Planting

We have been in our house for about 9 years and are FINALLY making some much needed renovations.  We're getting ready to do some major things to the house (this summer and then in the next year or so).  I'm so excited.  I like this house but it has been in desperate need of some work. 

Last year I worked on the flower bed in front of the house and this year I finally got to the other flower bed in the front.  The old, dead bushes had been removed last year (thanks to our neighbor for helping us out) and this year I was able to plant some new things. 

Everything I planted is now small but will grow in time.  I want to see how big this all gets before planting anything else.  I don't like having a flower bed that's too cluttered. 

This is my dwarf pine tree.  Right now it's so tiny and adorable but eventually it will be as tall as 5 ft.  I've been watering it every day but it looks like the heat and sun have still dried out part of it. 

Here are a few hydrangeas and a dwarf bush in the middle.  Again, so very small.  I can't wait until next spring when the hydrangeas will show their beautiful flowers. 

My sister-in-law gave us a few lilac shoots and I just planted them in the side of the house.  They will eventually have white flowers on them. 

The next major outdoor project I have for myself is planting a garden in the backyard.  I can't wait to have my own fresh vegetables.  Have you noticed how expensive fruits and vegetables are at the store?  Ridiculous!  I remember the gardens my dad had when I was little.  He spent hours planting and maintaining them but in the end we always had delicious veggies to enjoy. 

Oh and I also planted some sunflower seeds my dad gave us.  The kids even got their hands a little dirty with me. 

I also use red rubber mulch in my flower beds.  It costs more than real mulch but it lasts longer and you don't have to worry about replacing it every year.