Garden Makeover Details

Garden Makeover Details

It has been really fun getting to show you all our garden we have been working on for so long.  (see article on Domino.com here) It has been quite the journey these last three years, and in case you missed it, you can see all of the before pictures and read the background story in this article.

Today I thought I would talk more about the details of our garden makeover.  Keep in mind that this is where we started…

November 2013

November 2013

And here we are now!

garden makeover

For this garden space, I really wanted a “put together organically over time” feel.  Our house was built in the early 1920’s, and back in the day, this area was supposedly a beautiful rose garden.  What I really love about design is bringing life to a space, breathing art and color and texture to it.  It is so gratifying to turn something not so great into something beautiful.

Once we got the pavers set in the center of the garden (we used these 18×18 pavers from Home Depot), I was immediately imagining what I wanted the dining set to look like.

dining set outdoor

When I saw this iron set from Ballard Designs, I knew this was it! I loved the classic pattern detail in the chairs, and the color was spot on what I was looking for.  The set gave off that English Garden vibe I was after, but when you order something like this online, the quality is somewhat of a mystery until you get it, you know?

chair pattern

But WHOA, when we got it, it was just perfect.  The chairs and table have a nice weight to them – heavy enough that you feel like you have a sturdy product, but easy enough to move.  I also added the stripe seat cushions which add a bit of punch.

umbrella and food

Our garden actually has quite a bit of shade, but it can get sunny where the pavers are so I knew a pretty umbrella would be just what we needed.  I wanted an umbrella with style, something with a bit of old Hollywood, classic with a touch of regency.  When I discovered the California Umbrella line, I knew I had found it!  Narrowing down the styles and colors took some thought, but I eventually settled on this black and white version.  I bought it on One Kings Lane, but they have lots of pretty styles and colors to choose from.

garden makeover

Surrounding the dining area are these four gorgeous cream planters (also from Ballard Designs), where we planted four Indian Hawthorne plants in tree form.  I had never seen these plants before, and when we spotted them in a local nursery, I knew they would create a cozy feel arching over our table and chairs.  We added some white marble stones found at Lowes for a little extra style and protection from our hot summers here in Texas.

stones in planters

garden makeover

At the back of the garden, we created an area with pavers for a small seating/lounge space.  I envisioned a couple of chairs to sit in and read, all while keeping an eye on the kids.  I wanted the chairs to coordinate with the dining area but not be too matchy-matchy.  (again, I wanted it to look more collected, less purchased at the same time)

outdoor lounge area

There is also a line of pretty stepping stones to the chairs.  They have aged over time and gotten mossy which I love!

mossy stepping stone

The lines of these Newport Lounge chairs are so attractive, and the sweeping motion picks up on the gracefulness of the dining set.  I also added these quick dry cushions (which are awesome for unexpected summer showers)  Pretty detailing on the back ensures your seating looks stylish from all angles.

chair detail

lounge chair outdoors

One of my favorite aspects of this garden has to be the antique kitchen sink turned potting bench.  I found it at my favorite local salvage store (a frequent stop for me!), and I just happened to catch it before it was even priced.  I actually had the idea of an old-kitchen-sink-turned-potting-bench a long time ago and scoured Ebay and Craigslist for quite some time to find the perfect one.  These antique sinks can be fairly pricey (even on CL) so I was super happy to find one locally that was affordable.  Originally, I thought I might paint it, but after I gave the old cast iron sink and metal cabinets a good scrub, I liked it just as it was.  The original faucet is such a cool thing to have, and while we had to replace the sprayer, it has been useful to have this outdoors for meal preparation or planting.

sink potting bench

kitchen sink potting bench

kitchen sink potting bench

aged pots

I also located this sweet pair of childrens garden benches at White Elephant Antiques in Dallas that I placed in front of each raised bed in the garden.  The kids like to sit there, or they move them to wherever they want to perch for awhile.

outdoor childrens bench

More to come regarding easy outdoor entertaining ideas and the garden after hours (i.e. tips for installing outdoor lighting)!

garden makeover

Are any of you getting ready to tackle and outdoor space, or do you have one that you love?  Is there something specific you want to know about regarding gardening or decorating outdoors?  Please let me know in the comments!

Written by Grace

8 Comments
  • Hope
    Posted at 11:27h, 29 July Reply

    Do the faucets run water? I see you have a working hose next to the sink. Also, where did you find the stepping stones?
    Very nice garden.

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:08h, 03 August Reply

      Hi Hope! They do actually! We hooked up the faucet and spray through the plumbing in the basement. We also created a kind of french drain situation underneath the sink so the water runs into the ground. It is so handy! Thanks for reading! G

  • Jessica
    Posted at 11:47h, 29 July Reply

    What a pretty and peaceful garden. I love all of the elements you used to create this gorgeous space!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:08h, 03 August Reply

      Thank you so much, Jessica! xo

  • Emily
    Posted at 11:57h, 29 July Reply

    I’m in love with every inch of this space. That old kitchen sink….perfection! And the umbrella choice is so, so good!
    This is is going to be the best place for many tea parties and brunches. My question to you is this. I also have many trees in my yard (love), but I am constantly blowing and sweeping leaves. Wish I could find a small battery run yard blower, but I can’t find one! How do you keep it all tidy? Any fast cleaning secrets?

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:10h, 03 August Reply

      Hey Emily, thank you! Goodness, I love that sink too. One of my favorite parts of the space.

      I hear ya on the trees. This area is shaded by pecan trees so the catkin is TERRIBLE when the trees are shedding. We have a small blower that helps – battery run. I think I got it from Target? It is great for quickie jobs.

      Hope that helps! Thanks so much for your comment. xo

  • AnnMarie
    Posted at 20:38h, 30 July Reply

    I think you’ve definitely achieved the vibe you were going for! It looks absolutely lovely and I’m sure it’s a wonderful space to relax.

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:11h, 03 August Reply

      Thank you, AnnMarie! We do love it, especially at night! It is really relaxing to unwind there. xo, G

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