Virginia couple transforms 1-acre backyard into mini state park. Their $600 garden now attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and wildlife.

A backyard blooming with flowers, winding trails, lush greenery and abundant wildlife is a dream of many. But transforming a garden into a verdant abode is not an easy task, requiring patience and dedication. But a couple, Brittany Lafave and Ryan Webb, who moved to Virginia last year in the winter season, decided to take on the challenge and reimagine their 1-acre outdoor space like a state park. Not only did they succeed in the venture, but now their $600 backyard is a haven for wildlife lovers.

Couple transforms backyard into mini state park

According to a report by People magazine, when Brittany and Ryan first shifted to the property, the backyard was mostly overgrown and covered in grass. Instead of clearing it out, the couple agreed to recreate the space with the best aspects of US State Parks.

6 months into the project, Brittany and Ryan’s backyard now features winding trails leading to the wood, vast patches of meadows with tall grass swaying in the wind, and native gardens that have been attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other wildlife species. The duo revealed that they spent approximately $500 to $600 on the backyard makeover.

Animals and plants in the 1-acre backyard

Rabbits, chipmunks, groundhogs, and birds now move through the property while remaining close to shelter. Interestingly, plants including cardinal flowers, goldenrods, and asters that Brittany and Ryan never planned on growing intentionally started appearing in the areas they had allowed to grow.

The idea to turn the backyard into a mini state park was born from the couple’s love of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. They wanted to bring some of the hiking experiences and nature elements into their everyday lives.

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A post shared by Brittany Lafave | Appalachian Adventurer (@brittany.lafave)

Final takeaway

When Brittany and Ryan first arrived at the property, they realised that the backyard had mature trees, existing garden beds, and old materials. When the couple discovered a concrete pad buried underground, they decided to make it the focal point of the backyard. The duo also began to find ways to repurpose other materials already on the property, including a dead tree turned into a DIY bench.