These small garden decor ideas will add character and charm to any backyard!
When we were house hunting a few years ago, the first thing that drew us to our house was the beautiful landscaping! The previous owners of our house put a ton of time (and money) into a new landscape design for the whole lot (and we live on a 1/3 acre corner lot so there is a good amount of yard space). Their efforts definitely paid off because it was the main reason I fell in love with this house, and we receive so many compliments on the landscaping!
I have really grown to love gardening and taking care of our yard over the years. It is a lot of hard work (there are never ending leaves to rake in the fall!) but the reward of having a beautiful green yard is worth it. I also love hanging outside and the kids love helping with the yard work as well, so it’s a great activity to do as a family.
Now that the landscaping is thriving, I’ve been wanting to focus on adding some garden decor into the mix to add some character and whimsical touches. I really love fun and unexpected decor in gardens and yards since it can make the space feel more enchanting, homey, and loved.
There are so many ways to add these garden decor ideas to your own yard. Below, I’m sharing tons of the best small garden decor ideas that will transform a plain backyard into a dreamy outdoor retreat!
Small Garden Decor Ideas
1. Incorporate birdhouses.
The previous owners of our house had a few bird houses in the large maple trees surrounding our house, and I thought they were so charming and cute. I definitely want to add some of our own. This could be a fun activity to involve your kids with too! Anyone else remember making those peanut butter and birdseed pinecones in school?!
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2. Add wind chimes.
There is something so relaxing about sitting outside and listening to a soft wind chime. The sound can transform your backyard to a relaxing spa with a light breeze, and there are so many beautiful and unique options! They can really be like a work of art for your backyard or patio. If you can’t find a wind chime you love, opt for a rain chain instead.
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3. Set out a bird bath.
A bird bath is another decor idea for your garden that is like a work of art. They can be beautiful and sculptural, and the sound of running water can be so calming. We actually have a hook up for a bird bath in our backyard but haven’t purchased one yet. I think it would be fun to find something vintage to use!
If you don’t have a place to run water or if you are lacking a lot of space to work with, you could always opt for a hanging option or a tray bird bath, like this.
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4. Utilize container gardens.
If you don’t have room for an in-ground or raised garden bed (or you simply just don’t want to deal with a lot of upkeep) a container garden could be perfect for you! There are many plants that do well in containers all summer long, like tomatoes, herbs, peppers, and lettuce. It’s also much easier to maintain and water by keeping your garden in a small and contained area. Tip: mix and match different sizes and styles of planters for an eclectic and custom look.
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5. Hang planters.
Adding greenery above ground is an unexpected yet impactful way to draw attention to your outdoor space—and it doesn’t take much effort. Hanging planters can add more texture and color to your yard and patio space, and tall plant stands (I love this one!) can also do the trick. If you want a more custom look when hanging plants, ditch the standard plastic hooks and use a macrame plant hanger instead.
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6. Create trellises or vertical gardens.
Don’t forget about using any vertical space in your garden, especially if you’re lacking space. I’ve seen so many cute vertical garden ideas, whether they’re free-standing structures or they’re installed on walls or fences. Succulents and vines do really well in these. I love the idea of adding a plant stand to an empty corner or a trellis to an empty wall!
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See how we made these Simple DIY Wood Slat Trellises here!
7. Brighten things up with outdoor lighting.
Adding accent lighting outside creates a welcoming and peaceful ambiance while also optimizing function at night. Overhead string lights can help designate a seating or gathering space, and solar path lights can help with way-finding and also provide a pretty glow. You can even add some outdoor lanterns or candles around a table or walkway. For a well-balanced look, I’d suggest using a mix of brighter string lights and soft twinkling lights all around!
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8. Have fun with fairy gardens.
I think fairy gardens are so cute and really want to make one with my kids this summer. There are so many fun little fairy garden supplies you can shop for, making it a fun way to express your personality and interests. You can set up a fairy garden in a planter or even in an old bird bath. These would also look adorable on a front porch.
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9. Get quirky with tree decorations.
Another option that is quirky and fun: tree decorations. They might seem silly but they’re minimal and don’t stand out too much. Plus, they are especially great to incorporate if you have kids. I actually love how they can blend in to your yard…you really have to look to see them! It’s a small touch that can make your yard feel unique and charming. We recently got this tree face bird feeder and I think it’s so cute!
I also love these fairy doors for trees! You can add them to tree stumps, at the bottom of tree trunks, or they are perfect if you have a tree with a large knot or hole in it. They are another way to add fun little surprises around your yard!
10. Add sound with garden fountains.
Small garden fountains are a great way to add ambiance to your backyard and create a spa-like retreat. The sound of running water is so relaxing, and the fountain can double as a beautiful garden sculpture or birdbath as well. There are options for every budget and space, from small table top fountains to bigger, free-standing garden fountains.
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11. Keep it simple with plant stakes.
If there’s one idea on this list that is the perhaps the easiest to replicate, this is it. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong when adding plant stakes to your planters and garden. They add such a cute yet understated touch and will last you for years to come. When you’re tired of the look, swap them out and place them in your front yard. Another option is to decorate with water globes—a practical and pretty way to accessorize!
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12. Go classic with garden sculptures.
In addition to plant stakes and water globes, there are a lot of cute garden sculptures and objects that you can add around your yard. From bunnies, to frogs, to garden gnomes…you can really add some personality! I love the concrete and distressed/mossy covered sculptures, which blend into the landscaping but add a fun and unexpected pop of character.
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13. Use citronella candles.
While there are few things more indulgent than spending an evening in your backyard, one thing I don’t love is dealing with bugs. Citronella candles are a great way to keeping these pests away, all while creating a lovely ambiance in the backyard for your family or guests to enjoy.
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14. Add an outdoor bench.
I love to relax in the backyard and enjoy the space I’ve created, and having a cozy place to sit is necessary for that. Whether you’re basking in the sun during the summer months or you’re curled up with a blanket, adding an outdoor bench to your garden can make it a space to enjoy year-round.
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