5 DIY and professional upgrades your backyard needs
Have you been dreaming of an oasis-esque outdoor space where you can sip lemonade while taking in some sun rays? Look no further; this article is your gateway into DIY landscape transformation that could leave your neighbours thinking you hired professional help to transform your yard!

1. Create an ideal sitting area
Imagine this: when you step outside into your backyard, there is an inviting nook beckoning you to sit back and unwind. With some hard work and creativity, your space could soon become one of the cosiest spots!
DIY Project 1: Pallet bench or chair construction
So don’t fret if DIY projects intimidate you; even I, with no DIY experience whatsoever, put together my rustic pallet bench without it becoming an unruly pile of kindling! All it takes are pallets, nails, determination – and presto! A rustic bench fit for royalty has been assembled.
DIY Project 2: Crafting cushions or pillows for outdoor furniture
A backyard oasis wouldn’t be complete with plump pillows to snuggle into, yet take your time with the shops – dust off that sewing machine and create some custom cushions yourself! Combine colours and fabrics like Picasso would, and watch as your seating area transforms into an explosion of comfort!
2. Enhance ambience through outdoor lighting
Now is the time for us all to shine some light on this situation: outdoor lighting can transform your backyard from dull to chic with just one flick of a switch! Let’s add some colour – let’s bring on that glow!
DIY Project 3: Install solar-powered fairy lights
Solar-powered fairy lights offer the solution to wire clutter and electricity costs that make your eyes water. Just hang them up, sit back, and let the sun work its magic until nightfall comes – your backyard becomes an enchanted realm with magical fairy lights like magic every night, just like Christmas!
DIY Project 4: Craft mason jar lanterns
Who knew those old mason jars collecting dust could become such an eye-catching outdoor masterpiece? Gather several mason jars together, paint them up a bit and pop in a candle for instant lighting! Now, your backyard masterpiece awaits your enjoyment – like capturing fireflies without all of the guilt attached.
3. Strengthen your greenery with DIY planters
An outdoor space without greenery is like eating an unadorned doughnut; now is the time to add life and colour! So let’s bring life and colour back into our outdoor living spaces by planting some beautiful grasses! Let’s go ahead and grow something!
DIY Project 5: Building a vertical herb garden
Imagine harvesting fresh herbs directly from your own backyard; it would be like having access to an immense treasure chest of culinary awesomeness! Create a vertical herb garden using old wooden pallets or shoe organisers; filling it with fragrant basil, zesty thyme and vibrant rosemary plants will soon have you cooking up meals that would make Gordon Ramsay proud!
DIY Project 6: Construct a planter box
Are you itching for some dirt? Use lumber and construct a planter box worthy of Mother Nature herself. Fill it with beautiful blooms, cascading vines or even your very own mini vegetable garden!
4. Build a gazebo
Are you searching to add elegance and sophistication to your backyard? A pergola or gazebo will do precisely that – providing shade on hot summer days while adding that special something. Build yourself your very own relaxing haven and host stylish garden parties like no one has seen before.
This is where you may need to hire an expert–building a gazebo by yourself can be difficult and even dangerous if you don’t have experience. In fact, never be afraid to hire a professional to transform your backyard! DDs Landscaping is the perfect choice for those too busy to get their hands dirty, for example.
5. Transform your backyard with outdoor artwork
Let’s unleash our inner Picasso! Outdoor art can transform a mundane backyard into a unique gallery-worthy environment. So let’s add some colour and excitement to those dull walls and walkways by painting some pieces yourself and placing them outside or by purchasing some beautiful art!
DIY Project 7: Mosaic stepping stone pathway
Why would anyone need a red carpet when they can create their own mosaic stepping-stone pathway worthy of Hollywood royalty? Gather some colourful tiles and some adhesive and design a path with them so your guests will tread upon sunshine instead. Imagine walking along a rainbow; now, this would make an excellent party feature!
DIY Project 8: Painting an outdoor mural
Break out your brushes and unleash your creative side! Transform an uninspiring wall into something remarkable that even Da Vinci would admire – from nature scenes to abstract explosions of colour, unleash your inner artist – like living inside an artist’s canvas!
Or, if you don’t have the best record with painting, hire a professional artist to create the masterpiece of your dreams in your backyard!
Conclusion
For backyard enthusiasts looking to upgrade their outdoor space with DIY projects, it is time to unleash your inner DIY maestro and transform your backyard space. Create cosy seating areas, add beautiful lighting effects or convert your yard to a green paradise — these DIY projects are sure to have you beaming with pride when finished! Though each journey may come with challenges along the way – be assured that the end results make all your efforts worthwhile! So get those tools, put on your creative hat, and begin your backyard transformations today!

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



