11 DIY Garden Ideas That Will Elevate Your Backyard

garden table — Credit:
Getty / Lee Yiu Tung

Your yard could benefit from a few upgrades, but that doesn’t mean you have to hire out an entire landscaping crew. It's entirely possible to DIY the smaller details yourself, refreshing your space and making it even more functional.

Here, we've gathered just a few easy and elegant expert-approved ideas that you should definitely try at home—from raised garden beds to more aesthetic projects. Each one adds charm and utility, without requiring expert skills or a major investment.

01 of 11

DIY a Small Water Fountain

A small garden pond with a solarpowered fountain surrounded by potted plants and foliage — Credit:
Getty / Crispin la valiente

A water fountain looks beautiful, creates a focal point, and provides a soothing, ambient sound.

"You can build a DIY water fountain or pond by placing a small pump inside a ceramic planter or tiered containers," says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build. "This project can add tranquility to any yard, while making use of inexpensive supplies."

02 of 11

Add Mosaic Touches

A potted plant and a tree base encircled by stones on a tiled patio — Credit:
Getty / Rizky Ade Jonathan

Mosaic accents are a simple way to add color and texture to a space—and it's a fun DIY.

All you need is some cement or concrete, as well as broken pieces of tile, glass, or ceramics. Use them to decorate stepping stones, tabletops, flower pots, or even the sides of raised garden beds.

03 of 11

Plant Ornamental Grasses

If you have a green thumb, consider adding some beautiful ornamental grass to your yard.

"You can use a native grass as a living border for a wind-blown, low maintenance privacy screen," says Tammy Sons, gardening expert and founder of TN Nursery. "As an added plus, it also helps with drainage and can reduce glare from hard surfaces."

04 of 11

Create a Paver Walkway

A stone pathway in a garden setting surrounded by grass and plants — Credit:
Getty / wulingyun

Paver walkways are a full day project, but it's incredibly rewarding.

"Not only are they highly practical, but they can also be stunningly beautiful," says Sergey Maskhkov, construction designer at Sheds Unlimited. "My favorite are irregularly-shaped large pavers, spaced out with either moss or creeping thyme in between."

05 of 11

Install a Gravel Fire Pit

Four wooden outdoor chairs surrounding a fire pit with nearby plants and a wooden fence background — Credit:
Getty / Heidi Patricola

One of the quickest ways to add ambiance to your yard, and to encourage you to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, is to add a fire pit.

"A gravel fire pit circle with logs or stone seating is easily DIY-able and inherently a gathering zone," Sons says. "Plus, this low-maintenance upgrade can easily be done in a weekend with some elbow grease and some basic hand tools."

06 of 11

Upcycle a Potting Bench

A rustic wooden table and bench surrounded by vibrant garden flowers and greenery — Credit:
Getty / Lee Yiu Tung

You can upcycle almost anything into a potting bench with a little creativity. Once you have one in your yard, you'll find yourself using it time and again.

"[Try upcycling] a vintage table or cabinet into a dedicated potting bench with hooks for tools, shelves for garden supplies, and even a garden hose-fed sink for easy cleanup," says Rebecca Paxton, co-owner of My Front Porch.

You can even repurpose it as needed. "By day, it's a gardener's dream workspace; by night, it transforms into an outdoor bar or prep zone," she adds.

07 of 11

Set Up Raised Garden Beds

Outdoor flowerbed with blooming flowers and stacked terracotta pots nearby — Credit:
Getty / Galina Zhigalova

Raised garden beds are a classic DIY project that can level up the structure and functionality of your yard in just a few hours.

A go-to is to build them with durable hardwoods (like cedar or redwood), though you can also make them out of bricks or corrugated metal. Fill them with rich soil and your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables for a tidy, curated feel.

08 of 11

Build a Vertical Garden

vertical garden idea — Credit:
Getty / Monica Murphy

Another way to add more plants to your yard is to create a vertical garden.

"Try building a vertical planter using a wooden pallet or hanging organizers for succulents, herbs, or flowers," says Zakheim. "Mount it on a fence or wall to add some visual complexity, while maximizing space."

09 of 11

Make Your Own Birdbath

Small chickadee songbird at birdbath in summer garden. — Credit:
Tammi Mild / Getty Images

The birds and bees will enjoy swinging by your yard even more if they have a nice place to wash off.

These baths can be DIY-ed in all sorts of ways. Try repurposing a vintage bowl or shallow dish atop a plant stand, or fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water to give pollinators a safe landing spot. The main thing is to provide a shallow, accessible water source where birds can sip and bathe safely

10 of 11

Hang Some Bistro Lights

Outdoor seating area with a table under an umbrella surrounded by string lights and a small fireplace nearby — Credit:
Wirestock / Getty Images

Bistro lights add cozy ambiance, and allow guests to linger outside even after the sun has set. Outline the edge of your patio or deck, string them between trees, or hang them along a fence.

11 of 11

Make a Wind Chime

Hanging seashell decoration outside near a wall and basket planter — Credit:
Getty / CasarsaGuru

There's something about the clinking of a wind chime that makes it feel like everything's right with the world.

Fortunately, you can DIY your own in a number of different ways. Use fishing line and collected seashells, keys, tiny bells, vintage silverware, or bits of driftwood, and attach the strings to a stick with eye screws. You can even add colorful beads for a bit more flair.