April 28, 2010

April in Spokane and Progress on Front Makeover



This spring I've been enjoying the petite blooms of small bulbs, like the 'Flore Pleno' snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) above. I didn't plant any full size tulips or daffodils last fall. Instead, I went for small bulbs that produce plenty of color en masse without leaving large, difficult-to-camouflage leaves to die back for months after blooming. Chionodoxa, mini-daffodils, and several types of crocus made the list. I've been so pleased with the results that I'm going to continue the plan for next spring.



Other than the bulbs, my garden is mostly full of emerging leaves. Above is Nepeta '6 Hills Giant', and below is Heuchera 'Green Spice'. The spring coloration of the heuchera leaves is really interesting, and really different from its summer look.



We finally put the shutters and new lights up on the house. We also spread bark, planted a tree and put matching pots on the porch. I love the way bark helps polish up the beds while the plants are still filling in. Below is a picture of what the front looked like when we moved here in 2007.



Now you can see the house in its current state. 'Emerald Blue Cushion' phlox are blooming along the front of the beds. In past weeks I've planted a bunch of 'Big Blue' liriope, 'Abraham Darby' roses (OK, hubby did those), rose colored daisy-type chrysanthemums, 'Giggles' dahlias, violets and lewisia.



I still need to plant some 'Green Tower' boxwoods, 'Pink Double Delight' coneflower, 'Rozanne' geranium, 'Clemantine Blue' columbine, and plenty of annual 'Twinny Peach' snapdragons, 'Victoria' salvia, 'Vintage Pink' petunias, and blue fanflower (scaveola) to fill in while the perennials and shrubs are still small. We also need to pull a lot of weeds - apparently our new dirt came with plenty of weed seeds. But I've been paying my kids to pull weeds so I can enjoy the fun of planting. I always knew there was a good reason for having children!

15 comments:

  1. The yard is looking absolutely lovely VW & I'm sure it will only get better! I can't wait to see it, you & the family in person in June. ~MG

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  2. How did you create the concrete curbs that go around your flower beds? I've tried looking through your blog and finding it but to no avail. Just bought a house that sits on 3.5 acres of nothing but gardens and flowers. I'm a little overwhelmed, but it's been a joy so far.

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  3. Everything is coming along great! Looking fine!

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  4. wow VW your changes are very nice. I love the open porch, much more welcoming. The garden beds are wonderful, love the curves.
    Paying the kids to pull weeds??? Interesting idea, too late for me, mine are grown and gone.

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  5. I just love the house! You should be a landscape designer or interior decorator because it is amazing what you have done with your home to make it very special. P.S. You'll LOVE the Solomon's seal, so easy to grow and divide to share around:)(

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  6. You've really upped your curb appeal! Hope you don't hate me because I trash talked the pansies....

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  7. The open porch was a great decision! The steps are a good spot to sit and visit and check out the garden~which looks good! I know you must be thrilled to have it all behind you~gail

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  8. I love your front yard. We are just getting ours cleaned out and I ache all over! I love the curbing and the bark. We are making a lot more space between our plants, I think that the bark really sets off the green! Love it!

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  9. Wowsers! Love the make-over. I think you have some amazing curb appeal here. I like the shape of your beds...and design is aweseome!

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  10. Oh, what a great makeover. Just love the new landscaping. It really showcases the front of the house.

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  11. Oh my goodness! What a difference! I do love the shape of your lawn and the planting beds.

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  12. What a difference, it looks great! The shutters and lights really look nice. I wish I could get my daughter to pull weeds, she starts off weeding but ends up playing or doing something completely different. Maybe I can hire yours? :)

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  13. To answer Jeffrey's question - our curbing was done by a curbing company called Creative Landscape Borders. Here is a link to their website: http://www.creativelandscapeborders.com/gallery.html. I was very excited when another landscaper told me tha the owner, Lee, is a perfectionist. I LOVE perfectionists for my construction projects! He did a wonderful job getting the curves just right; all the details were beautiful.
    Also, Danger Garden, of course I don't have any bad feelings for people who dislike pansies. We all have different tastes, which is great.
    And MG, sis, thanks for the comment. See you in a month at the wedding!

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  14. I love this, VW! You and hubby have done a great job! You want to know what I love the most? It's all great, of course, but I love how you've placed the rocks. They add such a complementary effect with the plants. Definitely a home I'd like to visit!

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  15. Thanks for the posts! our house looks exactly like your original... I'm so inspired to re-do the front like yours !

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