best home project: backyard patio & garden

Redesigning our back patio to include a perennial garden was one of the most rewarding home projects we've done since moving into our house six years ago. (See before pictures here and here.) We frequently use this green, shady, private outdoors space for get-togethers with friends, grilling and eating outside after work, and relaxing with cocktails in the evenings. We recently bought a strand of outdoor string lights from Target that we hung on the underside of our deck. They give a warm glow to the whole backyard, making the space very inviting and pretty. Adding to the glow are the many lightning bugs who visit our garden often. We never had lightning bugs (or bees or butterflies) before planting the garden this year--a nice bonus!