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Hummingbird Feeder
Not only can a hummingbird feeder (like this one on Amazon) itself be beautiful, the sight of those delicate, flittering creatures in your yard will buoy your spirits and delight anyone who passes by.
Stepping Stones
If you choose the right stepping stones, you can transform a humdrum path into an appealing garden feature that does more than just get you from point A to point B.
String Lights
Cast a romantic glow on your nights with a string of lights (like these from Amazon). The subtle, soft illumination encourages relaxation and conversation, and it looks spectacular both close-up and from the street.
Sundial
Displaying an attractive sundial (like this one on Amazon) in your yard can be both practical and pretty—and it’s also a great conversation starter.
Birdbath
Birdbaths come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, and if you don’t find one you like, you can always DIY one to suit your needs. As a bonus, the birds it attracts will bring life, color, and a little entertainment to your yard.
Landscape Edging
Decorative edging around your beds will define them and make them visually pop, and it may also make your lawn maintenance a little bit easier.
Fountain
A backyard fountain is a feast for the ears as well as the eyes. The soothing sounds of babbling water will bring a sense of peace to your property.
Container Plant Arrangement
Display your potted plants in a visually pleasing tableau to give them greater impact.
Fire Pit
A backyard fire pit establishes an attractive focal point and provides a gathering place where you can make precious memories with friends and family.
Garden Sculptures
A tasteful sculpture nestled in with your landscaping plants can add depth, whimsy, color, and visual interest to your outdoor design.
Pergola
The dappled shade of a pergola provides the perfect spot for relaxing on a summer day. This beautiful architectural feature can also help define functional space in your yard.
Seating Area
A comfortable, well-placed seating area can serve as the inviting centerpiece for a landscape design. Attractive in every meaning of the word, it’s aesthetically pleasing and draws people toward it.
Fresh Mulch
Like a fresh coat of paint in a room, a fresh load of mulch spread over your landscaping beds instantly makes your yard look crisp, clean, and beautiful.
Hammock
No one can resist a shady backyard hammock, strung between the trees. The mere sight of a gently swinging hammock (like this one from Amazon) brings to mind long, leisurely summer afternoons.
Related: The 15 Best Backyard Games of Summer
Banners and Flags
Quickly add color and style to your outdoor spaces with decorative banners or flags. Here’s a chance to let your colors fly, whether you’re supporting your favorite team, celebrating your heritage, or just displaying a cheerful design.
Solar Lights
Solar lights let you create a little mood lighting without having to deal with electricity or wires. Arrange a set (like these from Amazon) around your porch or along a path, and it will be easier to stretch your summer evenings into summer nights.
Related: 8 Things You Should Know Before Buying a House With Solar Panels
Wind Chime
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it can also be in the ears! Hang a set of wind chimes (like this bamboo option from Amazon) to let beautiful sounds ring out in your yard. But be sure to choose carefully, because those chimes will quickly become part of your—and your neighbors’—soundscape.
Butterfly House
Butterfly houses are a charming decorative addition to any backyard, but it’s the butterflies themselves that will really bring you joy all season long.
Plant Markers
Pretty up your vegetable or flower garden with decorative plant markers. Whether you buy them or DIY them, they’re a practical accessory that adds a little beauty to your beds.
Transform Your Pots
Give your pots and planters a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. Choose the trendy colors of the season, or go with something artsy. Whatever you decide, you’ll bring a pop of freshness to your yard.
Outdoor Umbrella
An outdoor umbrella can add a burst of color to your landscaping and create a shady destination for rest and relaxation. You can even choose one with lights on its frame—or hang your own string lights—to give it purpose and beauty when you’re out at night under the twinkling stars.
Luminarias
It takes just a little bit of light to enhance your yard at night, and luminarias provide a particularly lovely glow. Outdoor luminarias come in all shapes and styles, and cast a warm light over your yard in the evening hours.
Colorful Furniture
Any furniture you add to your outdoor space can improve your yard’s functionality and design, but why pass up the chance to inject a little liveliness into the design scheme? Whether you opt for brightly colored cushions or painted furniture, the result is the same: an eye-catching scene.
Related: Editors’ Favorites: The Best Cheap Outdoor Patio Furniture
Ornaments
Lawn ornaments like orbs and wind spinners bring personality to your property and give you a chance to celebrate your own style and interests.
Birdhouse
Birdhouses come in every variety and size imaginable. Mount one on a pole or on the rail of your porch, or hang one in a tree. This is another twofer: You’ll have the beautiful birdhouse and the beautiful birds to boot.
