1Create an Herb Garden Planter
There’s nothing better than cooking with herbs right from your own garden—and now, you can do it all year long. Thanks to this clever setup from bloggers Alice and Louis, you can grow herbs outdoors during the warmer months and easily transition them indoors once the temperature dips.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Louis >>
2Upcycle Vintage Furniture 
Getty Images
Who knew your old bathtub could get a second life? Take inspiration from The Restore and transform one into an eye-catching garden planter. With just a few tools and some soil, you’ll have a vintage-inspired garden centerpiece that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the tutorial at The Restore>>
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3Hang String Lights
String lights instantly add charm to a compact outdoor space. A soft glow among the greenery creates a cozy, magical feel. For the best results, opt for waterproof lights to keep things shining even through rainy weather.
SHOP STRING LIGHTS
4Display a Bird Bath 
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A bird bath brings movement and life to a garden, especially in a small layout. Just add water and watch the birds flock in. Be sure to stay on top of cleaning it, though!
SHOP BIRD BATHS
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5Add a Garden Bench 
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Few things are more delightful than enjoying your garden from the comfort of a bench—it invites relaxation and sparks conversation. Simply flank a wooden one with pretty potted blooms and you’re all set!
SHOP GARDEN BENCH
6Grow a Plant That Attracts Wildlife
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Add plants that bring your garden to life—literally. The Honeycomb Butterfly Bush not only smells sweet like honey, but it also makes a stunning statement piece. Its golden blooms attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators, adding a touch of magic to your space. Even better? It’s hardy enough to withstand tough winters.
SHOP HONEYCOMB BUTTERFLY BUSH
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7DIY a Candle Flower Vase
8Build an Arched Trellis
Handmade Farmhouse
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9Consider Raised Beds
Designer Trapped10Use Terra-Cotta Pots
Jane Merritt/The House That Lars Built
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11Craft a Sun Catcher
Crafting Cheerfully12Make a Wheelbarrow Garden
Sergio Amiti//Getty Images
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13Repurpose Vinyl Gutters
Pretty in the Pines
If you’re short on backyard space, hang flower-filled planters from the porch. White vinyl gutter and about 20 feet of nylon rope are the main components of this adorable hanging garden.
Get the tutorial at Pretty in the Pines »
14Use Plant Supports
Tilly Design
Help your crops grow taller and straighter with metal support stakes. Keep your plants off the ground and give them better access to sunlight, while also adding visual interest to your small garden.
SHOP PLANT SUPPORTS
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15Incorporate a Small Pond
dolah//Getty Images
Dedicate space for a small fish pond surrounded by natural paving stones, then fill in the area with lush bushes and flowers. You’ll likely want to start with a pond liner, but keep in mind you’ll need an array of items to keep fish alive (like a pond pump and filter).
16Stay Organized With Plant Markers
Tater Tots and Jello
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17Choose a Sunny Setup
Kody kohlman for Tilly18Transform a Side Yard
The House That Lars
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19Add Faux Grass Stepping Stones
Sugar & Cloth
You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of grass — even if it’s faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
20Grow a Lattice Green Wall
Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Tori Polizzotto Jones is a writer based in NYC, with a big heart and a passion for storytelling. Growing up in Brooklyn as a dancer, her creative roots have always run deep. After studying Fashion Media at LIM College, she found her way into writing, covering everything from beauty and lifestyle to home decor, food and entertainment. Tori’s work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Esquire, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR and Delish, where she brings her unique perspective and love for all things creative to every piece.
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