"Big Dreams, Small Spaces" Texas Style

 I am not a fan of most reality TV. But I DO love the "Great British Baking Show," and I have recently discovered another British import that has a similar appeal for me. It's called "Big Dreams, Small Spaces," and it's about a gardening guru, Monte Don, who helps two individuals or families during each episode turn small yards into interesting or beautiful garden spaces. One of the things I love about it is that the participants do most of the work themselves; they don't hire professionals to come in to make the transformation happen. And often they work with a relatively small budget.

I have to admit that I am intrigued. Well, more than intrigued; I am motivated. So over the course of the summer, my plan is to take this small, ugly corner of our yard and transform it into a magical garden for our grandchildren, complete with structures, plantings, and decor. I want to involve them both in designing the space and in working to make it happen.

This really is a small space--only about 15 1/2 feet by 36 feet, but I feel like it has potential, and anything will be an improvement. Right now it is just sort of a graveyard for odds and ends. The only bright spot is the flower bed along the house wall which is just beginning to bloom:

Monte always has the homeowners draw up a plan, so the children and I have plotted out our design. I wish he were here to give us his input, but for now we will go with what we have got:

It may be hard to read, but it includes a narrow flower bed around the giant water tank, a small graveled seating area around an equally small raised fire bowl, a play house w/deck, and a child-size garden bench.

Budget? I'm just having to estimate here, but I'm hoping to pull if all off for under $400. The playhouse plans I have found have a cost of about $250, but I will need to build a deck under it because the ground slopes down to the fence, so that cost will be higher. Add in the cost of the fire feature, the bench, plants, gravel and mulch, and $400 may be too little. But that will be our target.

It's a little (very) scary to post about this as an on-going project because it could turn into a complete disaster. But putting it out there will also encourage me to really make it happen. And along the way I will share what I learn--what works and what doesn't. And if it turns out, maybe it will encourage you to dream big in a small way too.

Plants and Flowers That Actually Grow In North Texas (and they might grow where you where you live too!)

My granddaughter came running into the house this evening and sighed, "It's magical outside!There are blossoms on the trees!" It's true; spring is in the air--at least for today. Which means it's time to think about flowers.

My parents were wonderful gardeners. I didn't necessarily inherit that talent, but they did pass on their love for things that grow. So as a gardener, I seek for plants that look lovely but don't require a lot of care. I usually choose perennials for my flower beds, and then mix things up a bit by planting annuals in pots. And don't be afraid to experiment. Many of my plants came from clearance shelves at Lowes; that way I can try new things without spending a lot of money.

Here are a few perennials that have worked well for me:

The tall plant in the front is canna. These plants grow from large bulbs and add wonderful foliage, height and color. The spiky leaves on the left are amaryllis. I have several in my yard, and all of them started out as house plants. Mine had already bloomed, but this is what the flowers look like:

This climber is clematis--delicate, beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, and lovely, lacy greenery. They do need something to climb. This is a better look at the blooms:

This hardy plant is sage. It smells amazing, is a great filler, and is drought resistant.

These are my newest favorites--Turkish caps. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
(And so do the hummingbirds!)

Lantana--very hardy and drought resistant. But be careful--these grow big 

and can take up a lot of space.

This spiky flower comes in blue and pink and grows into fun mounds.
(I can't remember/find its name, but if you see it in the nursery, it's a winner.)

Salvia--easy to grow, drought resistant.

I use begonias to edge my front flower beds. Technically, I don't think they are perennials, 

but usually about half of them come back every year. I think the fact that I mulch protects the roots.

Blue daze--a spreading, low-growing ground cover.

Cone flowers come in a variety of colors and are pure joy.

Just a few of my favorite annuals--perfect for pots:

The tall planter features geraniums and baby tears. The pot on the left holds an hibiscus, and the plant on the right is a gerbera daisy. I have them in my flower beds as well. I took these pictures late in the growing season, but here is what the daisies look like. So pretty:

The purple flowers are petunias. You can see pink sage and salmon begonias below.

These two potted plants came from dear friends. I think of them every time I pass by. On the left is a large, happy coleus, and the bird bath holds bamboo. Red sage is planted below.

And finally, sweet potato vine on the left, hosta in front, and aloe vera at the far back right.

Think Spring!