Garden renovations are some of the most fun spring projects. There’s something so refreshing about getting your hands dirty and enjoying nature — it’s good for the soul. Here are some inspiring projects to consider planning for your major DIY garden renovation this spring.
Build a Flower Bed
Flower beds are an excellent addition to any garden. The plants can provide bright, cheerful colours, pollination grounds for bees and butterflies, and improve the appearance of your yard.
Find flowers that work best for your climate, what animals they attract and when to water them before you choose what to plant. Sunflowers, zinnias and marigolds are beginner-friendly plants that grow beautifully in well-lit flower beds.
To build a flower bed, choose your space and remove existing grass. You can make a flower bed on top of the grass, but you’ll need to cover it with paper and layer compost as a finishing touch. Use wooden boards or a kit with everything you need to build a raised flower bed. You can get a metal raised flower bed that’s 12 inches deep for as low as £50.
Tile Your Patio
A porcelain tile patio can elevate the entire look of your outdoor space. Laying it can be intimidating, but you can save significantly if you do the job yourself.
Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for outdoor spaces because it’s strong and easy to clean. Your choice of materials is critical for your creation’s result — you want your tile to have less than 0.5% water absorption and over 250 pounds of breaking strength.Tiling your patio can take as little as two to three days and costs anywhere from £400–£1,600. The ideal temperatures for installing tile is between 10° and 37° Celsius because cooler temperatures increase cure time. You’ll need various tools and equipment, including a tile saw, a masonry mixer, buckets, a level and — of course — the tiles, mortar and grout.
Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit can upgrade your outdoor space and provide a place to relax with friends and family. It brings a cosy element to your environment. Imagine roasting some delicious foods on a perfect autumn evening surrounded by your loved ones. Fire pits can be a bit pricey — ranging from £30 to thousands of pounds — with propane and wood-burning options available.
However, building a fire pit can be budget friendly since you can customise it however you want. You can make one from bricks or stones in just a few simple steps without breaking the bank.
Create a clearing by eliminating grass in your designated space. Dig a dent in the ground with a steep centre for ideal fire control. Position stones around the hole to set a boundary for containing your fire. Then, place rocks or bricks in a circle around the fire however you like — get creative!
Paint Your Fence
A garden fence can make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. So, if you don’t have one, consider adding one to elevate your space. Performing routine maintenance helps slow decomposition and protects it from insects and rot.
You can use a sprayer or a paintbrush to put a fresh coat on your fence. You should paint it when it stops beading or every two to three years. When water begins to absorb into the wood rather than beading on top, it’s time to paint or stain.
Staining is more pricey than paint, but it will last longer and absorb into the wood better than paint. Plus, it doesn’t chip or peel — it just fades. Ensure you wear safety glasses and clothes you won’t mind getting dirty, as stain doesn’t come out of clothing.
Create a Garden Path
A garden path can upgrade your garden and protect your plants by creating a distinct place to walk through. You can hire a professional to create a garden path or there are plenty of ways you can do it yourself. Hiring a professional is costly, but DIY garden paths can look great at a fraction of the cost.
Carving a gravel path is an excellent solution if you’re on a budget. Stepping stones can also be a great option for a decorative pathway. You can use concrete slabs as stepping stones, wood chips or pea gravel as a filler, or mimic a river bed with different-sized rocks if you have a slope. Paving a walkway with brick is another unique way to create a garden path. Find bricks on sale at your local hardware store or ask if anyone has spare bricks they want to get rid of. You might get lucky!
Repurpose Old Furniture
Repurposing old furniture can transform your backyard into an oasis. You can find old furniture at local thrift stores or online marketplaces and upcycle them. There are myriad ways to get creative and turn old furniture into planters or outdoor decor.
Paint an old dresser to add to your patio and store your garden tools. Place plants on top of them to create a cozy bohemian vibe in your outdoor space. Upcycled furniture can make excellent patio furniture and provide a place to lounge and enjoy the great outdoors.
Old pallets make excellent planters and look adorable in your yard. You can use an old bathtub, broken chair, dresser, bench, filing cabinet, and more for cute and creative plant homes for your yard. Crates or an old wheelbarrow also make great DIY planters and add a whimsical touch to your garden.
Inspiring DIY Garden Renovation Ideas
There are many ways to get creative with your garden renovations, from creating a makeshift pond with an old tire or building a fence around your air conditioning unit. Your garden can elevate the exterior of your home and create a haven for your evenings and weekends spent with your family. Start crafting and enjoy the great outdoors with these ideas this spring.
Rose Morrison is a home living writer with over five years experience writing in the industry. She is the managing editor of Renovated.com and loves to cover home renovations and decor to inspire everyone to live their best DIY life. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth.