Outdoor Evolution in Progress

Hello friends,

The work on our outdoor spaces continues and things are starting to look much less … bushy, overgrown, abandoned…  pick your adjective.  Again, there is still more work to be done, but we’re closer to looking polished vs. pitiful.

We had someone come in and trim the bushes, edge the flower beds, clean the pond and till some space for a garden.  I think this is the part that has me the most excited.  I have a pattern of living in a house for 5-6 years, finally planting a garden, and then moving a year or two later.  So, considering 1) we’ve only been in this house for 18 months and 2) we’re never moving again (you’ll take me out of this house in a pine box), I’d say I’m ahead of the game on this one.

So, here is a peek at a bit the Outdoor Evolution so far.  We’re all friends here – don’t judge. 

The Beginning.

Then, after some weeding (different angle, same space)

Now, with the bushes trimmed, and the flower beds edged – a subtle but notable difference.  I just love it when the flower beds are edged and manicured.

I have been looking for some annuals and/or perennials for this area, and came across this lovely display at a local garden center over the weekend.

So, here it is with some perennials that I picked up in an effort to copy emulate the beautiful flower bed above.  

I know, not quite the same effect, right?  We’ll get there.

Garden centers have all sorts of creative ideas, don’t they?

And the most exciting part – my garden space.  Is it pathetic that I’m really excited about these two piles of dirt?  We ended up putting it near our garage, on the side of the house (oh, how I wish I could till a bunch of space in my neighbor’s yard back there), since our back yard has a lot of trees and shade and isn’t conducive to a garden.  And, I don’t think our neighbors would appreciate it if we put one in our front yard.

I also picked up a bunch of flowers for my planters.

Like I said, this is just a piece of the overall outdoor puzzle.  Much more to share once we get it all together.  I really think once the mulch is done, it’s going to look fantastic.
How are your outdoor spaces evolving?
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10 Comments

  • Reply
    Pine Tree Home
    May 8, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    I too just love a deep lawn edge. We visit the beach regularly in the summer and there is this ocean block home with the deepest, most manicured lawn edge I've every seen. I am a sucker for a lawn at the beach too. Every year we work on our edge too hoping to "copy."

    I'm planning on getting some annuals and perennials in the ground this weekend. It takes time to get the mature landscape we all love, but it sure it fun picking out new plants. Yours is coming along nicely.

  • Reply
    Andrea
    May 8, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    I love everything you're doing. I do not have a green thumb, whatsoever. I planted a few flowers last week and they look like they are already about to die! You have such a gorgeous yard (and house). Can't wait to see everything come together outside.

  • Reply
    Lisa Scibilia
    May 8, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    Your new plantings are really going to make your garden come to life! It's so lovely already!

  • Reply
    Andrea @ Decorating Cents
    May 8, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    I haven't even begun on the outside. I've been to Lowes so many times looking at flowers but have yet to actually buy anything.

  • Reply
    Courtenay@Creek Line House
    May 8, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    My husband just convinced me to do the same thing with the edges of our flower beds and it looks sooo good. I'm in the same boat now trying to get that nice filled in look like the flower beds you see at garden centres. Looks like you've got a good start with the flowers you chose. I don't know where to begin!

  • Reply
    pam {simple details}
    May 8, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    I would give up food for a perfectly manicured edges! Yours look fabulous and I love inspiration for the flower bed, it will be gorgeous!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    May 8, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    it's coming together beautifully! We've been spending time in our gardens as well (if you can call 3 acres of dirt and patchy grass a garden!). We are putting in a perennial bed, and doing some serious grass tending this year, and hopefully more gardens next year. I just love spring and being outdoors!

  • Reply
    Budget Design Girl
    May 8, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    I'm just gearing up for the outside myself!
    Yours is looking good so far! Love the edging, and the plants you have chosen!
    xo-Lisa

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    May 10, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Love the edging, makes it looks so nice and clean!

  • Reply
    Marie
    June 24, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Wow, nothing more to say. Truly inspring to keep working on the evolution of my outdoor….issues. 🙂

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