BACKYARD IDEAS
ON A BUDGET
Many people enjoy the possibilities
Renovating an outdoor living space is achievable in a
budget-friendly way with some creativity and know-how.
that outdoor living
offers and admit they would
spend more time outside if the exterior
spaces of their homes featured more
amenities. According to a 2024 survey
by Allstate Protection Plans, Americans
love outdoor living and entertaining.
Seventy-six percent of those who
own outdoor products use their backyards,
porches, patios, or balconies at
least three times a week. About 25 percent
of Canadians spent more time in
managed landscapes in 2022 compared
to 2021, according to a survey commissioned
by the TurfMutt Foundation.
It's clear people from all walks of life
value time spent outdoors, but many
homeowners cannot afford a major
backyard overhaul. Thankfully, there
are budget-friendly upgrades anyone
can embrace to maximize style and
function.
Source thrift shops
Thrift shops are ideal places to find
gently used items for the yard. Scour
the aisles for patio sets, planters and
more at deeply discounted prices. If
you can't find a matched set, look for
patio pieces that have similar lines and
materials to create a cohesive look and
feel.
Grab some pallets
There's an entire craft offshoot involving
the repurposing of pallets acquired from
warehouses or hardware stores. Pallets
can be transformed into everything from
tables to sectionals to benches. Visit www.
instructables.com/Pallet-Furniture/ for
building ideas, or check out YouTube video
tutorials offering tips on getting started.
Pallet furniture can be much more
affordable for those on tight budgets, particularly
since pallets are often free.
Lend a hand
Taking on some of the backyard renovations
yourself can save money. Speak
with a contractor, mason or landscape
architect to see if you can pitch in to
lower costs. You might be able to tear
out existing landscape to reduce labor
expenses so that the professional can
come in and get started right away.
Reuse and refresh
While thrift stores are one place to find
inexpensive outdoor living items, you
also can transform older furniture or
hand-me-downs with some sanding
and a coat of paint. Breathe new life
into found items with paint, fresh cushions
and enthusiasm.
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PLANTS THAT CAN
ACCOMMODATE
OUTDOOR
LIVING SPACES
Plants add aesthetic
Plants merit consideration for homeowners
looking for ways to make outdoor living spaces
more comfortable, relaxing and welcoming.
appeal to any landscape.
A pop of
plant-produced color here
and there can complement
any landscape, but
homeowners also can use
plants to liven up hardscapes
as well.
Outdoor living spaces are more than just places to relax. A
recent survey from Green Builder Media found that 90 percent
of homeowners consider the outdoor living areas on their
properties to be important to their health and well-being. That
same survey found that four in five homeowners prefer secluded
outdoor living spaces that provide privacy. Plants can help
fulfill that goal, which might contribute to the greater sense of
health and well-being homeowners hope their outdoor living
spaces promote. With that in mind, homeowners can consider
augmenting their existing spaces with various plants, though
it’s always vital to consult a local gardening center to ensure
plants are capable of thriving in a given region.
• Bougainvillea: Bougainvillea are particularly vibrant and
colorful, and HGTV notes these popular vines can add privacy
to areas like porches. That same benefit can be gleaned when
adding bougainvillea to structures like pavilions or gazebos.
Bougainvillea require ample sunlight to thrive, so that’s something
to keep in mind when choosing where to plant.
• Hibiscus: Hibiscus also produce vibrant colors that can range
from red and pink to yellow and orange. Exposure to the sun is
considered vital for hibiscus, though precisely how much sunlight
is a source of debate. For example, some sources indicate
these low-maintenance plants need as much as eight hours of
sunlight each day, while others report that as little as two hours
of direct sunlight is sufficient.
• Cycads: Cycads are considered tropical plants, so they might
not thrive in every region of North America. But these impressive
plants, which often can be found in botanical gardens, can
help to establish a serene feeling in an outdoor living space.
Cycads can thrive when planted in well-draining soil and in
pots, which can be chosen to complement existing outdoor
furnishings. Cycads planted around the perimeter of an outdoor
space or even around the perimeter of a patio can be especially
appealing.
• Jasmine: Jasmine can add to the aesthetic appeal of structures
such as pergolas or trellises. An added benefit to planting
jasmine is their aroma, which many find inviting (some may
find the scent of jasmine a bit strong, so this benefit depends
on personal perspective). For homeowners who enjoy the aroma
of jasmine, adding it to an outdoor living space can make
the space more welcoming and relaxing.
18 - 350 Bethpage To Advertise call: 631-698-8400 All Island Media - July 17, 2025