I transformed my backyard with zero knowledge – I’m quite proud and if I sell the house, I can take the tree with me
ONE homeowner was feeling pleased with himself over his backyard DIY project.
He showed that you don’t need a green thumb to glam up your outdoor space.
DECKED OUT
“This is how I transformed my garden – I had zero knowledge as I’m an IT guy, so quite proud of it,” said Redditor Voidfactory.
He explained how he took his drab lawn with “lots of holes” and decked it out.
“First task was painting the fence, trying to level the lawn a bit better, planted grass seeds,” he said.
“Created a sleeper at the end to break with the claustrophobic effect.”
He knew he wanted his decking to be at “ground level.”
The job might have been a bit challenging for him, but he didn’t give up.
“I have zero experience with that as I’m an IT freak,” he said.
After enlisting the help of some friends to dig a hole, he “leveled everything” with Jouplast before adding some slate edging.
“Made it look very tidy and smart,” he said.
He attempted to brighten things up with some lavender and buxus, or small evergreen shrubs, though the lavender seemed to last the longest.
He also realized that he should have stopped after using one coat of natural stain as the additional coats made everything look “less woody.”
DIGGING IT
He then dug another hole so that he could add a palm tree to its own “super heavy” oak sleeper.
Many people were impressed with the final design but had questions for the DIYer.
“Looks great! I’m also planning on edging my yard with that crushed slate. Any reason why the palm is in a pot and not just planted in the ground?” asked one user.
“Looks bigger that way. If I sell the house, I can take it with me. “When I walk on the pathway, it’s high enough for me not having to bend. If it was planted, I’d have to bend until it gets bigger,” he replied.
“In a couple of years, when it’s bigger, I can consider planting it on the same spot.”
He certainly wasn’t going to leave his prized planting behind.
Others shared some of their own suggestions for styling the space.
“Looks good. Maybe add a string of outdoor lights down the fence?” asked one user.
“There are two lights on the palm tree – a tad too weak for my liking – three lights on the left side, and three lights in the back sleeper. Looks eerie at night,” he replied.
How to make your backyard a little paradise
Houna Bech is an interior designer and founder of the style blog With Houna.
She revealed to The U.S. Sun five tips for transforming a drab outdoor space into a “sensory-rich little paradise.”
1. Embrace nature
“Use your landscaping, trees, flowers, and organic environment as your muse,” she said.
2. Bring the inside out
“Repeat color palettes, textures, and materials so the transition between indoors and out is seamless,” she said.
3. Create zones for specific purposes
“I might design a luxurious cabana with plush loungers and vanities for alfresco makeup sessions with my girlfriends,” she said.
4. Prioritize comfort
“I’m talking cloud-like sectionals, upholstered daybeds, and oversized weather-resistant poufs you can really envelop yourself in,” she said.
5. Get creative
“Finally, turn your entire outdoor area into an artistic installation,” Bech said.
He also explained how he his not a big “fan” of string lights but would consider a “triangular fabric shade roof” at some point.
He clarified that he used solar lights and is hoping to add some extra upgrades.
TECH THAT
He continued to receive even more rave reviews over his backyard – not bad for an IT guy.
“Looks beautiful and you did a great job improving the appearance and functionality! I’m interested to see if the deck will settle-sink into the ground over time though,” said one Redditor.
“I’d hate to see all that work you went through to make it level with the lawn go to waste,” they continued.
“It’s been four months since I completed the decking and it’s been doing fine,” he responded.
“Wow, that looks great! I especially like the crisp edges, it looks really neat and tidy. Easy to maintain with the way you did it. Good work!” yet another Redditor chimed in.
“I’m a career landscaper. Looks great! Not too busy, simple design. Really cleans up the yard,” wrote one user.