It’s been a little over a year since we completely overhauled our front yard.
I found that nature can be a fickle thing.
As much detail as I put into selecting just the right plants for just the right spot…
… and made sure that I had odd numbers for aesthetic value,
Nature took it’s own course…
…and I’m ok with it.
Instead of the expected 24″ in diameter, I got 36″.
Instead of my original perfect grouping of three, I now have many pairs, with one being twice a large as the other…
It wasn’t how I painstakingly planned it…
…but oddly enough. I’m ok with it.
There are so many things that I love…
I love how my catmint is overflowing into my daylilies…
And I love that as one bloom fades…
It clears the stage for the next act…
Yet still others hang on as long as they can… just one more encore…
I love my garden.
I love that my daisies are reaching as high as they can to greet the sun.
Even though this wasn’t my original vision, I love it.
I didn’t want just landscaping.
I wanted a garden.
A place to soothe my soul…
…that promises so much beauty…
My garden is constantly changing.
Everyday there is something new to see…
and if you blink…
… you might just miss it.
I hope you enjoyed my Summer front garden tour.
It’s amazing how everything has really filled in in just one year! I love that I can trim it to keep it small if I want, but for now… I love how everything is flourishing in it’s tight quarters.
You can see how my back yard has filled in as well in just one year:
Back Yard Makeover (One Year Later)
You may also like my tutorial on how to make the teapot garden feature:
Teapot Garden Feature Turotial
You can see more of my side yard before as well as how I recycled the granite blocks in my old landscape here.
You can visit my original front yard makeover here.
As always, I’m so glad you stopped by! 🙂
XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
That was a lovely stroll through the garden. Looks like your TLC has paid off, and the little (big) surprises are what a garden is all about. Lovely.
Christy K. James says
I agree about the surprises being what it’s all about for sure! I thought that after I planned so carefully, it would bother me more when some things chose not to come back and messed up my layout. But I am surprised that I still love it and it only gives me more of a chance to play with it! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment 🙂
Diana Perry says
Dear Christy,
I am very new to a computer and Pinterest. I loved the white tea pot with cup and saucer for the garden. It’s the one with the crystal hanging from the teapot spout and looks like water. Can you send along the directions to me in my email box. I loved, loved, loved it. Thank you so very much, Diana Perry@gmail.com
Christy K. James says
Hi Diana, I am out of town right now, but you can reach the instructions for this whimsical teapot feature by clicking here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/teapot-garden-feature/. Hope this helps!
andi says
Your garden is absolutely. Positively. Beautiful…!!!! I have serious garden envy… 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much! We’ve had so much rain here that I’ve hardly ad time to enjoy it! That’s where you’ll find me most summer mornings:)
JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose says
You’re right, Mother Nature has her own mind. It all looks awesome! Still can’t keep my eyes off of your hand made gate! Bravo 😉
JoAnn @ sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com
Christy K. James says
Thanks JoAnn 🙂
Luisa says
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! You have a lot to be proud of! You should share a pic of what your home looks like from the road!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Luisa! The first pic was actually taken from the road. We had to build a box thing around our water access just to the right of those yellw day lilies and i was trying not to get it in the picture ha ha!
Traci says
Your yards looks even better after a year. The way that it has filled in looks so natural. I love the tea pot and cup. Super cute!
Traci
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Traci! 🙂
Daria Harvey says
Did you ake the tea pot and tea cup? Any tips? I picked up a similar tea pot and cup today and am hoping I can DIY it!
Thanks,
Daria
Christy K. James says
I actually purchased it at a local craft market last Spring, but I do plan on recreating it since I’ve had so many inquiries about it! I have my teapot and cup and saucer ready to go also. I’m hoping to put it together this month or early May. 🙂 Feel free to check back and ask again in case you don’t see it! XO
Wendy says
Absolutely Fabulous!!! Thanks for showing it to us!! 🙂
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Wendy 🙂
Kim says
You really do such nice work, both inside your home and out! The garden is lovely- mine has a mind of its own too, and you’re right, that’s ok! It sure is interesting to watch what thrives and how each plant carves out its own space. I love that tea set! It is just darling! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kim! I found that tea set at a local craft show. It was made by a gardening club. I love it, too! 🙂
Patricia Krank says
Beautiful landscape and I love your garden path. Thanks for sharing, Patti@OldThingsNew
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Patricia!
Suzanne says
Your garden is simply wonderful! I can imagine many peaceful hours spent in this gorgeous space that you have created.
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links open till Friday.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Suzanne!
Katie says
What a beautiful garden! It’s so full and lush! I’d say it turned out perfect!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Katie! I am so tickled by your blog name…have to go check it out! 🙂
Trish says
Great garden!! I love your transformation!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Trish! 🙂
mishelle says
Oh i love your side yard specially ! awesome job!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Michelle!
Stacey says
Your garden is just beautiful! The fact that natures fills in everything as it wants to is part of what makes gardening fun. I have to remind myself that it’s supposed to be a little wild and not perfect.
Christy K. James says
That’s true, Stacey! I like the look if an English country garden with its wild nature, but I need a little more structure. I think this kind if gives me both! Thanks for coming to check it out! 🙂
Lisa 2 HouseOfFbForLess says
Wow! Your garden looks amazing! I found you through Savvy Southern Style. I too love a relaxed and natural garden! Your is just beautiful!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lisa! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour! 🙂
LBDH says
Your garden and yard is BEAUTIFUL!!! I Love it all, as I’m sure you do too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a sweet comment! 🙂
Callie @ Callie's Crafts says
It looks beautiful! I’m pinning it for inspiration! I’m your new follower. I hope you’ll come visit my blog too.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Callie!
Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says
I think it’s beautiful…and perfect 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Daniela:)
Mandy Hank says
So lovely! In Phoenix, everything just dies because it’s so hot. Really jealous of your green 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Mandy! Luckily we don’t have water restrictions here so I usually water it deep every two to three days in the summer. This summer has been weird, though…lots of rain and cooler than normal temps so that is helping to keep things green!
At Rivercrest Cottage says
thank you so much for the view of your lovely yard!
Christy K. James says
Thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it! 🙂
Liz @ Infuse With Liz says
Fabulous! You get a A++++++ for your design! Everything looks healthy, attractive and enjoyable to the senses. You must be so proud of it all!
Christy K. James says
Awe, thank you, Liz!! That makes me feel so good! It’s a labor of love for sure. I just love being out there! 🙂
Michele/ Finch Rest says
WOW- only one year? Holy Moley that’s unbelievable!
You (and Nature) did a fabulous job with your gardens, they’re beautiful!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Michele! I am still amazed at how much it has grown in such a short time!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Ok, you are not far from me at all…and I just LOVE how your yard looks, maybe I should get you to come help me with mine! 😉 How fabulous…truly beautiful Christy!
So glad you shared it on Project Inspired 🙂 Pinned!
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! That’s right, I’m just around the corner! I was finally able to take photos of the back yard today. It has been too wet or overcast for so long! Hope the sun sticks around for a while this time!:)
Kristina says
saw you at HoH. What a stunning garden. I would love to see more and am going to look at your old posts. Love it all!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kristina!
Alex in Leeds says
*grin* I love the mingling that only happens once the garden takes on a life of its own, that’s worth so much more than landscaping.
Christy K. James says
Well said, Alex! I completely agree!
debra@ HOMESPUN says
it is quite lovely this year! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, a Debra! 🙂
Bea says
Do you have an instruction video on the Teapot faux fountain? It is absolutely stunning
Christy K. James says
Hi Bea, unfortunately I don’t. I purchased it at a local craft fair. It’s had lots of inquiries so I’m thinking this will be on my to-do list for the spring!
Amy says
Love, love, love the look and feel that you have created with your gardens. Any way you could put a list together of what you planted. Our yard has really nothing and I would really love to do sone soft beds similar to yours in our yard. Any help would be great! Did you plan it yourself or have any help from a nursery? I essentially don’t know where to start. Thanks!
Christy K. James says
Thank you so much, Amy! I have the perfect post for you! I put this together last year: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-create-a-landscape-from-scratch/ I don’t give a list of what I planted, but I share how to decide what to plant, which you should find helpful. I’d be glad to answer any other questions you may have 🙂 XO
Dayna says
Hi there! I have been loving all of the information you have on your site about how you created your gardens 🙂 There are a few plants that I would just love to know the names of… I tried to zoom in on your graph paper where you have everything drawn out but I just can’t make out the names. Do you have a plant list at all? Or maybe you could just come to my house and pick plants for me? :-p Thanks!
Christy K. James says
I’m glad you’re enjoying my garden posts, Dayna! I didn’t include the names of the plants I chose because what will be very happy in my climate may not be so happy in another. It’s much easier to visit your local nurseries first, see what is available in your area and take lots of photos of what you like and then come home and look them up. See what their needs will be, how big they will grow, etc. I shared “how to select your plants” in this post: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-create-a-landscape-from-scratch/ which may be where you saw my graph paper sketch. If not, there’s a ton of helpful info there. Good luck! I’d be happy to answer any other questions. 🙂
therese says
Ho que votre Jardin et beau et bien travaillé . Je veux le mien pareil. Je vous souhaite un doux week end.
Christy K. James says
Merci, Therese! 🙂
Lisa Carpenter says
I stumbled upon your blog and absolutely have enjoyed every minute of my reading. I love your style and love, love, love your garden.
Thank you so much for sharing with us:)
Blessings,
Lisa
Christy K. James says
Can I just tell you how much that makes my day? I don’t blog for money, I share simply because I love to and I hope that I inspire a few people along the way. It means a lot when someone takes a minute to leave me a sweet comment. Thank you!! And I am SO ready for Spring so I can get back in my garden! 🙂
Fishtail Cottage says
Fantastic transformation- would love to have you link up your post to this weeks upcoming garden party (Thursday) over here at Fishtail Cottage! xoxo
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tracie! 🙂
Jenny says
I love the way your garden looks – can’t believe it’s only one year old! I’m going to go back and look at your older posts, so I can see how you accomplished such a great looking garden in such a short time! I’m in a new (to us) house, and kind of starting from scratch – again! And I’m impatient and want mine to look like yours!!!!
Christy K. James says
I can’t believe how quickly everything filled in either! Keep that in mind when you buy your plants; smaller versions are cheaper and will grow quickly 🙂
betsy says
How lovey everything is! Just gorgeous hydrangeas and the teapot – so sweet.
I want to put some planters under my windows in front of my house and was wondering how you attached yours to the brick, they look so pretty. I need to get to work on my side yard and like how you did your walkway and fence door.
Very nice.
betsy
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for your sweet comments, Betsy! I love hydrangeas and really enjoy bringing them indoors during the summer. My husband put the window boxes up with concrete screws, I believe.
Betty819 says
Christy, your flowerbeds are beautiful! You evidently have “Becky” shasta daisies and so do Ii but they get so tall and start flopping on me..do your do the same? What is the yellow daisy flower that is shorter called? I’d love to have some of those next year.
Maybe another experienced gardener can solve my mystery of the tall shasta daisies. I have them planted where they get the morning and mid afternoon sun. I have some shorter version in my garage flowerbed that are called Snow Lady but they don’t seem to do as well for some reason. May do away with them in the fall if they don’t show any promise this summer.
Christy K. James says
Hi Betty, My daisies are Becky Shasta daisies also. They get really tall and I just end up cutting them back when they start flopping over. I keep them because I love to cut them and bring them inside. I don’t recall the name of the smaller variety. Thanks for visiting my garden. 🙂
Kim O. says
Your gardens are gorgeous. We’re re-doing our front yard this year and I’d love to hear what some of your favorite plants in your front yard have been. Have you posted a list anywhere of the plants you used? Thank you. My husband and I have really enjoyed your post we found via pinterest!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kim! I didn’t list anywhere the plants that I used, only because they are specific to my zone, and I wanted to be sure they thrived before I recommended anything. I really should put a follow post together. I put together this post: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-create-a-landscape-from-scratch/ if you are just starting to build your gardens. I recommend visiting your local nurseries to see what is available to you, tale photos of the labels and come home and look them up to see if they’d be a good fit for your space. I will say that my some of my favs are day lilies, lambs ear, boxwoods, hydrangeas (if you have a shady spot- fantastic for cutting flowers), hostas (shade), Russian sage, gardenias, to name a few. They are all used in several places throughout my garden. I have so many varieties that I could go on and on! 🙂
Suzanne Dickey says
I just discovered your blog and your beautiful gardens. I noticed that your yard makeovers are a few years old and I would love to know how your garden paths are holding up. Do you have issues with weeds growing among the stepping stones. I have a brick patio and path that is an absolute nightmare with weeds. I bought the house in the winter and inherited a hot mess of a garden. I personally think it was purposeful that they sold the home in the winter…just my opinion. I have more weeds than patio… But I digress, I would love to replace and adore pavers and stones but do not want to have these same issues in a few years. Any advice, problem solving solutions, anything you wish you had done differently, tips on dealing with weedy paths. Thank you so much for your response in advance. I look forward to many delightful hours perusing your blog.
Christy K. James says
Hi Suzanne and welcome! We have been very fortunate with our garden path. Maybe the tiny pebbles filling in all the gaps helps, but we have been easily able to keep up with what has tried to push through. Sometimes my husband will hit them with a shot of weed spray ant they’re gone in a day or so, but I usually just pull out what pops up as I see them.
Sarah says
I love your enthusiasm. You are very creative, and your yard is just gorgeous…but I still think my favorite part is how much you ENJOY your yard after the fixes! You seem like a very happy and appreciative person!
Christy K. James says
Well thank you so very much, Sarah! I really do appreciate my outdoor spaces. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Melinda Kibler says
Thank you so much for the gate idea, I’m going to tackle that this year! I love your landscape too that will be my project for the future.
Christy K. James says
So glad you like it, Melinda! Ours is holding up great. Can’t wait to get my hands in the soil soon! Good luck with your outdoor space!
Christy K. James says
So glad you could use my posts, Dria! Thanks for sharing! 🙂