Turning your Backyard into a DIY Paradise

With the weather getting warmer and the days becoming longer, the smell of spring is in the air! We’ve spotted the first few patches of visible grass, and have begun to dig out our green thumbs as we prepare for all that’s to come with this season’s bloom. And as we’ve spruced up the inside of our homes with the always-anticipated bout of “spring cleaning” that comes and goes every year, we mustn’t dismiss the opportunity to add some of that flare to our outdoor spaces as well. In fact, there are plenty of ways to create your very own “backyard utopia” if you will, by trying some of these simple, DIY, budget-friendly projects:

• Touches of light: there’s something inexplicably enchanting about adding a little light to your backyard space – and there are countless of ways in which you can make that happen. For instance, a strand of rope lights and some garden staples are all you really need for an easy and affordable way to light your backyard pathways. Or, if your yard just so happens to have more trees than it does paths and/or garden space, why not try hanging a string of indoor/outdoor lights from tree to tree, or some leftover mini Christmas lights around each of the trunks. And if you’re really looking to create an oasis, why not hang a hammock for guaranteed serenity.
• Add a little something for the kids to enjoy: if you’re a parent, you know how much the kiddos like having their own space – and, how much mom and dad like having theirs too. So why not create a kid’s corner for the little ones to enjoy? Some great DIY suggestions? Perhaps add a hopscotch board, create a backyard sandbox, or even turn an old stock tank into a makeshift pool for those warm summer days ahead.
• A fresh coat of paint goes a long way: patio chairs, old patio furniture sets, even the outdoor ledges on your windows – if they’re starting to feel a little drab, turn them into something fab! Fix your stained or lightly rusted furniture by giving them a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. This simple, DIY project will make them look brand new!
• Colour, colour, colour! Sometimes, all your backyard really needs is some simple variety. For an easy, affordable way to add some colour, dedicate a corner of your yard to a DIY floral utopia. Old milk cans, chicken feeders, and galvanized mop buckets are just itching for new life as planters.
• Hosting dinners on a dime: if you’re one to play host/hostess often, and are perhaps a little tight on space, here’s an idea that might save you twice over: a serving station! Great for parties, intimate BBQ’s and family dinners. And what’s most practical about it? It closes when it’s not in use! Check it out here.

With the warm weather right around the corner, and spring about to bloom, these ideas (and more) will have you wanting to spend all of your time outdoors and in your newfound backyard paradise. So let your creative juices flow as you experiment with these DIY projects.