DIY Projects to Give Your Garden Dimension

Paths and patios

• Prep work is the key to a successful, long-lasting installation
• Excavate sufficiently: 5-6 inches
• Make paths wider than you think you’ll need: 4 to 6 feet for front path
• Spread 2-3 inches of road base and tamp it down to make a good foundation for your stone or pavers
• Use at least 2-inch thick stone. Thinner stone tends to shift and pop up over time
• Make sure the paving is level as you go along
• Consider adding an inset design to spice up the design

Trellis Screen made of T-posts & cattle panel

• Screen an unpleasant view
• Create a garden room
• Adds vertical element to a flat garden
• Cattle panel is flexible, so wall can be curved
• You can grow a pretty vine on it
• T-posts mean no concrete mixing required
• Non-permanent in case you have to remove it later

Stock-tank ponds

• Inexpensive compared to custom pond
• No digging or liner required
• No pump required
• Easy to set up: choose a flat spot, spread decomposed granite or granite sand, tamp it well and make sure it’s level.
• Placement: make it a part of your garden rather than just plunking it down in the middle of the lawn. Site it in a garden bed with paving or a patio in front so visitors can enjoy it. Or make it a central feature with paving around it.

Peek-a-Boo Gates

• Enticement
• A hint of special things to come
• Frame a view: a focal-point plant, art, etc. Thinking of views and framing them gives a special touch to your garden and makes exploring it more delightful.
• Easy to alter a typical, plain privacy-fence gate: cut out a window with a handsaw