My Happy Place, a Small Shady Garden

Judymgibbs
by Judymgibbs
12 Materials
$100
3 Days
Easy
After taking down a rotting deck I was left with a small area between the steps and the air conditioner that had no direct sunlight. This weeks challenge was the perfect solution!
Once I got the debris cleared out I realized an old wooden bench that used to sit on the deck might fit in the space and it did.
I took some old round pebble stones and broke them in smaller pieces. By breaking them I could place them closer together to make a pad for the front of the space.
Next I bought two sheets of wood lattice.
Next issue was how to disguise the AC units. Went to Lowes and got two sheets of wooden lattice. I also got some wood pickets , they are used in the railing on a porch or deck. I put them around the lattice to make a panel. Then I stained it all do brown.
Growers outlet ”here I come”! Went looking for plants that love the shade. I got several ferns (autum fern), two different hosta and some pink impatiences. I got mondo grass tomput around the stones and give the affect of grass.
after I put some fertilizer mix on the dirt I planted all of the plants. I added a hummingbird feeder too!
the last thing I did was to paint the lattice behind the bench. The white was a distraction for me and I had stained the wood lattice so I painted the lattice brown too. The stones in front are a path from my porch door to an area where I have my hose attached and my potting supplies. I did stain the pavers Brown. Tired of all the gray look. I love my new space!
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  • Beth Trevino Beth Trevino on May 12, 2018

    I'm not sure what wood pickets look like but I assume they help keep the lattice upright? It looks like you used some stones to keep it stable as well? A great way to use your space and bench it's very pleasing to the eyes.

  • Sandra Hohenwarter Sandra Hohenwarter on May 15, 2018

    Just love, wandering if any other style of wood etc... would work in the same sense.

    Question, what did you do with the long black tubing. We have a long one. We have what I call an eye sore, on the front side it is connected to our down water pipe and just laying there.

    Would putting a top on it, be a problem for the unit? I would like to use it to hold something light, no plants, well maybe a tomato! lol

    Thank you

  • Kay Woods Kay Woods on May 19, 2018

    I see a black hose, what is it and how does it help with drainage? Did you bury it?

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  • Alma Alma on May 19, 2021

    How inspiring - love your cozy little nook!

  • Patty Patty on May 20, 2021

    What a cozy nook, I love space like that , that look like they have been there forever and have stories to tell. May I suggest though moving the bird feeders? They look lovely there but the birds will be pooping all over your bench. Maybe keep the shepherds hook and hang a cute solar lamp? I love birds, feed them and made a special little garden under the feeders, the birds destroyed the area. Now there are only feeders there. Sigh.

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