5 DIY, Budget-Friendly, Garden & Outdoor Projects

As winter comes to an end, it’s time to start planning for spring with creative DIY projects for your garden and outdoor space! These DIY backyard projects will help you create a more beautiful and inviting garden, often for way less money than you’d expect. Besides, half the fun is building and creating, anyway!

Here are 5 awesome and affordable outdoor projects to take on this spring:

1. Create Your Own Garden Path

2. Craft DIY Markers for Your Growing Fruits, Veggies and Herbs

3. Build Your Own Backyard Cabana

4. Create Tin Can Lanterns with the Kids

5. Give Boring Plant Pots a Makeover

1. Create Your Own Garden Path

Image Source: Sunset Magazine

Creating your own garden path is fun, inexpensive and completely customizable. Plus, garden paths add both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. They guide visitors through your garden, offering you a chance to showcase gorgeous plants, lighting and decor along the way. They’ll also help you painlessly get from front door to mailbox barefoot!

First, you’ll want to choose the right materials for your project. You can choose from budget-friendly gravel to more formal pavers. Or stay rustic with mulch chips, or a combination of stones and mulch. If you have mosaic or tiling skills, you can even customize your own stones with cool patterns and designs. 

2. Craft DIY Markers for Your Growing Fruits, Veggies and Herbs

Image Source: One Hundred Dollars A Month

Garden markers are one of our favorite simple, cheap DIY projects because it’s so hands-on, quick and fun! It’s a great rainy day activity for kids of all ages, and a chance to break out the art supplies, listen to music and have some fun.

One easy and affordable way to make a garden marker is with rocks. All you need is paint! You can keep it natural by simply painting the name of the fruit, veggie or herb on the rock. Or go all out, covering every last inch of the rock in loud, bright colors.

3. Build Your Own Backyard Cabana

Image Source: Sunset Magazine

Create a luxurious space to rest and relax outdoors without spending thousands of dollars on a gazebo or pergola. Cabanas offer respite from the strong spring and summer sun while still providing plenty of Vitamin D and fresh air.

You can build a simple frame using PVC pipes, hardwood or even tension rods. Then choose curtains that fit your home’s look and feel. Use pillows and a bench, a chaise lounge or a bistro table to create a place within the cabana to drink coffee, read books or just enjoy the outdoors.

4. Create Tin Can Lanterns with the Kids

Image Source: HGTV

This is a another one of our most loved DIY backyard projects! Tin can lanterns are inexpensive, lovely and totally unique. You and your family can decide just how funky and whimsical you’d like these handcrafted lights to look and feel.

To make tin can lanterns, you’ll need the following items:

• Tin cans (from food, coffee, etc.) that have been washed and dried thoroughly
• Electric drill and drill bits
• Decorative supplies like acrylic paint, masking tape, jewelry wire and pretty beads
• Battery-operated tea lights

Simply paint the tin cans in whatever colors, shades and patterns you love.

Then, using a sheet of paper, draw a shape (like a heart or a spiral) and plan exactly where you’d like to drill holes to create that image. Attach the paper onto the can and drill holes accordingly. Remember to add a hole on both sides of the top of the can for a handle. (This part is not for kids!)

Thread the jewelry wire with cool beads to create a handle, then attach it to the two holes on the top of the can.

Finally, add a battery-operated tea light to the lantern to make it functional.

We love these lanterns displayed in trios on steps or along a garden pathway. They also make great gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles!

5. Give Boring Plant Pots a Makeover

Image Source: Pottery Barn Teen

Finally, our last DIY project is as simple–or complicated!–as you’d like it to be. You can upgrade and customize your flower pots in a million different ways. Here are a few of our favorite methods:

• Paint the pots with chalkboard paint, then decorate them seasonally or label the plants with chalk
• Dip standard, terra cotta pots in white for a mod-but-whimsical feel
• Paint saucers and drip trays a bright color or a glittery metallic for a bold effect
• Embellish pots with rhinestones, gems and stones
• Wrap pots in lace, twine or fabric for a romantic, textured vibe

You can also add character and color to your potted plants with our handcrafted garden stakes!

Need a little more help deciding which garden decor will go best with your DIY projects? At Happy Gardens, we’re here to help via phone or live chat.

About Us:

Happy Gardens is the premiere online destination for beautiful garden decor and gifts. We hand-select high-quality products that are sure to be cherished by you, your family and your guests for years to come. To join our mailing list and be the first to know about our new products and awesome promotions, click here!