Every year, garden tours offer a wealth of inspiration for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor spaces. From large, grand designs to small, clever details, these tours are a treasure trove of ideas that can be adapted to any garden. Whether you’re looking to refresh your existing garden or add a touch of uniqueness, here are some brilliant tips and tricks from my favorite garden tours that will spark your creativity.

Innovative Garden Bed Edging

One of the standout ideas from a recent garden tour was the clever use of fall-pruned shrubs for edging. Instead of traditional materials, the gardeners used cuttings from their Cotinus (Smokebush) and hydrangeas, creating a beautiful and functional boundary for their garden beds. This simple yet creative solution not only keeps the beds tidy but also allows the plants to bloom beautifully as the season progresses. This idea is perfect for gardeners looking for a budget-friendly, eco-friendly way to refresh their garden borders.

Hidden Wine Barrels for Flower Growth

Another fantastic tip came from a garden where half wine barrels were placed discreetly behind clipped evergreen boxwood. These barrels were filled with lilies, which thrived in the barrels’ nutrient-rich environment, away from the competition of tree roots. Plus, elevating the barrels added a vertical dimension, creating a stunning display of colorful, fragrant blooms. This is an excellent solution for gardeners who want to grow flowers in a unique way, even in smaller spaces.

Creative Critter Control

Dealing with wildlife in the garden can be a challenge, but one garden tour offered some clever, inexpensive solutions. For example, one homeowner used simple fencing to keep deer at bay while also providing a trellis for climbing clematis. Another creative idea involved using forks to deter squirrels from digging in plant pots. Instead of plastic, I’d recommend sourcing vintage metal forks for a charming, rustic touch.

Vertical Gardening Solutions

A garden tour featuring a homeowner facing HOA restrictions provided a great solution for vertical gardening. With rules that limited what could be attached to the fence, the homeowner used spray-painted PVC pipes to create a vertical garden, adding height and greenery without violating the regulations. He also constructed a secondary fence in front of the original one, allowing him to hang baskets and maximize his planting space. This creative workaround shows that, with a little ingenuity, you can still make the most of your garden space.

Recycled Bottle Retaining Walls

One of my favorite garden ideas came from Jim Bishop’s amazing garden, where he incorporated recycled bottles into the retaining walls. By placing groups of blue and aqua bottles throughout his terraced garden, he added pops of color and whimsy while also providing practical support for the walls. This eco-friendly solution not only brightens up the garden but also serves as a conversation starter.

Clever Screening Solutions

A particularly creative use of a climbing plant was seen in a garden where a bignonia vine was trained to cover a trellis that screened unsightly irrigation and pool equipment. The vibrant vine not only added beauty to the otherwise dull fence but also provided a seamless transition throughout the garden, tying different areas together. This is a perfect example of how plants can be used to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your garden.

Repurposing Old Items

Another great repurposing idea came from a homeowner who transformed old aluminum blinds into plant tags. Rather than throwing them away, they cut the blinds into smaller pieces and used them to label plants in the garden. It’s a simple yet effective way to recycle items and add a personal touch to your garden.

Planting Under Tree Roots

A common challenge in gardening is dealing with the shallow, thick root systems of trees like redwoods. One homeowner solved this issue by creating raised containers with screens at the bottom to prevent roots from invading. These containers provided the perfect space for small Japanese maples, demonstrating that with a little planning, even the most challenging planting conditions can be overcome.

Protecting Rose Canes

In another garden, Freeland Tanner shared a simple yet effective method for protecting climbing rose canes. By using split pipe insulation, he shielded the roses from rubbing against their trellis. The foam not only protected the canes but also lasted for years, making it a practical solution for keeping your roses healthy and intact.

Repurposed Fireplace Planter

One of my own favorite garden ideas came from repurposing an old, oversized fireplace during a home remodel. Instead of discarding the fireplace, we broke it down and used part of it as a raised outdoor planter. We lined it with landscape fabric, added soil, and hooked it up to an irrigation system, creating a unique and functional planter that fits perfectly in our outdoor space.

Conclusion

As you explore garden tours this season, pay close attention to the small details that make each space special. Whether it’s a creative way to edge your garden, a unique critter control solution, or a clever use of recycled materials, there’s always something new to learn and adapt to your own garden. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your garden a reflection of your creativity and style.