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DIY Small Backyard Upgrades That Improve Your Space
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items This started as a patch of dirt under a tree, barren and plain. Until one Labor Day weekend, when I decided it was time for a change. A few chairs, some soft lighting, an area to practice yoga and meditation, water, sand, and grass elements to bring ...
Sections
6
Build Your Oasis
For the Birds
All Squirrels Welcome
Patio Vibes
Take Care of Your Oasis
Fun Extras
Build Your Oasis
This whole space started with a patch of dirt and a long weekend. These are the pieces that helped turn it into something calmer, greener, and more livable—no big renovation required. Just simple upgrades that made being outside feel like less of an ...
By far the best affordable artificial grass I’ve worked with in my backyard. It’s easy to trim to fit weird corners, holds up in every kind of weather, and fallen leaves blow right off—huge win. The roll’s big enough to cover a wide area, and I alway...
6x10 FT Durable Weather-Resistant Artificial Grass Rug
This rug has been outside under a big oak tree for nearly a year—through rain, heat, and a whole lot of acorns—and it still looks great. The colors hold up, it’s sturdy underfoot, and it’s easy to hose off when needed. Adds just enough style to the s...
Nourison Courtyard 6'x6' Indoor/Outdoor Rug
I’ve used these along garden beds and under the oak tree to create clean, simple borders. The cedar stain blends in nicely with the yard and holds up well in weather. Easy to line up and secure, and gives the space a finished look without a lot of ef...
36" Cedar-Stained Wood Landscape Edging – Outdoor Garden Border for Flower Beds and Walkways
I use these for everything from tall potted herbs to supporting the cedar landscape trim that the squirrels like to sit on during breakfast. They’re lightweight but sturdy, blend right in with the garden, and hold up well outside. Easy to cut down if...
16" Bamboo Plant Stakes 20-Pack for Garden
I have several of these, and my impatiens spill out of them like they were made for it. They’re lightweight but don’t tip, even when fully planted, and the classic urn shape adds just enough structure without feeling too formal. The squirrels and cat...
19" Extra-Large Black Urn Planter – Lightweight Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Pot for Flowers
These little bee watering stations are one of the simplest ways to support pollinators in my oasis, and the occasional bird and lizard. The colorful metal bowls hold just enough water to keep bees hydrated without risking drowning, and they look swee...
Bee-Friendly Garden Water Cups - Set of 2
These solar lights are a quiet upgrade that makes a big difference. I lined my yoga and meditation area with them and now it has this soft, steady glow that lasts all night. No wires, no fuss—they charge during the day and click on at dusk like clock...
12-Pack Solar Pathway Lights Warm White LED
These deck tiles have been a solid win for my backyard oasis—sturdy underfoot, easy to clean, and they still look great after sun, rain, and humidity. The snap-together design makes them simple to install (no tools needed), and the longer board style...
Acacia Wood Interlocking Deck Tiles 6-Pack
I used these to create a small area for yoga and meditation—a large area under the tree—and it completely changed how the space feels. They’re softer than stone, easy to clean, and give just enough cushion to make floor work comfortable. Even barefoo...
16x16 Gray Rubber Pavers 🧘♀️ | Soft, Durable Surface for Outdoor Yoga, Meditation & Walkways
These stakes were exactly what I needed to keep the artificial turf in place—clean lines, no slipping, and not a speck of rust even after rain. They go in easy and hold tight, whether you’re anchoring down fabric, fencing, or tarp corners. It’s one o...
24-Pack Galvanized U-Shaped Garden Stakes
We use these to hang all our spider plants from the big oak tree, and they’ve held up beautifully—no rust, no slipping, no tangled mess. The four-lead design keeps everything balanced, even when the wind picks up. They’re simple, strong, and low-prof...
24" 4-Lead Hanging Chains w/ Hooks (4-Pack)
This cedar bridge sits right over our little stone water feature and somehow makes the whole yard feel more complete. It’s decorative, sure—but also sturdy enough to hold a squirrel or two enjoying their breakfast. The natural wood blends right in wi...
Shine Company Cedar Garden Bridge with Rails
Most of my wind chimes come from local artists, but I picked this one up to remember my mom, who passed away this year. The cardinal design felt right, and the soft sound it makes is gentle—not too bright, not too dull. Just enough to catch in the br...
Spoontiques Cardinal 18" Outdoor Wind Chime
This planter holds my massive Egyptian star cluster without tipping over. The blue resin finish adds a modern pop against the greenery, and the recycled plastic material has weathered sun and rain without fading. The built-in drainage holes keep root...
20.35" Round Blue Recycled Plastic Planter – Extra-Large Indoor/Outdoor Flower Pot with Drainage Holes
I use this 6-foot red-brown wooden ladder trellis to support one of the climbing plants in my backyard oasis. It’s tall enough to give the vines room to grow without overwhelming the space, and the wood has held up well through rain and sun. The colo...
Style Selections 24-in W x 72-in H Pecan wood Garden Trellis For Climbing Plants For Roses
For the Birds
Feeders, baths, and a few quiet perches—this corner is all about making space for feathered visitors. Whether they’re just passing through or calling your yard home, these are the things that keep them coming back.
I would love to say that this nesting box attracted so many birds who made it their home. But no birds have used it at all, however the squirrels have really taken a liking to it. Simple to hang, made from real wood, and blends right in with the tree...
Wooden Nesting Perch for Small Birds
This is the seed mix I keep coming back to—no shells, no mess, and the birds absolutely love it. I’ve used it in both open trays and covered feeders, and it draws everything from cardinals to chickadees without the scattered hulls all over the patio....
Wagner’s Gourmet Waste-Free Bird Seed 2-Pack
This one’s a whole little setup—part feeder, part entertainment. The clear nut bottle lets me watch the squirrels work for their snacks, and the corn cob holder keeps them coming back. It’s sturdy, weather-ready, and brings a little humor to the yard...
Wooden Squirrel Feeder House with Corn & Nut Storage
Birds are everywhere in my backyard—cardinals, doves, blue jays, even the occasional woodpecker. Having multiple feeders means everyone gets a fair shot at the seed, and these poles make it easy to mount and rearrange whatever I’m using. They’re stur...
Bird Feeder Pole Kit 79" Adjustable Stand
We use this near the edge of the yard to hang a solar lantern, and it’s been rock solid through wind, rain, and all the usual backyard chaos. The five-prong base keeps it stable in softer ground, and the stainless steel hasn’t rusted at all. It’s sub...
30" Stainless Steel Shepherd’s Hook - 5-Prong Stand
The tiny house wrens love this one. It’s simple, well-made, and blends in beautifully with the trees. The cedar holds up through storms, and the stainless steel cable makes it easy to hang wherever the birds seem busiest. Small, sturdy, and genuinely...
A-Frame Cedar Wren House with Rustic Roof
I have this right on my office window, and it’s one of my favorite things about the workday. Birds stop by all day—finches, titmice, the occasional bold cardinal—and I get a front-row seat while I’m at my desk. The suction cups are solid, the tray dr...
Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Window Bird Feeder
This bronzed metal feeder is as charming as it is practical. The cat shape makes it a fun little accent in the yard, but it’s also solid and well-made—birds flock to it, and the squirrels mostly leave it alone. I hung it near our back patio door and ...
Cat-Shaped Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder
I add these all over the oasis to hang windchimes, solar lanterns, and bird feeders. They give the whole area a little more height and character. It’s sturdy—like, actually sturdy—and doesn’t wobble in the wind thanks to the five-prong base. One of t...
30-Inch Stainless Steel Shepherd’s Hook - Heavy-Duty 5-Prong Base
This is the seed that keeps the feeders busy without turning the yard into a sunflower patch. The no-grow blend means fewer surprise sprouts, and the birds love it—especially cardinals, finches, and titmice. It’s clean, easy to pour, and one of the r...
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds 15 lb No-Grow Bag
I keep two of these set out in the corners of my backyard oasis for the birds to drink ir bathe in. The shallow basin makes it easy for smaller birds to use, and the dark gray color doesn’t show dirt or algae as quickly. They’re light enough to move ...
Dark Gray Plastic Birdbath Bowl
I added this red barn-style hopper feeder to the backyard for a bit of charm and a steady supply of seed. It holds a good amount, so I’m not refilling it constantly, and the design keeps things dry even when it rains. The birds immediately took to it...
North States 4.5 lb. Red Shed Hanging Hopper Bird Feeder
We installed this next to the back porch to attract bats—not owls—hoping they’d help keep the mosquito population down during the rainy months. It’s sturdy, well-made wood, and the large opening and included shavings made setup easy.
Screech Owl House Nesting Box w/ Stand
Description:
This Cuisinart 3-piece mesh strainer set isn’t just for kitchen duty. I use one of the fine mesh strainers to skim dirt and algae from my bird bath—it works like a mini pool skimmer! The stainless steel mesh is sturdy and fine enough to ...
Cuisinart 3-Piece Fine Mesh Strainer Set – Stainless Steel Skimmer for Kitchen & Outdoor Use
All Squirrels Welcome
Yes, they get their own section. These little troublemakers earned it. From picnic tables to snack boxes, everything here is squirrel-tested and highly entertaining—because your oasis isn’t just for you.
I started putting this out in a separate dish a few feet from the bird feeders, and it worked like a charm. The squirrels, chipmunks, and whoever else wanders through stay busy with their own snack spot instead of raiding the feeders. It’s a small sh...
Pennington Pride Squirrel & Critter Blend 10 lb
This little feeder turned out to be one of the most entertaining additions to the backyard. The squirrels (and the occasional bold chipmunk) figured it out quickly, and now it’s a regular stop on their snack route. Solid build, no assembly, and big e...
Wooden Squirrel Feeder for Nuts and Seeds | Squirrel's Canteen
This one’s just pure fun. The squirrels love it, and watching them sit at their little stools like tiny dinner guests never gets old. It’s sturdy, easy to mount, and holds a bunch of peanuts on the shell. I put it on the great oak tree where it has c...
Wooden Squirrel "Come Up to the Bar" Barstools Feeder | The Nut Bar
Yes, I have more than one squirrel feeder—and this one earns its spot. The box style keeps everything neat and dry, and the top panel lifts right off for easy refills. It’s sturdy, weather-resistant, and the perfect size for holding corn or peanuts w...
Wooden Squirrel Feeder Box | Easy-Fill Lid
This bag is a staple in our yard—clean, high-quality peanuts that keep both the birds and squirrels well-fed and out of each other’s way (most of the time). Grown on a small organic farm in the U.S., these are great for filling feeders, scatter feedi...
Old Potters Shelled Peanuts 10 lb Bag
Patio Vibes
Soft lights, comfy seating, and a few well-placed plants go a long way. These are the easy add-ons that helped our patio feel like an actual destination, not just the spot where the hose lives.
We’ve got some hefty snake plants in oversized pots, and these stands handle the weight without a problem. They’re adjustable, easy to assemble, and give the plants just enough lift to look intentional—without wobbling or scraping the patio. Clean de...
FaithLand Adjustable Metal Plant Stand 12-16"
The description is accurate — these are definitely cheap shoes, but for yard work, they’re exactly what I needed. They’re more comfortable than the Crocs brand, which surprised me, and the tie-dye design is actually quite pretty. The fit is just righ...
Tie-Dye Women’s Garden Clogs | Lightweight Slip-On
Coffee and the backyard oasis go hand in hand—this mug just makes it official. It’s got that playful plant-lover vibe without being over the top, and it’s become my go-to cup for early mornings outside. Whether you’re pulling weeds or just sitting in...
Crazy Plant Lady Coffee Mug - Fun Gift
I was skeptical, but these actually work. I light a couple around the edge of the patio when the sun starts to dip, and the mosquitoes back off fast. The citronella scent isn’t overwhelming, and each stick lasts long enough to cover an evening outsid...
Citronella Mosquito Repellent Sticks 40-Pack
We no longer have our senior pets, as they've all crossed the bridge. But when we did, and I added this to the backyard, I stopped worrying about whether the water bowl was clean or full. It connects to a hose for continuous flow or works standalone ...
PetSafe Everflow Outdoor Pet Fountain 192oz
I use these in the backyard and take them along on nature walks—clear, steady, and just the right weight. The grip’s solid, even with sweaty hands, and the image quality is sharp without fuss. They handle Florida humidity like a champ and come with a...
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x50 Waterproof Binoculars
This stand holds all my potted herbs—and doubles as a little lizard hangout spot. It’s both attractive and functional, with clean lines and a sturdy build that hasn’t rusted, even with Florida weather and daily watering. Fits perfectly along the edge...
4-Tier Metal Plant & Herb Stand
I’ve had these outside for over a year—rain, sun, humidity—and they still look brand new. Comfortable, sturdy, and easy to move around depending on what I need: extra seating, footrest, or a spot to set down a book or drink. Cushions hold up well and...
Outdoor Wicker Ottomans Set of 2 with Cushions
These were one of the very first editions I brought into the backyard—bright red, easy to move, and surprisingly comfortable. It’s light enough to shift around with the sun but sturdy enough to feel solid once you settle in. The pair of them have bee...
Stackable Adirondack Chair | Lightweight Resin Seat for Backyard & Patio Lounging
This little thing made a surprising difference in my backyard setup. It keeps the birdbath water gently rippling, which not only draws in more birds but also keeps mosquitoes from laying eggs. No wires, no plumbing—just a simple battery-powered rippl...
API Water Wiggler® for Bird Baths 🐤 | Keeps Water Moving to Attract Birds & Deter Mosquitoes
I didn’t buy this for a terrarium. I bought it for the very confident lizard who lives in an abandoned birdhouse on my back porch. He showed up one day and decided it was his. This little log and stone ornament gives him something to perch on, peek a...
Log and Stones Terrarium Ornament
Take Care of Your Oasis
The behind-the-scenes tools that keep everything working, growing, and looking like you meant to do it that way. Nothing fancy—just the essentials that make upkeep feel less like a chore and more like part of the rhythm.
With a big oak tree in the yard, fall brings a nonstop layer of leaves—but this little blower has kept up with it year after year. It’s lightweight, easy to plug in and go, and strong enough to clear paths, patio corners, and garden beds without feel...
BLACK+DECKER 7-Amp Electric Leaf Blower
This is hands-down my favorite gardening tool—part seat, part storage, part everything-you-need in one grab-and-go setup. The tools are solid, the stool is surprisingly comfortable (backrest included), and the detachable tote keeps everything organiz...
10-Piece Gardening Tool Set with Foldable Stool
These are hands down the best tree trimmers I’ve used—sharp, smooth, and they actually reach the higher branches without dragging out a ladder. The telescoping handle locks in place solidly and gives you the extra length when you need it most. I’ve u...
Telescopic Tree Trimming Loppers 27-41"
This was one of those “just get something functional” buys that ended up being way better than expected. Four years in, it still looks brand new—no fading, cracking, or annoying leaks. The hose reels in smooth, stays tucked away, and keeps everything...
Suncast 100ft Retractable Garden Hose Reel
This is the one I keep going back to—gentle enough for potted herbs, but still gives everything a noticeable boost. I use it on the flowering plants around the patio and the containers out front, and they’ve been thriving. No harsh smell, no overfeed...
FoxFarm Big Bloom Liquid Fertilizer Pint
I use this moss and weed remover when the cracks in my patio or driveway start looking overgrown. The long handle saves my back, and the sturdy wire brush really gets into the crevices, for moss, weeds, or built-up gunk. Great for sidewalks, stones, ...
Yocada Moss Remover - Crevice Cleaning Tool, Moss Brush, Wire Metal Brush, Deck Cleaner, Crack & Patio Remover for Pavement, Sidewalk, Patio Stone, Driveway, Deck - 59.8'
Fun Extras
This sleeping pad surprised me—in a good way. It inflates fast with the built-in pump (no wheezing into a valve required), and the 4-inch thickness actually feels cushy enough for a solid night’s sleep, which I have done using this in my backyard oas...
WILDOMS 4-Inch Inflatable Sleeping Pad