Is Your Garden Just Shy Of Perfect? Plan NOW for Spring

Around this time of year, I begin planning my garden projects in earnest. The gardening books come off the shelves, the Pinterest boards are consulted, and I dream of the day when I can get my hands dirty building, pruning, planting, and thoroughly enjoying my flower-filled garden. If you are similarly motivated, you are likely counting the days until spring. (55 in case you are wondering!) But, is your garden just shy of perfect? It’s more common than we would like to admit. However, it doesn’t have to be this way if you are willing to put some work in, make changes, and dedicate yourself to essential updates. While this all might sound like a lot of work, it can make your garden come to life as an enchanting oasis and retreat.

Let’s look at some of the things that you may need to do if your garden is just shy of perfect (at least at the moment!).  

Add Some Color

The first (and very easy) update that will have tremendous impact is to add some color to your garden. Although an all white garden, or a space filled simply with greenery in a multitude of textures, can be soothing, for me bold, energizing color is crucial. I personally favor purples and pinks, but color is entirely personal. You can also change color palettes as the seasons evolve (I do lean in to the yellows, oranges, and reds as fall approaches). And, some color can always be used, even if you are someone who prefers a more restrained, minimalist look.

Of course, you can add color by adding a wide range of lovely flowers. These may include annuals that are available at any garden center or carefully selected perennials. Although they require more effort, my garden is heavy on perennials such as roses, hydrangeas, cat mint, and peonies. (And I look forward to their appearance every year!)

Or (for a quick fix) you can add color by using fanciful garden ornaments. Other suggestions include cherry patio umbrellas, patterned hammock fabric, charming bunting, and glazed ceramic garden pots. You can find all of these and more online with an easy search, so take a look and see what is right for you and your personal garden style!

Is Your Garden Just Shy Of Perfect? Let's Change That!

Is Your Garden Just Shy Of Perfect? Let's Change That!

Is Your Garden Just Shy Of Perfect? Let's Change That!

Care For Your Foliage

Next, the right trees can make or break a beautiful garden design. So, it’s important to take care of the foliage in your garden. If you have specific types of trees, you need to learn how to take care of them in the best possible way so that they stay healthy. For example, you can research caring for your oak trees, including caring for the trunk (an important consideration for the tree’s longevity).

In addition, make sure that you’re raking the leaves regularly and that you’re keeping on top of trimming shrubs, bushes, hedges, and tree limbs.

Oak Tree

Oak Tree

Add A Seating Area

Finally, think about adding a seating area if you want to spend more time outside. Naturally, your choice of furnishings will depend on how you use the garden. Dining al fresco? You’ll need a dining or bistro table with proper chairs. Prefer to sun, sip lemonade, and read a good book? Cozy up on a lounger. Enjoy family evenings by a fire? Try a conversation grouping of comfy deep-seated chairs or benches.

Garden furniture comes in a wide variety of materials from whimsical wicker to sturdy wrought iron. Weatherproof cushions add comfort. And, don’t forget a snuggly throw or two for chilly nights!  

If still you feel that your garden is just shy of perfect, here are a few additional suggestions to add personality and pizazz to your space:

  • Add window boxes for a European cottage feel
  • Erect a structure such as a pergola to provide a “sense of place” if your garden is featureless
  • Install a charming path in brick, mulch, stone, or wood to delineate various areas
  • Add a fire pit for instant entertainment
  • Lights are essential, from overheads string lights, to table lanterns, to path illumination
  • Cluster pots of varying heights and place in areas with no flower beds (these can easily be moved with the season or to follow the sun)
  • Install a pond or water feature to add soothing sound to the space
  • Don’t forget birdfeeders, squirrel feeders, or birdbaths if you enjoy sharing your space with critters!
  • A windchime is a magical, musical addition to the garden

Garden Seating

Garden Seating

Thanks for visiting! While you are here, please take some time to enter our new style giveawaysAnd, if you liked this “Is Your Garden Just Shy Of Perfect? Let’s Change That” post, please visit Gorgeous Gardens for even more inspiration.

HydrangeaDO YOU NEED A PRODUCT REVIEW? WANT TO CREATE A GIVEAWAY OF YOUR PRODUCTS? If you have a fashion, beauty or style product line and want an honest evaluation, or if you would like to create a giveaway or promotional event, please contact us.

Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion, handbags, jewelry and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and gardening tips, stunning interior design, plus the latest products for chic parties, you’ll find it here. Editor, author and entrepreneur Susan Conforte McNeill is also the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!

Say it here!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.