It is finally starting to feel like spring here. I am loving these warmer temps! The garden here at the Dollhouse is fully awake now, so I thought I’d share what plants/flowers survived the past two years of 3-foot tall weeds and neglect that it experienced. You may remember when I shared these Lenton Roses earlier in the spring. Thanks for your help in identifying these!
Before we visit the backyard garden, I placed my potted Foxtail Fern that I brought up from Georgia here by the garage. It spent the winter inside the sunroom, where it got a decent amount of light throughout the winter months. It’s starting to put out some new shoots now.
I added a big pot of petunias to the hanger that was already installed here alongside the garage. The varieties are Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, Supertunia Vista Silverberry, and Supertunia Vista Fuchsia.
The planter isn’t that terribly high, but to make it (and the other flowers in the garden) super easy to water, I purchased a watering wand. I loved the colors of this one, and it had great reviews. (Wand is available here: Watering Wand.)
This container for housing/hiding a hose had such good reviews, I decided to purchase it for the 75-ft hose I bought last summer. It should come in handy for watering the flowers in the back garden during dry spells this summer. (Hose Container is available here: Hose House.)
This is how the garden and patio looked when the Dollhouse was listed for sale around 3 years ago. It was in beautiful condition back then. I’m doing my best to bring it back. I have plans to have the driveway and patio pavers cleaned, resanded, and sealed. Hope to get that done this summer. I just had the house and roof softwashed and it turned out great! 
Here’s what survived the Great Weed Apocalypse of the past two years, before I moved in. But first, a couple of few photos of how it looked after two years of neglect.
So, what survived the weeds and their removal?
Catmint must be some hardy stuff because it made it through and has come back in several locations in the back garden. Based on the app I had on my phone (but deleted before the trial period ended since it was so expensive) the plant that’s just below the catmint with the bright pink flowers is Bloody Cranesbill, I think. I hate that name! Why did they have to name it that?
More Catmint…
I think that’s a bit of purple salvia in between the two catmint plants.
Another Bloody Cranesbill in full bloom…such a pretty plant with a not-so-pretty name. And of course, we have more Catmint. lol
On the side of the house, I found Daylillies, at least I hope that’s what those are. Does that look like Daylillies to you?
Katie, who lived here for 20 years and built the previous beautiful garden, said there should be five peonies in the garden. I’ve only been able to locate two, and both are here on the side of the house.
This is the other peony that I was able to find. Sooo pretty! I have cage supports coming for them since the stems are too weak for their large blossoms. These are the support cages that I have ordered: Peony Cages and Supports AND Peony Cages. They should arrive tomorrow.
I really love the foliage on these Japanese Yew shrubs, but unfortunately, they have become very open/bare toward the lower part. They no longer hide the AC units as they probably once did. I’ve read that this bareness on the lower part happens when yews are not trimmed correctly. The top part is supposed to be kept smaller so the bottom half of the plant gets plenty of sunlight. So I’ve purchased some loppers to trim off the heavy top sections. From what I’ve read online, they can take a hard trimming, and this is supposed to be the best time of the year to do that. I plan to trim them back A LOT! I’d love for them to fill out and camouflage the A/C units that are currently visible from the round patio nearby. These are the loppers that I purchased, and they should be here soon: Loppers for Tree and Shrub Trimming. Any suggestions on trimming these? I’m going to be aggressive about it because I can see little bits of new growth all on the bottom stems. I think those will take off once the lower part gets sunshine again.
I’ve been weeding the garden, and some of the weeds are impossible to pull out, so I purchased a shovel to help with the really stubborn weeds. I wanted one like the one I have in Georgia because it’s not too tall to manage. This one arrived yesterday, and it’s perfect for my 5’4″ height. If you struggle with using taller shovels, you’ll find this one available here: Shovel for Shorter People.
These are the shears I used to cut away the old, dead stems that were sticking out of the front yard hydrangeas. They made it super easy to get down inside the plants and in-between all the leaves. You’ll find them available here: Pruning Shears, Garden Scissors. I will share more photos soon, as I plan to add some new plants around the patio. Also, I need to buy mulch since the mulch that was added last summer has mostly faded away.
Before I close this post, I wanted to share some sneakers I ordered recently that I really like. Long story short, one of my sneakers vanished and never made it home from the trip to Colorado in March. I don’t know if TSA randomly opened my suitcase to inspect it, or what happened, but I only had one sneaker when I unpacked after the trip. I suspect they did since everything was topsy-turvy in my suitcase when I arrived home. Maybe a sneaker fell out, and they missed putting it back in. In any case, I ordered these New Balance sneakers and they fit great! I like them so much, I’m tempted to order them in the blue accent design, too. If you need new sneakers for summer, you’ll find these available here: Sneakers, Available in White/Pink, White/Blue, and Black.
I’m off to buy some more plants for the garden and scope out the mulch situation. Oh, I almost forgot—I bought a Dovecote for the Dollhouse garden, it should be arriving today! I need to decide where to place it in the garden. I was thinking about the front yard, but I’d love one in the backyard, too. Can’t wait to share it with you once it’s here and installed. (Dovecote is available here: Dovecote.)
Oh, and the wallpaper for the guest bath is arriving today. I’ve already found someone to hang it, and I’ve ordered new lights and a new towel/TP holder, so it’s getting a complete makeover. The shutters for the window should be ready soon, too. There will be a lot going on over the next few weeks! If you would like to get an email in your Inbox whenever a new post is up, you can subscribe here: Email Me When A New Post is Available. Happy Weekend!
Hi Susan, yes those are daylillies in your garden. it is a shame it was not kept up but I am sure you will get it back in no time. Anything with the name mint in it for me is very invasive. I cannot wait to see it when it is all done.
I had heard that it’s invasive. So far, it is keeping to itself, but it could be growing and increasing in size since I’m not sure what size it was originally. As I find plants I want to add, I may remove a few of the catmint plants. I’d love to add some purple coneflower and plants that attract hummingbirds.
What is the “soft washing” you referred to in this post? We have some white siding that badly needs cleaning and don’t want heavy pressure washing on it as it could cause mold problems. I’d love to know more.
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Great question Beth! I’d like to know about “soft washing”, too – and I’m also curious as to why “heavy pressure washing” would cause mold problems. We’re hoping to repaint our home this year and they recommend cleaning prior to painting so I’d love to have information on cleaning options and their pros and cons.
Margaret, here’s the info I just left for Beth in case you find it helpful.
For the roof, it’s my understanding they don’t use any pressure at all. They clean it with a chemical that eats away any dirt/moss/mold that might be on the roof. I’m not sure what they used on the roof here, but I know when I had it done in Georgia, they used something that activates when it rains and gets rid of the discoloration and dirt/mold.
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/i-had-my-roof-cleaned-heres-how-it-looks-now/
I had a little moss growing in one area of the roof here, and now it’s gone. They took drone photos to show me the before and after. The roof wasn’t super dirty, but I could tell it needed to be washed. Keeping it clean It extends the life of the shingles. The workmen don’t get on the roof to apply it, they do it from ladders.
Soft washing is when they use a lost pressure or no pressure. I didn’t want the lime wash or German schmear or what is on the bricks to get blasted off, plus it’s not good for brick to get pressure washed. So they don’t use pressure like they would on siding.
For the roof, it’s my understanding they don’t use any pressure at all. They clean it with a chemical that eats away any dirt/moss/mold that might be on the roof. I’m not sure what they used on the roof here, but I know when I had it done in Georgia, they used something that activates when it rains and gets rid of the discoloration and dirt/mold.
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/i-had-my-roof-cleaned-heres-how-it-looks-now/
I had a little moss growing in one area of the roof here, and now it’s gone. They took drone photos to show me the before and after. The roof wasn’t super dirty, but I could tell it needed to be washed. Keeping it clean It extends the life of the shingles. The workmen don’t get on the roof to apply it, they do it from ladders.
Gardening was my passion until I started having mobility problems. It was so interesting to see what a difference a clean up makes and then incorporating your own ideas. Everything is breath taking perfect and showing where to purchase yard tools is such a “win win” . Otherwise one can spend weeks researching for the perfect yard tool. I know, I’ve been there!
Thanks so much, Caroline! I’m sorry that you aren’t able to garden as much as used to, especially when it’s a passion. I was kinda dreading working in the yard this summer, but the more I do, the more I feel that old excitement coming back. I hope to share more posts as I add to the existing plantings and continue to get rid of the weeds that are finding their way back.
The bees aren’t the only thing busy ariund your home!! Can’t wait to see each result…in due time!!! More plants…favorite phrase!!! franki
Love your peonies!
Hi Susan, love the plants you are finding in the yard. I love catmint, it blooms a ton, is a pollinator, pulls out easily for me when I don’t want it somewhere and is tough. I am guessing you probably have Walker’s Low as that is one of the most popular and easily bought. The cranesbill could be one of many varieties. I love that plant too, for the same reasons as catmint. My personal fav is Rozanne. You’ve got some good stuff there! 🙂 The dovecote is adorable….that will help make the gardens even more charming. That is the word I keep thinking about your house!
Susan I recently learned that on the iPhone you can go to the Google app (one with G), hit the little camera on the right of the search bar, snap a picture and information will come up whether it is a plant, or object or animal or ??? No need to buy expensive plant app. Hope this helps.
I wonder if my Samsung S22 Ultra has a similar feature? I’ll have to check that. Thanks, Toni!
A couple of thoughts to stare with you. Jess Zander at youcandoitgardening on Instagram is an account worth following. She has wonderful advice for all kinds of gardening questions and dilemmas as well as growing beautiful gardens. My second garden tip is that of weed control. Rather than Round Up, I make my own weed poison. One gallon of 30% vinegar, six tablespoons of salt and two tablespoons of dish soap makes a powerful weed killer. This is for all those weeds with taproots that your shovel can’t get out. But be careful as it kills everything including grass.
Love watching you create a beautiful home near your family!
Thanks for that recipe, Susan! How long does it take for the weed to croak after you spray the solution on?
On a warm, sunny day the vinegar mix begins working within an hour.
That’s great!
Oh my, I’ve had a lot of catching up to do w/ your blogs! Many trips and finishing up w/ all the home projects so we can pack to move and sell this home has kept me out of the loop for quite some time. I’ve certainly missed my daily doses of BNOTP. FYI, we’re moving to Dahlonega lol! I hope that you’ll one day get your Big Canoe house–you would be so near to us then. Do you think you’ll be selling the GA house? Back tracking a bit, I love the faux window box flowers (so realistic ). I’ve been searching online for them recently for the new home, so I appreciate your review and all the gardening tool info. as well. Your movie room turned out GREAT and I know the grands are loving it. I love all the before & afters–your “Doll House” is just gorgeous! I’ve been wearing New Balance forever. My feet never feel achy or tired after a long day. Will do better keeping up w/ your posts now that we’ll be staying home more. Lots of love from my little corner of the world.
Wow, that is so exciting, Bobbi! Dahlonega is such a beautiful place! Oh, I would love to live in BC, still can’t get it out of my mind.
Yes, it was a Podiatrist who first recommended New Balance to me, saying they were the best in her opinion. I bought my first pair and loved them, so that’s why I went with those again.
Walmart has a weed killer I like better than other brand names called Eliminator. I had a spot in the yard I just could not reach to clear when I moved here. The cord wasnt long enough. The water hose wasn’t long enough etc. At first I was upset that it didn’t work. It took two weeks but I really liked it once it kills the roots. I had a hard time finding it on their web page. A smaller bottle is around $11. If you don’t like chemicals use gloves and a mask. I hated the weeds and tall grass more than chemicals. They were easier to dig up once the roots are dead. I never use my hedge trimmer because it hacks vs prunes. Your pruners/loppers will give better results. One year I took the hedge down to about a foot with the reciprocating saw. It grew back nicely and much stronger.
Your garden has a nice start! I will look for some of those plants. They are lovely perennials.
Wow. Is there anything you don’t do??
I have a spider-phobia that makes it hard to garden. But years ago, I started w/ container gardening. So that’s my thing.
Wendy
I like your extra oh’s. You’ve been very busy!
I call the cranesbill Hardy Geranium. 2 years ago a thistle appeared in my neighbor’s gutter and one in my yard. Last year I found 3 or 4. This year about 6. It’s hard to dig deep enough to get the tap root plus I suspect there’s several in my neighbor’s yard that the birds go after and they spread the seeds. I’m going to mix some of that vinegar/salt from your other reader, cut it off and drip the solution right down the plant. No spraying. I did use spray Brush and Week Killer to spray my neighbor’s garage because poison ivy was climbing the side and I didn’t want it spreading my way. I did tell his daughter. He’s elderly and doesn’t maintain his yard – the son does the bare minimum of yard work, well, any work.
I had such a great giggle after reading “the great weed apocalypse “! It’s hard to imagine how anyone could let such a lovely area become such an eyesore. Sadly, not everyone who buys a home with a garden is a gardener. You certainly saw the potential & have made great strides in making your dollhouse beautiful inside & out!! My husband & I often say that the work is backbreaking, but the result is so satisfying! I love that you’re placing a dovecote back there—it’s just the perfect place for one!
It’s so interesting that in OH you’ve had so much rain. Here in IL & up @ our cottage in the Northwoods of WI we are in a severe drought. We had dust storms & fire warnings here Monday!