Helpful Tips and How To's

Backyard Makeovers!

01. study the space.

how big is your yard? is there a tree? flowers? a fence? do animals come in it a lot? is it big, or small? is your area usually hot and sunny, or rainy and cold? this will help you know what kind of plants or decorations to get, and help with step #6.

02. plan around it.

if you have a fence, why not put christmas lights on it? two trees close together, how about a hammock? be creative and open to other’s suggestions. also, if it’s something that’s going to be expensive or take a lot of work, ask your mom or dad if it’s okay.

03. figure out a budget

talk to a parent to figure out how much they want to spend. maybe they just don’t want to do the labor--if so, offer to do it for them, and ask if they’ll provide you with the money for supplies.

04. spruce up or get rid of what you already have.

sometimes all a backyard needs is a fresh coat of paint on the fence or shed, or a few more flowers here and there. sometimes all it needs is to get rid of that huge weed growing right in the middle. if you don’t have a very large budget, this is what you should do.

but, if you do have a large budget…

05. find inspiration.

think of backyards you’ve seen and really liked. is it your friend’s backyard? the ones on tv? look for pictures on polyvore, tumblr, pinterest, what have you. make sure nothing is too extreme, like building a roller coaster in your backyard or whatever (though that would be really cool)

06. write a specific shopping list

if you want flower seeds, what kind? what is your color scheme going to be? how big could an item be without taking up all the space? what kinds of plants do butterflies like most? (if I were you, I would want as many butterflies in my yard as possible.) try to find out what all this stuff would cost, and make sure to include any tools you would need.

07. be realistic

how much care are you actually going to put into taking care of this garden? vegetables and fruits take a lot of hard work, as do many other plants. are you going to actually spend time in your backyard, and will this be worth it? if you don’t spend much time in it already, chances are, you might not spend time in it when it’s done up. be honest with yourself and your family. also, make sure any furniture is safe in harsh weather conditions, such as heat and snow.

08. buy tools and supplies (on your list from #6)

seeds, lights, paint, a tree, hammock, etc.

09. start putting things places

(for lack of a better description)

put your lights up, or your hammock, or paint your shed. plant the flowers (make sure it’s the right season) and plant your trees.

10. appreciate your hard work.

go outside a lot once this is done, and read books in your garden or hammock, or play games outside. maybe even buy a tent and sleep there.

there are some steps, but what if you have no idea what to actually DO with your backyard?

here are some ideas.

+ treehouse (yes. yes. yes.)

+ fairy lights / garden lights

+ patio / screened in porch

+ sunflowers

+ a shed (to throw all your junk into)

+ a makeshift tent or a tipi

+ gnomes (lol)

+ plants that butterflies or ladybugs like (cuteness)

+ herbs or vegetables

+ a little sculpture or fountain (maybe one of those solar ones)

+ birdbath

+ compost pile (not so pretty, but eco friendly and good for plants)

+ climbing plant or vine (plant near a fence or shed

+ a puppy. (what is a yard without a lil pug running around in it?)

+ lounge chair or bench

+ a swing hung on a tree

+ firepit

+ an eating area

+ windchimes

+ outdoor candles

+ fairy garden

+ porch swing

+ garden markers

+ repurposed tires (for swings, plant holders, etc.)

you can find a billion things about repurposing old tires, gates, etc. some of the projects look really cool and you should check them out.

so if your yard is ugly and depressing follow these steps to make it rad!

keep in mind:

- research the plants you’re going to grow for proper care and planting instructions

- plant a fence around your garden if animals are going to eat it

- make sure you plant your trees with enough room for them to grow.

- think of seasons, and how long things will last. perennial flowers will come back year after year, but annuals won’t, and you’ll have to plant them again the next year.

- don’t buy things you won’t use.

- put away summer hammocks or chairs in the winter