Things You'll Need:
- Pots
- Fortified soil
- Rubber or gardening gloves
- Seeds
- Soil spoon or knife
- A Plan
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Step 1
Asiatic Lily - Photography: Diane B. UhlmanTownhouses, like condominiums, have uniformity guidelines as to the outward appearance of these homes. Most all townhouse associations require that residents do not alter the structure of the building in a way that will make the building's appearance different, in any way, from the rest of the homes. Before you start planting a garden check with the bylaws of your association or speak directly to the board members themselves and inquire as to the rules for planting, permanently affixing anything to the outside structure of your home, or altering the existing landscape outside of your home.
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Step 2
Hummingbird at our feeder - Photographer: Diane B. UhlmanFor a guideline we will use my association's rules; which state, that unit owners may not may any permanent alterations to the exterior of the building. We cannot affix any item to the building in a way as to damage the property. Nor can we remove any of the existing bushes and shrubs without express written consent from the board. However, we can use planters or plant directly into the ground.
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Step 3
Birdbath and photo by: www.alsgardenart.comUnfortunately, the landscaping company used clay outside of our home and then covered the area with lava rocks. This makes planting directly into the ground an excruciating chore so I decided to use planters for my garden. In the next steps I will explain how make your small lawn area a beautiful sanctuary for you and for wildlife.
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Step 4
Photography by: Diane B. Uhlman (American Goldfinch)Look at that garden area you have to work with. Then ask yourself these questions. Does your garden have straight lines or is the garden curved? Do you want to attract song birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bumble bees? I want my garden to attract all of the aforementioned. So, I came up with a plan.
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Step 5
Early Call Morning Glories - Photo by www.ReneesGarden.comHummingbirds, butterflies, honey/bumble bees are attracted to nectar bearing flowers. Morning Glories, Cardinal Climbers, Moon Flowers, Honey Suckle, Phlox, Trumpet Creepers, Bee Palms are wonderful flowering plants to attract nature with. (See below for links with additional flower information).
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Step 6
Wooden Trellis - Photo by: www.lowes.comWhen the time comes to plant my flowers, I start with a variety of climbing flowers; such as Morning Glories and Cardinal Climbers. I am careful to choose pots that are earth tone and will blend in with my garden. The idea of the garden is to see the flowers not to have your eye drawn to highly decorated pots. Plant climbing flowers up against the front of your home; smaller plants should be planted in the front of your garden. Remember to so in size order with the shortest in the front to the tallest in the back. Purchase a wooden trellis for each pot of climbers you plant. You can use plastic ground spikes and wire to anchor the trellises so they lay against the building and do not fall over when the wind is strong. Use long rectangle pots in front of the trellises this way you can plant a variety of climbers in rows. Once the climbers get tall enough they should grab hold of the trellis and begin to wrap themselves around. If you find a stray climber, simply help the vine by wrapping it around by hand.
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Step 7
I buy my seeds from Renee's Garden - www.reneesgarden.comWhile you are waiting for your climbers and other flowers to grow you can put in-ground Shepard hooks and hang hummingbird feeders and songbird feeders from them. This will keep your hummingbirds coming to your garden while you are waiting for your plants to grow.
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Step 8
Swan - Photography by: Diane B. UhlmanPlant shorter flowering plants in the front of your garden. Terra Cotta pots come in the tradition orange but you can now get them in a copper color. This more subdued color will help to blend in with your landscaping. If you have bricks that line the front of your garden, use medium-sized pots and place them along the contour of the bricks. Spread them out with close to equal space between them and do not overdo it with too many pots. Less is better. If you have a small space available add a birth bath to give nature a fresh source of drinking water. Remember smaller is better; three to three-and-a-half feet tall is good. Change the water every day. Letting water stand will cause it to become stagnant and allow for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and reproduce. Happy planting and here's to your beautiful little garden
