Every spring, I look forward to new and exciting garden ideas from upcoming garden tours. Regardless of the garden’s size or style, I undoubtedly return buzzing with ideas.
It’s not just the big, show-stopping moments that stick with me—sometimes it’s the smallest details that are most memorable: a tucked-away seating nook, a clever use of color, or an unexpected solution for pesky wildlife.
In this article, I’m sharing some of my favorite discoveries over the years —little gems that can bring new life to any garden, no matter its size or style.
Clever Garden Bed Edging
I just returned from a 2-day garden tour/workshop at the incredible garden of Freeland & Sabrina Tanner (click here for details – we have a few openings left for June!)
In addition to inspiring design, there are a million clever ideas that anyone can use in their garden. One of the group’s favorites was edging created out of fall-pruned shrubs.
Instead of using willow branches (the shrub of choice in English gardens), they’ve used cuttings from their Cotinus (Smokebush) and hydrangeas.
And if you look closely, you can see the hydrangea cuttings have re-rooted over the winter and are actually growing flower buds!
And when winter arrives and the bulbs are fast asleep under ground, the barrels remain hidden by the evergreen boxwood.
Of course you can use any plants you like, but this strategy is fantastic for bulbs, perennials, and annuals.
Hidden Wine Barrels
Another trick Freeland Tanner does throughout the garden is to discreetly place half wine barrels behind evergreen plants (in this case, clipped boxwood balls).
He then plants a variety of lilies in the barrels, which thrive in an environment without competition from neighboring tree roots. Not only that, but now the lilies are elevated two additional feet, creating a towering explosion of scented blooms.
Critter Control
On another garden tour, I appreciated how inexpensive and unobtrusive fencing was used to keep out the deer while doubling as a trellis for the scrambling clematis (left).
Or in this garden (below), where forks were used to prevent squirrels from constantly digging in the pots. I might steal this idea, but instead of using plastic, I’ll look for vintage metal forks.
Outsmarting HOA Restrictions
While touring this small garden, the homeowner had to contend with his HOA’s strict garden rules (two of them being nothing attached to or taller than the fence).
He came up with his version of vertical gardening using various spray-painted PVC pipes for a vertical garden, as well as building a fence in front of the fence, where he could attach hanging baskets to his heart’s content.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Recycled Bottle Retaining Walls
Years ago, I visited Jim Bishop’s incredible garden (click here to see his succulent courtyard), and one of the highlights was how he interspersed recycled blue and aqua among his retaining walls.
Interspersed throughout his terraced garden, he placed groupings of bottles to add color and whimsy while also serving a practical purpose.
Screening Solution
While visiting this garden, I thought it was really clever to use the colorful climbing bignonia vine throughout the garden, adding interest to an otherwise boring fence.
But they took it one step further and used the vine to cover the trellis that screened the unsightly irrigation and pool equipment. This added a thread of continuity throughout the garden, tying all of the areas together.
Repurposing Old Blinds
Instead of throwing old, outdated aluminum blinds in the garbage, this homeowner cut them into smaller lengths, transforming them into handy plant tags.
Planting Under Tree Roots
One of the questions I get asked the most is ‘What can I plant under Redwood Trees?‘
And boy, is this a difficult one, as the shallow, thick mat of Redwood roots makes it unbelievably inhospitable for plants.
This homeowner solved this problem by building raised containers (with screens on the bottom to keep out the roots!) for his small Japanese maples.
Protecting Rose Canes
Back to the garden of Freeland & Sabrina Tanner again, where Freeland uses pipe insulation (split down the center) as protection for his climbing rose canes.
This way, the foam (which lasts for many years) acts as a cushion between the cane and the wooden trellis, preventing rubbing and damage to the rose.
Repurposed Fireplace
And finally, I wanted to share one of my favorite repurposing ideas from my own garden.
A few years ago, we remodeled our home and decided to remove the oversized fireplace. Not wanting to throw it out, we broke it apart and used a section as an outdoor planter!
We then found the perfect-sized metal basket to fit inside of it, lined the basket with thick landscape fabric to hold in the soil, hooked it up to irrigation, and voilà!
A raised outdoor planter!
So as you venture forth on this year’s garden tours, remember to keep an eye out for the small details!
And if you have any ideas to share, please do so in the comments!
2 Comments
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for sharing all those clever ideas, I hope the “critter control” would help me dealing with possums and rats we’ve got plenty around. And the weeds, oh God, plenty, having all the rain this summer by the time I get to the back fence, turn around and have to start all over again! Any idea? Pleeeeeeeeese?
Hi Rebecca,
Love the idea, ” Critter Control.” Some people come up with the best ideas, and I appreciate you sharing them..
I am in the process of fighting the weed, Galium aparine. If, you see it in your yard, get it immediately before it dries up. It appeared two years ago in our neighborhood and it has become a nightmare, here in Newcastle, west of I-80.