Before leaving to go on my trip to Florida, I pre-posted some pictures of my garden to show while I was away. Now, I am wondering if these are worth showing… I got such a late start in planting that these are not very lush plants yet.
But they were all half price! By being a month (or more) behind, I was able to buy clearance priced plants. I just hope they are going to live till I get back, since they are not well established, I hated going out of town and leaving all the "babies."
The perennials that were planted years ago, will be fine, of course. Especially things like yarrow. The weather could be 100 degrees and no rain the whole time I am away and this plant will thrive.
Just like all the ground cover here. I like to use perennial plants that do well in Kansas with little care, or water. Then, I scatter annuals around in pots to brighten the garden.
Begonias are always a favorite here, because I can depend on them. They aren't fancy, but they grow well in my soil and need very little attention, but provide lots of pink prettiness all summer long.
Well, they don't look like much yet.
I set out about 3 flats of pink begonias, 1 of pink rose moss, 1 of mixed rose moss, and 2 flats of bright pink vinca. Along with that, are some lavender dahlias, two colors of sweet potato vine, and lots of herbs.
This planter used to be the water heater of this old farm cottage. I set out the herbs earlier than the flowers, so most of them are filing out now and looking good. These are right by the back door, so I can snip what I need for meals.
This Rosemary topiary tree was a treat for myself. Since it was a late season purchase, it was half price and I thought $20 was a good price for it. I also got a planter box filled with herbs half price (we can't have too many around here!) and divided them up to plant around the base of this topiary, and added some to a few other pots too.
This basket full of herbs was a birthday gift, and I set it down into a larger pot and planted some begonias around it.
But some pots stayed empty. I kind of like the look of stacked terra cotta pots.
Especially in groupings.
And I love to fill my yard with junk I buy at garage sales. This chandelier was $5, because it's wiring was all cut out. I'll add a candle to it for evening garden parties.
This 1960's wall plaque was multi colored, so I primed and painted it white, then hung it on a garden wall to age, about 5 years ago. I had no idea it would last this long. But I only paid $1 for two of them at a yard sale, so it was worth the gamble. Sometimes, I just use things outdoors knowing that it might only last a season or two, and enjoy them while they last.
This is a cabinet door that I painted on, and hung by the back door to my studio. I know that the weather will rot the wood eventually.
The hot pink watering can came with a pink gerber daisy in it, and was half price too. But Sugarwings immediately claimed it as her own, so I removed the plant and let her have the can. It seemed more important to her than to me.
Plus she lets me use her tools. Last year, we got pick plastic garden tools meant for kids, at Target. But her little shovel is my favorite one to use, so we take turns.
My favorite flower this year, is this Knock Out Rose topiary (also half price). First of all, Knock Outs are miraculous roses, they are the only ones I have ever been able to grow. But I didn't know I could have a topiary one! I was thrilled to find that.
But my over all favorite of the yard? The veggie garden! I'm hoping to have some tomatos soon, the plants are looking great so far. It shouldn't be too much longer. Can't wait!
