It’s summertime. Time to slow down, live easy, and find inspiration for your sunny outdoor spaces. Whether you have a balcony, yard or garden, you’ll love these budget-friendly DIY ideas and recycled (upcycled?) projects.
Mason Jar Lanterns
At night, you can light up your outdoor scapes with these cool mason jar lanterns. Use some wire to form a hanger at the top of the jar, stick a candle in it, and hang anywhere you choose. Make a dozen or so to string along walking paths, or simply place a couple at the front gate. They will add a warm ambiance with their soft light and unique look. (Just remember to blow them out at the end of the night, or consider fake candles to avoid a fire hazard!)
Watering Can Planter
This old watering can turned shabby-chic planter is any easy “upcycle” craft. All you have to do is drill a few holes in the bottom, add some rocks for drainage, and then fill with soil and seed. Herbs, flowers and other small plants do best in this type of planter due to the limited space.
Pottery Frog House
If you live in an area where this would work, use an old vase, coffee cup or some broken pottery to make a frog house for your garden. Anything made out of clay will work, and the shelter will provide a safe haven for frogs and toads around the neighborhood. Plus, this setup comes with a big bonus: the frogs and toads will gorge on mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects near their new “house.” To create the frog house, simply lay the pottery on its side and cover with dirt, leaves, mulch or straw. The morning dew, seasonal rain, and occasional watering will keep it moist and cool inside – the perfect amphibian habitat.
Pallet Swing
A wooden pallet has limitless possibilities to transform your outdoor spaces. One of the easiest upcycle projects is the pallet swing. All you have to do is cut the pallet down to your preferred size and hang it with some good rope. You can also use this concept to create other variations, such as a porch swing or hanging bed.
Garden Path
If you’re lucky enough to live in a rocky area, you can use flat rocks to create stepping-stone paths throughout the garden. If stones are hard to comeby, there are plenty of other materials you can scavenge for to create your garden trails. Bricks, scrap wood, gravel, and mulch all work well.
Hanging Terrariums
Add floating landscapes to your backyard with hanging terrariums. Lanterns, mason jars, and decorative candle votives all work well. Plant with your favorite succulents, raise them over your garden scapes, and watch them grow.
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