I usually don’t share many photos of our yard in the spring because everything is just starting to come up and most of the perennials aren’t blooming yet.
However, after planting a bunch of annuals 2 weeks ago, so many of you have asked for pictures!
Although the plants are all still very small and the annuals need to fill in A LOT, I figured it might be fun to share a handful of spring pictures — and then follow up with the same areas later this summer or fall to see how much bigger everything got!
As you can see, the only blooming plants right now are Bleeding Hearts, Salvia, Deutzia, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Dianthus. Our Roses, Iris, Astilbe, Lilies, and Peonies are SOOOOO close to popping open and then our yard will be filled with color.
Of course, we have other summer and fall blooming flowers too — but I’m anxious for all the spring blooms to actually start blooming. I’m sure it doesn’t help that last week’s weather was unseasonably cold.
Oh, and some of you asked for the types of annuals I plant… I usually stick with Begonias (the kind that can tolerate full sun), Vinca (sun), Impatiens (shade), and some Petunias (sun to shade). We also usually plant Marigolds (sun) around our vegetable garden and I always “splurge” on a few bright red Geraniums to add little pops of color throughout our various planting beds.
So far, we’ve had pretty good luck with all of these annuals as I read they are resistant to rabbits and woodchucks (which are our biggest threats!)
Happy Memorial Day!
Marsha says
It’s beautiful!!!
Pamela says
Hi, Andrea! Is there a reason to use mulch instead of stones? We are going to be redoing our landscaping this summer, and this is the first home we’ve ever owned so we really have no experience. Does mulch have to be replaced every year? If so, what are the advantages over stones? Thanks!
Andrea says
Personal preference is probably the main reason — I just like mulch so much better. Plus, I dig up, move, transplant, and split my plants ALLLLLLLL the time — so stones would never work for that. Stones are for landscapes where you don’t plan to change anything for a very very long time.
And of course, there’s the price factor — stones are usually about 5 times more expensive than mulch, but mulch will need to be replaced every year or maybe ever 2 years if you can stretch it. However, even though the mulch disintigrates over time, it’s SO good for the plants. ALl those nutrients breaking down in the soil — much “healthier” than stone 🙂
Pamela says
Thanks for your reply!!
Lynda says
Beautiful! Yard and kids :)!
Andrea says
Thanks Lynda 🙂
Debbie says
It’s looking great! We still have some annuals to plant on the ground and pots. We could get them done in the past weeks due to all the rains and especially in the weekends. I can’t wait to finish them all and then sit back and relax to enjoy.
Andrea says
Thanks Debbie. Yes, we still need to go back to get a few more flats of annuals and all our veggies yet. We haven’t made the time to get our garden area ready yet — hopefully this coming weekend!
Summer says
WOW lady! Gorgeous! Mine is about halfway right now, but this is so inspiring! I hope you guys have a fabulous Memorial Day!
Andrea says
Well, it took us about 4 summers of hard work to get here — and we still have lots more we’d like to do (eventually!) You’ll get there too!
Karen Sunstein says
Your yard looks beautiful! !
Andrea says
Thanks Karen 🙂
Francie says
Happy Memorial Day, Andrea! love your yard and garden, all that hard work is paying off big time. http://www.supersimpleways.com
Andrea says
Thanks Francie!