Have you already cleaned out your closets, alphabetized your pantry, and polished every pair of shoes you own? This month finds most of us at home experiencing a tight circle of family, and an even tighter budget. Spring is around the corner. Head outside and get inspired by the warmer weather. We have a few ideas to help you get your back yard beautiful on a budget.
Plant Purposefully
Create a garden in your backyard that is both functional and beautiful. Let your “inner chef” shine through with a lettuce or herb garden. Plant herbs you enjoy and commonly use in cooking – such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary. Choose a location in your yard that will provide at least a half day’s worth of sun. Herb gardens enjoy lots of sunlight. Arrange your taller herbs like rosemary behind your smaller herbs, like oregano. If you’re short on space, use terracotta pots or planters. If lettuces are your love, check out our article on how to Grow Your Own Salad Greens This Spring!
Construct a Fire Pit
Nothing brings out the family like smores over an outdoor fire pit. You might be surprised to learn how easy it is to create your own. Use rocks you may already have in your yard or leftover from another project. With one trip to your favorite home improvement store, you will be melting marshmallows over an open fire before you can say, “pass the graham crackers, please.”
Old World Garden Farms offers great step-by-step instructions on creating your fire pit. If you are DYI challenged, consider purchasing a propane fire pit. A store-bought fire pit is still a relatively inexpensive addition to your outdoor space that adds instant character, warmth, and rustic charm.
Plant a Tree
We know how obvious this sounds, but planting a tree is one of the simplest and inexpensive ways to beautify your back yard. With just a shovel, some mulch, and a tree, you can add something to your yard that will “give back” tenfold. A tree can cut your home’s energy costs, maybe increase your home’s value, and provide comfort and beauty to your yard for years to come.
Before you purchase your tree, consult your local nursery to learn which trees flourish in your climate, and how far you should plant the tree from structures.
Use String Lights
Impactful and purposeful, string lights add a dramatic punch to your yard for the smallest of budgets. The addition of exciting lighting creates gathering spaces your family and friends won’t be able to resist. Globe lights will run you about $9 for a 17 ft. strand, whereas 22 feet of the less expensive string lights will set you back a mere $5. Here are just a few ideas:
Wrap strands around trees or outdoor pillars
Run your lights from tree to tree, or fill a single tree
Drape light strands beneath your outdoor umbrella
Light your gazebo (if you’re lucky enough to have one)
Run lighting along footpaths or line the edge of a flower bed
The Kiddie Pool Grows Up
For those of us with a little more space in our backyard, take note of a new backyard trend gaining traction: kiddie pools for grownups. The cheap, DIY version starts with a trip to your closest feed or ranch store for a stock tank. What is a stock tank, you ask? Picture your dog’s water bowl. Now picture it 8 feet wide, 2 feet tall, and able to hold around 500 gallons of water. Stock tanks are essentially water bowls for cattle and horses. They are relatively inexpensive, sold in various sizes, and are ruggedly constructed from galvanized steel. Grab your garden hose, fill, sit, and enjoy.
31 Clever Stock Tank Pool Designs
Lay a Footpath
Simple, stone footpaths are practical and beautiful. The bonus? They’re relatively inexpensive, yet add a luxurious feel to even the smallest of yards. Their practical nature keeps visitors out of your garden, and out of wet grass, dirt, or mud. Choose stones that complement your home’s architecture. Also, consider stones with a surface that won’t be too slick once they are wet. The DIY Network offers some great step-by-step instructions on laying out a footpath that’s perfect for your yard.
Your guests will return to your back yard before you know it. Let them know you did more this spring than give your dog a perm. Show your friends and family your time at home was well spent – with them in mind.