For the past few days we’ve been working on the side yard edging garden beds and pulling up sod. Thankfully, we can now check that major garden chore off our list.
It wasn’t fun, that’s for sure, but it’s done and it looks so much better than when we started.
Now if we could just get rid of that fuel tank, it would look even better.
Sadly though, that’s not possible {there’s no place else it could go}. It could use a good scrubbing though, so I’m going to add that to my list.
The HH did all the digging, and he did a great job.
I was in charge of sod removal and planting. 😉
Have you ever had to dig up a giant hosta before? Holy cow it’s a lot of work. We had 4 big ones to pull up and my husband said he never wants to it again.
On the plus side, we were able to divide the 4 hosta plants into about 20+ smaller ones and put them on the curb. As soon as we got them out there the hostas were all scooped up within 30 minutes by about 6 different people.
It was SO MUCH FUN to watch.
After the hostas were removed it was time to dig the holes for the peonies.
I ended up with a few extra so I think I’ll wheel out my garden cart tomorrow and try to sell them. The peonies are still kind of small, but I’m thinking I could get at least $10 each for them.
I would have sold the hostas too but the HH got rid of all my containers before I had a chance to re-pot them.
Neat and tidy and all in a row, just the way I like it.
Next up, figuring out what to plant on the trellises. Green beans? Butternut squash? Mini pumpkins? I need a good climber.
Do you have any suggestions?
~Mavis
Christa H. says
Looks great- grow honeynut squash! Sweeter than butternut and small. I think they would sell well too.
Mallory L. says
You might be able to put a wooden or similar screen around the propane tank – as long as it is easy to move for deliveries. We rarely get a summer delivery, so you could always remove the screen. If you (and not the propane company) own the tank, you should be able to paint it as well.
Your propane provider/tank owner would be more than happy I’m sure to answer any questions about what you can and cannot do code-wise.
Any tips on low maintenance edging? Our current front garden has stacked stones – which are fine but need some releveling. Trying to decide what to do with the side and back bed (all perennials).
Rosemary says
Green beans, cucumbers, pumpkins and watermelons are all good climbers. I have them planted in my garden and the green beans, cucumbers and pumpkins have been climbing high. The watermelons haven’t done as much . . . yet . . . but I know they can!
Melissa says
Do you ever drive by many of the houses you’ve sold to see how the new owners are taking care of the yard and if they’ve kept everything the same or changed what you did? You put so much work into every house you live in and the yards, so I’m curious.
Holley says
I do not know much about plants, but how about blackberries or raspberries? I know they can grow on trellises.
Brianna says
We have propane, but our tank is underground. They come and inspect it and make sure the bladder is good. I am glad it is just a plastic green pizza-size box in my yard. Maybe you can see if they can bury a tank for you?
The worst things I have dug up have been lilac bushes and creeping junipers. The lilacs are extremely rooty and I bent my steel shovel handle digging them up. The creeping junipers are sharp and we’re full of snakes under them. I had about 8 junipers in my front yard to dig up. Guess what, I haven’t had any snakes since slithering around the front yard or across my sidewalk and surprising me in my flower beds. I probably found 3 dozen snakes while I dug them all up.
Margo says
Nice trellises for green beans, cucumbers, winter squash, or sweet pea plants.
Tamara says
This might be a bad idea, but could you put a wire trellis in front of the fuel tank that had a climbing flower so in the summer you don’t see it?
Cat says
Just a side note, i think i would’ve kept some hostas and planted them behind the peonies. It would just give a bit of extra greenery until the peonies and the vines actually fill out and the leaves are really nice for making flower bouquets. It still looks lovely though
Meg C says
I vote mini pumpkins (they’ll be great on your cart in the fall!) and cukes!
Also, I agree with Cat re: keeping a few hostas just to fill in until the peonies really take off. That said, wouldn’t it be ironically hilarious if you snagged some free hostas from someone else’s hell strip? hahahahaha
Kathy Webb says
You could use your artistic skills to paint the tank to look like a fisherman or garden gnome or other cute character.
Mary Kerns says
Or a buoy!
Mindy says
They have expandable privacy fence with faux flowers on Amazon. You could cover the tank and have it blend into your garden.
Vicki in Birmingham says
Did you know that hostas are edible?
Sue S. says
Clematis! I have one on a trellis that just keeps growing and blooming, and I let the rain water it. You could add beans to one side for when the clematis die back. Or climbing roses. Looks great, Mavis. Do you two ever stop??
Terri says
My sister had hosta plants in her backyard many years ago. They were huge–around 4 feet tall and I’m not kidding. The previous homeowner had planted them.
Rachel says
This year I am trying to loofah squash & cucamelon aka “mouse melon”. You could try those on your trellis. Cucamelons are unique & taste really good & you could use & sell the loofahs.
Carrie V says
How about some Nasturtiums mixed with mini pumpkins?! They would make a beautiful tower!
Dot says
May 13 and 14 I didn’t receive your e-mail letter. Today I typed in your name and found today’s letter, May 15. How do I get signed up again?
Jo says
Scarlet runner beans. The flowers are nice and the beans are excellent in winter stews.
Carole says
I think you should paint your propane tank if its allowed. Make it a garden item. I see them all the time. Cute
Sue says
Not sure what happened to my original comment, but I suggest English peas, pickling cucumbers, and muskmelon for those beautiful trellises. I love the idea of clematis, plus planting sweet peas every spring for a glorious floral display.
Wayfair.com sells 2-sided screens:
(https://www.wayfair.com/keyword.php?keyword=outdoor+privacy+screen+2-panel&filters=158361%7E569420-158359%7E569408-158359%7E569409&filtered=true)
You could have the open side face the back yard to provide tank access, so it would never have to be moved.
You cannot paint a tank unless you own it. Around CT, many companies won’t deliver to a privately-owned tank (because they can’t ensure the tank is in good condition). And yearly maintenance/inspection will be on you, not the gas company. Seems like a headache just to have a tank that looks like a tank painted like a gnome…