Of course, gardeners have all of the secrets for greenery, herb gardens, and landscaping, but they also have surprising tricks for every outdoor space, even if it’s a tiny patio. That’s why this list is packed with hacks from gardeners and outdoor experts who know all of the secrets to having a stunning (and cozy) backyard. Bonus: All of these outdoor refreshers are under $30.
Upgrading your yard can be as simple as adding some lighting to an outdoor water feature, according to Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. “If you want to add a dynamic splash of color to your pool, hot tub, or outdoor water feature, solar-powered floating fountains like these are an excellent choice,” he says. Friedman recommends this low-maintenance water fountain, which features a sturdy glass panel that charges more efficiently than alternative panels. At night, it cycles through a rainbow of colors while spraying one of seven patterns (via your chosen nozzle) for up to four hours. And in the daytime, you can still enjoy its soothing trickle.
Steve Schumacher, owner of Boston Landscape Co., suggests focusing on lighting as a good start. “For safety and style, border walkways with solar pathway lights,” he says. “They illuminate paths at night using free, renewable energy [...] The warm glow also highlights surrounding plants and gives your yard a picturesque ambiance for evening strolls after the sun sets.”
Try these solar lights with a timeless design and features Schumacher recommends. With 12 lights total, you can easily space them out to light a pathway. After charging, the lights will last for at least eight hours. Plus, they’re completely weatherproof, so no maintenance is required.
“Place [solar lights] a few feet apart along sidewalks or garden paths to prevent tripping hazards,” says Schumacher. This LED rope light has a length of 24 feet, so you can easily space it out to line a pathway, a patio, or even stairs to prevent tripping at night. Its flexible, bendable design makes it easy to string along a stairwell, but you can also mount it to a deck rail with the easy-to-use mounting hardware.
“Improve seating areas by adding weather-resistant cushions to chairs and benches,” Schumacher advises. “New cushions make wrought iron or aluminum furniture cozier and more inviting. Look for cushions made of durable, outdoor fabrics like polyester canvas or Sunbrella.”
These waterproof pillow covers are 100% polyester, like Schumacher’s recommendation, and they come in various fun colors, like hot pink and sage green. A PU coating makes the covers completely water-resistant and dust-proof. Zip them onto your pillows and your yard will get a practical pop of color. Bonus: They’re machine-washable.
Schumacher advises using durable fabrics outdoors so they “stand up to the elements while making your space feel more like an outdoor room.” If you don’t want to invest in new fabrics, try this sun and water shield spray, which will treat your fabrics to make them repel water. A quick, one-step spray treatment will also protect your outdoor cushions and textiles from fading caused by UV rays.
“A small can of exterior paint in your favorite color can revive tired wood or metal surfaces. For small DIY projects, spray paint provides even coverage without the mess of brushes and rollers,” explains Schumacher. For metal or wood projects, try this textured spray paint that also protects metal from rust and corrosion. Its oil-based formula is designed to give you excellent coverage as you spray, and it dries in just 15 minutes. It’s also chip-resistant and available in five other colors, including white, brown, and gray.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, says a great way to improve your yard and keep your plants healthy is to invest in a drip irrigation system. “Firstly, they cut back on time spent tending to your plants significantly since you don’t have to personally go out and hand water each plant anymore. Secondly, drip irrigation systems help make sure that your plants are always getting the exact amount of water that they need.”
This drip irrigation kit offers what Yamaguchi touts. With 50 feet of tubing to reach your entire garden, a two-way connector that attaches to your outdoor spigot, and staked emitters that release a 360-degree spray, your plants will get all the water they need. Plus, the water flow on each emitter is adjustable.
“Solar lights are an easy way to upgrade any garden space,” says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter. “Whether you want simple lanterns to line a garden path or something more whimsical like these solar garden lights, you’ll have plenty of affordable, low-maintenance options to choose from.” This pack of four lights, which Farley recommends, brings a magical touch to your yard. Each light’s base sprouts eight flexible wires, each with a large LED bulb emanating a soft golden glow. When the wind kicks up, they’ll sway like fireflies. And on a full charge, their light glows for up to 12 hours.
Another whimsical option, per Farley’s fun lighting suggestion, is something like these solar butterfly lights. Each solar light has six large bulbs with a butterfly and a leaf on them, which are attached to flexible, coated wire that sways in the wind. When the wind blows, it’ll look like a cluster of butterflies fluttering above your garden.
These solar lanterns fit Farley’s suggestion for a simple, clean addition to light........