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?
J+H @ Beyond The Stoop says
this is the first time we have any outdoor space since we moved to the city, and we are totally slacking on getting it summertime-cookout ready!! we totally need to weed, mulch, trim the bushes, and do SOMETHING about the hostas that seem to be TOTALLY taking over the tiny yard!!
if we get all that done, we will take on the task of stringing lights back and forth across the yard, because, come on, when outdoor space is a PREMIUM, we have to take advantage of it!!
your space looks like it’s coming along so well!! love the pops of color :D
cheers.
Rosa says
Sherry –
I love your site. I visit it everyday like clockwork. I loved the hydrangeas and wanted to tell you that they turn blue with acidic soil so the one that didn’t is probably in an area with less acidic soil.
Depending on the color you’re looking to achieve, you can work with the soil. Although I do love the color combo you have.
I recently purchased some hydrangeas from a nursery so they are the size of my palm and they’re supposed to grow bigger and better every year, but after looking at your HD hydrangeas, I’m regretting not having paid a few extra bucks for the ‘already grown’ hydrangeas.
Thank you for your entertaining and very interesting blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the soil tip Rosa! Hope yours grow nice and quick!
xo,
s
Sara says
oh man, I need a turtle like that! Turtles are my favorite, I actually rescued 2 box turtles from the train tracks last week, I have a collection inside of turtles at various places around the house, but just one outside turtle, but one can always use more :)
Carol says
Hi! I think you guys are great! Just wondering if you guys ever plan on a fruit or veggie garden? I did it last year but I’m a Mom of 3 and full time student I didn’t have time this year. :(
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, in our first house we had an edible garden and here we did a little container garden last year but somehow missed the boat this year. Might still have time, but we also go to the farmer’s market a lot, so we might just do that and hopefully do another edible garden next year!
xo,
s
Paige says
What a coincidence! Last week I planted some boxwoods in some white planter boxes my husband and I purchased at an estate sale! They’re flanking our front door now, and our porch looks so much happier!
On another note, last night my husband and I scored a deal on a dishwasher at Lowe’s. Originally $549, it was a floor model that had a some minor scratch and dents (but barely noticeable!). They came down to $325 and we had a $60 gift certificate. We paid only $299 out of pocket!
Then we installed it… and you guys were our inspiration! We stayed up until 2:30 putting it in (and running to Walmart for a last-minute piece of plumbing hardware). I thought, “I wonder if Sherry and John are staying up late working on a project right now?” Haha. Anyways, thanks for being such an inspiration!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s awesome. Haha. So excited about your dishwasher score and installation coup!
xo,
s
Betsy says
So nice; like an outdoor room. The cute turtle reminded me of a big ceramic frog I had as a kid, that we always kept in the garden. I loved that thing! I need to find one! :-)
And this is a pet peeve of mine, but look how nice your privacy fence looks, installed correctly. I see a lot of people around here installing them inside-out. I don’t know where this trend came from, but it looks terrible.
Susan says
You should make some hypertufa pots for your hydrangeas. I’ve done all different kinds and it’s easy!
Lindsay says
I have to ask… where DO those brick steps lead? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Nowhere now. Our sunroom used to be a screened-in porch and the steps lead in there, but when the old owners converted it and build the new stone patio they just left the old steps for fun.
-John
Deb says
loving the turtle! I collected turtles growing up. do you guys have any ideas for the brick steps that are still there? I think they would make a great tiered flower or vegetable garden. I know John could make some boxes using the same method as the fabulous rock box. Just a thought!! We moved our hydrangea last year, it survived the move, but I can’t wait to see what color it is going to bloom this year!! Happy gardening guys!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, tiered garden boxes is the someday plan! We’d love that someday!
xo,
s
Heather W. says
Sherry just a quick question that is not related to this post so sorry…. I have very similiar colors in my living room compared to your dining room so if you were to put a couch in there what color would you pick, grey like Karl, light tan, or white??? I am looking at the IKEA couches and can’t decide which one. Your advice would be most appreciated. THANKS!
YoungHouseLove says
Gray like karl for sure! That color is so durable and hides everything and just feels like an easy neutral that’s still crisp. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Heather W. says
Thank you so much this does! Love you guys and your blog!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, good luck Heather!
xo,
s
Teri says
That turtle is sooo cute! I love that hydrangeas don’t always bloom the color you think they will. They are always beautiful whatever color they turn out. If that unit needs air flow, be careful of the hydrangeas though. They bloom on old wood, so if you prune them back too much they may not bloom the following year, and if they get too big they may block the air flow of the unit. Your yard is looking beautiful!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tips Teri!
xo,
s
Christina Vasquez says
I wanted hydrangeas for our yard, but found out they are toxic to dogs. My dogs are like goats they eat everything! Does Burger snack on your plants and flowers?
YoungHouseLove says
He’s funny, he only eats food. And sometimes chews on acorns or sticks but doesn’t swallow them. So odd!
xo,
s
heather says
Acorns are toxic to dogs as well, so be careful with that. We found out after our dog chomped a bunch and then threw up…a few times. Thankfully she was okay because she’s a bigger dog. A small dog like burger only needs a small amount of the toxic properties to cause issues, which at worst is fatal because of renal failure.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we have heard that and keep a very close eye on him! He just seems to be a food snob so he prefers things like treats and people food! Haha.
xo,
s
heather says
That’s a very good thing! Our dogs love chewing on sticks and grass, but stay away from our plants too. Well, until we take the rope down around the garden and we give them the “okay” then they are free to raid the garden of whatever is left haha (once we rip out things like tomato plants that have poisonous leafs, even though they’ve never tried to eat them)
Kayla says
Hydrangea color can change depending on the acidity of the soil it is planted in. Perhaps there is something growing over the one hydrangea that is causing extra acidity in the soil? Just a thougt. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we wondered what’s under there. Haha.
xo,
s
Amber says
Depending on how acidic the soil is the hydrangea blooms will vary from purple to blue. They’re fun like that! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Love the hydrangeas! Those and tulips are my favorites! I just transplanted my hydrangea plant outside so I’m hoping for some growth soon!
kristen says
Jealous of your hydrangeas – we bought and planted a limelight hydrangea shrub and a hydrangea tree earlier this year but they won’t be blooming anytime soon.
In full garden mode also though! Our dahlia, begonia and wildflower bulbs are finally starting come up, and we built two raised beds for a vegetable garden this past weekend!
monica says
I’m slowly working on my green thumb… after all this gun and nail talk I may need to run out to the market and get me some hydrangeas! BTW, did you guys mean “tackled” and not “tacked” (sentence under the green turtle photo)?
Love the blog guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes! Tackled!
xo,
s
Kim says
I’m in full on outdoor mood! I’ve planted a veggie garden and just revamped our tired screened in porch too
http://www.keller-creative.com/2012/05/southern-screened-in-porch.html
I’m also working on an outdoor garden cart for all my supplies.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! Good luck Kim!
xo,
s
Sarah says
I’ve been doing lots of gardening. I’m so excited about my tomatoes this year.
But even more exciting, I’m raising a monarch butterfly. I think I’m more excited than the kids.
YoungHouseLove says
So exciting! Love that!
xo,
s
Alisa says
We’ve been working on our yard but I have yet to blog about it (bad blogger!). Last night I planted some flowers out front and they looked SO BIG in the store but they’re flipping dinky in real life so I need to go get some more. Our backyard isn’t very usable (on a golf course=possible head hitting= no thanks), so we’re trying to spruce up the front for our little girl to run around as soon as she figures out how to move those legs of hers.
Briel K. says
Those hydrangeas are so pretty! I love spring! They look great there and I love the turtle. Your lower patio looks so nice and inviting. Must be nice to sit out there. :)
John says
Hope you haven’t forgotten about mister or misses squirrel by your mailbox. The sunroom A/C wall unit will put out warm air and may wilt your plants if they get to tall. Just a thought to keep them watered and trimmed away from the unit. How about some pictures of your new grass by the front walk.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, he’s hiding in the liriope! he’s made of iron, so not ceramic – but still very cute! Hah. As for grass by the front walk- it’s still coming in – pics soon!
xo,
s
Lynette says
Love the Burger video! My little Pomeranian went to the front door all concerned. She wanted to help. Maybe next time Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- so cute!
xo,
s
Miranda says
SOOOOO glad I am not the only one who consistently fails to water the planters by my front door… ;0) Good luck! We need an auto-watering trick!
Melanie says
I look forward to reading your blog everyday.. You have such helpful ideas! I just bought my first home and have used your blog to do a few updates. Thank you for all your help!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Melanie! Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Looks great!!!
Is that a new collar on Burger? He’s looking super snazzy.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that was made by a friend of ours in Portland. Isn’t it cute? She sewed it herself! Maybe check etsy.com for something similar?
xo,
s
Candice says
Your hydrangeas are absolutely beautiful! I planted some vincas in clay pots for my condo patio on Sunday but it’s so darn hot here in Phoenix (108 for the high today) that I did all the transferring of plants to pots in my kitchen with the air conditioning blasting!
Nora Rose says
My biggest goal for this year was to not kill our plants with neglect. Last year, I grew grasses and colleus and both did well but drooped every time I forgot to water them. Which was every week. Easy solution was to just use succulents instead of more water dependent plants. They had a ton of options at our local nursery. Here’s hoping they can stay alive!
http://seventhandw.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/water-conscious-gardening/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! Good luck Nora!
xo,
s
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says
The house my husband and I are currently in contract with has, and I’m not kidding you, the ugliest front yard in existence :-(
I am looking forward to more pretty hydrangea posts to give me the motivation to rip out the fug and put in some fab (and some cheese apparently while I’m at it).
YoungHouseLove says
You can do it Jillian! Good luck!
xo,
s
Jenn says
Worm alert! One kings lane has a wooden Melissa and Doug worm on sale for $6 today!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!!
xo,
s
Amy says
holy macaroni! Those hydrangeas are growing fast!
Jenn says
Forgot the link https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/14345?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=12533&utm_content=5/22/2012&utm_term=New_Sales.Button.6.14345.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks!!
xo
s
Vanessa says
We have a yorkie who is also fascinated by lizards! She used to live with my parents, and she would spend hours out on their deck gazing in his general direction and watching him, it was the funniest thing. Except one day about four years ago, he ran across the deck stairs (half of which were missing because my father was replacing them) and she jumped after him, slipped and fell twelve feet! She’s a sturdy thing though, because she was completely unharmed! At least Burger’s smarter than my Anya! I’m sure he’d never jump off a thirteen foot deck just to try to catch a lizard! Haha – the patio area looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! So glad she’s ok!
xo,
s
Marie Burdine says
I think the green turtle needs a name? He might feel left out if he doesn’t get a name like the rest:) Looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
True! How about Tuttle?
xo,
s
alg at rental house rules says
You should run a contest to name Burger’s lizard.
We had some that lived on our back patio (a few rentals ago) that we named The Wigglesworth Family.
It was more fun to look for them once we’d all been properly introduced…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it. Contest on.
xo,
s
John @ Our Home from Scratch says
I love hydrangeas. Yours look great. I’m itching to get cracking on the outside projects, but we’re still busy with wainscoting! I think it will be August before I get out there.
Chris says
Great pix! What do you think of garden cloth under mulch? Some say it is not sustainable, and will block water from roots, and that pine bark is best. We just finished covering 2 beds with the cloth and mulch!
YoungHouseLove says
Our landscape lady said not to bother with that, since weeds can grow on top of it anyway (which has been our experience here, they even grow between pavers!) but we have heard from others who love it!
xo,
s
Spring says
My husband put up a fence last weekend to keep the rabbits and chickens out of my garden. My peas are finally recovering after the bunnymaggedon we had a few weeks ago.
Also, this site has an easy way to propagate boxwoods if you’re interested.http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2012/04/boxwood-beauty-the-easy-way/ That way, if the planters-of-death kill your boxwoods you may be able to salvage something. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! Great tip!
xo,
s
sarah k says
love all of the changes! I saw the cutest backyard kid-sized bench (for $40!) while at Lowes this weekend that I wanted to buy for my 3year old, but resisted the temptation. I bet you guys could make one for Clara that is even more adorable.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, sounds awesome! We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Wendy - Old Town Home says
I LOVE the new hydrangeas! I consider it good luck that one changed color. Now you’ll have more variety if you want to bring cut blooms inside.
We’ve been diligently working on our outdoor space as well. Unfortunately our efforts this weekend resulted in a few (minor) injuries. Ouch! http://www.oldtownhome.com/2012/5/21/Gardening-Injured-Man-Parts-Head-Wounds-and-Blisters-Oh-My/index.aspx
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man! So glad everyone’s ok!
xo,
s
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
I am having serious hydrangea envy. :) I have one that I planted right after we moved in 5 years ago. It bloomed for the first time last year… although I am seeing promise of 2 blooms this year!! We have a ton of red clay though, not ideal for those flowers.
I did manage to weed some of the flower bed last week – morning sickness has kicked my rear so now that it’s wearing off I am kicking into overdrive! A little belated “spring fever” for me!
-alex says
Has anyone else asked this? Are those brick stairs going anywhere? It looks like they end in a wall from all the still photos.
Yes, I know, weird thing to focus on when everyone else is looking at the hydrangeas…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- oh yes, those used to lead to the sunroom when it was a porch, but now that it’s converted they lead to nowhere! Haha. We want to add planter boxes to it someday to hopefully make some sense out of it!
xo,
s
SaraV says
Sedum Burrito would look awesome cascading down the side of those black pots.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Haley says
That is awesome that your chihuahua is a lizard hunter! Our bird dog lives to hunt lizards…all day everyday. In fact, he tried to hide one (still alive) in his mouth yesterday to take inside. gross!
Sherry from BC says
Love the hydrangeas. I love that you have two colours though don’t really understand how the soil chemistry can be that different so close together. Just wondering if you have plans for the brick steps beside? I love boxwood. I am toying on getting a couple for my front entrance. Why did your landscaper recommend them? I am hoping it is cause they are low maintenance.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to build tiered planter boxes for those steps someday!
xo,
s
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
Great post! I can’t wait to see how the deck is coming (it is still coming, isn’t it?)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, still working on picking materials and getting our permit! More tomorrow!
xo,
s
Paula says
Ok, so I am a relatively new fan/lurker here… so maybe you have talked about this before… but what’s up with the brick steps that lead no where? The outside is looking great and I can’t wait for you to start work on the deck!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, those used to lead to the sunroom back when it was a porch. When they made it a sunroom they left them there but sealed it off (so odd) but we’d love to build tiered planter boxes someday!
xo,
s
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Burger!! :)
I love hydrangeas. I wonder if I could fit one of those buggers out front where a poorly placed plant that needs dug out current resides. Hmm…
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
I’m actually just getting started on my gardening (I know, so behind). But we can’t plant anything here in Colorado until later because we always get heavy frosts or snow into April and May. That’s my excuse, anyway, and I’m sticking to it.
Last weekend I trimmed back a bunch of ivy in our backyard that was encroaching on the flagstone patio and had woven its way into the fence between us and the neighbors. I also tamed the ever-expanding juniper bush in the backyard.
Would you guys consider doing a post on how you transplant plants and bushes? I know it’s probably super straightforward but I’ve tried digging some things out to move them and I’m having a tough time.
YoungHouseLove says
We wish we had secrets to transplanting, but we usually just dig about 8-12″ from the center stem (depending on the size of something) and go as deep as we need to to get the root ball up. Then we make a similarly sized hole wherever we want it, add compost or some extra healthy soil, and pack things down and water it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erica says
Cute Boston!
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
Thanks, Sherry, I’ll try that.
Erica, my Boston’s name is Hamlet and he is so very flattered that you said he’s cute.
heather says
Looking good! We got our garden in about a week ago, and then I left for a wedding and when I came back our cherry tree was gone (as in literally removed). Turns out if you just looked a sweet cherry tree wrong they keel over. Besides that Andy turned our garage into a second woodshop to plane some boards for the addition and get the stockpile going, and he left a few parts of the deck for me to stain since I really wanted to do some. Two small panels left and that baby is COMPLETE.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! SO exciting! Except for the cherry tree. So sad!
xo,
s
heather says
Haha yes, very exciting about the other things (especially the deck!) and as far as the cherry tree, c’est la vie – it’s all part of learning how to orchard but still a little bit of a bummer. Now it’s a waiting game to see if our other trees get infected.
YoungHouseLove says
Fingers crossed!
xo,
s