them as pot holders. Cut out the center of the chair seat, but make sure you still have the frame in a good state so that the pot can stay there. Use spray paint both for the chair and the pot. Finally, plant the large pot (or small, depending on your chair). Here you have a suggestion for the flower selection you can use: red verbena, yellow sweet potato vine, purple geranium, Supertunia ‘Royal Velvet’, Calibrachoa ‘Dreamsickle’, as well as potting soil.

8. DIY Fire Pit

If you want to have your own fire pit in the backyard, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Have a look at what you need:

  • Sand or gravel;
  • Bricks, stone pavers, cinder blocks or other building material that is not flammable;
  • Shovel;
  • Rake.

First, decide on the location of the brick fire pit, for instance, and on the size. The place should be 25 feet away from any trees or buildings. Generally, a fire pit measures 36-45 inches across, as well as 12 inches in height. Use a stake to mark the center. Then, use a string tied to another stake to create a perfect circle.

Dig a hole that is a couple of inches deep. Now place the stones around the perimeter. Stack them up and make a second layer. You should have at least 12 inches in height. Fill the pit with sand or gravel to avoid any embers burning into the ground. Add more stones if necessary. All you need to do now is to start the fire and relax.

DIY fire pit made of stones
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9. DIY Backyard Cinema

One of the easiest DIY backyard makeover ideas is to make your own cinema. Here’s what you need:

  • Frame;
  • Sheet;
  • Projector;
  • Chairs, mattresses, etc.

The principle here is simple: use a frame to hang the sheet to act as a screen, then project the movie onto it. Place the chairs or mattresses around and ensure the best comfort you can have. However, you should pay attention to a couple of things first: if you’re having the whole neighborhood over to watch a movie, make sure you’re allowed to publicly display it. Next, check if the level of light and noise isn’t affecting your neighbors, especially if you plan to watch the movie at night. And speaking of the light, that might be a problem for your cinema if your backyard is lit by a street light or the moon.

Backyard cinema lit up
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Conclusion

As you have seen, there are plenty of DIY backyard makeover ideas that are inexpensive and easy to apply. From homemade cinemas to trash can planters or upcycled chairs, there is no limit to your imagination. Most of these ideas require little effort, though you might need to go around the town and look for the materials you need. But besides the utility or beauty of these projects, there is also the satisfaction that you did them yourself, and this is the most important thing.

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