2024 garden 🌱
🟣so this year i dug out, tilled, and outlined an add on to my original small section. my garden is now 1.5x the size it was. this year i will have even more space to expand.
🟣as far as my planting goes, it’s very chaotic. i threw a few squash seeds down, and two plants came up. i got so much yellow squash i could’ve set up a roadside stand lol!! as far as the beets, i did space those out since it was my first year doing them. i learned my garden has a DENSE ground, and lots and lots of rocks. the beets didn’t do well at making space underground so they came out small.
🟣when it comes to the flower section of this mess, it becomes much worse. i had 5 sunflower stalks, all yellow, grown from seeds from bird seed. the rest of the flowers were a wildflower and shade mix that i throw freely into the area i want, then mix it all around in dirt. it always seems to work for me. last year i had cosmos that grew 8 ft tall!! lastly the bougainvillea became a surprise favorite of mine! a neighbor to my friend had 4 plants on the porch and ask us girls if we wanted to take them FREE. ??!! lady i have never met you and you’re offering me free plants YES OKAY 🙌🏼!! i decided to take this one knowing nothing about it. i didn’t even know what the flowers would look like. they look like little pink lanterns! turns out she LOVES the sun and is dramatic as all get out if you let her get the least bit dry.
🟣oh and my cosmos thought it would be a good idea to pop up and bloom again in NOVEMBER (we are so doomed)
Stepping into my garden each summer feels like unwrapping a surprise present. While my 2024 garden might seem a bit chaotic, it’s bursting with life, especially with all my beautiful summer flowers! If you’re like me and love a garden that thrives on its own terms, here are some personal insights into how I coaxed so much color and joy from my patch, especially focusing on those amazing summer blooms. Sunflowers: The Ultimate Summer Smile My garden wouldn't be complete without sunflowers. This year, I had five tall stalks, all from birdseed! What I’ve learned is these giants aren’t just beautiful; they’re incredibly resilient. I even had some surprising regrowth after removing the main bud – it's like they just want to keep blooming! If you want a sunny statement piece, plant sunflowers directly in well-draining soil and give them plenty of sun. They’ll reward you with those iconic yellow faces that always make me smile, and even attract bees for a lively garden. Cosmos: My Unpredictable Darlings Oh, cosmos, you beautiful, confusing things! The original article mentioned my cosmos grew 8 feet tall – it’s true, they were absolutely massive! And seeing them bloom again in November, well, that just shows their tenacity. For fellow chaotic gardeners, cosmos are perfect. I just throw the seeds where I want them, mix them in, and let them do their thing. They love the sun and don't need much fuss, making them ideal for continuous summer color. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage even more blossoms throughout the season. Discovering Zinnia and Morning Glory While my main article focused on a few key players, my garden explorations also brought forth other stunning summer flowers. I was thrilled to see a zinnia bush grow over 6 feet tall! Zinnias are fantastic for adding a pop of vibrant color to any summer garden, and they're super easy to grow from seed. They're also butterfly magnets, which is a huge bonus! And then there's the morning glory. Isn't she beautiful? These climbers quickly cover fences or trellises, giving you a cascade of blue, purple, or pink trumpet-shaped flowers each morning. They truly bring a touch of unexpected elegance to my wild garden corners. Bougainvillea: My Free, Fiery Friend Remember those free bougainvillea plants I scored? What a surprise! These beautiful plants with their vibrant purple flowers have become a fast favorite. I quickly learned they absolutely LOVE the sun and become quite dramatic if they get even a little dry. My tip for bougainvillea (especially if you get them for free like I did!) is to find the sunniest spot possible. Water them consistently, but don't overdo it. They’re super rewarding and add such a tropical flair to any summer space, whether in pots or in the ground. Embracing Wildflowers for Effortless Beauty For those who love a natural, free-spirited look, wildflower mixes are a game-changer. My mix included a shade blend, and I just scatter them freely. They fill in gaps beautifully and provide a continuous display of diverse summer flowers without much effort. It's truly amazing how much beauty can emerge from just throwing seeds and letting nature take its course. Ultimately, my 2024 summer garden is a testament to embracing the journey, even if it’s a bit messy. The joy of seeing these summer flowers flourish, from the towering sunflowers and cosmos to the vibrant zinnia, morning glory, and bougainvillea, makes every rocky soil challenge worth it. Happy gardening!