DIY Rustic Garden

Create Functional Spaces

• Before planting seeds or flowers, you need to determine how you want your outdoor space to function. Draw a rough sketch of the space on graph paper, creating at least an approximate scale for your rustic garden design. Set aside spaces for rustic seating, funky tables, shade, garden architecture, yard art, mismatched planters, lighting, reclining, cooking, entertaining, playing and any other activities you envision happening in your garden.

  Remember to include spaces for storing any garden, patio or sports equipment. For a rustic design, you can incorporate open storage containers and wooden cabinets or shelves rather than keeping everything sleek and hidden.

Rustic Furniture

• The best aspect of creating a rustic garden is that you can mix and match flea market finds, repurposed elements, family heirlooms, natural objects, junkyard gems, artisan pieces, folk art, industrial items and mass-produced pieces in your landscape design.

  Try a metal French bistro table and chairs with mismatched cushions in vintage fabrics. A metal fire pit can add a primitive look, softened by oversized floor cushions in stripes, paisley, floral or bright solids. A stone garden bench flanked by gnome statues evokes a secret garden hideaway, while a wooden porch swing, old-fashioned rocking chair or wooden picnic table and benches have country charm. A repurposed barrel can become the base of a table, while an old sink, bathtub or galvanized steel tub makes the perfect planter.

Natural Accessories

• Nothing says rustic more than natural materials, finishes and accessories. A random piece of wood looks beautiful as garden art, or use it as an impromptu trellis for a climbing vine. Earthenware and metal pots can hold flowers, herbs, vines and cacti. Line a garden path with stepping stones or frame a vegetable garden with a classic white or weathered gray wooden picket fence. Simple architectural elements, such as arches, window boxes and a garden gate, lend rustic charm. Evoke the sea with shells, coral, sand dollars and sea glass in glass jars or displayed on wooden railings.