Finding Your Landscape Style – Part 3
Today I am sharing Part 3 of the series, Finding Your Landscape Style
If you would like, you can read Part 1 and Part 2.
I started writing this series to share a lot of the mistakes that I have made over the years with our landscaping, specifically with our front yard garden beds – in hopes of helping you avoid them.
I am determined, once and for all to design these beds in a style we like and that is realistic for us to maintain.
As, I have been planning, I used a list of criteria to help direct me.
I have already shared points 1, 2 and 3.
Today, I am talking about:
As I shared in point 3, I never really approached the outside of my home the way I approached the inside.
I am hoping by using a similar approach to “decorate” outside I will have better results.
As I looked around my house to see what were the things I really like about my home – I kept turning to my vintage and vintage inspired treasures.
I truly like unique things with a story, so why not bring that outside?
So the final step to finishing my outdoor beds will be to accessorize.
My biggest mistake: With the exception of some containers, I have never “accessorized” my garden beds. By adding layers, I am hoping to add more interest and in the end actually like what the front of our house looks like.
In this picture, a collection of galvanized containers make a great impact. What is especially lovely is unifying effect of white and soft pink flowers.
Just as we use color to pull together a room, the same can be done in gardens.
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If you are not necessarily into vintage items, these sculptural pieces are so lovely they would work in almost any garden.
In this picture that I shared above (can I get the water view too please!), I love how they incorporated rocks into the space to make it more interesting.
Around here there is not shortage of rocks!
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I think I used to really dislike sculpture or any non-plant things in the garden.
I think I may even have to admit that I often thought them to be tacky.
Now, I am learning that it is all about the pieces you choose, where you place them and how you balance them out.
Oh wait, that is exactly what we do INSIDE our homes.
Why did this take me so long and so many plants to figure this out?
I am in love with unique bird houses and I am hoping to be able to include some like this one.
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I love how in this image the simple placement of a bird bath provides a focal point and then sends you wandering down the path. 
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I actually used several child size turquoise chair planters in front of my garage last fall.
Two of them have made their way up front and are the color jumping off point ( not quite this bright).
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Finding interesting items for your home can be fairly simple.
If you are someone who already shops yard sales /estate sales / auctions – start keeping your eye out for things that could withstand the outdoors and be interesting – even if their primary purpose is not garden related.
Other great options are Lowes, Home Depot, Homegoods and similar stores.
I think the key thing in these type of stores is to try and find the more unique items, what catches your eye and try to think about using things in an unusual way.
If you would like to see more outdoor accessory inspiration, you can visit my Outdoor Spaces Pinterest Board.
Again, the links to the series are here Part 1 and Part 2
We have already gotten a good start outdoors and I will share the results when we are finished.
Right now I am waiting for there to actually be leaves on my hydrangea plants and for the seedlings to drop on my trees. Once they drop, I will be putting down fresh mulch.
I am also waiting for the weather to warm back up to put out my annuals without a frost risk.
If you would like to follow any updates along the way, I will be sharing on my Facebook page.
Thanks so much for reading!
I hope this series was helpful in someway and maybe helped you avoid some of the mistakes I have made.
