Garden Idea File #1: A Tour at Square One

Yesterday I shared our new kitchen and today I am unveiling our new yard. We loved this space from the moment we saw it because of the huge gardening potential. I come from a long line of gardeners, and my husband has three different hedge trimmers, so we are equipped and excited to take on this challenge of making a colorful lush flower garden. In fact, we can’t wait! I can so easily envision the end result and it is gorgeous. However, getting there is definitely going to take a lot work. Along with my new kitchen series I will be starting the “Garden Idea File.” I’ll be sharing different ideas I have and asking for feedback. If you see my making mistakes please speak up – I’ll need the guidance! Since fall is here we are just going to clean up the weeds and take down a half-dead tree for now. Next spring the real planting will begin.

 When we first found this property we fell in love with the large yard bordered by lots of mature trees. It is unusual in our neighborhood and we relish the peace and greenery.

The only problem is that this yard hasn’t been formally gardened in a while. We need to work on the grass, mole holes, and grubs first and foremost. I envision a gorgeous border garden with lush, healthy trees someday.

As you can see, there once were garden beds behind the garage and next to the porch. We are going to start fresh with those next spring. Peonies, perhaps? We can’t wait for summer dinners on the porch. There is SO much potential for an amazing garden full of flowers. I even would love to build a new garage with a potting shed on the back.

There is a ton of room on this side of the garden. I plan to reclaim this part and put in two or three raised garden beds. I will definitely be drawing inspiration from Aimee and Danny! I can’t wait to grow tons of vegetables and fruit. We will be urban homesteaders, without a doubt!

Here is the pathway to the front again. The giant boxwood can’t be saved due to snow damage, unfortunately. It is also too close to the foundation.

Here is a closer look at our border for the property. In coming years we hope to have this brimming with flowers and greenery.

Here is the other side of the house from the back to the front. The neighbor’s trees bend over the fence and ivy is growing up the side of the house. We are working with the neighbor to trim everything so it will look great. I envision a cluster of day lilies and ferns on this side of the house where the kids won’t play.

So, as you can see, we have a lot of work ahead on this too. I figure that next spring I’ll forgo manicures for several months and spend the whole summer with my hands in the dirt. The results will be worth it!

This fall I am going to work a little on the porch too. This way it will be in good shape for spring when we can eat outside again. We are going to have a lot of fun with this garden and yard, it needs us!