It felt great with that hint of longer, warmer days ahead.
We had new sod installed in the yard last September, and it is really starting to get green and look great.
Garden centers are my candy shop!
I could seriously spend a fortune, but I've learned over time that it is best to only purchase a little at a time. Don't purchase so much at one time that you can't get them in the yard in a timely manner.
Before going to the garden center I visited Monrovia's website to get an idea of plants that grow best in our zone in the Upstate of SC. I've got an extensive list started to fill up a large bed in the backyard.
We decided to start working on planting the arched area of the bed. We went with this perennial, Souper Trouper Lilac on Purple Dianthus.
Perennials are my favorite in that they come back year after year. Less money and work in the long run. These will spread nicely in the space to fill in the border and grow beautifully in full sun.
Seriously isn't this a beautiful shot with that gorgeous spring sky!
After the winter season and a bit of good old neglect, this is what we started with. I know…..yuck! You can see the arch I was talking about here. Monrovia is a wealth of inspiration and a great resource for researching things like growing peonies (my favorite flower).
We started by working the soil.
A post hole digger is perfect for digging planting holes.
As the mister dug the holes, I worked the soil and planted the Dianthus. You'll notice that we have lots of red clay soil in our area.
With the dirt that was taken from each hole, I worked to break it up and combine a potting mix with it.
One thing that I do when planting is to gently break the root ball up just a bit.
Aren't they pretty!
Normally, we get the back of the truck filled high with mulch and work so hard getting it off and spreading. The Mister did not want to drive the truck on the new sod. I am so thankful we went a different route. We purchased 50 bags of brown mulch. Our daughter worked to bring 3 bags at a time with a wheelbarrow to the back while we planted. SO MUCH EASIER!!!
Wow! I am amazed at the difference! The dianthus will spread and cover in the arch. I am planning on filling in the space with some flowering shrubs. We also use this area to intermingle in herbs and our summer veggies.
You can see that it is a large space to fill up. Do you have any recommendations for plants?
Still a lot of work to go, but I see great potential. I'll be sure to keep you posted! I am loving adding pops of color to our backyard.
We've been using Monrovia plants for years. They truly grow high quality, healthy plants for lasting beauty.
Be sure to sign up for Monrovia's News Letter . I did and I am really enjoying the tips.
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Tammy says
Dianthas as so pretty this time of the year. I love living in the south, but still not a fan of the red clay.
Christy says
Aren’t they beautiful! Especially hate the red clay when the white westie digs his holes!
Christy says
So pretty! I know you are enjoying outside and I bet you got it done really quickly with Bentley helping! 🙂 Most of my plantings in my landscape were Monrovia and they have done beautifully! XOXO