Your yard is an outdoor home, and it should feel as inviting and welcoming as your living room. While many people strictly landscape with bushes and flowers or stick to grass, there are several neat ways to upgrade your yard that don’t involve plants. Lush greenery is always a plus, but pops of colors can bring a whole new vibe into your space. Here are a few DIY ideas to get you started. Each one is just a basic idea, so peruse Instagram and other social media for photo inspiration.
Rock gardens
using stones to create aesthetic patterns in your yard has become incredibly popular for a reason. Not only can this elevate your yard to a new level of wow, but there are also so many stones and boulders to choose from that you can create the perfect look for your space. From stacked shale surrounding a birdbath to painted pebbles between barriers, rock gardens offer simple and elegant beauty to any area. By building from the ground up, you can also turn a small space into a wonderland with more room for those plants you love! These gardens also work well on slopes, a part of your yard that doesn’t get used for much else.
Painted fence
if you have a fence along the perimeter, it’s probably raw wood or a uniform color. Put your artistic skills to the test and give them an upgrade. Just be sure to use outdoor paint! You can use stencils, painter’s tape, or outline your look in chalk to get started. Don’t shy away from bright colors and be as modest or intense as you want to. Leave room for a few beautiful weatherproof pieces of art, and your yard will become stunning.
Tire gardens
old tires are easy to find and make excellent planting beds or rock holders. By placing them strategically in a pattern, the symmetry will give your yard an organized look that still feels welcoming. You can paint the tires, leave them plain, or even use waterproof glue and go wild with shells and other items if that’s what makes you happy!
Thematic wonderland
if you have a favorite flower or animal, theme your yard that way. Yard ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, and surrounding yourself with your favored totem can bring a sense of peace whenever you’re out there. Use a variety of effects to make it varied. For instance, if butterflies are your chosen theme, try creating a rock mosaic and painting butterflies along the fence while hanging metal butterflies in the trees and sticking butterfly posts along your paths.
Regardless of what you choose to do, take your time and enjoy the process. This can be a weekend project or a month-long endeavor, and the result will still be beautiful. Plan your seating area on the flattest part first, so you have a good idea of how and where to perk up the rest of your yard. Once you’re done, sit back and enjoy your hard work!