This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Home Depot.
So, by now, you’ve probably had a chance to check out my Whiskey Barrel Planter, which was a project I found on the Home Depot Garden Club site. I have LOVED this project – simple and straightforward, and it adds a gorgeous rustic charm to my front patio with the pink and purple flowers.
Well, this is how it looked last week, anyway. I’ve mentioned before, we are in a condo, so I am limited to a fairly small space to add my own touch. (And, a lot of you who read here often also know that our unit is for sale right now – and beautifying every area starting from when people come around the front walkway is a priority for me. We’ve gotten compliments from our realtor on how nice and cared-for our patio looks!) So having a nice container garden right out front has been great to #DigIn!
Now – I can admit it… the white phlox I planted was struggling a little, but I’ve been doing my best to keep it alive. Does anyone have tips for caring for phlox? I’ve asked for some tips in the Garden Club Community Forum, and it was suggested I might be over-watering. You can also get gardening advice from tree experts in Chicago, if you’re in my zone! Let me know in the comments if you have suggestions! Because… I don’t think I’m doing so well. Everything else looks great but the white phlox.
I know – sad, right??
And not only that, I know I’ve mentioned – spring was a LONG time coming here in Michigan this year! We went the longest into the season in recorded history before finally seeing a 60 degree day! So there is one more challenge that has popped up for me over here – on Mother’s Day, I checked the forecast to see FROST in the morning!! I had to cover my plants overnight, and I’m sure hoping I did enough and my plants didn’t end up too damaged. That’s always the risk here in Michigan when you get started right away. Argh! I just had such spring fever – I couldn’t wait! ;)
In the past, I’ve used a burlap bag for frost-risk nights. You want something breathable for your plants – otherwise you run the risk of condensation collecting inside your covering, and that can freeze and do even worse damage. But I wasn’t prepared this time, and I had nothing to cover my barrel… until I remembered – extra crib sheets!! Raya had a bunch leftover after we moved her to her toddler bed, and I was THRILLED to discover that they were a perfect fit. I just hope it worked as well!
It will still be probably today or tomorrow before I’ll know if the frost did any damage to my plants. So, I may be doing a little bit of planting, round two… wish me luck!!
It’s home improvement time, and The Home Depot has everything you need to #DigIn for Spring. No matter what projects you want to tackle, they have great values on all you need. They’re ready to help you with renovation ideas and expert advice, too.
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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Home Depot.
ChiWei says
I planted seeds, and it’s not the frost killing the seedlings, it’s my dog jumping into the raised bed!
Carolyn says
Hahahaha…. When I first looked at this picture, I thought you had taken your shower cap and cover the plant.. You are funny…
Dree says
You can also use Christmas lights for frost, if it’s not a bad frost. That’s what I do for my hibiscus–it’s too big to cover! One year I left it to chance because of “possible” frost and yeah–it was “naturally pruned”. Oops.
Melanie says
Poor little plant! The sheet is a good idea though!
Marilyn says
The weather is so crazy around Ohio too! That’s why we usually wait until Mother’s Day to put the garden in….those last minute frosts/freezes in May are killer!
Kadie says
Oh No!! I loved the plants, I hope they are all ok. The crib sheets are a wonderful idea! :)
Kirsten says
I am SO glad I live in the south! Sorry you’re losing your plants girl. They looked so fabulous when you planted them! I hope they survive the frost. :( Great idea, though, to use crib sheets.
(And I’m loving your U of M stone next to your planter – GO BLUE! The hubs is a MI native.) ;)
amy says
We had a frost two nights ago and I didn’t remember to cover my plants because it’s so unusual for us to have a freeze warning this late in May. Luckily, they all were ok!