12 Fun & Functional DIY Garden Projects for a Stylishly Creative Backyard (PHOTOS)

Want to make your backyard the place to be this summer? Well, you don't have to hire a handyman or break the bank to create some of these super-cool, do-it-yourself projects we found. Whether you're looking for more storage, lighting, or just some fun and funky accents to make your outdoor space more inviting, we've got just the thing.

Some of these projects will even appeal to your green thumb, so grab your tools and get ready to have a great summer.

What's the best thing you've ever made for your backyard?

Painted Pots Turned Into Tables

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dukesandduchesses.com

Ever find yourself in the backyard with a snack and a drink, wishing you had a handy little table nearby? Well, now you can make a quick and colorful Terra Cotta Pot Table using a planter and your favorite paint color.

Randi of Dukes and Duchesses recommends you make sure to find a planter that's tall enough to serve as a side table and check that its tray is large enough not to sink into the middle of the planter. Good advice!

More From The Stir: 10 Colorful Ideas to Make Your Home Amazing 

DIY Patio Table With Secret Storage

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remodelaholic.com

Do you find yourself leaving candles and cushions out in the rain simply because you don't have a convenient spot to store them? Here's a clever and great-looking solution: the DIY Coffee Table With Storage.

Lorene and Cassity at Remodelaholic featured this innovative project, created by Melissa of A Place to Nest, on their site. It comes together easily with a metal bucket, some lumber, and a coat or two of stain.

Vertical Garden

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akadesign.ca

If you're short on space in your backyard, this DIY Vertical Garden created by Shannon at AKA Design offers the perfect remedy. It also serves as a great privacy wall. 

More from The Stir: 12 Stylish Ways to Decorate for Your Next Patriotic Party

Glow-in-the-Dark Garden Stools

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upscalegardenstyle.blogspot.com

These Glow-in-the-Dark Garden Stools are made from leftover tree trunks and create a perfect seating area for those nights around the fire pit. If you're wondering what paint to use, Debra at Upcycled Garden Style says Krylon and Rustoleum both offer glow-in-the-dark shades you'll love.

Mason Jar Herb Garden

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camillestyles.com

Is there anything better than running outside to grab some fresh herbs to add to your meal during the summertime? This Mason Jar Herb Garden from Camille Styles will dress up your backyard and offer gorgeous green garnishes all season long. Gravel placed at the bottom of each jar helps with drainage.

Glass Globe Lights

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inmyownstyle.com

These Glass Globe Lights designed by Diane of In My Own Style are so elegant and a nice alternative to those solar lanterns that can often have minds of their own. By painting the globes, you can customize them to match the rest of your decor. Genius!

More from The Stir: 12 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks

Raised Bed

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diyncrafts.com

These concrete Raised Beds designed by DIY & Crafts are a brilliant idea for any backyard. At $1 a block, you can't beat the price and you'll notice fewer weeds in this fun configuration.

DIY Bird Feeder

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traditionalcookingschool.com

Want to enjoy a visit from our feathered friends this summer? Build one of these DIY Bird Feeders dreamed up by Traditional Cooking School with a mason jar and a few other common items. The kids will get a kick out of watching your new guests fly in for dinner!

Brick Herb Markers

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simpledetails.blogspot.ca

Pam at Simple Details crafted these Brick Herb Markers, which make it super easy to tell what herbs are where in the garden. This great idea will certainly help the kids when you send them out to gather a few sprigs around dinnertime!

Bottle Cap Windchimes

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mnkristy.wordpress.com

If you've got a beer drinker in the house, start saving those bottle caps! If not, you can always hit an art supply store or Etsy shop to make this Bottle Cap Windchime, designed by Kristy of Kristy's Corner. The finished product makes a fun and soothing addition to any porch, patio, or deck.

Fire Pit

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epicstockmedia/shutterstock

Building your own Fire Pit is easier than you'd think. Simple instructions offered by The Garden Glove will have you running to your home improvement store with thoughts of roasted marshmallows dancing through your head. 

More from The Stir: 10 Unique S'mores Recipes That'll Have You Beggin for S'more

DIY Shed

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designdreamsbyanne.blogspot.ca

This DIY Shed will have you scratching your head and wondering how Anne of Design Dreams by Anne came up with it and assembled it for only $30! But … after building her own greenhouse (!!), she was inspired and shares all the tips and tricks you need to build one yourself! How perfect would this be for all those smaller tools and your potting soil and planters. We love it.