Every year, I try to make a lush garden in pots/containers. I fail miserably. Watering is hard. But also, it looks messy. But even if I take the junk away it still looks terrible.
Is it the mis matching pots?
I found the panels on fb today and thought it was a decent idea to hide the fence and make it cozy. Does it even look good?! Am I going crazy!?
Trying to plan for spring. I have a whole bunch of seeds to do starters. And focusing on dwarf/compact variety. Also, going to buy a irrigation system and hook it up to my rain barrel (pray this idea actually works) So next year will be better…
I’m frustrated and overwhelmed. I usually can see the vision but I can’t 🙁 ugh
by frannieprice
16 Comments
What plants are you having an issue with? All I see is verdant green and a lovely cat.
Fertilize every week if you want to see them bigger.
What a beautiful space. Maybe an umbrella for a bit of shade.
So your complaint is just that it’s ugly?
Maybe get someplace out of the way to store the small pots…
Grow some vines on the chain link. Beans and peas are seasonal, so they’ll work well without permanently eating any hardscape.
See if you can find who owns that power line. It looks like shit. They probably won’t do anything. But at least you can confirm it’s wired correctly.
Im not too clear on New York plants or property issues… Here are some other suggestions that may or may not help.
Chain link is never the most inviting look, and that one privacy wall feels out of place. Some nice trellises might soften the chain link, and could help with vines if you liked that idea. Bamboo privacy fence could also work, and might be slightly taller than the chain link. It might also hide whatever your privacy wall is hiding while taking up slightly less space.
I barely see the door. Maybe you’ve got good reasons for us not to see that side, but the aluminum door and bare window don’t seem to match the rug and furniture vibe you’re going for. It also looks old as shit and kinda flimsy. Maybe a nice curtain, or a whole new door would help.
If you’re out here at night a lot (and that may be a good plan for some types) then it seems lacking in lights. I’d suggest some string lights on poles, or a projector to put up some flowery designs on the brick walls.
I hear New York can get cold in the winter. Is some sort of fire pit or barbecue possible?
I hear New storm can get hot in the summer. Maybe some sort of overhead structure is worth considering. Maybe something that can block snow. Or whatever it is that falls from the sky where you live.
I love it! Maybe string some lights on the new paneling. Switch out some season colored throw pillows. What about a few plant stands? Maybe a diy fountain in a larger pot w solar lights. A wind chime
Learning small bits about interior design and complementary colors can go a long way here!
1. The bright/yellowish color of the partition doesn’t match the surrounding red brick and dull brown wood fencing. It’s a VERY different color and texture and looks out of place. Ideally, try a darker-colored partition, that doesn’t contrast so sharply with the surrounding environment.
2. The bright blue rug looks good with the partition, but again, looks out of place against the red brick and wood fencing. Google which colors complement brick, but darker colors like teal, forest green, mustard yellow, and rust tend to look nice!
3. The chain link fence would look so much better if you can grow vines all over it. Look for fast-growing vines (vining vegetables like sweet peas, or flowers) that will provide good cover quickly in the spring.
4. Over time, switching out some pots so that the pots you have all complement each other. On my patio, I have terra cotta, turquoise/teal, or cream/verrry light gold pots only now, and it’s completely changed the look of my patio to make it more cohesive (previously I had countless colors of pots and it made it look mismatched up there).
I think it needs just a good tidy up; Fix the cushions, remove old pots or stack them all neatly in a corner. I would opt to have fewer pots and instead of small pots, use some of your bigger ones. I use a lot of mismatched pots, but try to group them by colour or style to make it look better.
Great plans! Try mixing containers ears of annuals with your other plants, then you can move them in and out of sight as they are flowering. Remember, the photos you see online are staged for that individual photo, no ones gardens always look perfect. I love your layout and your ideas. Keep it up!
I like the screen wall to coverup the chain link fence. Maybe repeat it on the opposite fence as well?
Elevate some of the pots in the back so that there is more height
Don’t be afraid to use some faux greenery as well… I’ve seen people do faux ivy walls that look pretty nice. Or continue the rattan/bamboo theme
Utilize Miracle Grow potting soil. And fertilize every seven days with a Miracle grow bloom boost (purple bottle) hose feeder.
Your garden will be amazing every year.
https://preview.redd.it/up08cngm4tof1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cacff9e15bd8f53232205cc67907bde12b50b2ca
I think it looks great.
Hi .. firstly I would paint all the furniture a nice vibrant colour to cheer the garden up, then get some fencing or panels to cover up the nasty chain fence and to also block the off putting view .. sweep up all the dirt and maybe put some bright plant pots, maybe even paint yourself, then add some bright bold cushions.. will look great , oh also candles and hanging lights 😁
I’ve been gardening on a 6×12 balcony for 10 years. It really does take time and experimentation. Here’s a few things I’ve learned.
Add more squares and rectangles planters, the deeper the better. Mixed planters, densely planted, look better. Standing beds add height, shade and storage.
You find plants you like do well and some that you keep trying bc you love them. Overwintering planters makes a huge difference year over year. Easily propagated house plants are great fillers. Add a second seeding early summer.
And some years are better than others. I’ve a pretty poor garden this year and but I’ve still got moonvine blooming every evening on a 5th floor balcony. Take pride in your successes.
oh i think it looks lovely! id maybe get some trellises and grow vines like passionfruit or jasmine or whatever grows in your climate up the walls or hang art/bee hotels/wind chimes but truly i think it’s a delightful backyard!
I think some taller plants would help, to bring the height up the greenery up. It would also allow you the create layers, with tall plants at the back and smaller ones in front.
Are you fertilizing appropriately? Plants don’t thrive on water alone.
(Cue the idiocracy memes) 😭