This week's newsletter covers some patio clean-up inspiration and a "new to me" perennial succulent you might want to add to your garden.
How I Got Inspired to Clean My Patio
My patio is always a disaster during the winter. Piles of chicken wire, tomato supports, and pots filled with soil and dead annuals.
You can find rakes, brooms and heaven knows what else back there. Hidden from view if you're looking out from the house, but there in all its glory. Just waiting for spring to arrive.
Here's the photographic evidence
A couple of weeks ago, I visited one of my favorite shops, Fleur Detroit. Filled with decorative branches, twinkle lights, and urns. It's a magical place to visit in any season.
Fleur Detroit's mission is bold.
"We strive for excellence and the thrill of discovery in everything we do—for you."
Fleur Detroit's Outdoor Courtyard
Their outdoor courtyard is filled with empty containers and garden furniture. Just like my patio, but this space looks WAY better.
Fleur Detroit's Garden Courtyard
Fleur Detroit's Garden Courtyard
So why on earth am I treating my patio like a junk yard?
I decided that I need to approach my patio with the same enthusiasm that Fleur Detroit approaches their courtyard.
I started organizing and tidying things up. The stuff I left for spring that was an eye sore (pretty much the entire back corner) was removed and consolidated.
This plant can be pre-ordered for spring on the High Country Gardens website. Full disclosure. I have never ordered plants from this company, but I intend to order this plant for spring.
Light: Full Sun Zones: 5 through 9 Low water requirements Bloom time: Summer Height: 10 to 12 inches tall Width: 4 to 6 inch spread
The website provides some background on the plant.
Originally brought into cultivation by New Mexico landscaper, nurserywoman and author Judith Phillips, this selection of the species is remarkable for its vigor and its fabulously showy display of quarter-sized rose-violet flowers.
It thrives in full sun growing on poor sandy/rocky soils. Blooming starts in early summer and continues through early fall. The flowers open in the afternoon, so it's always a treat to come home in later afternoon to clouds of its intensely colored flowers dancing in the breeze.
Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
That's it for this week's newsletter. Happy gardening and Happy New Year!
If you're looking for help creating your garden, here's how I can help:
Garden Design Winter Book Club: Join my Winter book club to learn new design skills and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts! Together, we'll explore 5 classic Garden Design books so you can a create more beautiful garden this spring
Garden Moxie Blog: Where Midwest gardeners discover simple, region-specific design ideas and inspiring resources to transform their yard into a beautiful, relaxing retreat.
Garden Coaching: I offer virtual garden coaching to help you design and manage your garden. Garden Coaching is perfect if you’re looking to start a garden, but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps you want to improve your existing garden, but feel stuck on the next steps.
I inspire Midwest gardeners to transform their ordinary yards into charming retreats. Through practical advice, creative ideas, and historical garden wisdom, I share ideas to inspire you to create a garden to enjoy year round.
