My Plans for a Secret Garden Patio in Unused Yard Space
It’s a good thing the back of our garage isn’t visible to anyone except us, because it’s an embarrassing sight.
It’s a junk storage zone, complete with two huge antique windows, a gas can, a broken bike, a broken storm door, some sheet metal, two kayaks, and lots of trash.
If you stand on the side of my guest house, right in front of my garden with my vintage bike with a flower crate, this is the sight you see.
One day last fall while I was watering plants, I looked at that disgraceful spot and decided to transform it into my own secret garden this year.
Other than my family, not a soul can see it, so it’s the perfect spot for privacy to enjoy breakfast in the morning, or really anytime.
When I told my husband my plan, he jumped all over it and started clearing away all of the junk and trash while I went flower shopping.
I loaded up on perennial and annual flowers.
I bought new flowers for my junk garden in front of the shed turned guest house.
When I got home I rounded up two antique wash pans and planted two types of alyssum in them. The one on the right is a bedding plant. The left one I planted seeds.
We were gone for a week helping one of my sons move to from Arkansas to New Mexico but the day after we got home he installed paver blocks where the seating will be.
I found some inspiration photos on Pinterest and came up with a tentative list of project ideas.
PROJECTS:
- Paint wall
- Add brick pavers for seating area
- Add chairs and table
- Move the reurposed work table potting bench to this area
- Screen door trellis
- Add hanging planters on wall
- Add potted plants on ground
- Add spilled bucket of planted flowers
- Add hanging lanterns
- Add a stenciled sign
- Install a water feature
(source unknown)
(source – House Beautiful)
I wish I could put in an amazing pond, but it was this bistro set that caught my eye. I think I’m going to order it.
(source – Walmart)
(source – Better Homes and Gardens)
I’m sure I won’t get all the projects done for my garden patio, but I’m going to give it a try!
Vaya con Dios,
Angie,
Love the whole idea of the Secret Garden (also my favorite childhood book) . Great little bistro set and the whole plan sounds great ! I’m sure it will be a favorite quiet space.
Thanks Sarah! I just hope it turns out as pretty is it in my mind.
This sounds like the most fun project! Best of luck…and so wonderful you have your husband’s help and support. I’m looking forward to the next installment(s).
Thanks Teddee. My husband is such a wonderful supporter of my ideas!
Sounds wonderful, will be looking forward to your updates on it.
Thanks Candy. We’re working on it as fast as we can so we’ll have the whole summer to enjoy it.
Sounds wonderful! Living where I do, privacy is hard to come by, so I envy you. Enjoy – and please share!
I do love all the privacy we have here in the country Marilee.
That sounds like a great plan, Angie! Have fun with the projects! This will become a lovely secret garden.
Thanks Julia!
I like your ideas and it is a nice private place, it’s already looking better. Glad your doing this, mine looks worse but have been wanting to do something there, so am anxious to see how it looks and hope you don’t mind if i steal a few ideas. Thanks and have fun.
If yours looks worse I feel your pain Marlene!
Your private space already looks promising, all the pretty flowers are great start and with that bistro set, how wonderful it will be. When do we get to see the reveal?
Looks like you are doing much better since your stroke, if planning outdoor spaces and helping your son move are any indications, sure hope so.
Seeing and hearing about your private space inspires me to make one in front corner of our front yard under couple nice shady trees. Put some pallets down for the floor and couple chairs/table we’ll have it ready Now to convince Mr.Furry.
Thank so much Jane Ellen! I’m doing pretty well after my stroke and have made a lot of changes for my health. I’ll do an update about that soon.
I think you will love it and I can’t wait to see.