Quick Spring Projects to Spruce Up Your Garden

Whether you opt for a few plants, a small garden plot or a whopping big garden, there are ways to make your projects easier and more eye-catching. Most of these suggestions are quite simple and won't take much time.

Consider giving your old pots to Good Will or give them a bright color of new paint. Nothing spruces up the entry to your home more than one or two well-kept and bright colored pots of flowers. Maybe this year you'll choose purple and orange for a spring wake-up to all who pass by. Choose annuals with punch that will show off those colorful and perky new pots.

Even the most manicured lawn can be more showy by building a flower bed and fill it with annual and perennials that will pop with color. Be sure to till the area, then install edging material. [If you have poor soil, purchase a couple of bags from your local garden store and put that dirt over the newly tilled, but poor dirt.] Buy plants that will bloom at various times of the spring, summer and fall. Use wood ground cover to help prevent weeds.

Window boxes can be fun and showy. They come in a variety of materials including plastic, wood and metal. [Be sure water doesn't get between window boxes and ruin your siding.] They come with decorative brackets and are quite easy to hang. Fill with dirt, being sure they have drainage for plants. Plant annuals such as petunias, geraniums or a variety of whatever you choose. They will require watering about every day, especially if located in the sun.

Another quick way to perk up your home is to use hanging plants. They are especially pretty if you have a front porch or have a place on your deck for hanging them. Buy plants that trail down for a great look. Again, water every day as they will dry out very quickly. You've probably seen the Topsy Turvy planters for tomatoes or whatever you choose to plant inside. The plants will grow out the bottom. Of course you won't have as many tomatoes as if you planted them in a garden, but they're fun and should provide you with tomatoes or cucumbers etc. all summer. Be sure to use a good soil mix when planting these types of planters.

Add fun to your flowers with cute stakes, birdhouses, signs and perhaps even an arbor for the entry to your garden. Flags and garden ornaments also perk up and add fun to your garden areas.

Take time to enjoy spring and summer outdoors. It's OK to just sit and watch the butterflies.