Better late than never

 

Before leaving to go on my trip to Florida, I pre-posted some pictures of my garden  to show while I was away.  Now, I am wondering if these are worth showing... I got such a late start in planting that these are not very lush plants yet.

But they were all half price!  By being a month (or more) behind, I was able to buy clearance priced plants.   I just hope they are going to live till I get back, since they are not well established, I hated going out of town and leaving all the "babies."

 

The perennials that were planted years ago, will be fine, of course.  Especially things like yarrow.  The weather could be 100 degrees and no rain the whole time I am away and this plant will thrive.

 

Just like all the ground cover here.  I like to use perennial plants that do well in Kansas with little care, or water.  Then, I scatter annuals around in pots to brighten  the garden.

Begonias are always a favorite here, because I can depend on them. They aren't fancy, but they grow well in my soil and need very little attention, but provide lots of pink prettiness all summer long.

 

Well, they don't look like much yet. 

 

I set out about 3 flats of pink begonias, 1 of pink rose moss, 1 of mixed rose moss, and 2 flats of bright pink vinca.  Along with that, are some lavender dahlias, two colors of sweet potato vine, and lots of herbs.

 

This planter used to be the water heater of this old farm cottage.  I set out the herbs earlier than the flowers, so most of them are filing out now and looking good.  These are right by the back door, so I can snip what I need for meals.

 

This Rosemary topiary tree was a treat for myself. Since it was a late season purchase, it was half price and I thought $20 was a good price for it.  I also got a planter box filled with herbs half price (we can't have too many around here!) and divided them up to plant around the base of this topiary, and added some to a few other pots too.

 

This basket full of herbs was a birthday gift, and I set it down into a larger pot and planted some begonias around it.

 

But some pots stayed empty.  I kind of like the look of stacked terra cotta pots.

 

Especially in groupings. 

 

And I love to fill my yard with junk I buy at garage sales. This chandelier was $5, because it's wiring was all cut out.  I'll add a candle to it for evening garden parties.

 

This 1960's wall plaque was multi colored, so I primed and painted it white, then hung it on a garden wall to age, about 5 years ago. I had no idea it would last this long.  But I only paid $1 for two of them at a yard sale, so it was worth the gamble.  Sometimes, I just use things outdoors knowing that it might only last a season or two, and enjoy them while they last.

 

This is a cabinet door that I painted on, and hung by the back door to my studio.  I know that the weather will rot the wood eventually. 

 

The hot pink watering can came with a pink gerber daisy in it, and was half price too. But Sugarwings immediately claimed it as her own, so I removed the plant and let her have the can.  It seemed more important to her than to me.

Plus she lets me use her tools.  Last year, we got pick plastic garden tools meant for kids, at Target.  But her little shovel is my favorite one to use, so we take turns.

 

My favorite flower this year, is this Knock Out Rose topiary (also half price).  First of all, Knock Outs are miraculous roses, they are the only ones I have ever been able to grow.  But I didn't know I could have a topiary one! I was thrilled to find that.

 

But my over all favorite of the yard? The veggie garden!  I'm hoping to have some tomatos soon, the plants are looking great so far. It shouldn't be too much longer.  Can't wait!

Comments

[chrisitne]

Your garden looks great! I haven't been feeling very well this year so not much gardening has gotten done. Oh well, next year!

Blessings,
Christines

[kana conger]

I am loving your garden and wish that I had such a pretty yard! I really like the herb garden and that you can just step outside and pick them fresh.

[michelle]

Okay, the water heater planter has got to be a classic Karla invention! Love it, such a pretty yard!

[Martha C]

I love your yard, it looks so large. My yard is 3 parts, but it is so much smaller. I am so jealous, my yard is my sanctury. Looks like you have a lot of places to just enjoy God's beauty. Thanks for sharing, Martha

[Marilyn]

Lovely! And aren't those tomatoes going to taste so good!

[Elaine L.]

I'm with you. I only grow things that do well in my climate zone and that require little water. Luckily, roses grow well, here, and I have a courtyard where they're safe from the rabbits.

I, also, love the idea of stacked pots.

~elaine~

[debi @ life in my studio]

I love your gardens...they are so pretty and whimsical. So much fun to look at!

[Samantha]

Your garden looks lovely! In a few weeks everything will be so full and pretty that no one will know that you planted a wee bit late. :) And I'm with you on the clearanced plants. I've gotten some real good stuff that way. Two $3.00 sad little branches that were marked "almond tree" and "orange tree" are now pretty and fluffy and producing nicely. SO glad that I couldn't resist taking them home with me.

[Cherie]

Yes, definitely worth posting. :) Loved it !

[Jennifer]

Beautiful Karla! You garden is so pretty and I love all the garden art and decor. So you! Have a faublous & safe trip to FL! Im headed there next week. ;) Hugs! XO,Jenn

[Janis]

Hi Karla, I hope you are ok. I love your
garden and hopefully someone will water it
for you while you are away. Is that
Twinkle in the pics? Soooooo sweet!

Hugs,
Janis

[Bunny Rose Cottage]

Karla! I loved this post! Everything is so beautiful! I plante three knockout rose bushes this year, my first knockouts. I sure hope they do well :) I love topiaries!!

Hugs,
Amy

[Bev]

Love your whimsy style...and the plates in the planter are so sweet....looks like it's shaping up to be a little slice of Eden..enjoy! and thanks for sharing :)

[lovely]

Yarrow does extremely well on the Front Range of Colorado, too. I think we have similar sandy soil.

It spreads like wild fire. It can smell a little weedy when it gets hot, so I put it away from the house.

Of course, that's when I had a garden. Now it's just pots on a small patio attached to our tiny townhouse :)

[Stephenie]

Karla, your garden is just sooooo beautiful..I love it..
Stephenie