Are you like me, that thinks cinder blocks are just used in foundations? Now I have seen they can be used in landscape designs without costing a fortune.
You can create a planting bed design by staggering 3 or more layers of blocks. You may want to paint the blocks a particular color using stone spray paint. A cheap way for creating raised beds.
Create sitting benches by stacking the blocks and placing landscape timbers in the open ends. Place cushions making more of a comfortable place to sit. Cement the blocks together for support. Add an outdoor table to the design.
Cinder blocks make for a great fire pit or outdoor fireplace. If you are handy, create that master bar-b-que.
Spring is tough for gardeners in South Dakota. We get the twitch when temperatures get to the upper 70’s and think it could not possibly freeze now. But how wrong we are forgetting the last frost date is usually May 15th.
I planted only three tomato plants and been covering them for 6 nights in a row. I finally gave up when they started to die back. The frost finally took them. The onions and cole crops are still doing fine. The calendulas and bachelor buttons are good but the four o’clocks and cosmos are history.
The good news I have learned, most perennials and shrubs growing are not harmed especially if you live in a town that is a little warmer at night. Leaf buds are tougher than the flower buds are why my lilac blooms just coming out are looking a little wilted.
The bad news is with the flower buds on fruit trees. If they have broken dormancy your fruit may be history this year. Shrubs that bloom on new year’s wood may have been hit.
If your new growth on roses have been damaged and are blacken and curled, prune down to a nondamaged section of the cane.
If your garden plants are blackened, do not try to bring back to life, replant, it is still early.
Is your garden missing something? You might want to incorporate some garden art into it. Make a statement can bring everything together creating a conversation whether it is a fountain, gazing globe, or a homemade, personal item. I place something in one of the holes that were created by something that winterkilled.
If you want to add the sound of water in the garden, try a fountain or pond. This can vary from a small bubbling fountain to a large pond with a spray or waterfall.
Different types of plant containers are a cheap way of adding interest. If you have a fence, try window boxes. A simple galvanized container with plants and a small sculpture adds interest.
If you are doing DIYer, try old wagon wheels, antiques, and recycled objects. If you are crafty, try mosaic steppingstones and something made out of old tools or chicken wire. I have seen an old bedframe with climbing plants growing on it adding a focal point. I also like seeing an old window or door without glass seeing through the other side. Your imagination is your only limiting factor.
Sculptural pieces like rocks, statues, or concrete planting containers will give your garden a look of permanence.
Night lighting gives interest in the night. By lighting, a weeping tree will give a dramatic effect. By using different colors of light will take your eye from one place to another.
Do not forget about movement and sounds in the garden by using wind chimes and spinners. Stained glass brings colored light into a drab space.
Just stay away from that garden that has 20 different cheap, flashy, faded trinkets.
Just like shopping for plants, look for garden art that will complement your garden. Also, let it reflect your personality.
