Make a Rain Chain!

We've had a rainy spring in Hampton Roads.  As much as we'd like to be outside enjoying the spring, that possibility hasn't exactly presented itself to us the past few weeks. And since most of our thoughts turn to the outdoors when March rolls in, we decided to do a little investigating on the internet and find some of the best examples of do-it-yourself rain chains out there.  Well, and because we're expecting a little rain this weekend, why not put one (or more) together for yourself?

This first one is made with tiny little buckets and the do-it-yourself instructions can be found here.

Here's a unique idea, using spoons, that we found at Forever Decorating.

I'm Going to Texas takes the spoon idea a step further and incorporates the addition of forks into the idea.

On the Instructables site, we found the instructions for this simple copper rain chain here. 

This next design adds stone for more interest.   Since we found it on Dollar Store Crafts, you can expect the expense to be minimal.  

And last one (I promise) is this terra cotta chain that I am totally in love with.  I found it here. 

Now get busy, and make something!

Favorite Spring Annuals

Nothing can brighten your landscape with bursts of color the way the seasonal color of annuals can do.  We all have our favorites, and as you wait for the warm weather to set in, we want to tempt you with some new and not so new annuals that will most certainly give your home a welcoming smile.

One new variety I am particularly excited about is Potunia Mochaccino Petunia.  I love the large creamy colored blooms with the brown veining.  It's different, neutral colors but showy at the same time. And that little touch of pink?  Perfect!  I'm hoping it shows up at my favorite nursery.

I adore orange and impatiens, (yes, they are impatiens, not impatients) and so it's no wonder I felt giddy when I heard about this new impatien variety, Patchwork Cosmic Orange.  I've seen it described as "if impatiens and a pansy had a baby, it would probably look like Patchwork Cosmic Orange Impatien."  And I totally agree!  The Patchwork varieties also come in pink and burgundy colors.  

Speaking of orange, this shade of orange always gets my vote!  I enjoy planting calibrachoa in containers and this new variety will definitely find a spot in more than one container this season.  Aloha Kona Mango is it's name.  This is a non-trailing variety that's strong and upright.  It also comes in Kona Cherry, Kona Mandarin, Kona Tiki and Kona Midnight Blue.  Actually, they might all find a spot on my porch or patio this season.  

This is just a tempting view of some of my favorites.  On one of first days of spring, it's quite chilly in Virginia Beach and looking at a few new annuals has certainly warmed me up.  As I find new varieties or rediscover some of my old favorites, I'll be posting.  I'd love to know what you've found.  Please share!

New for 2013!

The start of a new year always makes me excited to discover what new plants are showing up.  I always relish the chance to be the first in my neighborhood with some of the newest selections.  During the month of January, I scoured websites, magazines and catalogs looking for new varieties that piqued my interest and I felt deserving of a place in my landscape.

My favorites, you ask?  Well, here are a handful.  Perhaps some of these varieties, if you are lucky enough to  located them in your area, will find their way into your yard.

Red Darling Hibiscus.  Gorgeous and deeply red, this Hibiscus will not only brighten your garden, but invite hummingbirds, as well.

Wild Swan Japanese Anemone.  This magnificent hybrid will bloom from June until the first frost.  A great addition to your rock gardens.

Everlasting Revolution Hydrangea.  A repeat blooming hydrangea that will surprise you with blooms of pink, maroon or blue with green highlights as the flowers mature.

Summer Cascade Wisteria.  A lovely addition for a trellis, this wisteria is a hardier variety that will add a whimsical, enchanted touch to your patio area.

Midnight Magic Crape Myrtle.  A new dwarf species with mauve pink clusters of blooms and a deep purple foliage.  It grows quick and top heights are only 12 feet.

Glamouflage Grape Petunia.  Like the grape color.  In love with the variegated foliage!

Plum Crazy Yellow Oxalis.  Bright yellow flowers sit daintily atop mounds of variegated red and pink foliage.

Popcorn Drift Groundcover Rose.  This super hardy groundcover rose gets its name from the way it's blooms start yellow and fade to a cream white, kind of like a kernel of popped corn.

These are just a few new varieties out there to get you ready for planting season.  Feel free to share some of your finds in our comments section.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2013!  It's going to be a great year for gardening,   What are some of the trends for the coming year?  Let's take a look at What's In  for 2013 when it comes to your landscape.

Gardening for the Birds and Bess is In. 
Sure they're a fun addition to your garden.  Interesting to watch and add some color and beauty, too.  But there's a more important reason to play for the birds and bees.  Hummingbirds, butterflies and bess are responsible for many good crops and keep life growing.

Water in the Garden is In. 
It doesn't have to be a large water feature or a running stream, a bird bath, a small fountain or a tiny pond can make a difference.  Water is relaxing, it's pretty, it helps filter the air and it will attract animals and birds. 

Buying Local is In.
Using native plants in your landscape are cost-effective, easier to care for and also provide natural habitat for native wildlife.

Easier, lower maintenance Gardening is In.
 Low maintenance gardening allows you to enjoy the time you spend tending to your plants because you won't suddenly find yourself in the middle of an all weekend project.  It all comes down to what you plant.  Plants that don't require a ton of care. 

Eco-Chic Gardening is In. 
Green, sustainable and eco-friendly.

Curvaceous is In.
Curves are in when it , but sometimes a clean neat line still works.

Well Lit Gardens are In.
Not only does lighting set a mood, but it also extends the time you can spend working on your landscape.

Before and After

There are times when a Before and After image can really help you understand exactly what can happen when you transform a yard.  Here are a few of our favorite Before and After shots.  Enjoy!

Okay, so we've been slack with blogging...

But we've been anything BUT slack when it comes to our work this fall.

Here's what we've been up to.

Told you we've been busy!

Welcome to September

It's still summer, but it certainly isn't too early to address the items in your yard that will winterize your property.  There are many things to do.  Planting.  Cleaning out beds.  Deadheading.  Removing.  Mulching.  Pruning.  We've reviewed all these outdoor items with you, but there are a few others we want to touch on.

Schedule to have your irrigation system shut down prior to the first freeze.

Drain all hoses and bring them inside.  If you fail to keep them out of the elements during the winter, you can pretty much bet you'll be replacing them in the spring.

Winterize fountains and water features.  Yes.  Do it!

Clean out your gutters and downspouts.  If you have a lot of trees on your property, you will definitely need to do this more than once and possibly several times during the fall winter season.

If you make a list, start making it.  Make the necessary appointments, hire the appropriate people if these are jobs you cannot handle and get your fall projects started.