It feels like forever since we posted about any gardening we’ve done (over a month, actually), but that doesn’t mean nothing’s happened. We’re just a little behind on writing about it (I like to think that we were waiting for things to fill in a bit so we could snap some pics for ya). So let’s play catch up. Remember when we transplanted some bushes to perk up the area behind our patio?
Well, that was all fine and good for that side of the patio. But it left this big empty, ugly spot in its wake.
So a couple of weeks ago we got our hydrangea on again (thanks to a pair we picked up at Home Depot – along with a pot of petunias) and decided to breathe some life back into that side of the patio.
While it certainly was an improvement to have flowers and fresh mulch over there, we hoped the hydrangeas would fill things in a bit more over time. And thankfully…
… they did!
Fast-forward to this week and the area is already looking a lot better thanks to some blooms in full force and the addition of a ceramic garden friend (Sherry found him at HomeGoods). You’ll also notice that we FINALLY got rid of all of the garden stones that had been sitting on those brick steps for over a year. Some friends down the street bought them from us for their garden so we made about $90 in the process!
The turtle was $16 and I didn’t even put up a fight about it, since our outdoor ceramic animal collection is pretty much zero at this point. Actually, when we first toured this house before putting in an offer, there was a white stone turtle in the back that Sherry loved (he was gone when we moved in though, so Sherry argued that we needed to replace him with this green guy). Clara loves him. Almost as much as my 30 year old wife.
The hydrangeas didn’t waste any time getting their color (we thought they were both going to be blue – but something funny must have happened with the soil under one of them to make it more purple).
I know you can only see so many soft-focus shots of flowers before your eyes start to glaze over, but I had to include this one since a certain someone blurry-photo-bombed the background.
He was busy hunting his newest prey best friend, a tiny lizard that suns on those brick steps but hides as soon as Burger is near.
Poor Burger. You’ll get to hang out with him someday, buddy. Okay, probably not.
Perhaps Burger should starting hunting turtles. I’d venture a guess that this one would be pretty easy to catch.
Sprucing up that little patio nook hasn’t been all that we’ve tackled. We also decided to address these random black planters that have been migrating around the patio area since we moved. It’s been a miracle that the boxwoods we planted in them back at our old house are still going strong!
But since those hearty boxwoods weren’t doing us much good back there – and since Katherine The Landscape Gal had recommended some boxwoods for the empty planters flanking our front door (which had previously held some seasonal mums) – it seemed like it was meant to be.
So we carefully extracted the boxwood from each of the planters…
…and replanted them on the front porch.
Now here’s hoping that move wasn’t a death sentence, since so far those wooden planters have not treated plants all that well (like how I’m deflecting blame and putting it on the planters?). We promise to water them this time.
As for the now-empty black planters? We picked up a couple more of those white petunias from Home Depot and plopped ’em in there.
Nothing terribly special, but at least now they’re providing a smidge of flower-age to this otherwise flower-less side of the patio.
And since I don’t think we’ve filled our dreamy flower photo quota yet for this post, here’s one last shot for good measure.
What about you guys? Are you still in full outdoor sprucing mode? Or are you starting to lose momentum now that we’re dancing on the edge of summer?
Everything looks fantastic – especially the planters at the front door.
I love the turtle – How fun! The hydrangeas look so nice out there – I wish we were able to plant some outside out place!!
Looking good guys! I spent this past weekend out in the New England sun getting our yard into shape. Decided to go all out with perennials … the ones I have planted in the last few years are very happy and it means less and less I have to plant every year, so I’m all over it.
I too have had a hard time remembering to water my planters and pots on the porch. Got into the habit of when it rained to move them out from under the porch roof to catch some of it. Also, when I come home I throw my stuff inside and then go back out and water (most of the time). Has turned into a pleasant summer ritual and I actually use my porch for relaxing afterwards. Gotta make time for the sun while we have it. :)
So smart! Love that idea!
xo,
s
nice flowers–here’s luck for the boxwoods.
maybe I’m slow on the bandwagon, but it just occurred to me that your dog is named after an awesome weekend lunch. do you ever say, “hmm, I think I want a BURGER for lunch?” and just die laughing.
oh gee, I’m already laughing and my cat’s name is ninja. :)
Haha, we do have some weird laughing fits about Burger’s name. His full proper name is Hamburger, which is funny to us for some reason. And when we see chains like WhatABurger on vacation we crack up.
xo,
s
What’s your ground cover of choice? It looks like really dark mulch. Or rubber? I’m trying the decide between pine straw and chunky wood chips, but I’m not sold on either one.
It’s just the darkest wood mulch from Home Depot. It fades eventually, but it’s usually on sale (three bags for $7 or so).
xo,
s
Megan–double shredded hardwood mulch is the best.
I am constantly looking for ways to improve the outside of my home, whether it be adding potted plants, planting flowers or just trying to spruce up with paint and decor. I just repainted the bistro set that sits on my front porch and it has already made a difference! I love your yellow door and the wooden planters, that’s an idea I might have to copy for myself…though not with yellow, it would so clash with my beige walls! :)
The hydrangeas are gorgeous! What a nice surprise that they are different colors. Our hydrangeas haven’t bloomed yet, but you can see the tiny little buds getting read to open soon. Can’t wait!
I spent Sunday afternoon weeding and mulching so things are looking good now.
http://familylovehome.blogspot.com/2012/05/garden-is-growing.html
Looks great Lori!
xo,
s
Love the turtle! But what about the squirrel that keeps watch by the mailbox – did he die?
He’s alive and well! Wahoo! I think he’s currently hiding in the liriope. Haha. But you’re right, although he’s not a ceramic animal, he’s still a faux animal (I think he’s iron).
xo,
s
I love all the outdoor areas in your yard. I bet it makes your house seem about 10 times bigger than its actual size.
Oh yes, we’re outside people, so we’re so glad to have little zones to hang out! Can’t wait for the deck to get started!
xo,
s
Take some pennies and stick them in the sil with the hydrangea(s). It is always fun to see what it does to the color!
Fun!
xo,
s
ooh, fun tip!
Hiya from Scotland! I really like your ideas/ work. I’m always checking what’s coming next =) All looks amazing.
About hydrangeas, there are a few ways to change their colour, it’s all about the ph level of the soil (http://www.ehow.com/how_12122743_make-hydrangea-blue-pink.html) For blue hydrangeas, coffee grounds it’s a cool way to keep the colour, plus it’s organic. For pink/purple ones, just add rusty old nails to the soil and the colour will change. They are soooo pretty and the flowers last for so long =)
M
PS – I really love your kitchen, perfect colours
Aw thanks Marta! Love that link!
xo
s
Love the turtle!
Our hydrangea is finally blooming and looks so pretty by our front door! Other than that, all of the things I’ve planted this year have been for our veggie garden. It’s looking lovely, but I’m just counting down the days until we can start eating from it.
Mmm, that’s awesome!
xo,
s
I’ve dubbed this upcoming weekend “plantapalooza 2012” at my house. I’m hopeful that giving it an awesome name will generate some excitement for my hole digger (husband).
What kind of light does your front porch get? I have a couple of planters on either of my front door, but the porch get very little light so I’m not sure what to plant there aside from ivy.
Haha, love the name. Sounds highly exciting. Haha. As for our porch, it probably gets part sun but mostly shade – so shade plants like hostas seem to do really well. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
So pretty! I’m a flower-lovin’ gal.
I was planting like a crazy woman this past weekend, but this coming weekend is the really exciting one at our house. We have a huge deck that has not been well-cared-for by previous owners. My husband restained all the vertical bits and this weekend, he and his father are replacing the actual decking with Trex-like stuff from HD. We are so excited! Of course, it’s supposed to be 90 degrees all weekend, so I’m stocking up on bottled water and working my ice maker to death already. :)
Wow- so exciting! Good luck with everything Amy!
xo,
s
STOP IT WITH THAT BURGER VIDEO! His whining broke my little heart. haha Chin up, Burger! You may get to play with your friend yet. ;)
I’ve been debating hydrangeas myself, so you guys might have just pushed me over the edge.
Do you guys not have central air (second pic looked like a window unit)? That must be brutal…couldn’t live without it in Lynchburg!
Oh we do! That’s just the heating/cooling unit for the sunroom, which isn’t on the main system since it was added on in the 90s.
xo,
s
I’m not a little dog person – but Burger is just great! I love how he seems to be saying “Stop filming me and get that lizard!” ;)
The boxwoods look really good on the front porch – hopefully they tough it out for you!!
Haha, story of his life! He’s always like “no you don’t understand, I want ______” and we’re like “we do understand, you just can’t have that entire cake/salamander/bag of chips/etc. Haha.
xo
s
Love the boxwoods by the door. I watched the Burger video, and my dog was looking all around to see what animal pal was lurking, haha.
We (meaning, my husband) ripped out a bunch of forsythia and other plants to prepare for putting in a new deck! I was sad to see the forsythia go, but it’s for a worthy cause.
http://thenestinggame.com/2012/05/21/planning-a-deck/
Your hydrangeas are beautiful! For some reason our hydrangea bush is the last one in the neighborhood to bloom.
Ooh that’s going to look so good!
xo,
s
the hydrangeas turn colors due to the iron content in the soil. My mom puts iron nails in the soil around hers to make them blue. Purple is the natural, blue is the “forced” color (it’s the aluminum and iron– you can buy “blue-ing liquid” but iron filing or nails work just as well.) And,now you can use horticultural to teach your wee one a little home chemistry.
Love it!
xo,
s
It’s great seeing you back on your outside landscape projects. Your projects are looking great and glad that you are enjoying your new look so much! :) Katherine the landscaping “gal”
Aw thanks Katherine! We love your advice and still look at our notes from our meeting all the time!
xo,
s
Just a tip, if you want the hydrangeas to go from purple to blue, you need to feed them! It’s an acidic plant food that hydrangeas, azaleas, etc love and it will give them that blue color again.
You can buy it anywhere including Home Depot or a nursery…even Target.
Thanks Blythe!
xo,
s
I recently planted some hydrangeas, too, but ours have unexpectedly turned out pink…and pinker. (Think Steel Magnolias: “Her colors are Blush…and Bashful.”) This may be a common, old-news sort of plant, but it’s new to me, so I’m glad everyone’s piping up about how to play around with the color of the blooms!
Haha, that’s cute!
xo,
s
Yay for garden posts! Thanks for sharing. :)
You’re so sweet, Katie! You’re welcome!
xo,
s
I totally love hydrangeas – I was hoping to get some in this year (and while I haven’t give up hope entirely, it may not happen). And I also love the idea of boxwoods on the porch. I was considering the same thing, but haven’t had a chance to build the planters yet. Looks great though!
Been working on the backyard of late. After having a fence installed to contain the new pup, the mowing is now my responsibility instead of the HOAs. They won’t gome in fenced yards. I also added four cedar planter boxes that are about three feet long each. I’m trying to grow both veggies and herbs. So far so good. I also added a contraption called a flip flop flowerpot. Saw it at a home show and had to have one. My sis and I painted clay pots in a bunch of fun, bright colors. Unfortunately I’ve already had some paint bubble and chip off :( – I even primed them! Oh well, live and learn.
Sounds like you’ve been doing so much!
xo,
s
I just posted about our spruced front yard yesterday! http://myfriendstaci.com/2012/05/21/outside-may/ …our flowers (planted from seeds, back in March) are going gangbusters, but I am impatiently waiting for blooms before I get my soft-focus flower photography on.
I’m pretty sure I overdid it on the poppy seeds in the front third of the flower bed. They are THICK! I guess I had very little faith in seeds. I thought maybe for each 5 I planted, one would take off. My pessimism has been proven wrong!
Pretty!
xo,
s
Oh I am jealous – I ALWAYS manage to kill hydrangeas might be the Australian weather that does it.
We used to kill them in our last house, but something about that side of our house seems to work for them. Since we had three thriving ones when we moved in we hoped new ones would work and thankfully they do!
xo,
s
pin few rusty nails in soil (near roots) and your Hydrangea wil be blue
Love that!
xo,
s
Looks great. I love hydrangeas. Cute video of the Burg :)
As soon as I played that video of Burger my dog Lilly came over to the computer looking very serious and very concerned! Her big corgi ears were up at full attention, she put her front paws on my chair and stared at the computer, tilting her head constantly. I’m not sure what Burger said but Lilly understood! Good luck next time Burger!
Haha, they were talking.
xo,
s
We spruced up our outdoor patio chairs this weekend! Got the new valspar special outdoor spray paint!
Oooh sounds fun!
xo,
s
I haven’t even started on our outdoor areas yet. Maybe because I didn’t have any outdoor areas until this year? I have no idea where to begin.
I was hoping to get going on them this weekend since it’s a long weekend but I recently got asked to do an original humorous reading in a wedding, which is stressing me out to no end.
So now my weekend flower plans are out the window as I have the wedding Saturday and then will need Sunday/Monday to recuperate from probably humiliating myself.
I love hydrangeas by the way, and yours are so pretty! And Burger whining sounds exactly like my little dog when she sees a bunny on a walk.
Haha, I know you’ll be great/hilarious! Such a good idea to hire you as the wedding
singerreader.xo,
s
Add a band of color, red, yellow or some other bright color, around the top of your black pots for a spash of color. I’ve been following you guys for a while now and love all of your projects!! Keep up the beautiful work!!
Fun idea!
xo,
s
The purple hydrangeas are so pretty! I’d call that the best kind of happy surprise. I also adore that turtle. So cute!
LOVE the hydrangeas!! We spent the whole weekend gardening/doing lawn work. Having a toddler follow you around, trying to pull out everything immediately after you plant it certainly makes it a bit more time consuming!
Haha- we know how that feels! Good luck!
xo,
s
I am so bad about watering our front porch plants, too! I’m trying something different this year — I bought a really cute, small (and cheap!) watering can and keep it always filled with water next to the plants. Now, the boys fight over who gets to water the plants! All I have to do is remind them to fill up the watering can for the next day.
So cute!
xo,
s
Working on a little makeover as we speak! We planted hydrangeas too. They are my favorite! The color of yours may change next year. Sometimes when they are grown they purposefully change the PH of the soil (that’s what makes them different colors), but your own soil will determine how they end up in the long run.
The other ones on the far side of the patio that have been here a few years are blue, so I wonder if they’ll all end up that color!
xo,
s
I enjoy sprucing up the outdoors all summer long, and now flowers seem to be on sale so the perfect excuse to add a few more!
Yes, we’ve noticed that too! I think everything is marked up in the beginning of spring and now that the early planting rush has died down, things seem to be on sale!
xo,
s
Man I can get my hydrangeas to look that good. Now they don’t even have leaves on them ='(
I cant figure out if they have to much sun or not enough the heat in Texas is hard on them. and they also got that powdery mildew on them, I bought an organic fungus killers so is going away but i decided to take all the leaves off, it looks so sad :(
I love the green turtle.
Aw man, I hope yours come back to life soon!
xo,
s
I have been busy planting a veggie garden on my front porch of my townhouse! So far I have a “Black in Tula” Tomato plant, lettuce, peppers, thai basil and potatoes in containers. I am excited for this year’s crop. Maybe you could turn your front planters into self irrigating planters to help you with the “forgetting to water” situation. It isn’t too hard at all and all you need is some milk cartons or soda bottles.
Love that idea!
xo,
s
The outside is looking great! I love the turtle. Poor Burger… he is too cute in that video, tail wagging the whole time. My dog wags his tail every time he goes after a critter… must be their ultimate happiness to catch something.
Sherry… I used your tutorial for hair and cut my husband’s hair the other night. I told him I watched a video online and could totally do it. To my surprise, he said yes. Thankfully, his hair seems to be a lot like John’s in length and texture so your techniques worked perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
Wahooo! So glad! That’s awesome.
xo,
s
We’ve been doing a lot of outside work. Our house was new construction, so we have a blank slate, including a new flower bed that we had added. Last weekend I purposely bought and planted some liriope, and thought of you the whole time.
Haha, I love it!
xo,
s
Love the garden posts! We have been slowly but surely tending to two veggie/herb gardens started in February (Texas spring starts early) and creating a butterfly garden along one side of the backyard. Your gardens look lovely!
Also – Burger’s collar is adorable, would you mind sharing where it is from? :)
It was actually made by a friend of ours in Portland! Isn’t that amazing?! Maybe try Etsy for something similar?
xo,
s
What can you tell me about the turquoise bird house in the first photo? That is a bird house hanging in the tree, right? I love that bright happy color… where did it come from?
It was $9 at HomeGoods last year! I hope they still have some this year (I want another one- haha).
xo,
s
I love hydrangeas so much, and yours look great! I got a groupon to a local nursery, and I’m hoping to pick up some hydrangeas to plant in a garden bed in my backyard by my patio. I’m not much of a gardening person, but you guys have really inspired me this year. I even weeded our front garden beds and mulched – they look a million times better, and it wasn’t that much work! I also bought a reel lawn mower and have been mowing our (tiny) lawn for the first time in the ten years we’ve lived here (my husband was using a gas mower but I’m home more so I decided I’d take over the mowing for the most part). I’m loving it!
Wahoo! Reel mowers = awesome! Love it.
xo,
s
I’m just getting started with updating the landscaping at our new house, so this really inspires me to keep going with it! There’s nothing as fun as getting everything looking nice for summer BBQs and parties.
Your outdoor spaces are looking great!
I love your hydrangeas. What a beautiful addition to your yard.
I’ve been sprucing up my patio. I live in a townhome so I can’t change everything, but the furniture definitely needed an upgrade. For less than $100, I brought in 4 anarondack (sp?) chairs anda couple of end tables (nestled together as a coffee table. All from Target. I also got a new grill for Mother’s Day. Woo hoo!
That’s awesome Becky!
xo,
s
My dogs really want to know how I got that chihuahua inside my laptop. Burger must be saying something super fascinating because they are mesmerized.
People have probably already mentioned this (you guys get so many comments so quickly!) but evergreens can also affect the color of the hydrangeas. They make the soil more acidic– so if you have evergreens on the other side of the house, that might be why those hydrangeas are bright blue! You can also drop some of the needles in with your mulch to help the color– but I love the rusty nail idea others have said. I’ve never heard that one!
I am not sure how cold your winters get– VA is a totally different zone then MN, haha. But up here at least, Endless Summer hydrangeas can be kind of fickle the first few years, so we recommend that people go easy on the pruning, until it’s well established… but you might not have such a hard time. :)
So interesting about evergreens too! The other side does have some, so that might explain it! As for the pruning, we’re probably not going to touch them. Haha. Our first few giant ones haven’t been cut back (they’re me-sized) but I love them so big- haha.
xo,
s
It all looks beautiful :) I think I saw in a movie or read in a book that if there is metal in the soil it changes the colour of the hydrangeas. There was a gun buried under the hydrangeas and that’s how they found it. Not saying you have a gun buried in your yard :) but maybe left over metal from something? nails? Actually I just googled it:
“Getting blue hydrangeas is actually very simple. You can take the average pink hydrangea, plant it in a pot and add some metal to the soil. Putting in several nails right below the plant is an excellent idea. If you want to plant the hydrangea in the ground, simply add a few aluminum nails to the hole right before you add the hydrangea. You can always add more if the plant exhibits pink flowers at a later stage.”
Haha- my mom read that same book! I remember her telling me that about the gun! Haha. Love the nail idea too!
xo,
s
I’m sort of shocked that you haven’t spray painted the black planters! :)
Haha- always could happen!
xo,
s