Transform Your Farmhouse Yard: Our Top Garden & Landscaping Goals for the Year Ahead

Welcome to our vision for the farmhouse yard and garden! This year, we’re embarking on nine exciting landscaping projects, plus a bonus endeavor, ranging from experimenting with innovative gardening techniques like grow bags to planning our dream greenhouse. Join us as we transform our outdoor spaces into a beautiful, functional, and productive oasis.

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While I’ve consistently set general goals each year since the inception of this website, I’ve realized I’ve rarely delved into the specifics of my garden aspirations. This year, however, is different. Our farmhouse property presents a multitude of exciting opportunities and challenges, and my list of desired accomplishments for the yard and garden has grown considerably.

Sharing these specific garden and landscaping goals serves several purposes:

• Firstly, it’s incredibly rewarding to create a tangible record of our ambitions. Looking back allows us to track progress, celebrate achievements, and learn from what might not have gone according to plan. It’s a personal gardening journal in the making!
• Secondly, I am passionate about bringing you along for the journey, especially for the more significant projects. I understand how valuable it is to see the step-by-step process, witness both successes and setbacks, and learn from real-world experiences. My hope is that our progress will offer practical insights for your own gardening endeavors.
• And finally, there’s immense inspiration in sharing dreams and seeing what others are striving for. My hope is that by outlining our goals, I might spark ideas for your own garden projects and encourage you to tackle those aspirations you’ve been nurturing.

With this spirit of sharing and growth in mind, I’m excited to present the nine key projects – plus a bonus goal that would be lovely to achieve – that we’re aiming to complete in our farmhouse yard and garden this year. Each one is a step towards creating a more beautiful, productive, and enjoyable outdoor living space.

After reading through our plans, please share your own garden and landscaping goals in the comments below. Your ideas and experiences are a wonderful source of inspiration for me too!

Our Farmhouse Yard and Garden Goals for the Season

1. Experimenting with Portable Garden Grow Bags

Last year, I purchased a set of grow bags with the intention of using them for a fall planting. As often happens in gardening, plans shifted, and I found sufficient space in my existing raised beds, so they remained unused. However, this year, they are definitely on the agenda!

My primary objective for these grow bags is twofold: to thoroughly test their effectiveness as a gardening method and to expand our planting area without committing to permanent beds. This offers fantastic flexibility, allowing us to move plants as needed for optimal sun exposure or to simply reconfigure our garden layout.

Specifically, I’m eager to grow potatoes in a few of the bags. I’ve attempted growing potatoes in a trash can previously without much success, so I’m keen to see if the aeration and drainage offered by grow bags provide a better environment for tuber development. I’ve read many positive reviews about this method, and I’m hopeful for a bountiful potato harvest this season.

In another two bags, I plan to cultivate basil. Last year marked a disappointing first for my basil crop in the round rock bed; it struggled significantly, which I attribute to excessive shading from the towering clematis and sunflowers. Grow bags will allow me to position the basil in a spot with ideal sunlight, ensuring robust growth and a constant supply of fragrant herbs.

That leaves five additional bags to fill, offering exciting possibilities. I’m considering using them for peppers, which also thrive in consistent warmth and sunlight. Dill is another contender, as its delicate nature can sometimes benefit from the controlled environment of a grow bag. White sweet potatoes could be a fun experiment, and perhaps more strawberries, as who can ever have enough fresh berries? If you have any experience or tips for using grow bags, especially for these specific crops, your insights would be greatly appreciated!

2. Establishing a Dedicated Seed Starting Area

Oh, this is a perennial challenge! In our previous cottage, I had the absolute perfect spot for starting seeds in the laundry room. It was conveniently located, ensuring I wouldn’t forget about my delicate seedlings, and offered the ideal warm, dry conditions necessary for healthy germination and early growth. Crucially, it was also comfortable for me to work in.

However, since moving to the farmhouse, I haven’t found a suitable indoor space to set up seed trays with a grow light. I attempted to use the finished garage, but despite employing a heat mat, the warm-loving seedlings simply suffered. The ambient temperature, even with insulation, proved too low for their delicate requirements.

After extensive research and consulting with fellow experienced gardeners, I believe the best temporary solution involves adapting the garage. My current plan is to construct a temporary indoor greenhouse within the garage. This structure will help to trap heat and humidity, creating a microclimate more conducive to seedling success. I’m currently eyeing this inexpensive greenhouse kit with promising reviews (standing out from others I’ve investigated) and intend to equip it with attached grow light strips for consistent illumination. A seedling heating mat will be placed on one of the lower shelves; a reviewer noted a significant 10-degree temperature increase even on the top shelf, which bodes well for maintaining optimal warmth.

Additionally, I’m considering a smaller, dedicated setup for one tray of particularly warm-loving seedlings that demand extra attention. This might involve a small table with a grow light inside the house, possibly even in our bedroom, simply because finding a warm, bright, and available spot can be quite the puzzle! Ultimately, I’m hopeful that our next major goal will provide a permanent, more robust solution to this seed-starting dilemma.

3. Initiating Planning for a Greenhouse Behind the Garage

This is a long-term dream that I’m thrilled to finally start planning for! I don’t believe I’ve ever shared this specific area of our property, but it possesses all the ideal characteristics for a future greenhouse. With its existing overhang, readily available electrical connections, a solid cement floor, and crucial southern exposure, it appears to be a truly perfect spot.

Furthermore, this area currently serves as a temporary spot for a table and chairs. As soon as we establish a more suitable patio or seating area closer to the main house, this space will become available, losing its current utility. Repurposing it into a greenhouse would maximize its potential and solve many of our gardening challenges.

While I’m realistic that constructing an entire greenhouse might not be achievable this year – given the extensive list of other projects – I am absolutely committed to commencing the planning phase. This involves sketching out designs, determining ideal dimensions, and identifying the sizes of windows and doors we’ll require. Starting this process now is strategic: it allows us to keep an eye out for salvaged or second-hand windows and doors. Finding pre-loved architectural elements can significantly reduce costs and add unique character, so having a clear idea of our needs will enable us to snatch up suitable items if they appear on the market.

A dedicated greenhouse would revolutionize our gardening. It would provide a consistent, controlled environment for year-round growing, extend our growing season significantly, and offer a permanent, warm home for seed starting, alleviating the issues faced in the garage. It’s an investment in our future gardening success and a project I’m incredibly excited about.

4. Redesigning Plantings in the Round Raised Bed

Our round rock wall raised bed has been a prominent feature in the garden for the past three years. During this time, I’ve consistently planted basil, zucchini, and sunflowers within its confines. The first two years yielded satisfactory results, with the basil thriving. However, last year brought a significant change.

The central clematis, which anchors the bed, grew considerably larger and wider, casting a much broader shadow. Between its increased foliage and the impressive height of the sunflowers, the basil simply didn’t receive enough sunlight. It struggled immensely, producing a meager crop compared to previous seasons. This experience has highlighted the importance of observing plant growth and adapting the garden layout accordingly.

While I still adore this spot for sunflowers – their cheerful blooms add so much character – it’s clear that the basil needs a new home with more direct sunlight. I also grew a couple of tomatillo plants in this bed, and they too underperformed, likely due to the shade. Moving them is a priority. I plan to relocate the tomatillos to an area of the cattle panel trellis, where they’ll have ample vertical space and full sun exposure to thrive.

For the round rock bed, I’ll be rethinking the planting strategy entirely. I aim to choose plants that are either more shade-tolerant or those that benefit from the dappled light provided by the clematis and sunflowers. Perhaps some leafy greens, or other herbs that don’t demand intense sun, could be ideal replacements. This redesign is an exciting opportunity to optimize the productivity and aesthetics of this beautiful garden feature.

5. Completing the Back Door Path and Seating Area

If this list were organized by sheer necessity and visual impact, this project would undoubtedly claim the top spot. The area around our back door is currently an undeniable eyesore, which makes its completion a high priority! However, it’s worth noting that if it weren’t for the protective plastic sheeting we’ve laid down, it would be a far worse muddy, weedy mess, so there’s a small victory in that.

My comprehensive plan for this space involves two main components: first, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing path from the back door directly to the driveway. This path will require steps up to the driveway level, ensuring safe and easy access regardless of the weather. Secondly, the area situated between this new path and the sunken garden (where I’m standing in the photo above) will be transformed into a welcoming seating area. The exact material for this patio is still under consideration – I’m debating between utilizing more broken concrete, a sustainable and cost-effective option we’ve used before, or investing in actual pavers. The decision hinges on whether we have enough suitable salvaged concrete and, of course, the budget for new pavers!

Looking further ahead, I envision extending a cover over the walkway from the driveway to the back door, offering protection from the elements. To enhance the ambiance, I also plan to string outdoor lights over the newly completed patio. Imagine how wonderful it will look – a cozy, illuminated space perfect for evening relaxation or entertaining. This project promises to dramatically improve both the functionality and beauty of our farmhouse entrance, turning an unsightly area into a cherished outdoor living space.

6. Installing Permanent Cement Steps for the Sunken Garden

The creation of our beautiful sunken garden was an unexpected but wonderful outcome of having to excavate the lawn for our foundation. We meticulously repurposed rocks unearthed during the dig – yes, every single one of these rocks, along with a few larger boulders, came directly from the soil or around the property – to construct the retaining walls and edging, giving the garden its unique character.

However, what we currently have are temporary solutions for access. A crucial next step is the installation of permanent cement stairs, which need to be professionally formed and poured. These stairs will provide safe, stable, and aesthetically pleasing access from both the main walk and the driveway down into the sunken garden, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its charm without navigating uneven terrain.

Given the complexity and structural requirements of cement work, this will not be a DIY project. Our focus will be on finding a reputable contractor with the expertise to execute the job flawlessly. This year is also critical for addressing some existing cement issues on our driveway, so we’ll be coordinating both projects to ensure all our concrete needs are met efficiently and professionally. Investing in these permanent steps is not just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing safety and long-term usability of a cherished part of our garden.

7. Designing and Building a Deck or Patio for the New Kitchen Door

This project fills me with immense excitement, even though the final design is still a delightful mystery! The prospect of having a dedicated eating area directly accessible from the kitchen is incredibly appealing and will dramatically enhance our outdoor living experience. Imagine the convenience of carrying meals directly from the kitchen to a beautiful, shaded dining space just steps away.

The location itself is perfect: it boasts an eastern exposure, ensuring lovely shade in the evenings – a significant advantage considering we often experience strong, gusty winds on warm afternoons, powerful enough to sweep items off tables! This sheltered spot promises a much calmer and more enjoyable outdoor environment.

My preference leans towards a patio for its low-maintenance qualities, but there’s a significant challenge: the kitchen door is 2.5 to 3 feet above ground level. This means we would either need to undertake extensive dirt work to build up the area to patio height or incorporate a series of large, wide steps, similar to what we successfully implemented in our last backyard. Another consideration is incorporating some form of cover that provides shade without completely blocking natural light, perhaps a pergola topped with clear panels. This could create the charming look of a side porch gracefully stepping down to a spacious patio.

I’m still actively gathering ideas and inspiration, and the extent to which this will be a DIY endeavor versus requiring professional assistance is yet to be determined. However, this project ranks high on our priority list – probably third or fourth – so my aim is to at least make significant headway, if not fully complete it, this year. The vision of dining outdoors with ease and comfort is a powerful motivator!

8. Implementing Deer-Resistant Plantings Around New Areas

As we create and enhance these new outdoor spaces, a critical consideration will be selecting appropriate plantings that can withstand the local wildlife, specifically deer. Our farmhouse property is home to many deer, and integrating our garden with their presence requires thoughtful plant choices.

Through my experience with what I’ve already planted, I’ve learned valuable lessons about deer behavior. While many plants are labeled “deer-resistant,” I’ve observed that deer tend to bother these supposedly resistant varieties most intensely at the very beginning and end of the growing season, when other food sources might be scarce. During peak season, they often leave them untouched.

Happily, there have been many successes. Plants like the coneflower and salvia pictured above have remained largely undisturbed, proving their true resistance in our specific environment. Therefore, I plan to do a lot of repetitive plantings of these proven performers, as well as researching and testing new varieties known for their deer-deterring qualities. The goal isn’t to eliminate deer from our property entirely – after all, they are part of the natural landscape – but rather to find a harmonious balance where our garden can thrive without becoming their primary buffet. This involves careful selection, strategic placement, and ongoing observation to ensure our new garden areas remain beautiful and intact.

9. Continuing to Plant Our Roadside Hedgerow

This photo above genuinely made me chuckle when I first reviewed it! It’s quite challenging to spot the tiny plants I’ve already established in our roadside hedgerow amidst the vastness of the landscape. So, to make it easier to visualize, I’ve added some arrows to indicate their locations – a little creative help to guide your eye!

The prominent large tree on the far left is a flowering plum, a beautiful addition to the landscape. To continue this line, I’ve strategically planted two more flowering plum trees along the fence line, spaced evenly to ensure that eventually, this area won’t just feature a lone tree but a cohesive, flourishing row. The arrows in the image point to where I’ve already planted:

• Two evergreen privets (ensuring non-invasive varieties)
• Two vibrant crepe myrtles
• Two ‘English Roseum’ rhododendrons, known for their robust growth and beautiful blooms
• One ‘Victoria’ ceanothus, which will add lovely blue flowers and evergreen structure

Given the sheer length of our fence line, my strategy is to plant a few new things each year. This phased approach helps manage costs and makes the enormous task feel more achievable. Our ultimate vision for this hedgerow is to create a robust, beautiful barrier that offers privacy from the road and effectively screens the unsightly electrical and internet boxes, all while providing continuous flowering interest throughout the growing season.

For this year, I am actively looking to incorporate elderberries, known for their hardiness and attractive berries, alongside viburnum varieties, which offer beautiful foliage and flowers, and a couple of taller evergreens to add year-round structure and privacy. It’s undeniably a long-term project and won’t mature into a dense hedgerow for many years to come. However, as with any significant undertaking, you have to begin somewhere, and each year’s planting brings us closer to our beautiful, functional vision!

Bonus Project: Enhancing the Left Side Porch with New Planters

This particular item is considered a bonus project because, while highly desired, it’s not strictly necessary to complete this year. Nevertheless, I’m eager to explore and implement some form of decorative and functional planters around the left side of our porch.

From an aesthetic perspective, adding planters here would beautifully balance the existing plantings on the opposite side of the porch. Visual symmetry and harmony are important to me in garden design, and these planters would significantly contribute to that balanced look, making the entire entrance feel more cohesive and welcoming.

More importantly, strategically placed planters could serve a crucial safety function. We truly appreciate the open feel of our porch without a traditional railing. By creating a visual and physical barrier with robust planters, we could enhance safety without compromising the open design we love. This would allow us to maintain an unobstructed view and a sense of spaciousness while providing a subtle boundary that makes the area safer for everyone. It’s a clever way to blend beauty with practicality, and I’d love to find the perfect solution for it soon.

So, there you have it – our ambitious list of nine to ten projects we hope to accomplish in the current year!

Compiling this list might make it seem like an overwhelming amount to tackle within a single season. However, it’s important to remember that some of these initiatives are already underway, such as the initial steps for our new seed-starting area. Others, like the essential steps and pathways, address immediate functional needs that we simply must resolve. Therefore, I genuinely believe we are well-positioned to complete the majority of the items on this list.

The few larger, more complex undertakings, particularly the deck project, might not see full completion this year. Yet, I am confident that we will at least make significant progress and get them well underway. As with all the goals I set, what truly matters to me isn’t necessarily immediate finality, but consistent forward momentum. Every step we take, no matter how small, brings us closer to our dream farmhouse garden!

I would absolutely love to hear about your own garden tests, exciting projects, or planting plans for the upcoming season – and please, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you achieve them!

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