BKYD Life

Gather. Create. Grow.

Flowers

Friday 5

We are starting a new feature…The Friday 5. You won’t find it every Friday, just once a month on the last Friday we will give you something to think about on, well, a Friday.

Here’s our first one. 5 things that you can grow in your backyard, or any outdoor space really.

1. Fruits and Vegetables

This comes as no surprise if you have been here for a bit. Want to read about the costs of a garden? You can do that here. Bottom line is that once your garden is established the costs are minimal and the savings you see at the grocery store will be maximized. But most of all, gardening is good for the soul ~ and that is priceless.

2. Flowers

While fruits and vegetables are good for the body, flowers will put a smile on your face. Having a cutting garden to brighten up the inside of your home is so worthwhile. If you have room in your backyard, I can’t emphasize enough that having both a vegetable garden and a space to grow flowers is something that will bring you days, weeks and maybe months of joy. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies ~ and if they don’t bring a smile to your face, then I don’t know what will!

3. Animals

Clover

My first thought is that my dog loves to run and play in the backyard. We really do consider her a member of the family. She also loves to go on walks around the neighborhood and say “hi” to her friends. But maybe you have the space and are zoned for other animals. Maybe you have chickens, goats, donkeys? Many people would consider spending time outside with animals as a great stress release. Growing or raising animals is fantastic way to help children learn responsibility and compassion for others. What I know for sure is that when I am outside with my dog, Clover, I am completely present ~and that’s a good thing!

4. Relationship with Your Family and Friends

Do you love to entertain? When the weather is right, hosting a gathering of family and friends in the backyard is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. I remember when I was younger, Sunday’s my family spent the day together at my grandparents house. Grandma and Grandpa had a swimming pool and my brother, cousin’s and myself would spend summer Sunday afternoons in the pool. The adults would tell us “Your lips are turning blue, get out for a little bit.” Of course, we didn’t want to get out. We loved to splash and have swimming races. Creating those memories and those bonds are what summer’s in the backyard are all about ~ oh, and ice cream, too!

5. Relationship with Yourself

This might be the most important thing you can grow in the backyard. Taking time to get quiet and really check in with yourself is a great backyard or outdoor activity. Whether go for a walk or even a hike, get your hands dirty in your garden or pots on the patio, or sit on a lounge chair with or without a book we all need time to breathe deep. When we take time for ourselves, we end up as better people for our loved ones and our community. We can envision our dreams and know our next steps to get there. Let the sunshine on your face, take a deep breathe and know you are worth knowing ~ the birds are singing your song!

Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend in the fresh air!

Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Now that the temperatures are starting to warm up and flowers are blooming, the hummingbirds and butterflies are buzzing around my backyard. I love to watch them, they just amaze me.

Have you ever thought about what you can add to your backyard to attract more hummingbirds and butterflies to your outdoor space? Here are a few ideas to get you started~

Hummingbirds

Zdenek Machacek Photo, courtesy of Unsplash

For centuries, gardeners have been fascinated with the beauty and aerobatics of hummingbirds. The key to attracting hummingbirds to your yard is to plant lots of flowers and provide the habitat that will give them shade, shelter, food, water, and security.

  • Herbs, flowering shrubs, dwarf trees, and vines can all be used to create an ideal tiered habitat from ground level to 10 feet or more.
  • Provide lots of space between plants to give hummingbirds enough room to hover and navigate from flower to flower.
  • Hummingbirds love water, especially if it’s moving. A gentle, continuous spray from a nozzle or a sprinkler hose is perfect for a bath on the fly.
  • Hummingbirds do not have a keen sense of smell and rely on bright colors to find their food.
  • They are particularly fond of red and are often observed investigating feeders with red parts, red plant labels, red thermometers, and even red clothes on a gardener. Note: Do not use red dye in a hummingbird feeder; there is concern that it may harm the birds. Instead, use plain, clear sugar water (1 part white sugar mixed with 4 parts water). The birds love it! If your feeder does not have red on it, attach a red label or other item to attract them.
  • Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

*This information is copied from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Butterflies

Christopher Paul High Photo, courtesy of Unsplash

To attract butterfly’s to your backyard you need to know what they need. The list includes sunny open spaces, shelter from the wind, and fresh water. They also need plants where they can lay their eggs.

You will need to include food sources in the form of host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for butterflies. Stick to native plants, as those will encourage the native species of caterpillars and butterflies. Consult your local garden center or Cooperative Extension service for more information on native plants.

Flowers that offer fragrance and nectar are great options for attracting butterflies. These fabulous pollinators are just as interested in a colorful array of flowers as mother’s on Mother’s Day. So go bold, enjoy some color in your backyard and watch the flying friends flock to your outdoor space.

Flowers: Annuals vs. Perennials

Do you know the difference between flowers labeled annuals versus those called perennials? The quick and easy explanation is that annuals only live for one season. Many annuals will drop seeds that can be collected to plant the following year. Another fact about annuals is that they can grow in just about every climate zone. Conversely, perennials will come back year after year, but do best in fewer climate zones.

Click here to find your zone, this map is for those that live in the USA. If you live in a different country, try searching for a hardiness climate zone map for your country. I live in the desert southwest of the US. Phoenix is in hardiness zone 9b-10b. It is important to know your zone so that you can maximize your planting budget and have a beautiful yard.

Both annuals and perennials need to be throughly watered when first getting established and fertilizer to grow. Annuals need to be fed weekly to every other week, while perennials can be fed once to twice a year. Perennials can also benefit from mulching to keep the soul moist between waterings. Perennials also needed to be winterized so that the plants are ready for spring.

I would recommended getting to know the personnel at your local nursery. They are a great resource for flowers that will grow well in your climate hardiness zone, when the best time to plant and how to care for the flowers you choose.

Flowers offer both texture and color to your outdoor area. Whether annuals or perennials are the right choice for your climate zone, flowers are a great addition to making your patio or yard inviting. As the weather warms and we spend more time outside what flowers will you enjoy outside? Click the link to our social media and share your favorite flowers for your yard.