This year was the time for our “Do It Ourself” flower and plant garden. Our starting point was deciding what existing plants would be kept and what new types would be planted how and where.

This was the first area improved.

The first improvement was a black border installed around a new area with washed river rock placed. An existing rose bush, a couple of Hostas and some Asiatic lilies remained to receive their new stone bed. Some annuals in pots fit in well after the stone was put in place.

Greenery in lower right are perennials living on and around what is left of a large stump.

Next came the clean up of the weeds and unwanted plants to be replaced with a layer of relatively course topsoil. Then landscaping rocks and flowers planted in pots. Existing chives and some sage was left as is. A large bird bath was placed and immediately became a favorite water park for a plethora of birds.

It has been worth waiting four years for this beautiful peony to bloom

Potted flowers on antique glass bricks

Herbs and bird fountain on low shelf

Twin solar powered water fountains are enjoyed by many birds daily!

We are really enjoying the growth of many of our plantings. A border ring around a large Maple tree trunk is doing pretty well with the growth of wild flowers after their first year of growth. The rose bush mentioned has put on several beautiful roses. The bulbs produced enough lilies for several vases worth of fresh flowers for inside our home. Do it yourself gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy your piece of the great outdoors.