Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman
Photography Provided
Since many of us spent 2020 improving the interior of our homes painting, decluttering and adding creative office spaces, I thought it might be a welcome time to offer some clever, inexpensive, and mostly easy-to-assemble ideas to spruce up your backyard space. Here are six of my favorites:
Horizontal board privacy screen: Made out of wood slats, this simple piece, along with a sturdy fence installed by a fencing company, can be an elegant way to gain a little privacy for your patio. It does require digging, for the posts. Directions and completed pictures can be found at freshmommyblog.com/horizontal-slat-fence.
Stock tank: These tank pools can be found at your local feed and farm store, and have been popping up as water features on decks and patios. Create a fountain, a haven for fish, or even a soaking spot for you on a hot day. These tanks can be a bright spot for your outdoor space, and you can also paint them.
Fire pit: With the ready-to-use selection found at your local home-improvement store, fire pits, from companies like custom fire pit landscaping, no longer require digging holes in the ground. Many are built for patio and deck spaces, and offer charm and coziness with little hassle.
Outdoor art center: Keep this simple by clipping paper to a fence and keeping paint nearby, or dress it up by building an easel. Whichever way you choose, this space will be welcomed by little hands looking to get messy – and with hoses nearby, cleanup can be easy. As an added bonus, you can hang the artwork around the yard for everyone to enjoy.
Garden trellis: If building the horizontal board privacy fence is too intimidating, a garden trellis could be a simpler solution. You will need some posts, hooks and wire, and of course climbing plants. Once grown, this becomes a great seasonal privacy screen. Full instructions can be found at earthfoodandfire.com/building-a-diy-wire-trellis.
Fairy garden in a large pot: This is a great project for little hands, with endless possibilities and no wrong approach. All you need is a large pot, some dollhouse or miniature furniture, and whatever supplies you can find in nature, such as twigs for handmade benches or stones for pathways. Let imagination guide assembly, and placement of furniture, flowers and stones. Need inspiration? Visit simplepracticalbeautiful.com/create-fairy-garden-flower-pot.
Have fun!
