As we move into our summer months, it’s hard not to look forward to some much needed outdoor time after a long, cold, and wet winter. With warmer weather, clear skies, and birds chirping, many of us may be daydreaming about how to revamp our very own backyards to better enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Here’s a list of just a few quick and budget friendly ways to upgrade that outdoor living space for you and your guests to enjoy all summer long, and even beyond that.
Get Some Outdoor Seating:
The very first thing many of us think of when wanting to add to our backyard is some outdoor seating, or perhaps even an entire outdoor seating area. This could be anything from a bench or chair in the garden area, to an entire table and chairs setup to sit around and enjoy meals at with guests and family.
To accomplish this, however, there is no need to rush to the nearest furniture store where brand new patio furniture can get really pricey, really fast. You would be surprised the amazing finds you can get on websites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Since these pieces are used, they will come at a fraction of the cost and still allow you a beautiful space to sit and take in the summer days. A good place to look would also be garage sales and newspaper ads. And lastly, if you’re not liking anything used you’re finding, you could always opt to make your own cinder block and lumber bench, which wouldn’t be very pricey at all (click here for YouTube tutorial).
Build an Outdoor Fire pit:
If you’re looking for even more outdoor seating that helps you enjoy the outdoors and having guests over, you might want to consider installing an outdoor fire pit. This may sound like a pricey endeavor, especially when you look at some of the fire pits you can buy online or at your local stores, but it doesn’t have to be!
You could buy concrete retaining wall blocks for $1.25 a block and create an elevated circle on the ground with them that would only cost around $50. Or, even cheaper, you could just create a dirt ring on the ground and circle it with rocks from your very own backyard. Imagine drinking a beverage and making s’mores with your loved ones as you enjoy the cool night air and starry sky.
Add Some Lights:
This is a sure fire way to give your backyard that little extra “spark” it needs and to create a space for your chill summer night hangouts. The soft lighting gives a relaxed feel to your gatherings rather than the bright flood lights or outdoor lights you might use otherwise. At about five dollars a strand, you can almost buy as many lights as needed to wrap around your trees, run in a cool pattern from trees to house to fence, or drape trees in lights for a charming ambiance.
Plant a Garden:
Whether you have a ton of space for this or not, a garden could be a lovely addition to your yard if you feel up for the task. Not only would it get you in the outdoors this summer in the comfort of your own backyard, but it would also add a beautiful pop of color and be a focal point to show all your guests. You could do this by planting a flower bed or vegetable garden, or by buying some wooden barrels at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot to make flower beds out of. If you don’t have a ton of space in your backyard, you could also make a vertical garden by using a wooden ladder and terracotta pots and wire, or even by using a few pot hangers and some screws on your wooden fence. There are so many options and the internet has every “how-to” you need in order to start and complete your project.
Reuse and Recycle to Reduce Costs:
The best backyard landscaping tip of all when looking to re-do your yard on a budget is to reuse and recycle items whenever possible. Visit your local thrift stores and check the classifieds in the paper or online to find local garage sales. Purchase used planters, furniture, and even gardening tools to spruce up your lawn. Ultimately, to keep your backyard landscaping costs low, all you need is time and effort, and some creativity.