easy gardens
Also see section, below, on community gardens at retirement communities. Community Gardens This is my favorite patio garden so far this year. A picture is worth a million words--what can I say--it is perfect. One great color (orange) ties it all together. I like this garden so much, I have more photos below of the same garden.
Notice the slate floor, the soft colors, antique furniture in the corner of the same patio as above.
More use of the color orange on this same patio. Another cozy corner opposite the one above. The owner said the orange color was already there when they moved in and they made the garden around it.
As you leave the patio from the entrance you notice the angel, half-hidden, discretely placed. She holds a bird she is protecting and by her is a magnificent copper bird feeder. Notice the detail on her wings. I wonder what color the azalea will be when it blooms in this garden of perfectly coordinated colors. I will let you know.
I loved the angel so much, I took a front view--I like the ethereal quality of the angel. The white concrete statue is effective here in the shade. There seems to be a mist around the statue--must be my imagination, the lighting or the way the colors are placed. Beautiful.
Another favorite garden entrance of azaleas and window box of winter blooming pansies thoughtfully planted in the fall and now blooming in the spring.
Remember seeing those chunky curvy brick borders you can buy in one piece at the garden store--here is an interesting way to use them--looks like the hem of a princess' dress and serves to hold the soil in for planting shrubs or annuals. 
This is a simple to execute, popular and easy design for a front entrance. It is a symmetrical design. Brick borders the same on each side. Further emphasizing the symmetry are the identical trellisses on either side of the entrance. 
This small garden at the curbside and introducing the entrance is humorous and whimsical with the statue of the frog dressed in his sombrero. Guests can't help entering with a smile with an entrance like this. Think of a welcoming ornament you can use at the entrance. (Many seniors bring garden ornaments like this from their previous gardens and need ideas on how to use them and we hope to show you that here.) The brick border edging keeps it low maintenance. 
Garden stepping stones and signs with inspirational thoughts like this are also nice and welcoming at garden entrances or along the curbside.
Wrought iron furniture looks particularly visually delicate (and elegant) in dappled shade.
Here is a great idea when you have a nice trim at the top of your fence--notice how the hanging plant brings the eye up to the trim. Ornaments in gardens make the garden more interesting.
Garden umbrellas help protect you from the sun and come in all sorts of colors. This one is free-standing. You don't have to buy a whole patio set to get the benefits. Notice the yellow umbrella picks up the yellow in the chair cushions. The pink in the chair cushion picks up the pink in the antique brick building facade. Yellow is a great choice on this sunny patio making it even sunnier.
Another one of our favorite easy gardens--the childrens statues garden shown here in spring lit up with the bright flowers of azalea. 
Adding a curve to the straight lines of patios can visually enlarge the patio. This one is of Irish and Scottish moss set off by the orange azalea. This garden in early spring is full of weeds that must be eliminated soon. A non-toxic way to rid garden of weeds is to try pouring vinegar on them. You must get rid of weeds in early spring before they go to seed and get out of control. Please consider your neighbor and do not use toxic sprays. In a community garden communication with your neighbor is important.
This raised bed garden is an easy garden because it is easier to manage weeds and reach the plants.
Keep your rows straight in easy gardens with string wrapped around 2 posts. For a cost savings, buy a packet of seeds instead of plants. One packet of seeds can sow 500 plants of, for instance, lettuce. It varies, of course, but is most cost effective. Stick large plants that you purchase like eggplant or squash in the corners of the bed. Any extra produce you have can be given to your neighbors who will appreciate it I'm sure. When warmer weather arrives, the tomato plants will be set in the middle of the wire cages.
This garden has a design to it and is mostly perennials so that something is always in bloom or growing. The woodchip paths are thickly laid to keep the weeds from coming through.
These easy gardens are for information only. Please use your garden center professionals for advice regarding choice of plants and any information on this page. Back to main page of retirement communities gardens
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