I Finished Planting the Container Garden
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I finished planting my front porch and yard container gardens a few days ago. But it rained for days, so I couldn’t take photos to show you.
I planted perennials, flowers, and herbs, although I haven’t yet located a few herbs I want, such as pineapple sage and lemon balm. However, I did find lemon verbena at the garden nursery and planted it in one of the pots above the porch.
I also added another Japanese maple tree opposite the other one in the front yard beds.
I haven’t done much to the porch, so today, I’m all about the beds on either side of the porch steps.
Before & After Photos:
Here’s a before-and-after of the house I’m renting from my daughter, Kendra. I moved in on November 1. There’s a pretty big difference.
Mamie looks pretty sad on the left. The house needed repainting to restore some of its beauty.
A house is more than four walls; it is also a home. It needed a little makeover, and I was happy to accommodate. Now, she is all dressed up (except for the unstained railings) in a brightly colored outfit.
Yesterday, I sent Kendra the above before-and-after images, and she loved how the containers looked in front of the house. We think the container plants in front of Mamie tone down the house’s bright blue paint.
Why Plant Your Garden In Containers?
I love how it looks to mix container plants with plants in the ground. It is visually more appealing because the eye has multiple points of rest.
Growing up, we had a large garden and flower beds, but all were planted in the soil. I didn’t know anything about container gardens back then.
There are many reasons to plant a garden in containers:
- Containers make it much easier to provide the right conditions for plants.
- Gardening in containers provides a way to add color and texture, and enjoy the benefits of gardening without a traditional yard.
- Containers can be easily moved around to optimize sunlight exposure, protect plants from harsh weather conditions, or rearranged for aesthetic purposes.
- Gardening in containers can help prevent weed and pest problems. The soil is contained and less exposed to external factors.
- Containers can be used to create beautiful displays on porches and patios.
Those Who Benefit from a Container Garden:
Those with physical disabilities and older people might find it easier to plant a container garden. If need be, they can find a way to sit while planting instead of standing.
Beginning gardeners find planting in containers easier because the learning curve is shorter. If plants in a pot are getting too much sun or shade, they can be moved.
If you plant a pot with a combination of plants, you can better control their exposure. Choose all sun, all shade, or semi-shade in a container, making for a beautiful display.
“The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there.” – Ellie Rodriguez
The Cost Of Plants & Container Gardens:
I’ve spent a good bit of money on Mamie’s front yard. Because I moved when my plants were dormant, I had to repurchase perennials. But luckily, they’re here to stay, and so am I.
When you garden in containers, you can move a plant or plants indoors in inclement weather, reducing the risk of the plant dying. That saves you money because you don’t have to replace it after winter.
“The home should be the treasure chest of living.” – Le Corbusier
I Left Some of My Containers Behind:
I left some of my galvanized containers with my former neighbor, Lynn (who lived above Ron and Pat at the apartments), because she’d already planted flowers in them the summer before. So I told her to keep them.
This meant I only brought a few pots to this house, and I had to look for more containers for my garden this year. I found what I needed at excellent prices at Walmart and Amazon, and ordered them online. Now, I have a decent supply of pots for my container gardens.
I ordered all my potting soil from Walmart and Home Depot. Walmart’s shipping was free because I have a subscription for grocery delivery.
“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” – George Moore
The perennials I planted are already looking pretty perky, probably because they got a lot of rain over the weekend.
As you can see, the red Japanese maple tree I’ve had in this container for years is growing leaves from the bottom up. Strange, I thought. But every day, I see more and more as the leaves climb up the branches. Something may be wrong with the tree. I’ll have to find out what it could be.
The new Japanese maple tree got blown over during a thunderstorm last week and tumbled out of the blue pot. I got it upright again and put rocks on top of the soil to help keep it grounded in the wind.
“Maples are such sociable trees … They’re always rustling and whispering to you. – Lucy Maud Montgomery
When An Old House Is Loved:
You can tell when a house is loved. Over the years, this century-old house’s exterior had lost its glow and beauty. Now, some of that beauty has been restored.
The three kitties and I are home, the most important place on earth to be. It feels so good to be home!
“Home sweet home. This is the place to find happiness. If one doesn’t find it here, one doesn’t find it anywhere.” – M. K. Soni
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Fantastic job! You’ve created great curb appeal and inspired many of us to do the same. It will be fun to see how the plants grow throughout the seasons.
Your little house looks so beautiful. I have followed you for many years; loving to read your posts about good times and not so good times. I have watched your moves from house to house but love the fact you have found your home.
Reading about how you are decorating and planting and watching the kitten’s antics makes me feel happy. Love the pictures of Ivy too as I have a large grey and white cat and a newish rescue cat.
I will need to use planters to create a garden in my small home so am looking to you for inspiration.
Even though I don’t have an in-ground garden, I am satisfied with my container garden. We do what we have to do and must get creative!
It’s beautiful, Brenda!
Thank you!
Your hanging plants will look so much prettier if you lower them about 12″. Just use some chain from the hardware store (they will cut to length) or extra long “S” hooks.
I’m planning to lower them, but thanks for the suggestion!
I knew all your plants would be beautiful!! Is there anything left that you still want to do?
At this point, I’m not doing anything with the backyard. I also wanted to plant some plants around the containers, but I will put that aside for now.
I seldom reply, however, I wanted you to know I enjoy your blog immensely. I have followed you for years.
You and your daughter have done a wonderful job restoring your “new” home. I hope you will be happy there for years to come.
I look forward to the subtle changes you will make over time.
Also, your fur babies are a joy!
Myra
Yes, the kitties are a joy! I don’t know what the kittens would do without one another. They are full of energy, and Ivy is older. I hear them clomping around and chirping like an agitated herd of elephants!
Wow! What a difference! It looks loved and beautiful! And the plants are stunning!
I had a great time picking out those plants!
It’s lush & beautiful. Such a variety of flowers & mainstays you grow so well. I hope it flourishes all summer. I don’t get to have a garden this year but I have pretty rock rose in a little bunny planter & my spider plant is recovering from winter very nicely. I moved to San Marcos, TX, on March 31 & am counting my blessings despite missing out on growing marigolds & my favorite butterfly pea vine (you should try that one – the purple double bloom variety is exquisite). A neighbor has Jerusalem sage & large beautiful native blanket flowers I can enjoy plus we have yellow lantana & Texas sage in the HOA-maintained landscaping. The lantana is really taking off now after a trim back 3 weeks ago.
I’m glad you’re moved and settling in.
Before was a house, After is a HOME !
Yes, I agree! I like that.
Very pretty! We do have a few perennials blooming here in Wi. The nurseries are starting to open, but will wait for a little while yet! Especially this weekend with the draft in town. It will be crazy around here! I will get comfortable at home and get a few things done.
Sounds like a good plan!
Everything looks so beautiful and fresh! You and your daughter have done a wonderful job with Mamie.
Mamie has good bones. She just needed a facelift.
Your plantings and beautiful containers put the finishing touch on Mamie’s bright and cheery exterior. You have a real knack for making your plants look really beautiful. Great job!
I limited the flower colors so as not to overwhelm the brightly colored house exterior.
I love the color of your house. The plants are so nice, and it shows that you care for your home. Your porch looks so comfortable. I can’t wait to see the pictures as the plants grow.
The Japanese Maple is a really pretty tree. Mine is all leafed out but I’m worried that it may be getting too much sun so I may have to move it. It’s in a pot.
My red one could not take full sun. It needed afternoon shade.
Happy for you having a beautiful, peaceful home! You really have a green thumb and have come up with gorgeous planters and garden throughout the years. 🌻🌹🪻🌺🌸 Enjoy!
It’s about all I can handle this year.
All the greenery and pots in front of the house just makes Mamie pop. Will the ferns be ok in the summer heat?
Well, they’re in the shade. So I don’t know. I can always move them.
Mamie looks so pretty with her new coat of paint and all of the lovely plants.
My grandmother used to grow her plants in whatever container she could find: coffee cans, paint cans, etc. She had to because the soil in her area was that hard caliche dirt.
I wonder if any of the plants that escaped their confines at your last 2 apartments are still thriving? I was jealous of how easily your plants would grow in the cracks of the pavement.
When Maria came to clean last week, she said that the hostas were coming up in the yard at the old apartment. She cleans for Steve who lived next door to me. And for others there too.
So very pretty!
Thank you! I’m so glad to have plants growing out there.
I DO love the blue of the house,,,and the blue and apple green pots are such pretty compliments to that color. Your plants are beautiful and planted with so much care. Marilyn
I already had some blue and green pots and added more. I thought using the house’s colors would be complemented by blue and green pots.
The explanation of using containers makes sense now. Your plants have a wonderful place to grow. We did not have much rain here. There were many tornadoes about thirty miles away. You never know where they will happen here in Texas.
I didn’t think I wanted to dig in that dirt when I could grow plants in containers instead.
Mamie is looking quite lovely!
I love those blue pots too!
I’m sure it will all be very pretty all season long.
I was so glad I came upon those blue pots. They are shiny and beautiful.
You sure can tell your house is loved! It is so warm and cozy inside and decorated with love and flowers and plants outside.
I do love this old house and the huge front porch.
Your neighbors must be thrilled with the house being brought back to life! Love the colors, and aren’t you lucky to have a daughter who provides a home for you.
I truly am lucky!