4 DIY Garden Upgrades That Add Style and Function
Lots of us want to do more with our gardens. Around 40% of homeowners say they want to update their decks, which is a fair (but significant) project.
Transforming your garden doesn’t always need to mean blowing the budget on something big like a deck, and there are plenty of DIY projects to suit every skill level and style.
The aim is a better looking garden, that also works well. Beauty and function. They are our two favorite upgrade goals, and these four ideas tick both boxes.
Add some metal raised garden beds
The practical and aesthetic advantages of garden beds made from sturdy materials like galvanized steel or aluminum are many. These stylish garden beds resist warping, rotting, and pest damage (common issues with wooden beds) giving you a long-lasting home for your plants.
Another key benefit is temperature regulation. Metal beds tend to warm up quickly in the sun, which can extend your growing season by helping plants thrive earlier in the spring and later into the fall. Their structure also promotes efficient drainage, preventing waterlogging and protecting your plants’ root systems.
Gardening can be tough on the body, but less so when you are working at a height that reduces strain on your back and knees. Planting and weeding is much more accessible when your garden beds have an ergonomic design (perfect for those with mobility issues or who spend long hours tending to their gardens).
Revamping by upcycling
Second-hand treasures can turn a bland backyard into something more exciting while keeping the budget intact and being eco-friendly. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and local thrift shops are goldmines for pre-loved chairs, tables, and lounges.
A coat of weather-resistant paint or a set of colorful cushions can instantly refresh these finds, adding charm and character to your patio or garden. Don’t underestimate the potential of salvaged objects. Wooden pallets can be converted into rustic garden seating or planters.
Old ladders, doors, and crates can become vertical gardens or shelving units. Even bathtubs can be repurposed into unique planting beds, blending functionality with a unique visual feature (or talking point).
Personal touches make all the difference here. Use vintage tins, jars, or bottles as quirky planters. Build a fire pit using reclaimed bricks or concrete blocks and work to make your backyard uniquely yours.
Create a vertical garden
Vertical gardens are a fantastic solution for small spaces or empty walls needing a refresh. Use repurposed wooden pallets, old shelves, or hanging planters to build a green display. Add colorful flowers, lush succulents, or an aromatic herb garden, and you’ll have a dimension boost in your outdoor space.
A garden trellis is another idea that moves the look of greenery up. Use sturdy black posts, garden wire, and reusable cloth ties to create a custom frame that supports climbing plants like roses, beans, or ivy. A trellis encourages healthy plant growth, and keeps your garden tidy.
Take these upgrades further by integrating functional features like stylish compost bins or rain barrels for water conservation. Paint them in bright colors or camouflage them with natural materials for a good-looking touch of sustainability. Simple yet impactful!
Add a little gravel
Gravel is an affordable and stylish material that will make a huge difference to the look and feel of your area. Use it to create pathways, line garden beds, or define seating areas. Its natural texture adds a casual, organic feel that pairs amazingly with climbing plants like jasmine.
We recommend training the vines to cover old fences or walls, giving your space an enchanting, lived-in aesthetic. You create depth and year-round appeal whenever you can take a layered approach to landscaping.
Do this by mixing tall trees, mid-height shrubs, and low-growing plants in complementary colors and textures. For example, succulents mixed with ornamental grasses like pink muhly and bold accents such as agave or yucca. This diverse palette makes your yard feel alive and dynamic.
Using materials like river rocks or pea gravel alongside plants enhances the natural beauty of your yard. These low-maintenance stones can be arranged to frame flower beds or border pathways, and their timeless appeal ties everything together while adding durability to your outdoor design.
Want more garden?
If you love the outdoors and want more of it to be a part of your home, check out the unique community of hillside homes at A House in the Hills. We offer views of the surrounding hills, large windows, spacious decks, and the beauty of the outdoors inside. Peruse our options today!
