If you are thinking of tackling some outdoor projects this summer, then how about getting a little crafty and creative? There are so many things that you could work on, so where to start? So many of us have been doing lots of organizing and de-cluttering inside this past spring, but now your garden needs a bit of TLC. I’ve got some great ideas for you to start with that are perfect for beginners. So no matter if you are just starting out and getting your yard to look as you want it, or you have something specific in mind, here is the inspiration that you need. Whatever it is, cheers to getting your garden projects started, and putting your carpentry and gardening skills to the test.
- Log planter: If you are wanting to embrace nature in your yard or you want more of a cottage type garden, then there is not much more natural than creating a planter out of a log. Choosing one that is the size that you want, you can sand and shape it, to get it smooth and just as you want it. Then, using a chisel and a hammer you can carve out the middle, and it down, and then get planting. If you drill holes in the bottom of it too, you can let the plants drain, saving you from having to plant them in pots inside the planter. If you don’t have any of these tools yet, then you could check this blog post out to see if there is one that is rated-well, and within your budget.
- Tree bench: If you have a tree in your yard that is in the perfect place to provide some shady comfort, then creating a tree bench can really look great and be a fantastic addition. It is the kind of project that you take the time to do one summer, but it will last and last for years to come. The whole process will need a certain level of woodworking skills, but wood is easy and cheap to come by, and the results can look stunning, and really speak for themselves.
- Trash or AC Unit cover: if you want to conceal a few things that are stored outside, then have you thought about a project to create a cover for your trash cans, or a cover for your AC unit? When hidden behind a wooden frame, painted to blend in, it can look so much nicer. You can always buy some ready made, if you’re not the most skilled to make your own, and then you could sand it and varnish or paint it in the color that you want. So you could make this project as simple as you like! Matt made ours for around $100 in less than a day! And it hides 2 AC units and a condenser! Next summer I want to get a planter that fits over a railing with some trailing plants to add color to it, too.
- Hanging from the fence: if you want to dress up your fence, then an easy project to do is to get some hanging hooks, and nail then to the top of your fence, as many and as spaced out as you would like. Then you can hang things on them from wind chimes, to hanging baskets, to bird feeders. This could take an hour, and then you’ve instantly got a more interesting and appealing fence. It can really add a lot of color to your yard by creating a place to add hanging baskets and plants!
- Herb signs: if you grow herbs in your yard, then do you know what they all are? There are many ways to divide them up, and identify each of them. If your herb garden is a little on the smaller side, then it can be a fun craft idea to write out the herb names on stones instead. These could be painted and decorated with the herb name.
- DIY Decking: a new decking area can make a huge difference in your yard. It can be a big expense, but if you DIY it, then it is a lot more affordable. Thankfully there are pre-made decking packs that can be purchased. Many will also come in plain wood, so that they can be painted or stained in just the shade that you want. Just consider that you will need to get weatherproof paint or varnish, as it will be outdoors and you’ll want it to last and last and keep looking fresh after putting in all that work!
It’s the in thing right now — everyone wants a garden. Whether it be in the form of a balcony garden, an herb garden, or your typical vegetable plot, everyone wants to have some kind of green patch outside their home. If you don’t have room for an elaborate garden outside your home, why not make one inside? The easiest way to do this is with recyclable items like egg cartons. Egg cartons are cheap and effective and can help you make a versatile design for an indoor garden. Have you got any projects planned in your yard this summer? With the kids off school, it can be great to get them involved with it all too, with things that are age-appropriate for them to help with. I’d love to hear what you have planned!