yard work

This year we've finally made some big changes to the front landscaping. When we built our front steps, posted here, we took out four bushes flanking the front door. But we still had five overgrown/outdated shrubs remaining.

With just a morning, a chain, and the tow hitch on our trusty mini-van, they were out. Admittedly, it may have been faster if we hired someone else to do it, or at least rented a bobcat. But the persistent and sweat equity saved a bunch of money.

how to disguise a tree stump

If you have a tree stump in your yard, you know how unsightly they can be. And tree stump removal can be costly, and is always messy- imagine wood chips scattered all over your lawn.

i forgot to mention

My little boy was helping me in the yard the other day. He recently sprouted a seedling at preschool and was eager to it plant it in our yard.

When I looked over to check on his progress, I noticed the plastic bag full of water in a pot in the ground. I forgot to explain a few simple gardening tips to him. This is what i forgot to tell him.

DON'T OVER WATER
Plants can be over watered -and eventually drown. Check the water requirement on the packaging. most plants require extra waterings directly after being planted.

DON'T PLANT IN THE POT IN THE GROUND*
The pot restricts the roots and the plant will eventually become root bound (when the roots grow circularly around the inside of the pot for lack of a place to go), and stop growing.
*There are exceptions to this rule. For example, some plants (like mint) are very intrusive and will overtake the entire space. Plant these in pots in the ground if you want to control their growth.

DON'T PLANT IN THE PURCHASED PACKAGING
Unless the packaging was designed to be planted, don't use it. Most packaging will indicate if it is biodegradable and will break down in the soil. The plant needs proper drainage, using a pot with holes provides this drainage. Depending on the needs of the plant, you can also fill with small rocks and or a light weight draining material like vermiculite. Always check with your local nursery if you have questions.

The local nursery is my favorite place for gardening information. They are well informed on native species, their needs, and your climate region.

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rhodys

I apologize for my lack of recent posts. It's so hard to be inside when it's so beautiful outside. The weather has been great and I've been busy springing cleaning inside and plotting a little bit for the outside projects this year.

I have {many} rhododendron bushes in my yard, and right now they are in full bloom. Their fragrance perfumes my entire yard. It's pretty heavenly. The blooms won't last too much longer, which is why I try to enjoy them while they last. I've kept a constant supply of blooms in vases inside the houses too.

As far a plants go, they are quite easy. These perennials are easily recognized by their white, purple, or pink blooms and their large oval leaves and are relatively low maintenance. I didn't even touch them last year. Mine are quite large, and will need some severe pruning this year. According to my local nursery, it's probably best to do it in stages over the next few years.

Right now they provide great privacy along my back and side yards.

What beauty do you have blooming around your space at this time of year?

spring planting

I love flowers, I always have. I took a horticulture course in college just so I could have a fresh flower arrangement in my apartment each week. I'm such a sucker for them.

And even though I have my favorites, I find that I love so many -I love the varieties in their color, their texture, and their height.

Just like floral arrangements, outside landscapes need balance, proportion, scale, and depth. Ever wonder why those Better Home and Gardens landscapes look so great? Like any good design, they have layers.

Want to get started on creating your own Better Homes and Gardens garden?

Here are 3 Easy Baby Steps:

1) Tall ones go in back
If you are starting from seeds or bulbs, always check the height. It is usually written in inches and pretty easy to find on the packaging.

2) Remember your plant's life span
Consider how long a plant is expected to live and when it is expected to bloom. Annuals only live for that long, one year. Perennials continue to grow each year. Plants will bloom early, mid, or late in the season. Check the packaging if you are unsure. Incorporating early, mid, and late blooms will provide constant color.

3) Plant light likes together
Pay attention to your plant's light requirements and plant accordingly. Full sun plants really do like the sun. Check throughout the day to see how much light your location gets. Planting a full sun flower in the shade won't thrive.

Bonus)
It can also be really fun to account for texture and fragrance. But I'll leave that to others with more experience.

This year my goal is to plant a cut flower garden. The overall arrangement doesn't have to look perfect, since I will be sniping at it all season. Yesterday I was able to get outside and get a few bulbs in the ground. Remember the mantra here at the little yellow cape, baby step by baby step.

If you are interested in learning more, I found these free printable No Fuss Garden Plans from Better Homes and Garden, complete with a plant list, a layout diagram, and lots of helpful information. With 19 to choose from, it was easy to select a plan that meet my specific needs.

How does your garden grow?

Linked up to TheShabbyCreekCottage, SerenityNow, CensationalGirl

spring seedlings

its almost time to start think about spring seedlings. Depending on where you live, you could start your sprouts anytime. Here in New England, we still have snow on the ground, so our garden starts will have to wait a bit.

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Last year, we planted

• bell peppers
• carrots
• chives
• cucumber
• lemon basil
• lettuce
• oregano
• peas
• rosemary
• sage
• scallion
• spinach
• summer squash
• sweet basil

What fun varieties are you planning on planting this season?

Linked to CentsationalGirl