How to Make Your Backyard Look Beautiful on a Low Budget

A little work goes a long way in the backyard.

Your backyard is an oasis for gathering with family and friends. Building a landscape that is beautiful and functional can be expensive. The cost of the plants and trees alone can do in a budget. Make a few concessions to avoid the financial burden -- like do the work yourself and opt for smaller plants instead of mature varieties. The tools you use make a big difference in how your backyard looks as well. Create the look you want over the course of several weekends.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper and pencil
• Measuring tape
• Twine
• Garden hose (optional)
• Garden edger
• Shovel
• Saplings
• Various garden plants
• Assortment of chairs and benches

Instructions

1. Measure the backyard and transfer the measurements onto a sheet of graph paper. Set up the areas you need and desire on the graph paper. For instance, include a play area for kids or pets, a cooking and entertainment area and a gardening area. Locate the most used areas closest to the house.

2. Remove any debris that is in the lawn. Mark out the various areas with a garden hose or twine. Remove the sod for patio installation or flower gardens, if you plan for one. Make the edges clean and sharp with an edging tool.

3. Plant saplings and small shrubs instead of mature trees to alleviate the cost of plants. Plant shrubs in groups of three and saplings in the center of shade garden areas to make the landscape pleasing to the eye.

4. Plant blooming flowers in large groups to create a dramatic impact on the scenery. Keep like colors together and use textures to add interest. For instance, plant Shasta daisies and white lilies in the same bed as variegated hostas and baby's breath.

5. Fill in the empty areas of the yard with yard art, such as bird baths and garden statues. Use pieces that complement each other and your home's exterior. Finish the landscape by adding a seating area for your family and friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Get flagstone from a local farmer by asking if you can collect the stone from recently plowed fields.

• Choose one project each weekend to make the work less overwhelming.

• Grow your plants from seeds or cuttings to increase the foliage without investing a large amount of money.

• Add large features, such as a fire pit or water feature, before installing flower beds or vegetable gardens so the gardens remain undisturbed.

References

• Homeowner Net: Landscaping on a Budget
• Zone 10; Landscaping On A Budget; C. Harris
• McPherson Sentinel; Landscaping on a Budget; Emily Olson; April 22, 2011