by Gardens of Babylon | Feb 11, 2025
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It can be difficult to figure out how to bring the natural beauty and benefits of plants to your home’s exterior when you feel like you don’t have the space. Creating an outdoor sanctuary in a small space demands imagination, strategic design, and a sharp eye for beauty. Whether that outdoor space you have is large or small, there are a variety of ways to elevate that area and create a personal outdoor sanctuary. Here are three things you can use to spice up your outdoor spaces, big and small:
1. Let’s start with our tried and true… potted plants!
Whether you have a large yard or a small apartment balcony, potted plants are your best friend. You can add pops of color with flowers, different decorative grasses, cascading or vining plants, and more. There’s really no limit on what you can do with a pot or multiple pots.
Even something as simple as a couple four-inch pots filled with herbs or leafy vegetables for cooking, placed on an outdoor table, can liven up your small balcony. Do you already have some indoor plants that would love the extra humidity and sunshine this Summer? You can bring them outdoors for the season to promote extra growth while also saving some money to decorate your outdoor living space.
If you have more space – like on a larger patio or even front door steps and walkways – you can pot small trees and place them around your space to add depth and drama. If you pick a hardier variety, you may not have to worry about them as much as other plants in the fickle Tennessee weather.
Adding pots of different sizes and colors, filled with varieties of plants, can make your limited outdoor space even more interesting. If you don’t have the space for larger pots, you could instead use plant stands to save space while still adding height and intrigue.
And, later in the year, when we transition to Fall, you can replace Spring and Summer varieties with mums, pumpkins and other autumnal favorites.
Some of our potted plant suggestions: When it comes to potted trees, a dwarf conifer is where it’s at. You can think of them as the little black dress of patio plants because they’re classic, go with everything, and look great year round. Rhododendrons can also be a great choice as they’re also evergreens, and they produce beautiful blooms in the Summer.
No space for a tree? We have even more suggestions for that! When it comes to low maintenance flowers, you really can’t go wrong with pansies. They’re sturdy little things that can withstand a light frost, which comes in handy when you live with the unpredictability of a middle TN Spring. Coral bells make a great leafy addition to any pot, as they come in different colors and handle temperature fluctuations well. There are also several cascading varieties, like ivies and petunias, that add even more depth to your pots.
2. Another southern favorite… hanging baskets.
Whether you’re new to Nashville or have lived in the south all your life, you’ll quickly notice the love of hanging plants here. Everything from ferns to flowers occupy these aerial beauties.
When you don’t have ground space for plants, why not look up? Hanging baskets are a great way to save space, and you don’t have to worry about the drainage of a pot. They also add drama to your outdoor spaces (but hopefully without the gossip of your too-chatty neighbor 😉).
Some of our hanging basket recommendations: There’s nothing quite as classic or simple as a fern. They’re a staple of southern homes in the late Spring and throughout Summer, and they’re great if your balcony or porch doesn’t get much sunlight. However, if you’re looking for something with more color, you can mix and match just like with potted plants. Some of our favorites include sweet potato vine, geraniums, impatiens, and snapdragons.
3. No patio or balcony roofing? Say hello to balcony boxes and window boxes.
Both are great options if you have absolutely no outdoor green space. You can drill them onto your balcony or porch railing or right under your window. (If you rent or lease your property, check with your landlord before drilling into spots like these.) There are also drill-free options with hooks that wrap over and around your railing. You’ll just want to keep an eye on them on extra windy days. You can even build your own box if you want a more unique look, or if you want a fun afternoon project!
Some of our balcony/window box suggestions: If you want something both beautiful and practical, you can use your balcony box as a small herb garden – think cilantro for your homemade salsa or as a garnish for your taco Tuesday. Not to mention some fresh mint for the mojitos that would pair so well with both your salsa and tacos! Not feeling the herb love but would love to utilize other edible plants? Check out our edible plants blog post here. You can also use our other suggestions from potted plants and hanging baskets when it comes to these boxes (except trees, of course).
Having limited space outside doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful outdoor spaces. It just means you might have to be more creative with how you curate those spaces, and we’re all about getting creative here at Gardens of Babylon! So be sure to come see us at the garden center to get the perfect plants for your new outdoor space. Or schedule with one of our designers to have us bring your vision to life!
by Gardens of Babylon | Feb 1, 2025
Spring is just around the corner and February is the perfect time to start planning your landscaping for the year! Here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction!
- Except for maples, birches, willows and yellowwood, now is a good time to prune trees.
- Re-shape evergreen shrubs and shade trees, as needed, during the winter dormant period.
- Plant any bare-root plants including fruit and nut trees as well as roses.
- Remove any dead plants or weeds from your garden areas.
- Begin refreshing your mulch. Mulching reduces evaporation, retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, helps with erosion, and adds nutrients to the soil.
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by Gardens of Babylon | Jan 1, 2025
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Well, you might be thinking, “Winter? Planting trees? That doesn’t sound like a garden party!” But hold on, green-thumb enthusiast. There’s more to this season than meets the eye. Picture it as a cozy slumber party for your trees – a time when they quietly focus on growing strong roots, nestled snugly in their forever homes before the grand awakening of spring. Now, let’s delve into six compelling reasons that make January and February the prime months for winter tree planting.
Dormancy and Root Development: Winter is when deciduous trees take a well-deserved nap. During this period, they shift their energy from growing upward to strengthening their roots. By planting in January and February, you provide them with the ideal conditions to establish robust root systems, setting the stage for healthier, sturdier trees in the long run.
Reduced Stress During Transplantation: Transplanting can be a bit of a shock to trees, potentially causing setbacks. However, during winter’s dormancy, this stress is minimized. Trees can settle into their new surroundings without the added pressure of sprouting leaves. This gentle transition fosters better long-term health.
Adequate Moisture: Winter often brings more rain and snow to many areas. Planting trees during these months allows them to benefit from natural moisture, reducing the need for excessive watering. This moisture is crucial for the initial growth of trees, and winter provides a natural advantage.
Cooler Temperatures: Planting trees in cooler weather mitigates the risk of heat stress, especially for young trees. Without the scorching summer sun, they can adjust to their new environment without the added challenge of extreme heat, resulting in a healthier start.
Early Establishment for Spring Growth: January and February planting sets the stage for early spring growth. With well-established roots, trees are ready to sprout new shoots and leaves as temperatures rise. This early start leads to vigorous growth throughout the entire growing season, giving your landscape a jumpstart on lush greenery.
Landscape Planning: Winter provides an excellent opportunity for landscape planning. With deciduous trees shedding their leaves, it’s easier to assess your property’s layout and decide where new trees will have the most significant impact on your landscape design.
While winter may seem like a time for hibernation in the gardening world, it’s actually a golden opportunity for tree planting. The benefits of dormancy, reduced stress during transplantation, ample moisture, cooler temperatures, early spring growth, and time for planning make January and February the ideal months to kickstart your arboreal projects. Embrace the winter chill and watch your landscape thrive with healthy, vibrant trees in the seasons to come.
Here at Gardens of Babylon, our team of plant experts is ready to assist with all your tree-planting needs. Want to avoid cold hands? Let us do the the work for you — book a consultation here. Our skilled team can upgrade your landscaping this Winter and you can reap the rewards come Spring!
by Gardens of Babylon | Dec 4, 2024
The holiday season is here, and that means seeing the classic festive plants roll into the shop – Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, Norfolk Pines, and more. But these plants aren’t just holiday decorations! They can live for many years with the right love and care. With these tips, caring for all your holiday plants will be easy as enjoying a slice of your favorite holiday pie:
Poinsettias
Lighting: For the holidays, place your poinsettia in bright, indirect light.
Soil: Plant in a nutritious, well-draining soil.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings so that the roots don’t stand in water. If your poinsettia came wrapped in colorful foil, punch holes through the bottom of the foil to allow the pot to drain.
Fertilizer: To encourage reblooming, fertilize in spring every 2 weeks!
Tips: Maintain temperatures between 70ºF and 75ºF during the day, with nights no lower than 60ºF—protect the plant from cold drafts.
Soil: Use a quality soil rich in humus and other nutrients.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently.
Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun.
Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
Cyclamen
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, but do not overwater!
Light: Place your cyclamen in a cool spot with bright light, but not direct sun.
Fertilization: Apply a houseplant fertilizer every couple months in the growing season.
Amaryllis
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Water enough to keep the soil moist, and avoid wetting the bulb that is above the soil.
Light: Place your amaryllis in the sunniest spot you can find in your house!
Fertilization: Apply an indoor plant fertilizer every 2 weeks to promote reblooming.
Norfolk Pine
Light: Indoors, Norfolk Island pine tolerates medium to bright light, but does best in brighter spots.
Watering: Like most houseplants, it’s best to water Norfolk Island pine when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Avoid keeping the soil wet all the time, as this can encourage root rot.
Humidity: While these trees tolerate average household humidity, they really thrive with a little extra moisture in the air than you typically find indoors, especially during the winter.
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Fertilization: Apply a houseplant fertilizer every 2 weeks in the growing season.
by Gardens of Babylon | Dec 1, 2024
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If you’re in the Southeast like we are, you know how unpredictable the weather can be (especially this time of year). It might be snowing one day and 70 degrees and sunny the next! While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s still best to be consistent with your landscape maintenance – yes, even in the Winter! Here are some garden-related chores to tackle this month:
- Continue to mulch leaves from your lawn. Mulching leaves is much better for your yard – and the environment – than raking. Shredding up leaves enriches the soil as they break down, supports insects like butterflies and moths that overwinter in the leaf litter, and saves time (and your back!). While you can buy a leaf mulcher, it could save you time and money to simply run over the leaves with your lawnmower to chop them up!
- Plant shade trees, fruit trees and evergreen shrubs. While you can often continue planting even after the snow falls, some days might feel too cold for that. Get a head start this December before you freeze your fingers off! So, get a head start this December before you freeze your fingers off. Not sure what plants would go best in your yard? Check out our previous blog post all about native trees to plant this fall. If you’re still unsure or have more questions, reach out to us or visit our store in downtown Nashville. We’re happy to help!
- Plant tulip, hyacinth, grape hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs. Most people think of Spring and Summer as the times to plant. While these floral beauties bloom in the Spring, it’s important to plant them during the optimal window, which is about six weeks before hard frost freezes the ground. Need tips on planting bulbs? Check out our bulb-planting blog!
- Relocate established plants, and continue planting balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. This is the ideal time to move and plant trees and shrubs — they’ve gone dormant until Spring, which minimizes the risk of stunting their growth. Additionally, consider making a sustainable choice by repurposing your live Christmas tree after the holidays. Many cities, including Nashville, offer tree drop-off locations where the trees are repurposed, either as mulch or as habitats for fish in local lakes.
- Provide food and water to your area’s Wintering birds. Some common birds that stick it out for Tennessee Winters are the American Robin, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, and many more. Depending on the bird, they may enjoy seeds, nuts, mealworms, and a host of other foods. Take a look at the birds in your area and research what foods are most enjoyed by the birds you want to attract. If you have children or grandchildren, feeding the birds could be a fun activity to do together over the holidays.
Most importantly, sit back and enjoy the holiday season! Let your lawn take a breather while you spend quality time with loved ones. Once Spring rolls around, you’ll reap the rewards of your hard work. Plus, you’ll be the envy of your neighbors as your healthy, well-cared-for yard and garden spring to life, getting a head start on the growing season!
If you’re ready for a landscape makeover, or want help with a seasonal clean-up or keeping your yard looking beautiful year-round, book a consultation with us!
