It might be my slightly obsessive personality, but when I get into something I really get into it. I’ve never had the greenest thumb or loved the outdoors I actually stayed inside a lot growing up while the rest of my family worked in the yard but over the last few years I can’t help but want to be outside, surrounded by beautiful plants this time of year. Gardening last summer was really therapeutic for me: no phones, no computers, the simplicity of the dirt and using my hands.
We have some big plans for our front yard and landscaping this year last year we tackled a lot in the back. While the front will be getting a major facelift, I’m anxious to get out and start cleaning up the beds and plotting some new plants to add in to the back too. Here are some things that have been inspiring my outdoor plans the last few months.
PALM COURTS and CONSERVATORIES: Our backyard has a lot of hard surfaces, from concrete to decking. This can sometimes make it difficult to find plant inspiration, but I’ve been greatly inspired by palm courts and observatories as of late. I first heard of a palm court on the show Mr. Selfridge quite a few years ago. The idea of a large atrium structure, filled with potted palms, and used for entertaining at the turn of the 20th century feels so grand. You could find palm courts at all of the fanciest hotels, even the Titanic had one. I also love the look of a very traditional conservatory. These were often on the side or back of a manor and housed all kind of exotic plants popular among the Victorians. Our covered deck is no atrium, but I think we could get a similar feel and create a space that is both relaxing and interesting. See some of my inspiration on my Pinterest board.
MONTY DON: I started watching Monty this winter, beginning with his French and Italian Gardens series on Netflix. Then I moved on to his more relatable series called Big Dreams Small Spaces. The man is not only charming and kind, he’s a wealth of knowledge and constantly giving wonderful tips and tricks for your plantings. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement, and I long to have the lush, thriving plantings he features and cultivates. He has a great tips and advice section on his website that is updated monthly, if you’re looking for some great nuggets to start with.
THE SECRET GARDEN: I’ll never forget my love for this movie, dating back to the third grade. I was very adamant that we get the VHS that also came with the free, silver locket. I still have that locket in my jewelry box, and it still houses pictures of my brother and sister from a few decades ago. Milly got the book from the library recently, and a few weeks ago we cuddled up to take in the movie that shaped much of my childhood. As a little girl I think I loved the movie for the story since it clearly didn’t inspire me to get outside much. As a grown woman I also loved it for the beauty. From the home to the gardens, the tapestries lining her bedroom walls to the explosion of colorful plants covering the secret garden, it was all so inspiring. Someone recommended this interactive version of the book, I think I’ll order it for Milly to enjoy.
Is your backyard or as the British call them, garden on your mind too? What are you feeling inspired by this year?
Check out the beginning of our first cutting garden here.
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Our backyard is weed infested (we got a trailer in a campground last summer and spent most of our time there so our home yard just……gave up on us). I should really do something about it! I also grew up with “the secret garden”. My favourite part was always when she stumbled upon her aunt’s bedroom and found the key to the garden. I also really, really loved “the little princess”. Worth a watch with your girls 😉
Yes, such a magical moment! I need to watch that one again. I’m sure that your time spent making memories with your trailer was well worth it!
We bought our home set in an old oak hammock 2 yrs ago. Last month we finished putting in a pool in the backyard ending months of construction & destruction(including a hurricane)of the whole yard. We have replaced much of the worn out or destroyed plantings out front, re-sodded the whole yard, put in tons of new hardscape and trimmed all the palms and oaks. We’ve been happily planting flowers for the last month and enjoying the last weeks of our balmy FL weather before summer heat sets in. This winter I watched every episode of Monty Don! Most of my statements to my husband started with Monty Don says…ha. I didn’t know of his website, thanks so much! Believe it or not I’ve never read/watched The Secret Garden even though it is my daughter’s and granddaughter’s favorite. Glad you caught the gardening bug…such a satisfying hobby.
You’re welcome! You should, it’s delightful. And yes, it is so rewarding and good for the soul!
I love looking at gardens and hardscapes. I hired a crew to take out all the grass in my backyard, then my husband & I tore down the existing fence and planted 65 hedge cedars.They made a lovely backdrop to the gardens I planned in my head. We built a darling shed at one end, and a pergola with cobblestones underneath in the middle. We then ran slate path from the iron gate to the pergola. Big trees were brought in, many shrubs and vines were planted and lastly dark bark mulch was spread. I can spend hours puttering around in my yard. I love to sit out in the evening with friends & family enjoying a glass of wine.
I’m sure whatever you do will be lovely.
Sounds like a total sanctuary! Good for you all!
I’ve checked back in this morning so I could look at your links in this post. Your Pinterest boards are beautiful! I’ve pinned many to my account. I checked out Monty’s blog. What a wealth of information! I wasn’t able to find how to sign up to receive posts. Would you be able to direct me?
I looked and looked for a place to subscribe and couldn’t find one either…so sorry!
Thank you for checking!