Create your own garden by adding your favorite ingredients, like rosemary and sage. Barclay says her garden is full of tomatoes to garnish summer menus through October. But you don't have to stick to biggies that might be a lot of work. “If all you can gather from your garden is fresh herbs, that in itself is a fun and easy way to elevate the whole backyard experience,” she says. There's always a place for fresh herbs, on your menu or even in your glass. “Using a sprig of rosemary with meats and veggies on the grill or adding it to a gin and tonic is a simple and fun accent.”
Patios and Outdoor Spaces
Lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in making your patio more appealing.
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Add a romantic touch to your space with outdoor lighting like string lights, lanterns, candles, and light fixtures. “The soft glow of your chosen lighting not only enhances the coziness of your space, but also increases safety visibility after dark,” says Amanda Cimaglia, vice president at TimberTech. With these hacks, you can transform your outdoor patio space into a safe, inviting spot for summer guests.
The best part is, these types of lighting ideas are easy to find in stores: “Target and HomeGoods have a huge selection, including battery-operated, solar-powered, waterproof and timer-equipped options,” she says. Mix and match sizes and designs to create a lived-in, eclectic look. If your patio has a railing, consider incorporating lights into it for a luxurious look.
Platform Deck
Platform decks, also known as floating decks, are low-rise structures that are detached from the house and can be placed anywhere in the yard. “They usually come in a simple rectangular design, saving you time and money on installation, and are easily customized to your preferred size, color, and decor,” says Cimaglia. Of all the materials you can use for this decking idea, composite decking is easy to install, making it a good choice if you have a looming summer deadline. “It lasts longer and requires less maintenance than traditional wood, saving you time every year. Find our detailed guide to building a platform deck to determine exactly what materials and tools you'll need.
Patio Style
Adding just a few decorative details, like cushions and an outdoor rug, can really transform the feel of your patio or porch.
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Beautify your patio. “Rearrange your existing furniture and add your own style with decorative throws, outdoor cushions, battery-operated table lamps, and fresh vases,” says Nick Valley. All of these will bring warmth and comfort to your backyard. You don't need too many items. If you're limited on time and money, opt for a rug. “A good outdoor rug brings pattern, depth, and interest to your outdoor entertainment space,” he says. Rugs are also super cozy, which means they're a great feature to last into fall and winter.
Or, if you're looking for more extensive DIY backyard ideas, consider painting your porch floor. “A simple checkerboard pattern is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to revamp a covered porch,” says Christina Phillips of Christina Phillips Interior Design. Just be sure to tape it off nicely before dipping it in paint. “Map out the area you'll be painting on paper first, then tape it off. It's not as easy as making a rectangle, because the corners need to meet.”
Fruit trees
Planting a fruit tree is a great, low-cost weekend project—and it's relatively inexpensive. “Fruit trees start at about $30 and go up in price depending on the size,” says Lara Hermanson, co-founder of Farmscape, California's largest urban gardening company. “Start by visiting a local nursery to see what plants will thrive in your area, then choose a 5- or 15-gallon plant.” Larger, more expensive plants will fruit earlier, but be sure to pick a size that's appropriate for your outdoor space.