The weather has been a little damp lately, but I can finally feel the warmth starting to creep back in, and it’s giving me that familiar itch to get outside. Every spring, as soon as the air softens even a little, I start imagining what the yard will look like in a few weeks. Before long, it will be May, and I’ll finally be able to tuck seeds into the ground again. There’s something grounding about that ritual — like the official start of the gardening season.
Along the entire south side of our property, two neighbors’ fences run the length of the yard. Both are in pretty rough shape. One section even dropped pickets into our patio screen last year, tearing it right out of the frame. Not ideal. We’re hoping both neighbors will be open to letting us cover the cost of replacing the fencing, but realistically, it’s looking like a Spring 2027 project. Since the installation will mean digging up all the beds along that side, I don’t want to plant anything permanent there yet. Still, I’d love to add some temporary color and texture so it doesn’t feel like a forgotten stretch of the yard.
Next week we’re having some work done on the patio, and I’m crossing my fingers it wraps up quickly so I can start planting the beds around it. I can already picture myself sitting out there with a cup of coffee, watching the bees and butterflies drift from bloom to bloom. There’s something incredibly peaceful about seeing a space come alive with pollinators.
Most of what we inherited in the yard were various hostas. They were in pretty rough shape last summer — understandable, since they hadn’t been watered or cared for. But tucked into the back corner is one plant I’m genuinely excited about: a peony. I have no idea what variety it is because it had already finished blooming by the time we bought the house last August. So this spring feels a bit like waiting for a surprise gift. I’ll be thrilled with whatever color it turns out to be, though I’m secretly hoping for a deep pink. I’m planning a future post all about peony care because honestly, I could use a refresher myself. The last time I had a peony of my own was back in 2007 when I lived in La Crosse, WI. Our neighbor, Mr. Tom from the Sawyer house, had at least five gorgeous peonies, and he always let me wander over to take photos. It’s a sweet memory I think about often.
We’re also planning to tackle some much-needed work on the front porch this spring, so I’m not entirely sure when I’ll be able to dig into the bed right in front of it. Still, I’ve been daydreaming about what I want to plant there once the timing is right. I keep coming back to Autumn Joy sedum and a mix of Heuchera. They’re the kind of plants that quietly carry beauty through every season — soft in spring, bold in summer, glowing in fall, and still interesting in winter. That kind of reliability feels comforting.
I also want to sprinkle Bee Balm and Early Sunflowers throughout the yard so the hummingbirds and bumblebees have plenty to feast on. My gardening style leans pretty casual — more prairie than prim. I love beds that feel loose and flowing, where plants mingle and sway instead of standing in perfect rows. It feels more alive that way.
And of course, this Kansas girl will always have a soft spot for sunflowers. They’ve been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from the sunflower décor in my childhood bedroom to the sunflowers in my wedding bouquet. They just radiate joy. Every year I plant my tried and true favorites, but I also love experimenting with new varieties. This season I’m trying out the ProCut® Plum Sunflower and the Burpee Kindergarten Sunflower. I’m also tempted to add Teddy Bear Sunflowers because they’re just so charming, but the place I planned to order from is already out of stock. I might have to do a little more hunting.
Out front, in the bed closest to the sidewalk, I’m dreaming up a blue and yellow theme. In the center, I want to place a Highland High School yard sign — something cheerful and full of local pride. I’m planning to use bachelor buttons and sunflowers to build out the color palette. I’m still tracking down the right yard sign, but I’ve got a few promising leads.
Spring always feels like a season of possibility, and this year is no different. There’s work to be done, projects to plan, and plenty of dirt waiting for my hands. But there’s also so much joy in the dreaming.
Seeds already purchased from American Meadows and Burpee
On the wish list:
