Fall is a great time to plant just about everything! The cooler temperatures and added chance of good rain help the roots to become well-established. Plus, planting in the fall gives plants a head start compared to spring planting. Also, most of the Big Box stores start to clearance their garden section in fall in preparation for Christmas trees (at least around here). So that’s another reason why I try to do most of my landscape planting in fall.
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That’s how I was able makeover my side garden on a budget. First I got new plants on clearance at Lowe’s & Home Depot. I got some mums for .88, ornamental grasses in 3 gallon containers for $7.50 each (which are going in the backyard), 1 Dwarf Fountain grass in 1 gallon container for $2.50 and Double Knockout Roses for $6.50 (some are going in the backyard).
#2. I moved existing plants that I already had such as cannas and daylillies.
I also spruced up my tired old bench by painting it with some red enamel paint that I already had.
Hopefully since it’s enamel it’ll weather alright – but if not I have more paint to do touch ups. Isn’t it amazing what a little paint can do! It looks like a new bench.
I did buy two bales of pinestraw and 2 bags of the cheap topsoil ($1.14 each). I could have used a jack hammer in that area. There really was some “red earth of Tara” there. Good brick making soil! I had to use a pick ax to make holes for the new plants!
Sometimes just cleaning up an area -pulling weeds, trimming bushes and plants, creating fresh edging and adding some mulch is all you need for a nicer look without investing a lot of money.
Basically I dug up some plants that never did well in this area & moved them into the backyard, I re-shaped the bed and dug a new crisp edge, weeded, trimmed back the crazy Lantana that comes back every year, planted my clearance plants and topped it with some pine straw for a finished look.
It took me about 1 1/2 weeks to makeover this side area. It gets full sun around 1pm and it was just too hot to be pick axing in the blazing sun! So I was only able to work on it for a bit the mornings.
I think it looks so much better and I can’t wait for next year when the roses get a little bit bigger. I think the red bench with the red roses is going to look really nice.
I guess you can tell that I take my inside color palate and use it outside as well 🙂
It looks wonderful, Manuela! My daughter is going to be adding some new beds over at her house and I already helped her draw up a plan. We needed it for the HOA approval, but it will help them also to know what goes where. Prices on the plants and bushes we were looking at were very reasonable at the HD here, so I think that is where they are going to get them.
It looks great! Love the pop of the red bench. If we are able to get this house that we are trying to buy, closing won’t be until Nov 20th, so it might be a little late for fall planting. I will have to wait for spring to start my landscaping redo.
Lovely make-over! I really like the red paint on the bench, so bright and cheery!
Blessings!
~Nadine
Wonderful make-over! I love the freshly painted bench. It looks so happy there. I love finding clearance plants and “saving” them. You have have a perfect little sitting area next summer for sure!
Have a wonderful weekend!
This looks beautiful – & just think how gorgeous the grass & the mums will look in a couple of years once they’re full grown.
LOVE how you made use of that outside wall Manuela. How right you are about the transformational magic of paint!!! I always keep a TON of touch up paint for EVERYTHING. Got a laugh from the “red earth of Tara” comment! My dad’s soil is decomposed granite and it does need a jackhammer to plant! Thanks so much for the reminder about the sales going on now at the nurseries. I am going to get Mike to go with me and see what we can find for our tiny little bit of land. 🙂
Love,
Tracey
x0x
The garden area with the great beach redo is perfect !! You did get a great deal on the mums – still top price here.
Enjoy your weekend.
My apologies for being stuck here so long. I was in the middle of a comment about how nice the red bench is and how spruced up the garden looks with the mulch and all when two little grands arrived and carried me off. Anyway, back to your garden. I never even think to look at Lowe’s or any of the gardening centers at this time of year. I really should.
I was writing a post this afternoon about paint. Haven’t posted it yet but will be later.
I couldn’t help but think how terribly hot you must have been working so hard on that bed. Well worth it, I reckon, it looks lovely.
This is a beautiful fall makeover! love the bench! Lovely side garden, Manuela!
This looks great, Manuela! Thanks for the reminder to check Lowe’s for knockout roses–they thrive here in NC!
Amy
What a gorgeous garden area! You obviously worked very hard on it. I love your “new” red bench!
Your yard looks fabulous! I have moved around and added a few plants, I’m looking forward to doing more still, if the weather holds, that is.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, Cindy
My goodness who’d a thought such a small outlay would give such great results!
I’m curious though – what is the mulch you use Manuela?
Have a great week :o)
Rose H
I have a bench very similar to that on my front porch that needs a touch up.
LOVE the red paint, will have to make that a DIY project here. Although given our weather, it will have to be spring.
That looks wonderful. The bench really does pop now! I did notice your choice of decor colors overflowing here too. But I think it’s beautiful. The thing is…it’s not that you’re bring your inside color out…no. We bring the outside color IN! It’s natural beauty that we desire in our homes anyway…
this is a great post and a good reminder to shop in the fall… and get those plants that go on sale, and save some money!
Pat
Beautiful! The paint on the bench really does make it look new. I have had some success with planting in the fall, but it gets cold a lot sooner here, mums are only perennial here if you plant spring or summer. The best deals I have gotten were at the farmers market. Clearanced perennials for $1 each! I made a complete bed in the fron of the house with those perennials and now some are ready to be divided:>)
Beautiful, it’s amazing what a little paint and flowers can do to spruce up our yard. I love the red bench!
xoxo, Tanya
I’m a sucker for anything red.
Lovely job! And the makeover on the bench is fab! You’ve made me look at our old bench in a different light. Hmmmm……
It looks so cheerful and bright!
I love it! My favorite part is the cheerful red bench. This all looks wonderful and now has my eyes on the outdoor prize.
Great transformation. Red stands out so well. Gardening brings me much peace.
That was a lot of work and your garden looks brand new! Red sure popped that bench. Glad you shared with Brenda.
Joy