The backyard is not just an outside space of your property, because if it is designed well it can be so much more. Backyard can be used as an extension of your living home if it is made to fit various needs, from family gatherings, and playtime, to relaxation.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your backyard and creating a perfect spot for many interesting things to do, you can achieve it with a few DIY landscaping projects. If you do it right, you will create space that is both functional and beautiful. The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to make this transformation because these 7 DIY ideas are easy to implement even for a DIY enthusiast.
So, get ready, you are going to be amazed at all the things you can do to create your own family-friendly peace of haven.
1. Build a Raised Garden Bed
If you want to introduce your youngest family members to gardening, a raised garden bed is the perfect place to start. They can be your little helpers on this project, and here is what you can do. Choose untreated wood to make the frame and fill it with quality soil.
Then, let your children help you plant those flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Tip: Use compost-rich soil. It will boost plant growth and minimize the need for chemical fertilizers.
2. Install a Stepping Stone Pathway
This solution is functional in a way that keeps high-traffic areas mud-free, but it is also a beautiful design detail that adds charm to any yard. You can use pre-cut stones, bricks, or even repurposed wood slices. Create a pattern and you can also encourage the kids to help you. Their job can be to decorate the stones with paint, for example.
3. Create a Kid-Friendly Sandbox
This is easy to do and perfect project when it comes to creating something, especially for little ones. Their play zone is the most important part for every parent and sandbox is going to be their favorite spot, for sure. There is an easy way to build a simple box with wooden planks, and the rest of the job is just to fill it with sand.
It’d be wise to add a cover to keep debris and animals out during the night or when not in use.
Materials needed: Wooden planks, nails, play sand, and a waterproof cover.
4. Set up a DIY Fire Pit
There is no better place than a fire pit for family evenings. Everyone loves that smell of marshmallow roasting, and kids enjoy storytelling or playing guitar and singing with their parents. Luckily, this project is also not hard to manage. All you need to do is to dig a shallow pit, line it with fireproof stones, and create a seating area.
You can use benches, big pillows, or logs for that purpose. It is important to place the fire pit in a safe location and also, especially with children, supervise when in use.
Tip: Use heat-resistant bricks to create a longer-lasting fire pit.
5. Plant a Butterfly Garden
A butterfly garden is like a haven on earth when it comes to natural beauty, and you can have it in your landscape if you create it. You can plant native flowers like milkweed, lavender, and daisies. These flowers will attract butterflies, and you are going to enjoy seeing this beautiful creatures in your garden.
Teach kids the importance of pollinators in the environment while day watch their garden bloom.
Best plants for a butterfly garden: Milkweed, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans.
6. Build a DIY Outdoor Chalkboard
What an easy way to boost creativity for your children with this simple DIY project! Attach a large chalkboard to an outdoor fence or wall. This is basically all the work you have, except if you want to add weatherproof plywood and outdoor paint to create a durable surface.
When that’s done, kids can draw, play games, or practice writing in the fresh air.
Tip: Frame the chalkboard with scrap wood. This will give a chalkboard a more polished look.
7. Design a Simple Rock Garden
A rock garden is a great project if your backyard lacks texture. It is also super easy to maintain. For example, you can choose different sizes and colors of stones to arrange in patterns or layers. Then add a few drought-resistant plants to complete the look.
You can also involve your kids in this project and introduce them to landscape design.
Tip: Select stones that complement your yard’s aesthetic. If you are looking for landscaping supplies in your area for your projects, just google “landscape supplies near me”, and dozens of results will appear. Before making a purchase, check online reviews, compare prices, and make sure that the supplier has a good reputation.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to do some complicated or expensive projects to create a family-friendly backyard. If you put your creativity and effort into these simple DIY projects, you can create an outstanding outdoor space for your family.
It’s also going to be multipurpose, from relaxation to family gatherings, and most important of all, a place where your children are going to enjoy the time in fresh air.
