Do you have a threadbare backyard that would do with a major transformation? Are you discouraged that it would cost a small fortune to do a makeover project that will do justice to your sense of style? Take heart then because it is actually possible to transform your backyard into a place of elegance, beauty and natural charm by using a number of odds and ends in the home. As the following five simple DiY ideas show, you do not have to be a landscaping expert to turn your backyard to an object of envy for all your friends and neighbors.

1. Keep Pets From your Plants using Pine Cones

pine cones backyard

If you own a litter of playful kittens or pups, you will soon be driven to distraction by the amount of damage they can wreak your pristine backyard. Preempt this by collecting pine cones and spreading them at the base of the more vulnerable backyard plants. They will look natural and ingenious and their prickliness will keep the pesky pets away. Moreover, the pine cones will reduce the need to keep watering the plants especially in the hot summer months.

2. Hanging Jar Lanterns

Hanging Jar Lanterns

There is nothing quite like the glowing light of a series of lanterns to bring a measure of staid elegance and even magical allure to a backyard garden. The good thing is that you do not have to spend a fortune investing in exotic hanging jar lanterns. With a bit of improvisation, you can turn all those empty glass jars in your kitchen into more than passable hanging jar lanterns and bring magic to all those evenings spent under the stars. The actual project is such fun and safe enough to involve your children so they can spend all that bountiful energy doing at least something useful for once.

3. Use Exterior Mirrors to Create Illusion of Space in your Small Backyard

If your tiny backyard has been the butt of sinister jokes from your neighbors and friends, you can easily turn the tables on them by using mirrors. Place your mirrors strategically around the garden especially along corners to give the best illusion of space. It is important to pick the location of the mirrors with care as you do not want to create a nuisance by reflecting sunlight onto your neighbor’s place or out on the streets.
DIY illusion mirrors

4. Make a Giant Decorative Xylophone

Make-A-Giant-Decorative-Xylophone

Have you been wondering what to do with those leftover pieces of wood from your recent home makeover project? Do not throw them away just yet. You could use them to transform your backyard to a very entertaining place. Grab a handsaw and cut them down to different sizes, each one progressively shorter than the last. Paint them over using a set of vibrant colors and you are all set to make a very functional xylophone for your backyard. String the pieces of timber using a set of tough ropes and you are all set to enjoy making melodies!

5. Use Cider Blocks to Make an Impromptu Backyard Bench

cider-blocks-diy

Ever wondered what to do with all those cider blocks you have accumulated in your attic over the years? From their regular shape, strength and capacity to withstand the corroding effect of the elements, cider blocks make for great materials to use for a host of DiY projects in and around the home. One of the most ingenious of these is exploiting their strength to build an impromptu albeit strong and comfortable enough backyard bench. You will need a series of four sturdy pieces of wood, some matting material and couches to make the bench. The concept is so simple that you do not need a manual to get it right.

For more DIY backyard ideas visit this post : 40+ Outstanding DIY Backyard Ideas That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous – cutediyprojects