I shared a series, part 1, part 2 and part 3 a little while back on our inspiration and plans for redoing our front garden beds.
The goal? To redo our gardens so that we not only liked them, but that we could also manage maintaining them.
This picture was taken three years ago.
You may look at this picture and say hey, nothing wrong with that – it looks nice.
And and I would agree – for about 1 week.
You see I am not a good “plant picker” and all of those pretty Salvia plants only last a short time and then look yucky (technical gardening description). Then, they have to cut back – sometime multiple times.
Same goes for the lavender in this bed.
Don’t even get me started on how overgrown the rhododendrons are at this point – they will be chopped back this fall.
Not only do the Salvia die off, many of them self seed and they grow all haphazard. I wouldn’t mind haphazard if they stayed for a while – but they don’t.
So, everything that didn’t work was pulled and placed in a new location
We have spent the last few weeks getting everything freshened up and this is where we are now.
One of things I decided was to simplify my plants choices. We primarily are working with sedum, spirea (spelling anyone?), one salvia remains, boxwoods, evergreens and hydrangeas.
I did add a few red annuals in for something new to try and to add some color.
The rock wall was built by Hubby when we first moved in. I love the contrast of the rustic aspect of the rocks with the more tailored details of the evergreens and boxwood – fits our style pretty well.
I also decided to add color and character in the items that were brought in other than plants. I decided to approach my gardens like I do inside my house and add accessories out here as well.
The front porch has bright pillows.
The walkway is filled with colorful planters of annuals.
I spoke in my earlier posts of the idea of the wicker containers and of adding boxwoods to containers – both of which were Pinterest inspired.
I used varying sizes and heights and even lifted this one on a plant stand.
I also loved the idea of adding annuals in with the boxwoods. When these get a little larger I will be able to provide them with some more shape – but for now I like them just fine.
I use to always keep my containers closer to the stairs – but I like the idea of pulling them out a little more now.
I also decided to add some vintage elements– so this old chair I have had forever with no seat got a maple bucket, a wagon wheel side table and solar lantern.
I had used these chairs last fall with mums around my garage – but now like the idea of actually placing them within the garden.
I also added one with a maple bucket in the raised bed.
I am still holding out for the perfect birdhouse to be placed in this area, but I haven’t found it yet.
I also got a little sentimental and added a sundial because they remind me of my Grandfather.
And I got a little quirky with my little turtle friend. 
He told me to bring him home when I bought the sundial – how do you say no to that face?
So that pretty much sums it up – my philosophy is to simplify your plant selection, bring in character and color with vintage and new accessories and have some fun.
How about you – how do you approach your gardens?
As always, thanks for reading.
Love, love, love this post. Beautiful pictures, and so many great moments and inspiration. Love the old chair…
Your home and garden are lovely…Down here salvia grows so well…but I miss the cherry tree, lilacs, forsythia we had on Long Island…Every year I say I’m not buying new plants because the heat here is pretty intense and most of it dies, but every year I try again. Blessings on your day.
Laura,
Your front yard looks great. I like the shot of color your flower pots add. The selection of plants is mostly trial and error. Most houses have micro-climates. A warmer, wetter, shadier, or windblown area that needs the perfect plants. My wife and I have spent the past 3-4 years working on our perennial beds and shade garden. Our main goal was to add color to our yard. We buy what we like that will grow here (Wisconsin) and try to find a place that it will like. Watch where the sun moves through your yard and plant with that in mind.
You will love Spirea. We have a Peppermint Spirea and a Bridal wreath. They can be cut back hard to keep nice shape. The right Hostas can be almost carefree. We have been picking interesting leaf texture to add depth and interest. The view from inside our house is important and enjoyable.
We are adding more non-plant items in the beds and hope to get some pieces from a folk art iron “sculptor” in Muscoda.
Just a beautiful landscape. You have real curb appeal. Really stunning.
Cynthia
I think everything looks great! I love your house even more now that I know you have a front porch!
I meant to add…I just started following all of your boards on Pinterest- yep, we have very similar taste. If you want to put a face to my name since I don’t have a blog, I’m Kelly V. Weber on Pinterest 🙂
Beautiful……I particularly love the boxwoods in the pots…I must try this!!!!
Beautiful — I love the rock — that’ s what I’m working towards, so it’s nice to have a visual! Do your boxwoods weather the winter? Not sure where you are, but I’m thinking that up here in Idaho there would be no chance 😉 Blessings to you!! BTW, I just love your words in your snapshot — well said!
Oh my goodness…everything looks so beautiful! My yard is kinda plain, but we finally have been planting some trees, roses and etc. We are having sidewalks poured on Sat. But, the “rock” wall is what I would love to have! Would you believe…..We cant add one, because we have a few rattlesnakes around here and they would love the wall too! I am always on the lookout, worried about my dogs! Anyway, you and hubby did a terrific job and should be proud!
Leticia
Laura, I am loving your beautiful gardens. The rock border is just perfect! Such inspiring ideas. Your newest follower<3
Laura, the outside of your home is just stunning!! I love all of your landscaping & your beautiful porch!! Everything is absolutely beautiful!
It’s so pretty and well put together. I wish our front yard had such pretty curb appeal. I just don’t have the eye for it and definitely don’t have a green thumb.