It is that time of year again… The annual perennial sale at Blackhorse Farms in Coxsackie, NY is here! After a near complete overhaul of our yard last year during the annual sale, we decided to tackle our last remaining “empty” space. To tie the front yard together and improve the curb appeal, we decided to add a European-inspired country garden down the front bank.
Check out another successful Instant Garden creation, plus check out our instant garden renovations from last summer. Below are the before and after pictures of the new garden!
Before
After completing a country garden along the retaining wall of the front yard last year, we were excited to tackle the other side (which was a much more difficult feat). We decided to create a 17-ft country garden down the slopping hill where the old foundation used to be. After digging up the grass and tilling the soil, we removed over 100 rocks of all sizes that must have been once part of the old foundation. In reviewing the purchased plants we laid them out by size, so the tallest perennials were in the back and shorter ones in the front. We decided on black mulch to tie in the new shutters and opposite garden and mulched everything once the perennials were planted. Upon completion, some of the rocks were recycled as focal points in the new garden (the rest were saved for a later project). The new garden contains perennials like baby’s breath, soapwart, primrose, yarrow, German satice, sea thrift, and much more. And there we have it – a completed and country-inspired front yard to emphasize our home, add curb appeal, and serve as a cutting garden perfect for flower arrangements and attracting pollinators.
After
All in all, this was a fun, relaxing way to spend our Friday. Despite the sweat and hard soil conditions, we found another great way to spruce up the yard in under 7 hours. This garden did take longer than past instant garden endeavors because of the hot temps, resulting in more breaks, worse soil conditions, and being on a hill. Yet, the heat and current drought conditions are causing us to be cautiously optimistic that our new plants and other gardens will make it through.
Here is a breakdown of the materials:
3.5 Bags of Mulch (two were leftover from last year)
Perennials from Black Horse Farm 12 for $36 – $141
Bricks and Rocks – Free (Unearthed from our digging and recycled to highlight the history and character of the house)
Total Cost: ~ $150
Total Time Spent: 7 Hours
Upstate Vintage Living 