How to Create A Wow Backyard

Looking for ways to improve your backyard? You’ve got a world of possibility at your fingertips. Backyards can come in all sorts of shapes, styles and designs, and the best options for you will depend entirely on your individual preferences and interests. Do you have that one section of your yard… you know, the one that the sprinklers never seem to reach, that might be mostly out of sight, but because it’s not used, it has this neglected, bare look? Or even worse, it tends to gather clutter? Well, have you ever thought that patch could be turned into an amazing feature in your yard?

Watch that sad corner of your yard go from “blah” to “ta-da!” with projects that most of you can do this summer.

Bird Feeders

If you enjoy seeing some wildlife in your garden, you should definitely invest in a bird feeder. Sure, you don’t have to be a bird watcher to enjoy seeing some feathered friends fluttering around your garden, but as you notice regular birds heading back time and time again, you may become more invested than you initially thought. Many people with bird feeders end up giving their regulars’ names and check in on them to ensure they’re okay and getting enough food regularly. There are countless types of feeds to choose from – from tray feeders to hanging feeders. Look at different options and decide which will best suit your outdoor space. You can then fill them with different seeds, suet balls and more to lure in local wildlife.

Add A Pop Of Color

Did you know that having a dramatic pop of bright color is a popular gardening trend? Well, nobody will think that corner is neglected and forgotten if it has a bright color dominating the view. Consider repainting an old bench, lantern, pot, or maybe a charming wheelbarrow or old wagon.  

You might even take a look at the fence or gate that borders this sad patch of your yard and start looking at it as a canvas instead of a bit of blank wall.  

Add A Water Feature

Looking for more wildlife? Or simply want a beautiful water feature out back? You might want to try installing a pond. Now, this is quite a big job at first, even if you only decide to have a small pond. Check out This Old House‘s post, Everything You Need To Know To Build a Backyard Pond for step by step instructions. When it’s all set up, you will find yourself with such a beautiful addition to your backyard that it will be more than worth the time, effort and financial investment. You can quickly find beautiful plants flowering, frogs visiting, birds bathing and more. Of course, if you have children or pets, a pond might not be suitable, as it does pose a risk for them.

Another popular water feature is a backyard fountain. Bob Vila has a wonderful post, 10 Inventive Designs for a DIY Garden Fountain. Not only is a fountain beautiful, but it also provides a pleasing sound that can help you relax and help drown out any street sounds.

Make A Potted Garden

Many plants do excellently in pots. In fact, if you experience temperamental weather in your area, the plants might be even better off in pots so you can bring them in during a freeze or during crazy wind. You can go the vegetable route by buying potted tomatoes, kale, and radishes.

Or, you can choose to plant beautiful flowers and shrubs instead. In order to make your potted garden more full and interesting-looking, get different layers. Get several large pots, a few mediums, and some small ones. Or, you could change the layers just by making a little table to prop up the back pots and covering the front with others.  

Build A Bench

New garden benches can cost upwards of $100 at the garden supply store. But did you know that benches are actually super simple to construct yourself? Just arrange two cement blocks parallel to each other, and then slide some wooden boards through the holes, creating the seat. You can use this as a shelf, table, or bench. Get creative with more cinder blocks if you want! Add some potted plants in order to make it a pleasant, green place to be.

Add A Social Area

A patio or deck is a great, functional addition to your outdoor space. It provides you with a flat surface where you can place outdoor furniture, whether that’s outdoor sofas, tables and chairs or anything else. It also breaks up flat grass and adds a place to socialize. You could place it in a shady area of your garden, making it ideal for reading, working and more. You could place it in a sunny spot, so you can kick back and relax in the sun there. Patios are made with concrete and pavers or stones while most decks are made with wood or a wood substitute. For most of us, decks require a professional Deck Builder to achieve the results you want.

Make A Rock Garden

Rock garden designs can range from sprawling, naturalistic creations to faux dried river beds to rustic mounds of stones, soil, and plants. It all depends on your preferences and the amount of space (and rock) you have. Fresh Patio has a fun post, 25 Rock Garden Ideas for Beautiful DIY Designs. Drop by and be inspired to create rock art for your garden.

Use A Trellis

Wooden trellises look beautiful all by themselves, but they really turn into something special when you can see beautiful greenery spreading across them. Lean a trellis against the wall in a bare patch of your yard. Plant species that like to climb at the base. If you want edible plants, look into cucumbers, tomatoes, and runner beans. Or, if you want a floral look, buy some sweet peas and morning glories, which gradually climb and unfurl. Kelly Elko has collected 10 Unique Trellis Ideas that upcycles vintage items.

Hopefully, some of the suggestions will inspire you to build the best outdoor space possible this year. Have a great sunny season!

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

20 thoughts to “How to Create A Wow Backyard”

  1. We are planning to do some work in our garden over the summer. We have one side full of stones which we’re intending to move. I think one of the best things I’ve ever got for my garden is the bird feeder. The birds love it and I love watching them. The sunflowers painted on the fence are so cool. I think I could manage something like that! Fantastic ideas.

  2. Wow! You have some awesome photos here. I especially love the painted fence, the tipped bucket with flowing flowers, and the wheel barrel. Just lovely. Thanks for sharing with #aclwcc

  3. This was the perfect post to share on Crafty Creators this week! We just bought a new home and there’s an area in the back yard that is under several trees, so the grass won’t grow there, ugh. I’ll be featuring this post on tomorrow’s party. I’ve fixed my “I was featured” button, so you can come grab one if you’d like. If you’re following me on FB or IG, let me know, and I’ll feature your post across those accounts as well. I’m so happy you shared this! I now know my next project!

    1. Thanks for the feature. Yes I do follow you on both Instagram and Facebook. I’ll see you at the party!

  4. Wow there are so many amazing ideas but the one that I went wow was the dress form trellis, that is so cute!!! Watch for your post to be featured on Oh My Heartsie Girls Wonderful Wednesday May 23, 22
    Now I hope you have a great week, dont forget to stop by and share again.

    1. Thanks so much for the kind words and feature Karren! You made my day and I’ll see you soon at the party.

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