The First Signs of Spring
The first real day of spring always feels like a little surprise, doesn’t it? One minute I’m bundled up against the last of winter’s chill, and the next, the sun is stretching across the yard, waking everything up. The garden beds are ready for color, the porch is begging for a fresh sweep, and suddenly, all I can think about is making the backyard the kind of space where we’ll spend all season long.
The backyard is the heart of spring and summer, from family barbecues to bonfires with friends. I love to spend warm days outside, surrounded by bright flowers, with a fresh glass of lemonade, and letting the heat of the sun warm my skin. Before those cozy afternoons and firefly-lit evenings can begin, though, there’s a little prep to do.
Laying the Groundwork: Pathways, Stepping Stones, and Edging
One thing I’ve learned over the years, is that structure is important for every garden. Instead of hauling mulch everywhere, this year I decided to use something a little different, permanent mulch. It keeps moisture in, weeds out, and it won’t scatter in the wind, which means there’s a little less upkeep and maintenance I’ll have to worry about. No more bags of bark this spring—just rich, clean beds that frame my flowers beautifully.
For the paths leading to my raised beds, I love the look of hardwood walkways. They flex with the ground and blend effortlessly into the landscape, like they were made to be there. If you’ve ever tried weeding between stones or wiping mud off your boots, you’ll understand why I adore these portable planks. They keep me high and dry when I’m tending my veggies in the early mornings.
Add another layer of charm with stepping stones. I like to tuck them between the herb garden and the flower bed, giving guests a path through rosemary and tulips. It’s a simple touch, but it makes all the difference. And to pull it all together, edging keeps the weeds at bay—neatly defining the garden beds, making everything look polished and intentional. It wraps around curved beds and winding paths, just as easily as it does straight ones.
The Right Tools for the Job
Gardening is a love language, but it’s also a workout. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right tools make it more enjoyable and saves my back from extra aches and pains. Investing in high-quality equipment is worth every penny. From leaf haulers to seating and storage, the right tool is just a few clicks away. My goal this upcoming season is to make the hard work a little easier, so I can spend more time enjoying the fruits of my labor.
My favorite investment has been a garden kneeler. I could spend all day out in my garden beds watering, pruning, and trimming, but my knees always protest it. Finding the perfect kneeler has been life changing and lets me focus on my favorite hobby without worrying about how much it will hurt to stand up. I like to use a seat with storage, so everything I need is within arm’s reach and is easy to store for the next day.
I swear by this giant dustpan. It’s become one of those tools I didn’t know I needed—until I used it once and realized I never wanted to go without it again. It’s made of this super sturdy woven fabric stretched over flexible rods, so it holds its shape but still folds flat when I’m done. I drag it around the yard pulling weeds, trimming dead branches, or cleaning up after a windstorm, and it somehow holds everything. Honestly, it holds way more than my wheelbarrow and takes up way less space in the shed. The best part? It has raised sides so nothing spills out, stakes to keep it in place while I work, and big handles that make it easy to haul to the compost pile. It’s one of those smart, simple things that just makes garden days a little easier—and way less messy.
And speaking of storage; a few well-placed hooks and a hose holder make all the difference. My rake, trowel, and pruners hang neatly from a metal rake wall hook, adding a touch of rustic charm to my potting area. A hose holder by the vegetable garden keeps my watering routine quick and easy.
Whether you're tending to patio plants or nurturing indoor greens, the right watering tools make all the difference. Classic watering cans are a must-have—offering control, ease, and a little style while you’re at it. With ergonomic handles and long spouts, they make reaching every root feel effortless.
Bringing in the Charm:
Arbors, Trellises, & Benches
No garden is complete without those magical little details that make it feel like home. For me, that’s my arbor, standing proudly at the entrance to the backyard. By midsummer, it will be dripping with climbing vines, but for now, it’s a promise of what’s to come. Arbors and trellises are what take a normal, everyday garden into something truly magical, like the beautiful, lush gardens in Bridgerton, Anne with an E, or The Secret Garden. There’s nothing I want more, than to one day spend a warm spring day on a picnic blanket surrounded by my very own luxurious garden.
Until then, I’m happy to spend those moments relaxing on a bench beneath my oak tree. Sometimes I take my morning coffee there, listening as nature wakes up and the birds begin to sing. Other times, I just close my eyes and feel the wind moves through the leaves. A garden isn’t just about plants—it’s about the moments you steal away for yourself.
A Little Magic: Rain Chains, Lanterns, & Watering Globes
April showers bring more than May flowers. A rain chain turns the simplest downpour into something enchanting, guiding water down in a mesmerizing trickle. It’s like having a little waterfall right outside my kitchen window. I’m always looking for ways to turn my backyard into an oasis with soothing sounds that come from rain chains, bells and chimes. I love to spend quiet, rainy days on porch, book in hand and taking in every sound.
As the sun sets, lanterns and path lights begin to flicker along the walkways, casting gentle light over the evening shadows. Path lights are the perfect guide for evening get togethers, keeping everyone from tripping while they wander around the backyard. I have some lanterns that hang from shepherd’s hooks and other that sit on the farmhouse table that everyone gathers around. Making dinners outside feels like a fairytale.
For low-maintenance hydration, watering globes are your secret weapon. Just fill, insert into the soil, and let them slowly release moisture as your plants need it—perfect for busy days or weekend getaways. Together, these garden essentials keep your plants happy and hydrated without the guesswork.
Spring Awakens—And So Do We
There’s something about stepping outside after a long winter and getting your hands in the dirt. It’s a fresh start, a reset. There’s so much opportunity and potential, and all we must do is grab it. Birds return, taking perch on bird feeders or baths, bringing life back into the season; seedlings push through the dirt bringing with them a feeling of renewal, and the sun comes out, reminding us how good it feels to spend time in the great outdoors. The days stretch longer, inviting us to linger outside, while the scent of fresh blooms fills the air, and the soft rustle of leaves is a constant reminder of the beauty in simplicity.
This backyard, this space, is more than just a garden. It’s where life unfolds, where laughter from friends and family echoes, where simple moments become lifelong memories.
A Sense of Purpose:
Creating Spaces for Connection
As much as I love the process of gardening itself, what truly excites me is the connection it fosters. Each project—whether it’s building a new flower bed, planting a tree, or setting up a cozy seating area—becomes an invitation for memories. My backyard has become more than just a space for me to relax; it’s where I share laughter, stories, and meals with the people I love. The garden becomes a backdrop for bonding moments: a spot for friends to gather around the fire pit, and even a quiet nook where I can sit and reflect.
It's not just about the physical beauty of the space; it's about the sense of belonging and comfort that grows in this garden with each passing season. I love that the garden allows me to share experiences with others—whether that’s hosting a lively family barbecue or sharing a cup of tea with a friend on a crisp morning. I’ve noticed that the more I nurture my garden, the more it nurtures me back. The simple act of watering the plants, arranging flowers, or trimming hedges becomes an act of self-care and mindfulness. In those moments, I forget about the busy world and focus entirely on the present, letting the beauty of nature soak into my soul.
The beauty of it all isn’t just in the flowers or trees; it’s in the shared experiences that fill the air with joy. Whether I’m inviting loved ones to help me plant or simply enjoying a solitary moment with a good book, the garden is where I feel most connected to everything that matters.
And it all begins with a little spring prep.
So, what are you dreaming of for your garden this year? Maybe something simple and low maintenance? Or perhaps a vibrant flower garden filled with an array of colors? Or maybe a veggie garden, perfect for your favorite recipes? No matter what you decide your perfect garden looks like, let’s create something beautiful together.