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May 10, 2015 By Wendy 40 Comments

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!) #LetsGarden

 

This post has been sponsored by Monrovia, but all opinions are my own.


Why Monrovia plants? Because my Mom says so, and Mom is always right.

OK, so that’s not the only reason we’re Monrovia gardening fans (although Mom’s opinion is usually the one I trust.) I’m a lifetime garden lover and my husband is a master gardener through Penn State, but honestly, our green thumbs are really falling short this year. We have massive home repairs to do this season (with 2 little kids to boot) so not much is getting done around here. That doesn’t mean we’re willing to sacrifice curb appeal, though. That’s the real reason why we’re using Monrovia plants – they’re available at local garden centers and Lowe’s home centers across the country, and the experts at Monrovia inspire us to be “horticultural craftsmen” just like they are.

Monrovia’s website is truly a gardener’s treasure. It’s full of well-organized advice on what to plant in your specific hardiness zone (by zipcode) as well as growing specs, design tips and outdoor inspiration. You can also sign up for their newsletter, Plant Savvy™, and get gardening info delivered to your inbox each month. Topics like what kind of plants increase your home’s value, how to design a water-wise garden, curb appeal tips and ideas for planting edibles. Good stuff – and free!

[Tweet “I’m in Zone 6! Do you know your hardiness zone? #ad Be #PlantSavvy and find out here: https://ooh.li/45a869d”]

So when Monrovia asked me to pick up a few plants so I could show you, I was in the car before I could say, “You bet your aster!” 🙂

We visited our local Lowe’s (we found them by entering our ZIP in the Monrovia store locator.) Obviously, the kids were into it.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

Each one picked out a plant of their own. They were so excited, you would have thought they were in a candy store.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

And then, with the very little bit of time we had, we put our Top 3 EASY Tips for Increasing Curb Appeal to work!

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

1. First, we chose a compact groundcover. I love sedum because they grow so close together and crowd out all the weeds. We chose Monrovia’s Sunsparkler® Firecracker Sedum because it’s a low-maintenance perennnial groundcover, but also because it offers a pretty red/purple color to complement the bucket of hens and chicks we brought from our last house.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

We’ll plant these along the side of our deck where weeds tend to get out of control. Once these babies fill in, we’ll barely have to weed at all! And the area will look clean, colorful and appealing from the road.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

2. Next, we filled in with long-blooming annuals. My son’s Aloha Million Bells (technically, Aloha Kona Calibrachoa) were the perfect thing to fill in our big half-barrels, since their colorful blooms last all season and grow well in baskets and containers.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

We teach the kids to pop off the spent blooms and water them, and there’s basically zero upkeep for us. Plus, these are great for quite a few different hardiness zones.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

The hot pink and yellow look so bright and cheery from the road, and we plan to add a tall, spiky grass accent in the back for a little height.

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

My husband did the planting for me as a Mother’s Day gift. Nice, right? I visited with my Mom and by the time I got home, voila! (I think my baby girl approves.)

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

This step also included potting up my very favorite plant – the Corkscrew Rush. I pot them up to keep on the deck every year because they’re just so fun and whimsical (and also because they look great for the whole season and barely requre any care!)

3 Easy Curb Appeal Tips (for the low-maintenance gardener!)

I definitely need a pot that looks like a face, don’t you think? This would make great hair!

3. Finally, some show-stoppers.

Here’s the part we still have yet to do. I think every yard need a destination plant or two, and we’re missing those. We have one large area on the side of our house that will be losing shrubs during our home repairs, and we plan to replace them with some real breathtaking beauties (alongside our bleeding hearts, of course.)

Increase your curb appeal the easy way with tips from Monrovia

My dream plants? Wisteria and Foxglove. My dad has a wisteria that he’s training into a tree, and it’s to die for, but I’m thinking I’d like a trellis or fence on the wall to keep things a little more low-maintenance. The foxglove bring in butterflies and hummingbirds, so I look forward to having them around. What a spectacular show we’ll have! These flowers may bring in pests such as termites. However, with appropriate termite control los angeles you home and garden can be protected from an infestation!

Monrovia-zones

A great garden doesn’t have to be a ton of work, but it does take a little planning. Choosing the right plants for your zone and the level of maintenance you want will make all the difference in maintaining your curb appeal for years to come. Visit Monrovia online and get your garden off on the right foot this spring.

Don’t forget – you can shop Monrovia online and have plants shipped directly to a participating Monrovia garden center near you.

What’s your favorite flower? Got any great gardening tips to share?

Related

Filed Under: Garden, Green Living, Home & Garden Tagged With: garden, gardening tips, home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bri says

    May 11, 2015 at 12:14 am

    I always wanted to start my own little garden, but I didn’t know what plants would work best for a beginner & still look beautiful. The Aloha Million Bells are very lovely.

    Reply
  2. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    May 11, 2015 at 5:48 am

    My yard needs some serious TLC this year. It really suffered after all the snow we got!

    Reply
  3. AJ @ Roaming Family says

    May 11, 2015 at 7:09 am

    I love Stargazer Lilies. I do not have any gardening tips to share- I am known to have nothing survive in my gardens!!
    AJ @ Roaming Family recently posted…Family, Food & Fun- Eat the Street Franklin TN Food Truck FestivalMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Milena says

    May 11, 2015 at 7:52 am

    We started some serious clean up last year and I hope to continue this year! I love black eyed susans!
    Milena recently posted…Sofia Vergara Stars in Hot Pursuit in Theaters Now #HotPursuitMy Profile

    Reply
  5. IttyBittyFoodies says

    May 11, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I’m a novice gardener but I do find that Monrovia has great plants. I tend to buy those. These are great tips and your little gardeners are adorable.
    IttyBittyFoodies recently posted…How to make the perfect boiled eggMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Heather Lawrence says

    May 11, 2015 at 11:25 am

    One more weekend and then it’s “safe” to plant here in my neck of the woods. Normally we wait until after the may long weekend to plant so we don’t have to worry about frost killing everything.
    Last spring we planted candy cane phlox, peonies, vanilla strawberry hydrangeas, numerous lilies, lavender and wave petunias. So far the lavender and the petunias has to be replanted as they died in the cold winter but everything else came back. I can’t wait to flood the front yard with color!
    We are getting two Japanese lilacs planted this week so our backyard is going to look amazing!
    Love playing in the dirt… :0)

    Reply
  7. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    May 11, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Great advise. I am not good with flowers, it is so hot here and I forget to water them and they die. Green plants seem to hold up longer on my end.
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…So Many Amazing Things To See & Do At The Palm Beach ZooMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Saidah Washington (@ApronsStilletos) says

    May 11, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I love getting in the garden and planting. I love how plants can make a space look totally different.
    Saidah Washington (@ApronsStilletos) recently posted…Blog Income Report for April 2015My Profile

    Reply
  9. Tamara says

    May 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    My husband and daughter are the gardeners of the family but I’m happy to say I’ve made it a point to help this year. I can’t wait to get into planting!
    My favorite flowers are sunflowers and pink roses. Oh, and lilacs!
    Tamara recently posted…Why Don’t You Go Ask Your Sister!?My Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 11, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      I LOVE lilacs! This year, I want to try to make lilac jam.

      Reply
  10. Laura Funk says

    May 11, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Wisteria is also a dream plant of mine. Someday I will have one!
    Laura Funk recently posted…DIY Photo Vase with HP’s MyPrintly #CMYKMy Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 11, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      My dad’s wisteria just bloomed for the first time, and it’s just gorgeous! Even though it’s tiny. I’m determined to get one now, and I may even try to train it to be a tree like his. Not exactly low maintenance, but oh so pretty!

      Reply
  11. maria @closetohome says

    May 11, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    I think that site is so useful as just because we like the look of a flower does not mean it will succeed in our space. Love this brand.
    maria @closetohome recently posted…How Much Sleep do we Need and How to Sleep Better #CommitToSleepSweepsMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Lorane says

    May 11, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    Great Post .. very informative. I know nothing about Gardening , but this certainly helped. You are so right “Mothers are always right’
    Lorane recently posted…Colour Me SummerMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Emerald says

    May 11, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Your kids are simply adorable! I love the plants you chose, I’m trying out my green thumb this spring as well!
    Emerald recently posted…The Myth Of Natural TalentMy Profile

    Reply
  14. becca says

    May 11, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    I’m a terrible gardener. I totally kill plants.
    becca recently posted…Music Monday with @Doll2Dame #MusicMy Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:40 am

      I kill the inside ones! (Quickly!) I think my outside ones do OK because I get a little help from Ma Nature. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Jessica Harlow says

    May 11, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Monrovia is a new brand to me, but they look really healthy and vibrant! I’ll have to keep an eye out for them, especially that Corkscrew Rush…I love the whimsy of it (and that it’s easy to care for)!
    Jessica Harlow recently posted…Enter to win a Blossom Cup…and make Aunt Flo’s monthly visit easier!My Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Isn’t it great? I love the super curly pieces.

      Reply
  16. Lindi Haws says

    May 11, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    Man I needed this post! I am totally anti-green thumb.
    Lindi Haws recently posted…Mini Marshmallow Ice Cream ConesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:39 am

      Mine is pretty green, but only for outside plants. Put them inside and I can kill them within a week!

      Reply
  17. Dawn says

    May 11, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    I remember letting my daughter pick her own plants out when she was little. She loved it!
    Dawn recently posted…Rinse, Recycle, Reimagine With Unilever For A Brighter Future #ad #ReimagineThatMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Stacey- Travel Blogger says

    May 11, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    All of these flowers are gorgeous. I haven’t gotten around to planting any this year.
    Stacey- Travel Blogger recently posted…Rinse, Recycle, Reimagine With Unilever For A Brighter Future #ad #ReimagineThatMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Liz Mays says

    May 11, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    Having some plants along my driveway would be awesome. I’m definitely in need of low maintenance ones!
    Liz Mays recently posted…Summer Fun: Set Up An Ice Cream Sundae Bar with #TurkeyHillGelatoMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Rhonda says

    May 11, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    Yes, you’re right that was a wonderful present from your hubby. I love your adorable daughters Oh Happy Day t-shirt. Great post!
    Rhonda recently posted…Fairdale Pulls Together as a Community for Tornado Clean Up and RebuildingMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Amanda says

    May 11, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Looks like you have some pretty cute helpers! I can’t wait to get some new flowers at our house!
    Amanda recently posted…Parenting Sanity Savers Making Beach Trips With Kids A BreezeMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Trisha says

    May 11, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    I’ll have to share this post with my mom, she loves gardening! I really like the colors of those annuals btw! I was actually bought my mom a hanging planter with annuals for mother’s day.
    Trisha recently posted…Comment on Girls Night Out with Hot Pursuit! #HotPursuit #BH #ad by Lindi HawsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Best Mother’s day gift ever! I really want to start making my own hanging planters, but the big, full ones in the stores around Mother’s Day are so easy and beautiful!

      Reply
  23. Carol Bryant says

    May 12, 2015 at 12:07 am

    Now gardening I like – though we don’t have a lot of land because we have a large deck – I could get into this. Love your pics! Happy Gardening.
    Carol Bryant recently posted…My Dog Deserves Better Than This #InspiredByCraftedMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Melissa Vera says

    May 12, 2015 at 12:13 am

    My favorite flower is the peony. I have a plant in my yard but somehow I can’t get it to bloom.
    Melissa Vera recently posted…Unique Ways To Share A CokeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      May 12, 2015 at 11:37 am

      We had peonies at our last home, and they were just lovely. They smell great, too! It’s always such fun to watch the ants march through them.

      Reply
  25. Kimberly Dickerson says

    May 12, 2015 at 12:36 am

    I love Monrovia flowers. They’re always so hardy! My fave is the hydrangea 🙂
    Kimberly Dickerson recently posted…DIY Mosaic Decorative Mirror!My Profile

    Reply
  26. NYC Tech Mommy says

    May 12, 2015 at 6:06 am

    This is wonderful! I love that you got the kids involved. My kid loves when we plant each spring and I love working in our garden because it does make our home so much prettier. I love your plant selection and thanks for including the great guide. I needed something like that 🙂

    Reply
  27. Steph says

    May 12, 2015 at 6:11 am

    I have such a black thumb! You make it look so easy. I am definitely following your tips this weekend when we plant our flowers!
    Steph recently posted…Free Printable Blank CountdownMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Krystal says

    May 12, 2015 at 8:32 am

    I wish I was better at gardening! This would be a fun family activity.
    Krystal recently posted…Grilled Sriracha Shrimp RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Debbie Denny says

    May 12, 2015 at 11:05 am

    I love using barrels and tubs. Your garden is great.
    Debbie Denny recently posted…The Alpine Inn – A Sparkling Gem We Found in Hot Springs!My Profile

    Reply
  30. Courtney says

    May 12, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    I love these tips! Monrovia sells really hardy plants. I have a total brown-thumb and we had a shrub from them that I couldn’t kill despite my best (neglectful) efforts!
    Courtney recently posted…Caprese love.My Profile

    Reply
  31. Charise Rohm Nulsen says

    May 12, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    We just got a Monrovia plant last weekend!
    Charise Rohm Nulsen recently posted…This Mom of 2 Has Found Her Way Back to Her Pre-Marriage and Children SelfMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Kristin says

    May 12, 2015 at 11:33 pm

    Curb appeal indeed! What beautiful blooms. Makes me want to get out there and upgrade our landscaping!
    Kristin recently posted…The Perfect Cheat Sheet for Every KitchenMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Ron Pickle says

    September 19, 2017 at 2:11 am

    Paying attention to curb appeal of the house always pays in the long run and to have a beautiful garden is a blessing and to upgade it with beautiful plants is not less than a prayer. I just loved those Monrovia flower pots, apart from their flowers and plants, they seem to be very professional and love their job.
    Ron Pickle recently posted…How Clogged Gutters Cause Roof LeaksMy Profile

    Reply

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