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Life On Virginia Street

Life On Virginia Street

DIY . Home Decor . Travel . Style . Life

Adding Color to Our Backyard & Tips for Planting Roses

DIY Projects, Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

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This is a tutorial and pictures on adding color to our backyard & tips for planting roses!

A backyard with an unground pool and flowers around it.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Easy Elegance® Roses. The opinions and text are all mine.

Several weeks back I talked about that fact that I’ve been working on plans for adding some vibrant color to our backyard during the summer months. And, as I mentioned in my weekend recap, I spent close to seven hours in our backyard last weekend planting and adding the color we’ve been craving! Today I’m going to talk to you about the plants I selected, how I lay everything out and my planting process. Plus, I have a great giveaway at the end of this post!

Gardening In The Backyard

I added some Easy Elegance® Roses to our backyard over the weekend, along with some potentilla. These are both really great low-maintenance options that add bold knockout color to your yard. I also wanted something that could help add additional coverage in front of the pool equipment the is an eyesore. I’ve had such great luck with the Easy Elegance® Roses  in the past (we have multiple versions of them in our yard already), I knew I wanted more. Our neighbors have potentilla by their pool and I’ve always loved the addition of bright yellow, so I picked some of that up as well. I love plants to bloom all summer long, and these both fit the bill!

Here are the exact roses I purchased. There were honestly so many beautiful color options I had a hard time picking just one! But ultimately, I chose this really bold, rich pink called My Girl, because it looks so great with the color of the pool water! They Easy Elegance® Roses are easy to spot because they all come in a deep red/burgundy pot.

Easy Elegance roses with the tag still on the plant.

The back of the tag for the roses explaining how to plant and grow.

The potentilla I purchased (also from the Bailey Nurseries brand) is a beautiful golden yellow with orange undertones called Mango Tango™.

A tag for the Mango Tango Potentilla.

I know some of this may be basic, but I thought I’d give you some of my gardening tips for planting and share a bit about my process. I know many out there are scared to try and plant flowers or shrubs on their own because they feel they have a black thumb and/or no experience doing so. The Easy Elegance® Roses are a great plant to start with because they are incredibly hardy and thrive in so many conditions. There’s a reason we have them all over our yard!

First, I start by laying out all the plants in the general area where I wish to add them. I like to walk around and view the garden beds from multiple angles to ensure I have everything exactly where I want it!

A small garden beside the pool.

Then comes the digging! I typically follow the directions on the plant guide, in terms of how big to dig the hole. You’ll really want to pay attention to this as you want to ensure your hole isn’t too small for the plant. It also allows the roots to really grab hold and take off!

The pot of Easy Elegance lying on its side ready to be planted.

I gently remove the plant from the container, and then very gently try to loosen the roots at the base of the plant. Sometimes the plants’ roots are so packed in at the base of the bucket, this will help them grow into the new soil. And I’d be happy to provide sources for my grubby planting clothes (Croc and pilling joggers included) if anyone is interested. #fashionblogger 😉

Digging the hole to plant the roses and a woman putting the plant in the hole.

Once I place the plant in the hole, I like to backfill with a 50/50 mixture of native soil (that I dug from the hole) and potting soil. We don’t have the best dirt in the subdivisions in Omaha (lots of clay) so I want to ensure I’m replacing with a healthier version! I then add a layer of mulch and it’s good to go! It’s seriously that easy!

A woman with gardening gloves on putting the plant in the hole that was dug.

Once I get all of the plants in the ground, I water all of them in with our hose. Especially if it’s a hot sunny day like it was in Omaha last weekend!

I’m really excited for the roses around the pool equipment to take off. They’ll ultimately get 3-5′ wide and tall, so they should really help hide “R2D2” by the end of summer!

The pool equipment beside the garden.

The Easy Elegance® Roses are one of the few colorful shrubs I’ve found that will thrive in the intense heat and humidity we have here in the summer. Plus, they are super tolerant of our cold winters! Ultimately, I ended up adding seven of rose shrubs, along with five potentilla, around the pool area. I can’t wait until they’re all in full bloom! Even more, now that they’re planted, I love that I won’t have to touch them again until fall! As an added bonus, they offer a text opt-in program to give you tips for ensure your roses remain healthy all year long. If you’re interested, you simply text EASYELEGANCE to 73095 for timely care tips.

Here’s how everything ended up looking once I was done with all the planting.

The plants around the pool.

And since I know it’s a bit underwhelming at this point without the glorious blooms, I made this pretty little mock-up so you can see exactly where the color will be. Don’t be jealous of my skills guys 😉 Squint hard and it may look like real flowers!

The roses in full bloom around the pool in the garden.

I’ll be sure to share some backyard updates during the summer once the roses are in full bloom. Additionally, I’ll plan to check back in during the fall and share how we get the Easy Elegance® Roses ready for winter! Happy planting!

Now for the giveaway! Comment below for a chance to win one (1) Gardening Tool Kit that includes: a knee pad, pruning shears, soft grip hose nozzles, quick hose connects, and water splitter/controller, and one (1) pair of Easy Elegance branded gloves!

***This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Donna. I have sent you an email with the details.***

If you would like to follow along on more of my home decor, DIY, lifestyle, travel and other posts, I’d love to have you follow me on any of the following:

Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Google+

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

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May 12, 2017 · 29 Comments

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Comments

  1. Heather S says

    May 12, 2017 at 6:51 am

    I love all your landscaping. We have been slowly working on upgrading around our pool. You always give me such great ideas!

    Reply
  2. Carole B. says

    May 12, 2017 at 7:56 am

    I’m planting this weekend and plan to use your fertilizer tips for pots this year!

    Reply
  3. Angie says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:12 am

    Everything looks beautiful!

    Reply
  4. El says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:26 am

    can ‘t the thorns from rose bushes be a problem when trying to access the pool equipment? love the pool!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      May 12, 2017 at 8:52 am

      I actually planted them far enough away they won’t touch the equipment. We also have a stone path that wraps around on the back side (it’s hard to see in pics). I didn’t want to get in trouble with the hubby if we was getting stabbed with thorns 😉 And thank you!!

      Reply
  5. Kathy Thompson says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:40 am

    I love working in the yard. Your landscaping and pool are gorgeous. As is your house. Have fun this weekend!!

    Reply
  6. Tracy L. says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Hello! I will look for those roses at the store today. Your yard looks great.
    Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  7. Ashley says

    May 12, 2017 at 8:52 am

    Ha! Sarah, you could have fooled me., your mock up looks so real. We spent last weekend in the yard as well. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when the plants are in full bloom.

    Reply
  8. Pamela Branham says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Love your landscaping. With the added colors of the roses will only make it better.

    Reply
  9. Kim Epperson says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:33 am

    There are few things better than working so hard on your yard and then later reaping the rewards!

    Reply
  10. Donna says

    May 12, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I love your blog! I’d rather work in my yard than do housework any day! Love your posts on gardening. I need to add color to my yard and you have inspired me. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Kara says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:02 am

    I really love your placement of plants. It looks so organized and not messy/overgrown. Definitely my style! You inspired me plant these roses where we have a couple of blank spots in our landscaping. Can’t wait to see updates of the full blooms and fall prep.

    Reply
  12. Amanda N. says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Love your yard and all the color you add! And your super realistic mock-up! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Frankie says

    May 12, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Hello, I live in Kansas … our weather is similar to yours.. Love your pool, landscaping, home, décor, blog.. I don’t know how you find the time to do everything you do and hold down a full time job.. I love your life. Thanks for the great tips about the Easy Elegance Roses and Potentilla … they will work perfect in my landscaping!. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  14. Kathy says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Love the new additions

    Reply
  15. Melanie says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I am about to add more roses in our front yard where they gets lots of sun, I will check out this brand, thanks.

    Reply
  16. Sheri says

    May 12, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    It’s beautiful! Gardening is such a joy.

    Reply
  17. Lori says

    May 12, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Your backyard is a dream!! I love what you’re doing to add color to the space and I imagine that you won’t want to come inside once summer comes!!

    Reply
  18. Bethany says

    May 12, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    LOVE those colors next to the pool. I’m inspired!

    Reply
  19. Casey j says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    Love your yard! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  20. Casey J says

    May 12, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Love your back yard!

    Reply
  21. Valerie says

    May 15, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Sarah, your back yard is gorgeous! It is evident you have put so much time and thought into every detail. Thank you for the inspiration and sharing specific plants you are using with us. These look like great choices! And Happy Birthday to Kurtis!

    Reply
  22. Jennifer P says

    May 15, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    Your backyard is coming along so nicely! I’m trying to do the same thing. We bought our house last year and I’m slowly trying to add color in the form of plants. This giveaway would certainly help me in that endeavor!

    Reply
  23. Chelsea says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Winning this would actually get me started on my gardening! I am totally slacking this year, but my excuse is my upcoming wedding !;-)

    Reply
  24. Heather says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I love reading about your backyard. I’ve always wanted a pool and always said I’d live in a shack as long as it had a pool. LOL! Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  25. Vickielle says

    May 18, 2017 at 6:42 am

    Loving your plant selection. I will have to try these roses as they look beautiful

    Reply
  26. Jen H says

    May 18, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Beautiful landscaping! We are just starting to slowly landscape our place..

    Reply
  27. Carol says

    May 19, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Love the Mango Tango color, will definitely look for it at the nursery! You are very smart to space your shrubs and trees far enough apart to give them the room they will need when they are mature. Wonderful job!

    Reply
  28. Ruthdiana says

    October 9, 2017 at 1:26 am

    SARAH, It’s a nice job. As a gardener, I appreciate your backyard plan.

    Reply

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