7 DIY Projects That Will Upgrade Your Garden This Fall
Fall is here and the cold season is approaching (well in some parts of the world anyway), it doesn’t mean that you have to ignore your garden entirely. The plants may be sleeping, or heading in that direction, and this time of the year, when temperatures are generally perfect for working outdoors, can be used to add some new and interesting touches to your outdoor areas. Winter passes quickly for most of us, and spring will be here sooner than you think, so why not start garden upgrades now, to enjoy once the weather warms up again? The garden is truly the best place to relax and have fun come spring, (or even year round, if you live in temperate zones) so spend some time nurturing the space that gives you so much joy, and consider an upgrade and get inspired by taking a look at the following 7 DIY projects to upgrade your garden this fall . Okay, lets get started!
DIY Projects To Upgrade Your Garden
• Build a Wooden Boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk can be an affordable and beautiful addition to your garden that can give it a rustic look or a modern look, depending on the design and style you choose. Building this inexpensive garden path is easy and less backbreaking that you might think. WoodWork Nation suggests that you build your wooden boardwalk on a wet or sloping surface so that the boardwalk helps you enjoy a spot that was previously either too steep or too swampy to enjoy! Start by planning the walkway first, with careful planning and measuring, as well as budgeting, and then dig all the necessary holes. Of course this project does require woodworking skills, and if you don’t have that hire someone! A wooden boardwalk may just be the walkway that allows you to enjoy all of your property effortlessly, or an eye catching bridge of sorts that gives your garden charm as well as accessibility.
Remember, your wooden walkway consists of planks attached to a base frame, that will have several sections, each having 3 joists. One starts by assembling the sections on the ground to create the long frame for the boardwalk. Once the frame is ready, the decking is installed and finally the edges are trimmed using a circular saw, to finish up with even and beautiful edges.
• Build a Fire Pit for the Cold Evenings
Nothing says comfortable and cozy, like enjoying the evening with family members around a fire pit. An outdoor fire pit can be a great DIY project to upgrade your home, though do make sure you confirm if your local jurisdiction has any regulations against building fire pits in your backyards. While one can buy free standing fire pits made from iron, a built in fire pit is likely the safest option.
Look for an ideal level place not too close to the house, for the fire pit in your backyard, and then purchase the supplies necessary for the fire pit size that suits you. A fire pit can be created from something as inexpensive as cement blocks, which can then be topped with circular stone pieces, or not. Start by preparing the site and then create the first tier using both mini and large blocks or stones/bricks in order to form a circle, the nicest shape for a fire pit. Add the second and third layers making sure they are level. Add some rocks around the base to give it a nice finish. The rocks also help keep the bottom layer steady. Add gravel within the base of the fire pit to reduce weed growth and help with drainage, and you are good to go. Finally, look for some comfortable seats and put them around the fire pit or consider stretching your DIY muscles and building a bench or two.
• Repair or Replace Your Backyard Pavement
If your concrete backyard path has been damaged or some slabs have sunk, then this is the best time to install a new path or repair slabs. Remember, the broken slabs will turn into small potholes in the rainy season making it almost impossible to walk on your garden path. For this project, start by removing the current slabs and then prepare the area making sure that you firm up the surface to the desired height. To prevent the pesky weeds from growing between the slabs, you can use a piece of commercial-grade landscaping fabric. Place the fabric on the excavated path and then fill it with gravel making sure everything is leveled. Lay down the sand and firm it up before adding the edging. Finally, you can install your slabs and make sure everything is leveled.
• Build a Garden Bench
A simple seat can be an effective addition to your home that brings the entire garden to life. A simple bench can turn your garden into a beautiful reading nook or a place to rest during the hot summer months. Start by preparing your pieces of wood and then build the seat frame and legs. Attach the legs to the seat frame and the backrest. Next, add the seating and back slates. And finish with the armrests before staining it. One might also consider trying a non-traditional window bench as seen above, which adds a creative touch not seen in most gardens.
• Install the Outdoor Lamps You Have Always Wanted
The fall and winter months are characterized by shorter days and longer nights, so this is a great time to light up your backyard by installing solar lamps in aread of your garden that benefit from illumination, also making it possible to navigate outdoors in the dark! Solar lamps are also an upgrade that won’t increaes your electricity bills, and in fact, in some cases, it will reduce your energy bill since you won’t need to turn on other outdoor lighting. To protect solar lamps from being damaged by snow, make sure you elevate them using lamp posts.
• Build Some Wooden Planters
Another upgrade that can give your garden a fresh new look is replacing current worn or unattractive planters with beautiful wooden ones. The wooden planters can create a perfect bed for growing flowers or plants when there isn’t enough space in your garden. In fact, they can can serve as a great growing bed for many different types of flowers as well as vegetables.
Making wooden planters can be very simple; all you need are some pressure-treated timbers, tape measure, saw, drill, screwdriver, and zinc-plated screws. Cut your pieces of timber to the desired size and then assemble the planter. The great thing about using wooden planters is you can create them exactly to suit your needs, and they are budget friendly.
• Build a Small Rock Garden
There are numerous rock garden designs that you can install in your garden. A rock garden is basically a garden bed designated by a rustic rock wall, and it can fit perfectly in any nook in your garden, as you’ll be creating in the exact spot you desire. And if done correctly using the right hardy plants, it will require little maintenance. Start by clearing the area where you plan to place your rock garden and build the first level of rocks. Start by placing some huge stones in a circle on the ground and then add some soil. Place the second course of stones and soil, and you are ready for plants! The best plants for a rock garden are drought-resistant plants like the Yellow Alyssum, Angelina Stonecrop and ice plant among others.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these 7 DIY project ideas to help upgrade your garden, and that you are now inspired to learn something new or stretch your imagination in ways that you may not have thought possible. Creativity isn’t just about paint and art supplies, it certainly comes into play when creating a garden! So get creative, outdoors, this fall, and reap the benefits come spring!
