There are a lot of fantastic DIY projects that can bring color and style to your backyard, but not everyone can run out and purchase all the materials needed for a backyard overhaul after finding an inspiring project.
For those of us who need to stick to a budget, there are plenty of projects out there, you’ll usually just have to sift through tons of projects that look easy and inexpensive, but actually end up taking a lot of time, effort, and money to complete.
This time, we’ve done most of the work for you! We’ve looked all over the Internet to find an array of fun and easy projects for you do do with the whole family. Best of all, these are low-budget improvements that you’ll be proud to have in your yard.
Let’s get started and find some inspiration to make our yards, gardens, and patios a much brighter and more relaxing place to be!
1. Tin Can Fence Planter Display
Source: Ciera Design
These empty (and rinsed) aluminum cans have found new life as tiny little individual container gardens decorating a simple wooden fence. The cans are painted in a bold color so they pop against the fence, and then are attached to planks. Be sure you drill holes in the bottom of the can for drainage, so your little plants don’t drown!
2. Cinder Block Container Garden
Source: Pith and Vigor
Using cinderblocks is another great way to create a container garden while keeping a close eye on your bottom line. Arrange the blocks so that sections extend from the main wall, then add potted plants to the holes in each block. This is a sturdy project that’s easy to put together and looks fantastic. To take this project to the next level, paint each cinderblock beforehand.
3. Hubcap Flowers
Source: The Weathered Door
Paint discarded hubcaps with bold colors and attach to shovels, which form the stems. Sturdy craft foam is used to make the large leaves of each flower. Bury the head of the shovel in your garden to ensure your new “flowers” stand up straight and hold up against any wind.
4. Raised Garden Spiral
Source: Oh My! Creative
Take a long walk and gather some large stones to use to create a garden spiral in your planting beds. You can make a tower, like this one, or if you’re feeling more creative, create a true spiral and plant your favorite flowers along the circular pathways.
5. Mini Backyard Pond
Source: iCreative Ideas
Who knew that an old tire could be turned into such a gorgeous pond? Well, this project is proof that any piece of “junk” can be make beautiful, if you have the creativity to spot its potential. dig a hole big enough for your tire, then line the tire in a pool liner. Fill and decorate the pool, then stack stones around the edge to cover up the edges of the tire. The result is gorgeous!
6. Hanging Gutter Garden
Source: Apartment Therapy
This is another example of a creative garden solution that is easy to put together. Attach sections of gutters to sturdy wire supports, then hang from a pergola, roof, or other spot outdoors. Fill the planters with herbs, veggies, or any flowers you so desire.
7. Glow-In-The-Dark Planters
These planters look innocuous during the day, but when the sun begins to set, they glow brightly, illuminating your backyard garden. There’s simply no reason not to add these to your lawn. The planters are large enough to be a display on their own or clustered together to form a container garden.
8. Raised Garden Bed
Source: Sunset
Gardening can be hard on your knees, so building a raised garden bed is a great boon for both your body and for keeping pesky weeds and invasive roots out of your vegetable patch or herb garden. Create several of these to really get started on a self-sufficient food supply that’s delicious and all yours!
9. DIY Stone Edging
Source: Gardeen World / Blogspot
This is a fun and easy project that will really add some incredible curb appeal to your front yard or backyard. All you’ll need is stone edgers, a mallet, and an edger to create the small trench. The result is absolutely incredible, and not a project you’ll want to miss out on!
10. Galvanized Tub Storage Coffee Table
Source: Remodelaholic
This is another clever and simple project that you’ll definitely want to add to your patio. The heavy wooden top is perfect to set glasses and other serving sets on, but also is removable so that you can store blankets, pillows, or cushions inside of the tub used as a base.
11. Outdoor Cinderblock Bench
Source: Creating Really Awesome Free Things
This is another clever cinderblock project that transforms a long facade into a cozy cinderblock bench. Simply stack your cinderblocks along the wall where you’d like your bench to be, then add a thick foam pad covered in fabric to the top. The best way to do this is to take a trip to the fabric store and make your own. You’ll be able to customize the size and design much more easily than going with store bought cushions.
12. DIY Fence Table
Source: Sensibly Sara
This is a clever outdoor idea that you’re sure to use in a variety of ways, from holding gardening implements, paint buckets, or even as an outdoor eating area complete with barstools. This collapsible table is something you’ll definitely want to add to your fence!
13. Painted Patio Tiles
Source: A Beautiful Mess
Concrete pavers are a great way to create a patio space, but they are a bit bland. To spice yours up, paint a few of the pavers bright colors and add a few brightly colored chairs. You’re only limited by your imagination and creativity here, create any pattern you’d like! You’ll love the way it transforms your patio area!
14. DIY Wine Bottle Torches
This is a great way to repurpose empty wine bottles. If you’re like us, you tend to build up a decent supply in your recycling bin. This project allows you to create awesome bug-repelling torches to set on the tabletop of your patio. Bye-bye, bugs!
