Backyard Flowerbed Before/Now

These first two pictures were taken at the end of February of my backyard flowerbed. You won't believe what it looks like in July!

Here are my top recommendations for flowerbeds:

1. Save time and money- plant perennials one time in the flowerbeds you spend the least amount of time around. I supplement a single large colorful flowerpot with a couple annuals to brighten up my front (see Front Porch Focal Point post). Otherwise, I focus my attention on my backyard, where I spend most of my time with Penny.

2. Plant perennials that take up larger amounts of space. I have four main ones in this flower bed- two large bushes at each end, lambs ear, then the focus point Stargazer lilies.  Only plant perennials that flower.

3. After the perennials have poked up in early spring I plant a couple cheap annuals that brighten the empty spaces up (check out how to save money with my Always Look For A Deal post). I prefer coleus, wave petunias, and marigolds.

The sunflowers were an added bonus from the birds...I did not plant them!  Penny decided to join the last picture, see if you can spot her.