Outdoor Wednesday – Fall Flowers

Since the summer flowers were all but done, I thought it was time to get some fall flowers for the front step containers. So yesterday I went to Walmart and got five 8" container plants. They were reasonably priced at just $4.50 each for a total of $23.91 with tax.

I went intending to get some bright yellow mums but when I saw these dark red mums and was smitten by the rich fall color.

I like the change to the front steps. It is quite a change from the pansies in spring:

Looks like fall is on its way!

See more Outdoor Wednesday posts at Susan’s blog, A Southern Daydreamer.

Please leave a comment and do visit again soon.

Outdoor Wednesday – Back Yard Enhancements

Sometimes the best source of plants is not the nursery or plant stand, but your own plant beds. On the side lawn just across from the garage is an oval with green and white striped ornamental grass. It started out as a small clump I got on campus several years ago. I am not sure of its name –- is it variegated liriope??

Well, with my budget restraints, and having spent a lot on my new plants for the front foundation and the new white garden, I looked around for ways to add to the back yard flora without having to spend any more money.
This photo shows a view of the back yard with three planters that break up the expanse of lawn.

In the foreground is one of two cement planters holding ornamental grass dug up from the front side lawn.

One of two plastic planters that have not done well outside. I’m afraid they are in need of a good powerwashing.

It holds a curly-leaved variegated hosta that was dug up last week from near the driveway.
The ‘Bressingham Blue’ hosta in this planter echoes the ones in the nearby plantbed.

This planter gives the south border a visual break. It also holds ornamental grass dug up from side front yard.

I am pleased to find garden solutions that do not involve spending more money or much back bending on my part.
See more Outdoor Wednesday posts at Susan’s blog, A Southern Daydreamer.

Outdoor Wednesday – Container Plantings

Container gardening is a great way to have portability and versatility in your garden, patio, deck or other area of your property. Here are some photos of my 2008 container plants in terracotta, concrete urns, and white plastic containers.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’ Endless Summer Collection [White] cement urn

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ Endless Summer Collection [Blue or Pink] cement urn.

Fiesta Purple Double Impatiens [magenta color] – in cement urn

White plastic Versailles planter boxes - Hosta Bressingham Blue

Sempervivum "Hens and Chicks" in low terra cotta planters are surrounded with a metal hen and her chicks.

Pink Dahlias in white pot

Hosta undulata ‘Albo Marginata’ – terra cotta planters

White Viola and Yellow Viola - in two cement urns

The plant nurseries have such variety nowadays. We have so much to be thankful for, don't you agree?

See more Outdoor Wednesday posts at Susan’s blog, A Southern Daydreamer.