Summer is in full swing, but enjoying the garden is about more than just beautiful summer garden plants. To really make the most of our Iowa summer, we've put together all of our favorite ways to spruce up your backyard landscape so you can relax in the sunshine all season long! 

Container Planting

Summer containers are a great way to show off those summer garden plants and offer a versatile way to bring color and interest to your garden. No matter what type of space you have, containers are the way to go for mixing styles and varieties as the season changes. They also make it easy to move vulnerable plants into shade when things get a little too hot.

Advantages of Containers

• Container gardening is incredibly versatile and perfect for small spaces. 
• You can move containers around to create new looks and provide plants with the best growing conditions.
• They are easy to refresh and you can swap out plants with unique features for seasonal interest throughout the year.

Selecting Containers and Plants

• Choose containers that suit your garden's style and are appropriate for the plants you wish to grow. 
• Terracotta, ceramic, and resin pots are popular choices, and each comes with specific advantages. Come check out our great selection to find out what container best suits your plantsand we have a great selection in stock! 
• Select plants that thrive in Bettendorf's summer climate, such as Cannas, petunias, marigolds, geraniums, and herbs like lavender and rosemary.

Arranging Plants 

• Combine plants with different heights, colors, and textures to create stunning floral arrangements. 
• Use a mix of trailing plants, upright flowers, and filler plants. 
• Ensure proper spacing and good soil to allow plants to flourish.

Seasonal Planting Ideas

• Keep your garden vibrant all summer by rotating seasonal plants.  Don’t forget to plant  summer blooming perennials like coneflower and perennial hibiscus to bloom all summer long and come back year after year. 
• Feature cool-season flowers in early summer while highlighting more heat-tolerant varieties in mid to late summer. 

Water Features

Nothing adds a splash of Zen to your garden like water. Adding water features like fountains, bird baths and ponds to your garden is one of our top outdoor oasis tips, as they instantly elevate any space's aesthetic and bring a sense of tranquility and relaxation to your landscape.

Benefits of Water Features

• Water features such as fountains, ponds, birdbaths, and waterfalls enhance your garden's beauty while providing a soothing background sound. 
• They also attract wildlife, like birds and butterflies, and contribute to a thriving ecosystem.

Types of Water Features

• Fountains can range from simple, self-contained units to elaborate multi-tiered designs. 
• Ponds can be small and pre-formed or large and custom-built. 
• Birdbaths are easy to install and maintain, while waterfalls can be a striking focal point in your garden.

 

Seating

Comfortable seating is the cornerstone of any inviting outdoor space and the best way to sit back and take a break from your Bettendorf summer gardening chores. It's also where you entertain guests, show off your green thumb, and take in the buzzing wildlife that has stopped by to relish your landscape. Here's how to make the most of your summer seating areas: 

Choosing the Right Furniture

• When selecting outdoor furniture, choose materials that are both durable and weather-resistant, such as recycled plastic,  teak, aluminum, or resin wicker. These materials can withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance. 
• Go for seating that complements your landscape's overall vibe and works with your surroundings. Find a style that fits your lifestyle like a large dining set if you like to entertain, a pub set for pre-dinner drinks or a lounge set for morning coffee and afternoon chats.  
• If you're a DIY enthusiast, try creating your own seating with pallet benches, concrete stools, and repurposed wooden crates. 
• Add some patterned cushions and throws for extra comfort and a pop of color and store them in a weatherproof storage bench. 

 

Shade Solutions

Creating shade in your garden is essential if you're going to make the most of outdoor living in the summer. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Shade Options

• Use umbrellas that can be moved around with your seating arrangements to create versatility in your outdoor landscape.
• Pergolas and shade sails offer a more permanent solution and are great ways to add dimension and interest to your outdoor space.  
• Take advantage of natural shade from strategically planted trees or large shrubs to provide relief from the sun and enhance the beauty of your garden.

 

Enhancing Garden Pathways and Borders

Pathways and borders are crucial garden design features, as they help define your garden's structure and guide visitors through your outdoor space. Here's why we love them, along with some of our favorite design ideas:

Importance of Pathways and Borders

Well-designed pathways and borders enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden and provide clear routes for movement. They also help divide different garden zones and create a sense of order.

Material Options

Gravel, stones, bricks, and wood are popular materials for garden pathways, each offering a unique look and feel. For borders, use plants, stones, or decorative fencing, and get creative with some DIY garden projects of your own!

Decorative Borders

Plants like boxwood, lavender, and ornamental grasses make excellent borders for defining spaces. You can also use materials like bricks, stones, or recycled wood to create visually appealing edges.

Creating and Maintaining Pathways

Start by planning your pathway's layout. Excavate the path area, lay a base material, and then add your chosen surface material. Regular maintenance, like weeding and replenishing gravel, keeps pathways looking neat and tidy.

Lighting Up Your Garden

Proper lighting transforms your garden into a magical space you can continue enjoying long after the sun sets. Outdoor lighting not only enhances your garden's beauty by highlighting key features and creating ambiance but also ensures safety and usability at night . Think about how you can incorporate some of these lighting ideas into your own space:

Lighting Options

String lights, lanterns, solar lights, and LED fixtures are all popular lighting choices. String lights are perfect for adding a whimsical touch, solar lights are energy-efficient and easy to install, while lanterns and LED fixtures provide more substantial lighting for specific areas.

Placement

Place lights along pathways, around seating areas, and near water features to highlight these elements seasonally, using softer lights for ambiance and brighter lights for task areas.

Safety Considerations

Ensure all outdoor lighting is weather-resistant and properly installed to avoid electrical hazards, and use solar or low-voltage lighting to reduce energy consumption and enhance safety.

Boost the look of your summer garden plants by incorporating some of these outdoor decor ideas into your landscape this year. With the help of Wallace's, you can make the most of everything summer has to offer right in your own backyard! Come see us today for everything you need to make an outdoor oasis right here in Bettendorf.