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May 27, 2014

Urban garden ideas

by Debra Anchors

What can you do with a city yard so compact you can reach out and touch your neighbors? How about borders thick with irresistible roses and flowering perennials? Why not consider a deck, perfect for living in the garden and watching the world go by? What about a pond large enough for a growing family of goldfish as well as plenty of aquatic plants?

I like to take full advantage of what I have available. Outbuildings, fences, walls, and gates - All of these provide structure and opportunities for growing vines and climbers.


Architectural plants. Shrubs, small trees, and evergreen perennials can become year-round focal points.


Light up the night! I enjoy dressing my garden for nighttime. Create your own solar chandelier for pennies.  
And, why not use rope lights year-round? Although there is a multitude of colors to choose from, I chose to install cool-white LED rope lights to illuminate our way on the stairs of our deck. I was careful to choose lights appropriate for outdoors and capable of handling the below-zero temperatures of a Midwest USA winter. It can be difficult to find rope lights (unless it is the Christmas season), but I was able to find some affordable lights online at The LA Shop; and I am extremely happy with them. There is an opportunity every 3 feet to cut the rope lights to size, the lights bend easily around deck corners, and the energy-saving LED bulbs are brighter, and last longer, than incandescent string-lights.

If you enjoy this website, you might like my magazine, Gardening Life

Thank you for stopping by to spend time in my garden.  If you liked the article, please take a moment to let me know. I will be delighted if you would suggest Gardens Inspired to your friends, follow me or subscribe to my Blog.

Leave a legacy, but garden like you’ll live forever! 
-Debra

* I received the LED rope lights free from The LA Shop in return for sharing my honest opinion with readers. 

7 comments:

  1. You mention evergreen perennials. Great idea, but there aren't many of them that I am aware of. Could you give us a list of evergreen perennials?

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    1. Hi there! Of course the list will depend on which gardening zone you are in, but you can find suggested evergreen perennials for the Midwest USA by placing "evergreens" in the Gardens Inspired search area above (which will take you to my other articles pertaining to them).

      Your suggested list sounds like a great future topic for Gardens Inspired. I'll make plans to do that. Thank you! -Debra

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  2. Debra, your garden is stunning. I love the way you've painted your wendy house. I'm with you about the evergreens - they give the garden all year form and colour interest. You have a lovely blog - looking forward to more of your posts!
    Emma :-)

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    1. Hello Emma. Thank you for stopping by and for leaving your kind comment. You have a lovely blog, as well. Readers, link to Emma South London, above, to find a delight for your senses. -Debra

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  3. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos and inspiration...SMILE!!!

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  4. this is quite creative and lovely..

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