Every yard needs that something special–that splash of character that makes it unique. Whether it’s a diving pool, an intricate vegetable garden, or an amiable fireplace, every yard should have something that compels visitors to linger. When you open your back door, you should be filled with joy at the sight of your yard–the yard you designed and created and made your own. If you have little ones or a passion for fairy tales, a magical-themed backyard could be exactly the extra step you need to make your yard your favorite thing about your house. Below are some simple ways you can transform your backyard into an enchanted fairy garden.
Paint tree stumps to look like books and mushrooms.
Tree stumps can really detract from the magic of your yard–but that doesn’t mean they have to go! Rather than putting in the time and money to have them professionally removed, transform your tree stumps into something magical. Use outdoor paint to turn plain-looking stumps into magical mushroom seats, or decorate them to look like your favorite fairy tale stories or children’s books. If you doubt your artistic abilities, use a stencil or hire a neighbor or a professional to paint your tree stumps for you. If you’ve been hesitating to cut down that tree that poses a threat to the entire neighborhood whenever it’s windy out because you don’t want an ugly stump in your yard, make the decision to have the tree removed and turn your stump into something magical! You can even add cushions and backrests to turn your stumps into comfortable resting spots for guests, little ones, or yourself.
Plant native wildflowers throughout your yard.
Flowers are the most crucial element when it comes to creating a fairy garden. However, the idea of managing a garden can be off-putting for some–especially those with children and/or a full-time job keeping them busy. But just because you want flowers in your yard doesn’t mean you have to start a formal, painstaking garden! Research your area’s climate and the particular flowers that will thrive naturally in your landscape. Next, go to your local gardening store and purchase several packages of seeds. And finally, plant the seeds sporadically throughout your yard! If you select flowers that thrive in your climate, you should expect to see them sprouting and spreading in no time–no upkeep required! Be sure to go for perennials that can withstand the winter weather unless you’d prefer to replant each spring. If you’re feeling extra fancy, plant enchanted-looking trees such as cherry blossom trees, willow trees, and aspen trees–depending on what your climate calls for.
Put fairy lights in your trees and lanterns in the grass.
Fairy lights are what will take your yard from “cute” to “magical.” Fairy lights create a sense of character and enchantment. On top of that, they add lighting to your yard, which could serve a purpose on summer nights and at backyard family gatherings. Hang fairy lights in your trees (be sure to attach them properly so that they are not swept away in the wind, and make sure they are waterproof), along your roof, across your patio cover, and anywhere else you can think of. Solar-powered fairy lights are a great way to go if you don’t want the hassle of plugging and unplugging the lights and if you want to save money on power. Then, add lanterns to your yard. Again, solar-powered lanterns can be very convenient, but battery-powered lanterns will work as well. Situate the lanterns firmly in the soil throughout your yard, taking careful consideration for where you place them. You could create a fairy ring of lanterns around one of your trees or line a pathway with lanterns. You could also line the edge of your house with lanterns as a point of reference. Ensure that your lanterns are heavy enough or planted firmly enough that they will not be tipped over and broken in windy weather.
Install a stone fountain or a waterfall.
One effective way to make your yard feel like an enchanted fairy garden is adding a water feature–whether that be a pond, a pool, a fountain, or a waterful. Ponds and pools can be expensive and difficult to install, but portable fountains and waterfalls are much easier to manage and relatively inexpensive. Opt for a stone fountain or a stone-backed waterfall in order to maintain your yard’s fairy tale theme. If you’re not sure where you want to place your fountain or waterfall and don’t want to make a permanent commitment to a certain spot, buy a portable fountain or waterfall instead! Then, whenever the moment calls, you can move your water feature to a different spot until you find the perfect place for it. You can even put the water feature in the garage during the winter. Not only are fountains and waterfalls magical, but they are also extremely calming, according to scientific studies. After a long day, sitting outside on one of your mushroom chairs, reading a book, and listening to the sound of flowing water will help keep you grounded and mindful.
