Dear Reader,
Happy Spring! Isn’t it wonderful?? Spring is definitely my favorite season here in Houston. It’s when I’m most inspired to get outside to read, birdwatch, picnic, go on long walks, and nurture/enjoy the garden. I’m feeling quite bliss about the whole thing if I’m honest.
So for years now I have been brainstorming, researching, and dreaming about ideas for our home garden with unfortunately very little progress for a variety of reasons. Grant it last summer we had record breaking heat so any maintenance required outside in the garden didn’t happen; therefore many plants, flowers, shrubs, and some trees got very thirsty and some of them eventually... well...died. I know...it’s a very sad story! But seriously it really was SO HOT for months!! Anyway - as a result we now have quite a few vacant spots in the garden so I’m thinking it’s a perfect time to pull out my notes, sketches, and Pinterest Boards and get started.
Stop dreaming and start doing.
I often get overwhelmed and intimidated by big projects. Hence the years of brainstorming, researching, and dreaming, but no doing. So I figure if I’m ever going to get anywhere with these visions in my head I need to break things up into smaller projects. Baby steps are more my speed anyway.
The main problem I would like to address is that our garden lacks all year-round appeal. It looks great in the spring and early summer, but once the Texas heat arrives things start to look very sad and then bare once winter comes around. So I’m aiming to add a more solid foundation that provides year long substance by incorporating drought tolerant options for our hot summers (and often into fall) and evergreen elements to withstand our random freezes in the winter.
So today’s mood board reflects the areas I hope to tackle first this spring to spruce up our landscape. Plus I’m hoping sharing it here with you will provide me with a little extra boost of encouragement and accountability.
Stop dreaming and start doing.
MOOD BOARD
SPRING GARDEN PLANS AND WISHLIST
ADD VARIEGATED PITTOSPORUM SHRUBS - I have spent the last couple of months studying other landscapes in my neighborhood to learn what withstood our harsh weather last year. Based on my findings the beautiful Variegated Pittosporum stood standing. This makes me happy because I have been admiring this shrub for a few years now. Now I do prefer when they are free to grow in their natural form; however the occasional formal shaping if need be looks nice too.
ADD AN AMERICAN SYCAMORE TREE (or 2) - This is my all time favorite tree!! I think it is sooo beautiful! I love its white bark, giant lime-green leaves, and dramatic seasonal changes. It does lose its leaves in the fall/winter so its technically not an evergreen. However it is a large fast growing tree; therefore will add some element of substantial structure to our landscape. I am most exciting about this part of the plan! I am also considering adding a Magnolia tree which is an evergreen and has also shown to withstand last years weather.
I recently found this beautiful digital print of an American Sycamore on Esty that I just might need to purchase as well to frame for an interior nature gallery wall I’m working on.
ADD GRASSES AND AFRICAN IRIS - I am most drawn to a more informal cottage style garden which often involves more delicate and wispy elements in a garden. But unfortunately many delicate and wispy options don’t survive in a Texas climate (at least the options I enjoy anyway). I do however find many grasses and African Iris do well here. So I hope to add some to our garden to help satisfy my wispy needs.
ADD FLOWERS IN SOFT COLORS - While I do enjoy some punch of color here and there, my truest self is happiest in a softer color palette like soft pinks, cream and whites, and some very pale yellows. Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers that grow well here and have a long blooming season. I’m thinking about planting some seeds of these beautiful Oklahoma Salmon Zinnias and these Benary’s Giant White Zinnias.
BUY A TRELLIS - I purchased a beautiful Sally Homes Climbing Rose last spring that desperately needs something to climb on. I have dreams of it looking full and luscious just like this one someday; which could very well result with a photo of me in a very similar smile and pose. Time will tell. As far as trellis plans, I’m leaning towards something similar to this in design and material, but will probably have to be 2-3 times in width for this type of rose.
BUY A TERRACOTTA POT FOR MY JAPANESE MAPLE - A dear friend gifted me a beautiful Japanese Maple for my birthday a few years ago. After a significant amount of time contemplating on whether to plant it in the ground or keep it in a pot I’ve finally decided on the latter. I really like this pot for its new home to grow in.
BUY NEW PRUNING SHEARS - I’m hoping this lovely pair will work better than the last several pairs I have purchased over the years.
Well there you have it, my spring garden vision mood board and implementation plan. Do you have any gardening plans in the works?
FLOWER DANCE AND A BIRD SONG
On an ending note, please enjoy this little clip I recorded a few years ago of a sunflower that lived peeking over our fence. I like to think he was dancing to the birds singing in the background. It made my day every time I saw him shining his glorious face my way. I hope it sparks a little joy for you too. Have a blessed week.
Thank you so much for reading.
Love,