Nothing was here . We never had a lot of money to do any professional work or walkways . Through blood sweat and tears I have carried every rock , every paver , every plant, bush , statue . I have spend countless years not hours creating this .. only to realize today it looks like dog crap … 😞🤦♀️🤣😭. If I had the money , I’d do better … I came to ask for ideas on the ugly porch that’s
A mess, only to realize a lot is A mess. Lol . Lipstick on a pig .. lol. The past few years I have had had the deer destroy so much , there should be way more flowers blooming . Insects and fungus came and I lost all my shrubs that created height … . So it’s not in its best days . So if I had the money what on earth could I do for a real walkway and porch ? Thanks !
by countryTough-4good
31 Comments
It appears we have a problem . The pics I included of the porch and what I need help with , didn’t load … lol nevermind , they took some time but loaded
I wish my yard / garden looked like this! And the fact you did it yourself is all the more impressive – i have no clue where to start in my yard, it floods and the money i could put towards landscaping is going to fixing the foundation (yes related to the flooding)
That is still money that i didn’t have budgeted – it will come out of….well wtf knows lol
All that to see it doesn’t look like you were budget constrained! Beautiful results!
Not sure if you’re fishing for compliments here but you did a great job with your landscaping. Maybe it doesn’t look like the quintessential English Garden, but it looks very nice and balanced. The hardscaping around the edge is well done and the mix of plants are decent. Only advice would be more flowering plants and annuals speckled in throughout to fill in and provide some more color. You’re doing great. Just keep going.
I’m not sure that you understand what lipstick on a pig means.
I think it looks great, well done! We all know our gardens more intimately than anyone else so can be more self critical.
If you can hit the pavers and concrete with a pressure washer, it will have such a big impact so I’d highly recommend that.
This looks really good to me! The beauty of an English garden is its imperfection. Pressure wash the concrete patio (and put an outdoor rug down for your photo shoot) and it will be 👍👍👍
No swine here
Looks great
I think it’s beautiful!
I would like to point out, as someone who has lived in the english countryside his whole life, this looks a lot like a cottage garden. The downside is all the open space behind it. Thats all that takes away from the asthetic. Other than that a job well done!
What pig? I see no lipstick on a pig. I just see a yard that I’m jealous of (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
As an English person, I approve.
I think it looks awesome
It’s lovely!
This is beautiful! I’m trying to do something similar, but I don’t have a cohesive vision or know-how. I’m so frustrated because my hedges keep dying, too.
no it doesn’t! it’s beautiful
Your home is your castle.
Be proud, it looks great.
Add more forbs near the stepping stones and I think you’ll be a lot happier. Not hostas, obviously, but maybe there’s a deer resistant fern that’s local to your area—or coral bells? That sort of thing. Deer are absolute jerks. Maybe a motion-sensitive hose nozzle would let more things get established so they can handle a little nibbling.
And a fine pig she is.
You’re crazy, it looks great.
Girl, it looks FINE, just power wash the concrete. I like all of the plants!
It looks very well loved, looks like a great place to smoke a joint with friends and enjoy the view
I live in England and this is really lovely.
Some of your plants are obviously not English plants but you should stick to your own Natives anyway as it’s better for your ecosystem. The flag is obviously not English lol.
However the mix of cobbles, woodchip and different textures and levels is very indicative of an English country garden. I especially like the brick wall, I have a very similar one in my own English garden! Tip: We like to grow things like Campanula and trailing plants in the gaps.
Overall, I’d be Very proud of this
Looks great!
I love what you’ve done and will gladly accept an invitation.
I don’t see a pig or lipstick, but you’re right that it’s not a very convincing English garden . . . mainly because of the flag. That’s not an English flag, FYI.
[j/k]
Nice garden.
I’m still confused why Americans like to hang up their flags on their houses though lol
It’s fucking jarring
Sooo…you are being way too hard on yourself. First of all, pictures never do justice for outdoor space. Pictures of my flower beds never capture the true essence of what the space is! Second, I think you captured the true essence of cottage garden. I think your space is beautiful, and not only what you did, but the way you did it is authentic to a true cottage style garden. Only suggestion for the patio is maybe power wash it, but honestly, the darkened color and the unevenness only add to the character of a cottage garden!
As a gardener, I see all the hard work you’ve put into this, along with your heart. It’s lovely. I too want a nice sidewalk to the detached garage that doesn’t make us walk in the snow on the lawn – because otherwise we’ll be a’sliding downhill on that 1947 cement path. But, eh. It’ll happen. Maybe. Got other priorities.
In the meantime, I’m diggjng trenches for rainfall irrigation, planting trees and collecting every possible plant I think will live without a lot of intervention on my part.
And I love it! Is it perfect? Of course not. That’s why gardens evolve over time – great gardens truly take a lifetime. You’ll never be finished. Be proud of what you’ve created – not everybody has the skill and creativity to do what you’ve accomplished.
I think it’s charming and looks well loved.
Id hit that pig. Great work OP, seriously