There’s nothing quite like the joy of gardening nurturing plants, watching them thrive, and creating a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy all season long. Today, I’m excited to share my five favorite garden plants, tools, and tips! I’m also thrilled to be joining Jennifer at Dimples & Tangles, Kris at Driven By Decor, and Pam at Simple Details, and we’re especially excited to welcome our guest host, Kelly Elko!
https://www.kellyelko.com/category/garden/Kelly recently transformed her dining room with stunning hand-painted wallpaper, and I adore the unique personal touches the artist incorporated. If you haven’t seen her incredible space yet, you can check out Kelly’s dining room here. Additionally, she shares fantastic home and garden inspiration, including a must-read series on hydrangeas. If you love hydrangeas as much as I do, be sure to explore her posts on how to maintain them here!
Now, let’s dive into my favorite plants, tools, and tips for keeping your garden looking its best all season long.
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Hardy Perennials: Beauty That Comes Back Every Year
One of my favorite things about gardening is finding plants that return year after year, even after a harsh winter. Hardy perennials are a must-have for any gardener looking to create a low-maintenance yet stunning outdoor space.
One of my go-to perennials is Neon Flash Spirea . I planted these gorgeous shrubs around our patio, and they have flourished, blooming from summer into fall with vibrant pink hues that gradually fade to a lovely rust color. They have survived two tough New England winters and come back even stronger each year.
Spirea comes in a variety of species, making it a versatile choice for many climates. If you’re unsure which plants will thrive in your area, you can find your zone here!
Another perennial I absolutely love is ornamental grass. While it takes some time to establish, it becomes a lush, full feature in the garden by late summer and fall. I currently have maidengrass, ravennagrass, and zebragrass, and they all flourish beautifully in Massachusetts. The way the wind rustles through their soft plumes is simply magical!
A Container Plant That Keeps Giving: Mandevilla
If you love container plants that produce endless blooms, Mandevilla is a must-have! This climbing beauty thrives all summer long and continues blooming well into the fall. Even better? You can bring it indoors before the first frost and keep it growing for the next season.
I love using Mandevilla on my deck steps and in urn planters at my front door. The vibrant flowers add such a cheerful touch to any outdoor space! If you want to keep your Mandevilla thriving year-round, read here about how to winterize it.
Read here about how to winterize a mandevilla.
The Pros and Cons of Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric is a hotly debated topic in the gardening world. Personally, I believe it has its place but only in specific areas.
I do not recommend using landscape fabric in garden beds, as it prevents earthworms and beneficial organisms from enriching the soil. If you’re curious about the downsides of landscape fabric in garden beds. Read more about why landscape fabric is not a good idea for gardens in this post.
However, landscape fabric is fantastic for underneath loose stone patios and pathways. When we installed our pea stone patio, we first laid down landscape fabric, and two years later, we’ve had barely any weeds pop through totally worth it!
To install, simply roll the fabric over the cleared area, secure it with galvanized metal pins (also called garden staples), and trim the excess fabric. Be sure to add extra pins where the fabric sheets overlap to keep everything in place before adding your stone layer.
In contrast, areas without landscape fabric under the gravel have been overtaken by weeds proving how effective it can be for patios and pathways!
For some recommendations on how to keep weeds at bay, check out the comments when I posted this picture on Facebook!
Must-Have Garden tools
No gardener can do without their essential tools, and keeping them clean is key to preventing the spread of plant diseases. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Hand Rakes: These small but mighty tools are perfect for dislodging stubborn weeds. After a few weeks of summer fun, I found myself battling overgrown garden beds these rakes were a lifesaver!
- Planter & Garden Tool Set: This is my go-to set for keeping planters and garden beds in top shape.
- Gardening Gloves: I highly recommend breathable fabric gloves with a latex palm for a comfortable grip and protection.
Garden Edging for a Polished Look
Creating defined borders in your garden can make a world of difference in keeping landscaping materials separate. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about powder-coated metal edging to separate my pea stone patio from garden beds. However, after adding more stone and mulch, the edging nearly disappears while keeping everything looking neat and tidy.
For garden beds that meet grass, I prefer a manual border edger over metal edging. It’s simple to use and makes a noticeable difference in the overall look of the garden.
Wrapping Up
I hope you found some helpful tips and plant recommendations to enhance your garden this season! Gardening is such a rewarding experience, and with the right plants, tools, and techniques, you can create an outdoor space that brings you joy all year long.
Now, be sure to check out today’s garden favorites from these wonderful bloggers:
Thanks for stopping by today happy gardening!
