Patio + Garden Inspiration | White + Green

Lately we've enjoyed some absolutely gorgeous spring weather and it has me inspired and motivated to give our backyard + patio some much needed attention.  Like the rest of our yard we have lots of trees, which means lots of shade, so my options are a little limited when it comes to planting flowers.  I've conveniently used this excuse for the last seven years.  That, and my lack of a green thumb, both of which have prevented me from doing much of anything back there (except killing a few hanging baskets).

Looking through my exterior pinterest board I noticed a reoccurring theme: white, white, and more white.  Lots of hydrangeas and boxwood. Simple planters over flowing in shades of green and white.  I decided this was going to be my year to get on the horn and make our backyard space a little more lush and inviting.

I plan to add several Annabelle hydrangea plants with a boxwood border on one side of the patio.  And maybe add a couple Limelight hydrangeas along the path leading to the patio. We get a little early morning sun before the shade takes over which seems to be their preferred conditions.

^^Annabelle Hydrangeas^^

^^Hydrangeas with a boxwood border^^

^^Annabelle hydrangeas, boxwood, and urns filled with white flowers^^

In addition to the new plantings, I will add several oversized planters to our patio. I like simple planters and prefer stone or terra-cotta, but I'm not willing to pay over $100 for a pot.  That I will fill with dirt.  I found a few on Home Depot's website that give the right look for a more reasonable price, but I'd like to check them out in person first. Now it's just a matter of deciding on the style.

^^ Classic terra-cotta planters (From one of my all time favorite Cottage Living homes. Sigh.)^^

^^I think these are Restoration Hardware. (Very $$$) I like the look of wood square planters, especially when filled with round boxwood or topiary plants.  Something similar would look great flanking our back door.^^

^^Classic stone urns, probably a bit too formal for our patio, but oh so pretty.  Likely better for the front of a house.^^

^^It would be pretty to add just a bit of blue to the pots.   Or maybe have a pot with just lavender.  I haven't had luck planting lavender.  I think they need more sun.  We always had an abundance in our garden when I was growing up and the smell brings back so many good memories. ^^

^^A round up of some of my faves. From the pricey to the more affordable.^^

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

^^I'm also going to stock up on some additional seating.  We currently have a black wrought iron table and chairs and I'd like to add a little rattan + bamboo to the mix.  These Ikea chairs are stackable and would be easy to store away when the weather is bad.^^

I'd love to begin this weekend.  I'll be sure to post before and after pics as things start to come together.  Wish me luck.  Hoping I can make some of the plants last through the summer. My track record isn't the best. 

(sources for all images can be found here)