Tiny Patio Decor, Faux Planters, and More Weekend Craft Projects

Outdoor String Lights 100FT

Outdoor string lights are pretty affordable and make such an impact on making your space feel warm and inviting. These lights from Amazon are similar to those pictured above, and are marketed as waterproof, snowproof, sunproof, and windproof!

7ft Patio Umbrella with Fringe

Fringe is having a moment in decor. Elevate your outdoor space with this chic yet affordable umbrella — it adds a touch of personality while keeping you cool and shaded.

7 Piece Outdoor Patio Set

Love this comfy wicker set for a classic, contemporary vibe.

Acacia Wood Lounge Chair Recliner

Soak up the sun or escape into a good book with this cozy and well-reviewed recliner — complete with an attached table, perfect for your lemonade or limoncello.

Outdoor Striped Porch Mat

Available in multiple sizes, this porch mat protect your bare feet in the hot sun.

Wicker All-Weather Planter Set with Liners

Wicker is making a comeback. These all-weather planters are a great way to refresh your space with a touch of greenery.

Outdoor Green Throw Pillow Covers, Set of 2

Turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat for the next six months with these 18x18 pillows in a fresh, spring-green hue.

Propane Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Warm up spring nights with this cozy fire pit you can use well into fall.

1. Boxwood Hedges

Perfectly sculpted boxwood hedges offer privacy and give a sense of poshness to a garden. However, maintaining them requires frequent pruning, they're prone to pests like boxwood blight, and trimming services can add up quickly. Instead, look for low-maintenance hedges like viburnum, common box, and cherry laurel.

2. Koi Ponds

A serene koi pond with a water feature requires constant upkeep — regular water testing, filtration maintenance, and fish care (including specialized diets, temp control, and vet care!).

3. Rose Gardens

Traditional rose gardens are lovely when maintained properly but they require constant attention. They need proper pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and are prone to disease. Roses are highly susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids, making them a pretty demanding plant. I gave up my roses for drought-tolerant plants and olive trees in my California garden.

4. Cobblestone or Brick Pathways

Over time, moss and weeds grow between the stones and brick, creating slippery surfaces and requiring frequent cleaning. Frost heaving and settling can create uneven surfaces here too, which can be costly to repair. Gravel and mulch are low-budget options that can still look great and don't require a lot of upkeep in the garden.

5. Topiaries

Shaping plants into whimsical topiaries is not for the faint of heart — or wallet. These sculpted plants demand expert trimming, precise watering, and protection from harsh weather. Hiring a professional topiarist can be an ongoing and expensive commitment for more elaborate topiaries, like animal shapes and other artistic sculpting.

6. Traditional Fountains

A grand fountain can be the focal point of a traditional backyard, but keeping it in pristine condition requires frequent cleaning, water treatment, and pump maintenance. Algae buildup, clogged filters, and winter freezing can all lead to costly repairs and upkeep.

7. Ornate Ironwork

Iron is prone to rust, meaning you'll need to endure frequent sanding, priming, and repainting to keep them looking polished and pristine, which can get tiresome over time.

8. Massive Lawns

I replaced an uncomfortable, and frankly ugly, rock lawn with a small grass lawn for my kiddo and dog to enjoy and my water bill quadrupled! A sprawling, perfectly green lawn is a major water guzzler. Keeping it lush requires constant mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and irrigation. Consider more mulch and gravel than grass.

9. Gazebos or Pergolas

Maintaining wooden structures like gazebos means regular staining, sealing, and repairs to prevent weather-related wear and tear. If made from natural wood, they’re especially vulnerable to rot, termites, and warping. Look for more weather-resistant protection or plant more shade trees.

10. Plastic Edging

Plastic and gardens don't make an ideal match. Plastic edging may seem like a quick fix, but it's often frustrating to install, prone to shifting over time, and can lead to weed crossover and untidy borders. While affordable upfront, its short lifespan makes it a poor long-term investment. Opt for sustainable alternatives that not only last but also prevent microplastics from contaminating your soil.

In case you haven't experienced the sheer magic that is the Whole Foods Berry Chantilly cake, it’s an item from their bakery counter that’s earned cult-favorite status since its launch 13 years ago.

The cake features layers of vanilla cake slathered with Chantilly cream frosting and a fresh medley of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Per Whole Foods, it’s so iconic that customers have stood in line for it through power outages and natural disasters.

Seeing that the cake itself is so adored, it’s no surprise that Whole Foods’ coffee bar just dropped a latte inspired by each sweet, sweet bite. The new Berry Chantilly Latte highlights notes of "creamy vanilla sweetened with berries and a whisper of almond.”

Per Food Network, the development team behind the new sip desired a “not-too-sweet” effect, ultimately choosing a combo of strawberry and almond for the drink. Of course, it's loaded up with shots of espresso to round out the sweeter flavors.

Once Whole Foods introduced the Berry Chantilly Latte on Instagram, tons of coffee-loving shoppers sounded off with excitement.

“Say no more. On our way!! 😍😍” one person commented.

“My favorite latte of all time 10/10,” another said.

“Got it this morning and it does not disappoint!!” one more user said. “Wish it was permanent!!”

Available to order hot or iced and with your choice of milk, the new Whole Foods Berry Chantilly Latte will be in participating locations through July 1.