The new garden space is coming along, and in only one month there has been so much change!
A quick recap of the progress for this area. I started with covering this section of grass in our front yard with cardboard. After layering this and soaking it, I added mulch to the top and set down cinder blocks to outline my garden bed areas. I also placed metal raised bed frames that I had in the large rectangular sizing. (The three round beds have still not been secured in their final spot yet.)
I started with one of the rectangle beds, adding in compost and top soil. I didn’t have more patience to wait for all the beds to be done before getting started. The first plant in my space was a raspberry bush. I added an extra one and then continued to fill the space with alyssium, purple Jew, and other purple perennial, Russian sage, and some different tones of succulent greens and Coleus.
After my surgery on April 22, the garden had to sit for a bit. I was under orders of no lifting more than 15 lbs and “plenty” of bed rest. I continued to dream and imagine the space taking shape and bought a few things to help, including the blue picnic table that J put together for me. 💙
I later bribed A to help me wrap up the last parts of the garden – namely, placing the last few cinder blocks for the garden bed perimeters and filling each of the spots in with compost, sand, and top soil. Lucky kiddo – J offered to help her wrap up the end part of the project so she didn’t have to lift 40 lb bags by herself.
J and A knocked out the last parts of placing materials and J tilled the sand/manure-compost/ top soil so I had fluffy material to start with. I quickly filled the spaces with a variety of things, bringing the space to the “hurry and wait” stage by the end of May 2026.
For June, I continued to water regularly and weed (since my cardboard barrier was thin in several spots). It’s given me a reason to be outside for natural doses of sun and helps me feel fulfilled in the sense that I’m being a good steward with what I’ve created for both visual/natural appeal and plants being grown to feed my family and community.
I divided the areas into my own categories, with some of the beds having mature starters and others being only seedlings. I also mixed varieties of sun catching blooms with edible components. Basil, which I can propagate like a weed, has been the threaded theme in nearly every bed. I also have zinnias and sunflowers dispersed to give a consistent flow between a couple beds, too.
Trumpet vine cuttings were added into the far edge of the vegetable/herb raised bed to mirror another rooted addition in my first bed I created. To my delight, they’ve kicked out shoots of green and will hopefully continue to produce foliage and eventually build into a full vining system. I have a trellis tucked away that will bridge the two beds on the side sections near the vines for these growers to attach to.
My last exploration at the garden center at the beginning of June was for some climbing plants. I’ve had some narrow wooden shutter doors I procured in Fredericksburg around Christmas that have been waiting for a home. I decided I would prime and paint them in bold colors of Sonic Purple and Golden Orange (which reads as a deep, tawny yellow). The contrasting flowering vines I found to grow next to them will provide some privacy from the road view into the garden, while still giving it an open, inviting vibe. At least, that’s the plan. 😅
Next to the purple shutters will be ‘Juiced Orange’ jassmine (like a dreamsickle shade, and yes – that’s the spelling for this variety) and next to the yellow shutters will be the alien-shaped blooms of purple passion flowers. I also snagged a shrub-style peony in a fuchsia coloring to add as another anchor point. This will close out the raised bed circles I was trying to find homes for and give some height to the space and places to draw the eye around the garden.
With a flash spring sale at Hobby Lobby toward the middle of June and some thrifting trips, I had several accents of ceramic, glass, and metal art to add into the different beds. I also found new homes for some of our own yard ornaments. With a new temperature gauge and wind-catcher pinwheel piece, there’s lots of different elements tied all together.
While my large trellis section has had its own challenges, I love how healthy the vines are and the cleaned up look of it. I had cleared out most of the deadened bits during the winter to give it a clear start this spring for continuing to expand.
Outside the barrier, more cardboard or weed barrier and then local stone and boulders found along our country roads will be included to add visual interest. Then I’ll transfer some succulent varieties I’m growing inside the house into the craggles of space between the rocks.
It’s amazing when I look back at where I started for how far this space has come.
I’m pleased with the progress so far. I’m also at a spot where I think it’s time to let the space rest from new additions after these shrubs/vines are settled in with the new painted shutter structures for trellising.
As the weeks eventually cool back off, I’ll have regrouped with some of my other project ideas and will be ready to start the next phase by cleaning up the large trellis bed, adding the succulents/rocks, and hopefully (before winter) wrapping up my cold frame beds – the windows I have set aside for these have been waiting patiently for me to clear the evergreen bushes the rest of the way out next to the house so they have a place to call home.
What started as a dream for a spot to call “my garden” at home has evolved into a greater vision that will carry the next several years.
I’m also being mindful of my pace and continually praying and checking in with myself – it would be so easy to rush the next steps just so I can be done.
In the end, though, I would be the one losing out on some of the greatest gifts God has to offer if I rush things: rest, recuperation, joy, wonder, and awe. Seeing each new addition fold into the whole picture has answered my creative curiosity, while seeing the new sprouts and watching each stage of their growth has given me pause moments with God, where the Spirit helps enlighten me with insights into patience, gentleness, self-control, and remaining a faithful steward of this gift God has for us.
Sprinkle some joy in the comments! 🎨