You’ve spent a lot of time and thought decorating the inside
of your home with personal touches that make it unique to you and your family.
Why not give the same attention to your backyard? Summertime is all about
getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Convert your backyard into your
favorite outdoor hangout by turning some simple outdoor projects into fun activities
to do with friends and family.
Check out some easy summer weekend projects that you’ll
actually look forward to doing!
1. Start a Garden
It doesn’t take a professional or even
a large backyard to grow your own private stash of delicious fruits and
vegetables. Set aside a little area to plant some tomatoes, blueberries,
zucchini or whatever else will make the perfect compliment to your next
cookout. Gardens are easy and fun to maintain, and you’ll definitely enjoy the
fruits of your labor.
2. Set up a Game Day
Take advantage of your yard by
organizing a game day. Whether you’re
building your own wooden corn hole set or simply setting up bocce ball or
horseshoes, you’ll have a day full of fun for the whole family.
3. Build a Tree Bench
There’s nothing like finding a
shady spot to enjoy a good book during those hot summer days. This project lets you create your own comfy
spot in your backyard with a clever seating idea that will fit your style and
landscape.
4. Set Up an Outdoor Eating Space
Give yourself a nice space to host
family and friends for picnics and parties.
Lay out bluestone or slate slabs for a custom patio space, or simply
drag the picnic tables into the grass to accommodate crowded family cookouts. Set
up the grill close by and get cooking!
5. Hang Decorative Lights
Stringing lights over the back
patio or deck is a super easy, yet really effective way to add a little “wow”
factor to your backyard. They’ll
brighten your space while adding visuals of your landscape long into those
summer nights.
6. Plant Flowers in a Window Box
Everyone appreciates bright, fun
flowers during the summer. Freestanding
pots are nice, but window boxes go a step further with a pop of color AND decorative
flare. They’ll add character to your
home that can be seen inside and out.
7. Make a Mosaic
This decorative element gives you
a chance to get creative and customize your yard with whatever design you
choose. Build a pebble mosaic into your stone patio, or construct a mosaic
birdhouse to welcome birds into your yard!
These pieces can really become focal points of your outdoor space.
8. Build a Tool Shed
Leaving your gardening tools out in
the yard is a great way to end up with rusty, wet equipment. And, it also looks
messy. Sheds are great organizers that
can also help free up yard and garage space. Constructing a wood lean-to shed
against the house is simple and quick.
9. Add Landscape Lighting
Give your home some curb appeal with
some lighting accents that make a big statement to guests and visitors. Lining
your front walkway, steps or driveways with fun light fixtures not only adds a
nice design element but a measure of safety as well.
10. Hang a Tree Swing or Hammock
No play set for the kids? No problem.
Add a fun tree swing to an overhanging branch so they have a place to
play without cluttering the yard. Or if a
nice, relaxing space is more what you’re going for, set up a hammock for mom
and dad to enjoy.