Easing into spring with a backyard refresh focused on plants (one of my absolute favorite things) and gardening, in partnership with Lowe’s.
Temperatures are officially heating back up in Southern California and that means I get to start working on my plants again (and the whole backyard in general). I love this time of year. It’s not too hot (yet) and everything is green and lush, after some good rain over the winter. Well, not everything…because I definitely had to pull some dead plants and tend to some that weren’t looking so good. But mostly green.
If you’re feeling a little less motivated to get started, but you know your yard could use a refresh, I have been there and I have you covered. I bought everything I needed for my refresh, including a new umbrella for those hot days coming up, on Lowe’s. They have it all – from home improvement to home decor, at affordable prices.
I’ll show you exactly what I bought, how I reuse what I have, and how I got my backyard looking presentable agin in just a couple of afternoons…
Backyard Garden Landscape Ideas
It’s possible that I approach gardening and landscaping a little bit different than some, in the fact that I like to do things in stages. A little here, a little there, so I don’t overwhelm myself. Because realistically, I’m the only one doing the work of planting, propagating, garden upkeep. And that’s because I’m the one who cares what it looks like back here.
My parents were always working in the yard on the weekends when I was a kid and I think it just planted something in my head. I love working outside with my hands and getting a little dirty to make something beautiful. BUT I also need to be careful because if I don’t work on it in little blips, it will become too much and I’ll give up. Like in the middle of digging a giant hole for example.
That’s where Lowe’s comes in. I was able to order everything I needed to get started with the backyard refresh on Lowe’s and pick it up in store. I ordered everything online one night while I was watching tv and it was honestly kind of relaxing. Highly recommend.
You can buy online (or through the mobile app) and pick up at your local Lowe’s, like I did, and then also maybe accidentally bring home a fig tree. Or get same-day delivery for eligible in-stock items when you order by 2 pm. SO EASY!
Now that you know how we got here, let’s get to the juicy bit. The plants!
Planting and Replanting
What I’m Planting
Over the winter, some of our backyard plants didn’t make it. So that was the first thing I needed to take care of. Filling in those empty spots with new plants that would (hopefully) survive any difficult weather.
I picked up scabiosa flowers (one of my favorite flowers to grow), small grasses, and society garlic and for less than $70. For the most part, I was able to fill in all those areas that needed TLC. And then I threw in a few more things for fun.
Like a fig tree. I found a bunch of healthy fig trees when I picked up my Lowe’s order in-store. So naturally, one came home with me and it’s quite doing well in its new home. Look at those velvety green leaves.
Oh, and I planted carrots from seed. Admittedly, I don’t have any full grown carrots yet. But these little guys I just pulled are pretty cute. I’ll attempt some patience before I pull the rest.
Tools I use for Planting
Typically I use just a few tools for planting. A small garden trowel, a larger digging shovel (for big plants that require big holes), and sometimes a pair of gardening gloves. The simpler the better imo. No need for a ton of fancy gadgets.
The ones I’ve linked are the ones I actually use every time I’m out doing gardening work. They’ve held up great and get the job done. No complaints!
Replanting
Replanting volunteers and things that have outgrown the pots they’re currently in was my next task. *Depending on the location, some volunteer plants don’t need to be relocated. Above are a couple of things that sprouted up this season – small grasses and lots of tiny tomato plants.
What are plant volunteers?
Any plant that grows on its own, without ever being planted. They can be the offspring of nearby trees, seedlings of the previous year’s perennials or annuals, etc.
A lot of tomato babies (right) popped up this year and that might be in part to all the tomatoes our dog got a hold of. He would grab the low ones off the vine and play with them, stomp on them, throw them around the yard. So maybe he’s the culprit, idk.
Mexican feather grass (on the left) is invasive in California, where I live, so when I see these popping up, I relocate them pretty quickly to an area that I’m not worried about getting overgrowth.
Potting and Repotting
Next up, repotting.
One of my citrus trees has seen a lot of growth recently (I’m so excited). So, I bought a larger planter to repot it in something it can really grow into.
I found one that’s UV and frost resistant, made from recyclable materials, a good size, and really cute. It’s also lightweight, which is nice because once you get a bunch of soil in there, these things get HEAVY. Hoping this one will last many seasons before I need to replant again.
Pruning and Propagating
Pruning
Generally, I like to go through and prune back trees and large bushes at the beginning of spring and then as needed. But the one I have to spend the most time on is all the pride of madeira plants. They have skyrocketed in the last year. Like HUGE. So, I pruned them back as best I could – probably cut off at least a foot from the top and will probably do more in the coming weeks.
Tools I Use for Pruning
Much like when I’m planting, I only use a handful of tools for pruning. I have a pair of loppers and smaller hand pruners that are really sharp. Again, linked the exact ones I use.
Propagating Succulents
I’m a huge fan of plant propagation. Remember when I shared how to grow an avocado pit to a plant? But one of the plants that are the absolute easiest to propagate are succulents.
When we moved into our house years ago, there were succulents in little pockets all around the backyard. But once we (sadly) lost all of our tree cover a couple of years ago, the succulents have been going crazy with all the sun they’ve been getting! So whenever they start to get out of control, I cut them back and plant the clippings somewhere else.
For example, when they start flowering, I’ll cut the flowers (even though they’re pretty) to direct all the plant energy to growing bigger and stronger. Then, I remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and plunk them into some fresh soil somewhere else. Sometimes the flowers root and sometime they don’t, but I always try.
But when I cut a succulent close to the root, to move somewhere else (not just a cutting off the top), they pretty much ALWAYS root. Which is why I have an insane amount of succulents. They grow really well here and I love reusing what I have to make new plants. Win-win!
Succulent tip: I found that getting a clean cut with a pair of hand pruners or loppers, close to the root, is really all that is necessary to successfully propagate succulents.
Supporting Plants
Staking
Staking is a basic (but effective) way to support plants, especially ones that are on the heavier side. It’s typically not the most aesthetic option, but it works and that’s what matters most!
Generally, stakes help prevent breakage of plants in the elements (like wind and rain) and promote vertical growth.
Adding a trellis
This brings me to option number two, which is much more eye pleasing. A trellis!
I found a set of minimal trellises that were really affordable and I’m using them for to support the snap peas and passionfruit I just planted. But there are literally hundreds of trellis options – every style, size, and material you can imagine.
Once the snap peas grow in, I’m hoping it will help cover up a portion of our fence as well. Our fence has seen better days, but it’s not in the budget at the moment to make those kinds of changes. The next best thing is plants and a trellis for them to grow onto!
Aside from covering eyesores and adding visual interest, trellises also promote better air circulation and sun exposure, which helps keep plants healthy and free of disease. It’s not fool-proof, but it does really help cut down on pests, etc. That said, even if you’re just looking for ways to make the most of a small garden space / utilize vertical space, a trellis is a great option.
I have a few of these tiny trellises, as well, which are super cute and great for small climbing plants. You can use them indoors and outdoors and they’re under $5 each!
That’s it for refreshing my backyard for spring. If you made it to the end, you are a true garden / plant lover and we should be friends. Thanks Lowe’s for partnering with me on this post. Shop the easy way for all your home and garden needs on Lowe’s.
