Categories: DIY & Crafts; Misc.

Create An Outdoor Oasis In Your Little Boston Yard

By mswen
updated 3 months ago

If you live in and around Boston, your close proximity to the city means you've probably sacrificed a sprawling piece of land for a tiny yard. Or no yard at all.

No worries - no matter what you've got, you can make something of it. Something cheery, pretty, and inviting. A spot to relax and enjoy on our own or a place to entertain friends on a warm night. Whether you have a small square of grass or just a concrete slab, you can create your own little garden with minimal cost but a high reward.

So, what ‘cha got? Before planting anything anywhere in that little yard of yours, you need to know:

Where does the sun shine, and when?
How much are you willing to care for your new plants and flowers?
What kind of room do you have? Are you just planting in pots and containers? If you’re planting in the ground, what size is the area? Having a basic sketch of your yard is helpful to organize the what and where.

Also, knowing what you like in terms of colors and type of flower will help narrow down your choices and will ensure that you leave with what appeals to you.

Buy The Goods

Once you’ve got the basic details of your yard noted, as well as what you like, my best advice is to take all of this information and bring it to a good local garden center and talk to someone. Sure, you can try to go at this yourself (via online or at a place like Lowe’s or Home Depot), but the amount and types of plants and flowers available is overwhelming and confusing. So talking to someone who can pretty much tell you what to buy is a very great thing.

Don’t forget: while you’re buying your plants and flowers, make sure to pick up things like soil, fertilizer, and any other accessories you might need to plant and maintain your purchases. The staff wherever you go will be happy to tell you just what you need.

Russell's Garden Center

397 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778

Russell’s is a long-standing garden center with great customer service and an excellent selection. Take your time and get everything you need here, and soak up what you can from the knowledgeable staff.

Mahoneys Garden Center

449 Western Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445

The super-store of garden centers, prepare to be completely over-stimulated when you wander through the rows and rows of plants and trees and flowers. If containers will be holding your plantings, grab those first and hook up with a salesperson to help you fill them.

L L Bean

6 Wayside Road T, Burlington, MA 01803

Durable, well-made, and classic: all the trademarks of LL Bean products make for a good choice for anything related to the outdoors. Surprisingly, the prices are fair for such good stuff.

Pottery Barn

122 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Pottery Barn is a great resource for stylish accessories for your outdoor space. Pssst – always check out their sale section for last season’s items at slashed prices.