Our yard is rather large. Our neighbors have told us, that for the most part, the backyard in our 30+-year-old house had long been neglected. When I think about the amount of work required to transform it I get a bit overwhelmed and then want to do nothing. I’ve found that breaking it down into small sections has helped tremendously. Right now Mr. Decor and I are working on Creating A Secret Garden.
Creating A Secret Garden
There is a small space behind our shed that is in desperate need of attention. It cannot be seen from the back door. In order to catch a glimpse of the area, you have to seek it out. It is the perfect location for a secret garden.
Now in thinking about a secret garden, I find that you need some sort of path. It could be brick, pea gravel or perhaps flagstone.
A few weeks ago I shared on Instagram a peek at our very own flagstone path. It does need to be extended but it is quite lovely.
It would also seem that a flowering arch is needed.
Climbing Roses
Last year I planted a pale pink climbing rose right next to our metal arbor. While it grew it never bloomed. I did a bit of research and discovered roses need approximately 6 hours of sunlight a day. I’m quite new to gardening and didn’t know this. I shared the information with Mr. Decor and he cut back a very big branch from one of our huge oak trees right over the arbor and I am hoping it will bloom for us this year.
From the arch, it would be nice to see the small garden on the left and have a focal point to gaze upon.
I swing could be quite fun.
Since we already have a hammock in another area I think a bench is just the thing.
A bench came with the house and, like the yard was neglected.
We have to decide if it is worth replacing the rotted wood, which is curved in some spots or just buy a new one.
Although I am always big on salvage since it is the Mr. who will be doing the woodwork I will let him decide.
With the major elements in place let’s talk about the small garden area itself.
Last year I wrote a post sharing that the monarch butterfly, honeybee, and other pollinators need our help to survive. The best way to do this is to plant a wildflower garden.
Now wildflower gardens can look a bit… unkempt. So it is good that we have an area that is contained and also hidden.
It’s nice to break up the area with architectural elements, trellises, obelisks or even chairs.
So this is the area we are working with.
It truly has already come so far. We have successfully dug out all the invasive monkey grass and taken down the warped window boxes.
Next up, take down the window box brackets.
Give the shutters a fresh coat of paint.
Hang some lace curtains inside the shed windows.
UPDATE: You can see the progress of the garden HERE.
As for the wildflowers, well take a closer look…
All the rain we have received has been just what my tiny seeds needed.
Bluebonnet season generally occurs around mid-April in the D/FW area.
I can’t wait.
I love butterfly gardens and paths and benches! Can't wait to see what you will do. Thanks for sharing the inspiring photos. I really need to get planting.
Here in the NorthEast we can't plant until Memorial Day, so it's wonderful to see your inspirational plans.
I'd love to see those TX bluebonnets someday; I never got to TX except in the hot summer!
Love the idea of a “secret” garden. I wish I could grow abundant flowers, but don't seem to be that accomplished in the garden. This is wonderful inspiration. '-)
Happy Hoppin!
I look forward to seeing the transformation of your yard, Laura. You certainly shared so many inspirational pictures for us to dream about.
p.s. Thanks for saving the day!
Hi Laura, looks like you have all the inspriation you need to design the perfect gardens and secret garden. Love all your pics and the start you have already. It will be enchanting. Enjoy the process!! xo
Oh Laura, I love the idea of a secret garden! Yours is going to be lovely. I hope your rose bush will bloom this season as well. Can't wait to see more as it grows and changes. At the Bluebonnet Blog hop! Nice to meet you!
hugs,
Cecilia
Beautiful photos, Laura. I love flagstone, and archways and pretty benches. It's going to be beautiful!
Hi Laura,
How dreaming would a Secret Garden be, I love your presentation and photos. You inspire me to continue to seek out that perfect spot for a Secret Garden. It is so much fun sharing the Bluebonnet Hop with you!
Happy Spring!
Miz Helen
Good Morning Laura,
Oh I am so inspired by your Spring photos and I too long to have a secret garden!
Enchanting and delightful visit for me this morning!
Jemma
How fun, can't wait to see it all come together.
I love secret gardens! There's just something so inviting and peaceful about them. I have a friend in San Diego that created one with another mutual friend several years ago. Unfortunately, the mutual friend took her life but the garden lives on with special touches in her memory.
The photos are gorgeous and I'd love to be in the midst of all those beautiful flowers!
xo
Pat
Simply gorgeous photos!!Isn't it fun to plan and create a beautiful green space for our homes! I hope you enjoy your garden this spring and summer!
What a lovely property you have!! I love your inspiration photos and pinned a few – can't wait to see what you do!
So many lovely inspirations for a secret garden! My yard is by the seat of your pants inspiration which results in a mish mosh of plants!
Such gorgeous inspiration photos! I have always loved the book Secret Garden and it was the inspiration for my garden and online organic herb shop Secret Garden Herbs 😉 You're so right–breaking it down into sections is the best way to go! Your flag stone path is a great start!
Laura, you write the prettiest most creative posts. I really look forward to seeing what you do with your pretty yard. We had an area of our last yard that was like a secret garden. 🙂
Thanks so much for your help this morning. We couldn't do it without you.
Laura,
These are beautiful inspiration photos for a secret garden. I know you must be happy to see your seedlings sprouting.
Judith
With your good taste and your inspirations coming from your sensitiveness, I'm sure that yours will become a wonderful Secret Garden !
I'm looking forward to read your post and watch the photographs about the realization of it !
Sending blessings of joy on your weekend
with sincere love and esteem
Dany
Beautiful images to dream about and plan. You have the bones already in your head. Good luck with the work and remember it takes more time than they take on HGTV to implement things. Can't wait to see your bluebonnets.
I'm sure with your vision this will all turn out fabulous. I have a mostly shaded garden area but I get some sun in a few spots. I tried to grow a climbing rose on my arbor but just couldn't get enough sun so like you I'd have the green but not much in the way of flowers. Learning the different zones of your property is something that takes time. We put in a small pond and enjoyed it for several years but we had a constant battle with algae. Eventually we changed up to a water fountain. Breaking down the areas into small groups is the best approach. It is overwhelming to expect that you can do everything in one season. We put in our own flagstone patio and I built up the areas around with plants and accents like bench seating etc. If you have time visit my other blog Sit With Me In My Garden- there's a link on the side to a post that shows the beginning of our back yard transformation.
You have some great plans for a secret garden, Laura. I can't wait to see how it progresses! I am also going to try to work on just one small section of our perennial and flower beds this year. It's a little overwhelming to me, as gardening is not my forte, haha.
Laura, I love your vision for your secret garden. So cozy and relaxing. I'm sure it will be beautiful. I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Ooh…ooh…oh! This is delighful.
Love your inspiration pictures! A part of my garden is invisible from the Cottage and I think it's a pretty special thing to have.
OMG your photos are gorgeous as well as inspiring. One of the biggest things that I miss about Texas is planting in March. We live in Mass now. So I have a long wait. Thanks for the tour Laura, and enjoy your week.