I spent today doing some work on my pittifully small flower garden. Earlier this week, I picked up 2 grape tomato plants, and 2 day lilies. I really want to concentrate on adding perennials to the house, though I wanted some annuals as well.
Today, I got the tomato plants in, weeded the area, dug it out a bit wider, then started on the neglected front garden. Last year, I was unable to add much to the yard due to the late time of summer when we moved in. The front area has a garden blocked out, and some old mulch in place. I raked it all up, weeded it, got rid of the old mulch, then ran to the store.
My goal was 2 flats of flowers to plant around the 2 day lilies. However, at $13 for a flat, I declined. Instead, I spent $15 on perennials. I got 2 ornamental lilies (bright yellow!), 2 day lilies (these are the standard dark yellow- the ones I got earlier this week are purple), plus 2 other plants that were missing their tag, but were on clearance due to wilting leaves. They have small purple flowers on them.
So, for just a bit more than I would have spent on a single flat, I get to enjoy my flowers year after year. I also got a bag of mulch, which was ALMOST enough, but not quite, though I don't want to spend the money on another full bag, when I'll only need a quarter of it.
The front garden looks a LOT better now, though, and I didn't spend too much!
I also have some marigolds growing in the back from seed, as well as sunflowers. I bought some morning glory seeds today, too, which I intend to plant here and there. They might not come up soon, but they'll blossom before fall.
Here is what the "garden" looked like last year (I had no recent photos). It was MUCH more invaded by clover and weeds this year.
And here's what it looks like now:
And here are the mystery perennials:
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Comments: 24
Wow, what a difference! It looks great! I've tried many times to have pretty flower beds but with my BIG dogs, it never is pretty!
I imagine it would be a lot harder that way!
Nice before and after pictures. After, definitely looks much better. I hope everything does well for you.
Thank you! I hope it grows in nicely. I plan to add more perennials each year. I'll probably watch as Meijers and Walmart both clearance them out. That's how I got some of them last year.
I hope it rains soon.
It's looking like rain right now, actually, but nothing has hit.
I try to stick with perennials too. The change in your yard is really nocticeable, good work!
Thank you!
I want to plant bulbs in the fall- tulips, daffodils, irises... something for lots of color around the edges of the house.
Good idea! For bulbs, check out Dutch Gardens. They always have great sales.
It looks great. I will have to wait to see when things starts growing too. Well done.
You've done a great job!
I think it is a great little garden. Our yard is so big and the whole outside of it is bushes and plants. It takes so much work. We spent over $200 on mulch this year and we could have used more. So count your blessings for your little beautiful garden.
It's looking very nice. I love daylilies and grape tomatoes are delicious.
That's awesome, Heather!! You can already tell a big difference. It's going to ROCK when you're finished! I can't wait to see those photos!
Oh, and forgot to add two things: I have a few "mystery plants" too. I think they're fun. LOL And I have to agree with Carol B. about the mulch. I was just looking at the spots I did last summer and thinking that I might just buy more shrubs and things to add to them so that I have to buy less mulch. It needs updated. Blah.
My neighbor Gary came over, and was teasing me about not having enough mulch. He kept telling me he'd spring the $3 for it. I declined, but honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if the mulch faries visited tonight. ;) If not, I do plan to get some more, plus 1 more brick to match the ones surrounding it. It doesn't extend all the way to my porch on the far end.
That sure is quite a difference. You are so funny with the mulch. I am always amazed at how much I end up spending at Home Depot.
Do you have a tree growing in there?
The bed looks very nice & with the addition of the rest of the mulch it will look nice & complete.
I don't know exactly what that is that's growing there. It was here when we moved in. I noticed today, it has some flower buds on it. There was a pink tag hanging around the base when we moved in, but it didn't have anything on it.
My best guess is a shrub of some sort that was delibretly planted there. I plan to give it another year or two to see what exactly it is. If it's just leaves, I'll probably yank it. It is fuller this year than it was last year.
I can never get seeds to grow.. I planted 4 tomato plants in containers, have two flats of flowers to plant. Rained the day I got them. Maybe I can get them planted tomorrow..
What a garden, and what a difference! You're doing a fantastic job of it.
I can barely keep my cactus alive lol good luck
very ncie
I do not have a green thumb.
How pretty! I have been trying to get something, anything to grow in front of my house! It seems impossible, but I keep trying. These are lovely pictures, and I think those mystery plants may be some kind of Salvia or something? They look like this in full bloom: http://www.nichegardens.com/images/plants/salvia_mainacht.jpg