Some of the most impressive transformations our members take on start with a simple idea and a few borrowed tools. One member, Matt, recently turned a steep, hard-to-use slope into a set of functional, beautiful garden steps—all while building landscaping skills and saving a massive amount of money.
The project began with a problem many gardeners know well: a gorgeous hillside that’s nearly impossible to navigate. Instead of hiring a contractor (a job that would have cost $10,000+), Matt decided to roll up his sleeves and tackle it himself.
To bring the project to life, he borrowed three essentials from the Tool Library:
- Tamper – to compact soil and create stable step bases
- Shovel – for digging and shaping the terrain
- Edger – to define clean lines and keep everything tidy
With these tools—and a little determination—Matt built sturdy steps tailored to his garden’s slope. Along the way, he gained hands-on landscaping experience and the confidence that comes with learning by doing. As he put it, “Yes, I learned a lot about landscaping :)”
Beyond the personal satisfaction, this project highlights something we hear often: borrowing tools doesn’t just reduce clutter and waste—it empowers people to create more sustainable, affordable solutions. Why buy expensive tools you might only use once when you can borrow exactly what you need?
This garden staircase is now both a practical improvement and a long-lasting testament to what shared tools can make possible.
Have a project you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about it!
