Carmen Johnston Gardens

How to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden Mar 31, 2020

We are always struggling with deer eating our plants and getting into our beds! I love deer, don’t get me wrong, I love watching them and they are so graceful, but they eat so many of the plants we care for! We struggle with keeping them away all year long! I wanted to share with you a few tips and tricks to keep the deer away. Keeping the deer away is a constant battle and it is not a one-solution fix, we are constantly working to keep them at bay.

For more information and links to purchase these products, click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/how-to-keep-deer-out-of-your-garden/

Hydrangea Railing or Window Box DIY Mar 20, 2020

I am always on the hunt for really unique and interesting window boxes, container gardens, and containers! I came across this one that I wanted to share with you. Window boxes hold very special memories for me as I grew up having window boxes and I’ve always loved to be able to incorporate them in some way, shape, or form! The neat thing about this particular window box is that it is built to sit directly on a porch rail! It can fit two different size rails making it incredible versatile. It comes with pre-drilled drain holes and because the bottom of the box is cut out to sit on the rail, you don’t have to use as much soil to fill the box! Most important, the box is lightweight and easy to move around. I created this window box for areas that have a lot of shade so if you have a covered porch or balcony, this DIY will be perfect for you!

Ingredients have all been linked in my Amazon store here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carmenjohnstongardens?listId=IBYQGOA9CHG2

A window box
Soil
Hydrangeas
Rosy maiden hair ferns
Ruffle ferns
Lemon button ferns
Variegated ivy

For full article click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/hydrangea-window-or-railing-box-diy/

Easter Table Scape: Centerpiece Florals and Inspiration Mar 19, 2020

Easter is one of my favorite holidays and I want to share with you a few of my favorite things I love to incorporate in our Easter table scape. Below are some must haves for your tables cape! Now of course you won’t have each of these exact pieces, but these are some inspiration for your creation!

For links to purchase my specific decorations, I’ve provided links in the DIY step-by-step instructions.

Tablecloth
Place setting, charger, dinner plate, and dessert plate
Cloth napkin
Napkin treatment, flower, napkin ring, etc.
Table accents
Flower vase and flowers

All of these beautiful products linked here https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/easter-table-scape-decor/

Easter Planter DIY Mar 10, 2020

We are so excited Spring is just around the corner and it is time to spice up our containers! For this project, I am using a number of plants from my local garden center and some forsythia branches from my yard! To accessorize I am using hanging hand painted eggs, tiny moss baskets, moss covered stones, ribbon, and moss. This project is so customizable to your space and personal style.

Ingredients

Large planter
Potting soil
Forsythia Branches
Hanging painted eggs
Moss covered stones
Moss
Easter accessories
Lenten Roses
Cyclamen
Blue Diamond Delphinium
Snow Cone Candytuft
Scissors
Clippers

For more info and links to purchase, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/spring-planter-an-easy-easter-diy/

How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring Mar 03, 2020

As you are getting your gardens ready for Spring and Summer you also need to prepare your lawn, trees, and shrubs for a season of growth. If your yard has seen a lot of severe weather over the winter, it will really need this pre-spring pick me up! I’ve narrowed down my yard to-do list to five main things to do to get your lawn, trees, and shrubs ready for spring and summer.

Lawn prep is essential to make sure you are able to enjoy a bright green and weed free yard for the rest of the year. A yard that is missing out on nutrients will not thrive during the warmer months. Here are three things to do to get your lawn spring and summer ready:

Get your soil tested. This will tell you how much lime and other nutrients to put down and what type of fertilizer you need to use. The best way to get your soil tested is to send a sample to Cooperative Extension Service (CSREES). CSREES is normally affiliated with a state university.

For more info, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/get-your-lawn-trees-and-shrubs-ready-for-spring/

Rustic Farmhouse Planter DIY Feb 26, 2020

If you have been part of the Carmen Johnston family for even a short time, you know I adore what I like to call “personality driven containers”. These are garden containers that embody parts of your personality, whether it’s your taste in design, something special to your family, or an incredible find at your favorite antique place! I got to visit with Noell and Daniel Jett and family of Jett Set Farm House! @jettsetfarmhouse

Noell and her husband built their dream home and have shared their DIY’s along the way. She has such an eye for interior design, and it was such a great experience to spend time with her and her family! I just adored her children!

While at her home in St. Augustine Florida, Noell shared with one of her own personality driven planters. “Two years ago, I was home in Missouri visiting my grandfather and he said, ‘Do you want to come pick my barn with me?’ And I said ‘Absolutely!’ So, we went outside, and he told me stories about everything in the barn and then just let me take whatever I wanted with me! So I overloaded my car and had stuff strapped to the top and drove it back to Florida with me and my four kids!” One of the things Noell brought home with her was an antique wooden tool box that we got to turn into a planter for Noell’s outdoor dining room table!

You can make this planter along with us with any type of container- just make sure to find the one that fits you and your home! All of the ingredients below can be easily/quickly purchase on my Amazon store here (yes, plants and rustic container included!) Here is what you’ll need:

Ingredients

Personality driven container
Large black trash bag
Orchids
4” and 2” tropicals
Ferns
Fittonia
Pink Allison Arrowhead
Palms
Ivy
Rubber plant
Moss

For more info, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/repurposed-farmhouse-planter-diy/

Amazon Vegetable Garden Feb 24, 2020

Are you wanting to plant a spring garden but just don’t have the time to build a garden or round up your supplies? Time to turn to your amazon account! Amazon is such a wonderful resource as you can order almost anything! We talk to people all the time who are just swamped with life and don’t have the time to build a garden from the ground up. From live plants to garden accessories, Amazon has got you covered! Check out my Amazon list here and have everything shipped to your doorstep. I hope this helps you get a jump on your spring garden.

Ingredients

Garden Bed
Potting Soil
Live Plants
Seeds
Cloche Jars
Plant labels

For more info, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/amazon-vegetable-garden/

What Fresh Flowers and Plants are Best to Buy Feb 17, 2020

Do you want to know what to get your special someone for Valentines Day? Well, you know I’m going to go with plants or flowers! They are some of my favorite gift ideas! I want to share with you a few of my favorite flowers to give this holiday! If you are looking for some gift ideas, here is a place to start! Also, quick tip, all the flowers listed below I found at my local grocery store! I like to call them my supermarket solution flowers!

Hydrangeas

I adore hydrangeas! They come in several gorgeous hues like, pink, blue, and purple! To keep hydrangeas fresh, submerge completely underwater overnight in the sink, let them dry, and they will last for days!

For more info and tips, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/celebrate/the-best-plants-and-flowers-to-buy-for-valentines-day/

HGTV Dream Home Tour with Designer Brian Patrick Flynn Feb 05, 2020

Recently, I was invited to Hilton Head, South Carolina for an incredible tour of one of cable TV’s biggest and most successful giveaways, the HGTV Dream Home! Every year HGTV chooses a location of one of America’s hottest areas to live and builds a dream home worth over one million dollars! Then, in between December 30 and February 19 contestants have a chance to enter to win the grand prize of their dreams! This year, along with the home the prize includes a brand-new 2020 Honda PassportElite and $250,000 from Rocket Mortgage® by Quicken Loans! When I got to the HGTV Dream Home, I met the amazing Bryan Patrick Flynn! Brian gave me a tour of the Dream Home and showed me his three favorite details in the house!

For more info, click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/home/hgtv-dream-home-tour-with-designer-brian-patrick-flynn/

Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer Feb 04, 2020

We are here to bust some myths about interior designers! Why do you need one? When do you need one? How will they completely change your home build or renovation? We are going to answer all those questions and more with the interior designers for our new home, Couture House Interiors. Andrea and Meredith from Couture were classmates at UGA’s design school and make quite the dynamic duo! Collaborating with them on projects has been so wonderful! When my husband Tommy and I started house hunting we knew we wanted Couture House Interiors to work with us on this project as well!

So, as we started looking at homes, we called them up to come along! Yes, you heard that right, I brought my interior designer along to house hunt! This is the first point I want to address, if you are calling an interior designer when you are ready to pick out throw pillows and tile- it’s too late! Andrea says many times, they are called in at the end of the building or renovation process and by then it is too late for them to work to their full potential. We love architects and have worked with some truly wonderful ones, but they approach a build or renovation from a very different angle. An interior designer has the design of your end goal in mind constantly to ensure that both form and function are considered in every decision to achieve your vision in the completed space.

For more info, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/home/why-you-should-hire-an-interior-designer/

HGTV Dream Home Features Latest in Home Technology Jan 29, 2020

As our world becomes more and more technologically centered, tech that we once seen as futuristic has now become a part of our everyday routine! Over 100 million Amazon Alexa devices have been sold on top of millions of Google devices that are present in homes across the world. Phone features such as Siri are common-place now and are relied upon for countless daily tasks! As these devices become smarter, they are now being built to create an ease of access for your home! Things like smart security systems or thermostats help to regulate home safety and living costs. It is incredible to see these advancements in technology become part of our daily lives.

In 2019, HGTV gave away their Smart Home to one lucky winner. The home, equipped with numerous smart devices, was a way to highlight the functionality of these systems and to help bring them into more common place use. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity of being invited to HGTV’s 2020 Dream Home that will also be given away to a deserving individual this year. The Dream Home is also equipped with so many smart devices including the new Delta Faucet!

For more info and video, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/home/hgtv-dream-home-features-the-latest-in-home-technologies/

The Latest in Home Design Technology Jan 27, 2020

The design team at Couture House Interiors has been working so hard to put together the new interior floor plan for our home! Many designers or architects spend countless hours measuring every inch of a home in order to draft an “as built” floor plan so they can begin the process of moving walls to create a new layout for a renovation. Recently, a new technology called Canvas has been released that has truly changed the industry. Canvas uses a 3D scanner connected to an iPad that then scans an entire home into its software system. This software is very accurate and eliminates the possible inconsistencies of human error. It truly is changing how a designer, architect, realtor, or contractor works.

For more information and our home and garden remodel journey, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/blog/

Easy Floral Arrangement DIY Jan 23, 2020

Every year for the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl the coach’s families are invited to Atlanta for a week of fun events and entertainment all over the city. This year we had the privilege of hosting the coach’s wives for a Christmas Eve event at the Governor’s Mansion to do a fun floral workshop! We made simple and fun floral centerpieces with easy to find flowers. This group of ladies was so much fun to collaborate with and my team had such a blast! The arrangements turned out so well that I wanted to share a quick DIY with you so you can make your own at home!

For more info and links to purchase, click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/easy-diy-floral-arrangement/

Remodeling Our Home:Honoring It's History Jan 18, 2020

We got a chance to sit down with Mrs. Beatrice, the original owner of our new home! She had so many memories to share and neat things about the house that we wanted to share with you all! We knew that we wanted an older home and not a newer home, because of the history that came along with it. Quite often older buildings are destroyed in the process of progress, but we want to restore life into things that once were! We also believe that every home should have a name, it helps to endear it to us and give it greater personality! So, we want to share with you all where the inspiration for our home’s name came from, it’s previous owner Beatrice Dallas.

For the full article and photos, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/personal/remodeling-a-home-and-preserving-its-history/

How to Keep Your Houseplants Alive! Jan 15, 2020

Ok, I have a confession to make…even as a landscape designer who works with thousands of plants a year, I still kill plants! Yup, even those of us with our hands in the dirt all week long still find a plant or two that end up dead. Sometimes there isn’t much you can do, but most of the time a little preventative medicine will keep your plant alive and perky. Houseplants can be a great addition to your home and with the below tips you can help keep them in tip-top shape!

I'm giving you watering tips, "feeding" tips, how I make eggshell tea for calcium, and more. For full details and links to purchase click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/how-to-care-for-your-houseplants/

Indoor Container Garden: DIY Jan 13, 2020

Find a great container garden, one with plenty of drainage, and that will accent both your plants and home well. Garden centers, home décor stores, and department stores are all great places to look, as well as online! Choose one with good drainage as this can mean life or death for your plants.

Choose a selection of indoor plants. For this tutorial I used fatsia, pothos, and maiden hair, rabbit’s foot, and autumn ferns. You want a larger plant, like the fatsia, a brighter plant, like the bright green pothos, and a softer plant like ferns to soften the edges. All of these plants are super easy to care for and can be found online or in your local garden center.

I like combining a textural element that helps the container just pop and have extra character. For this project I chose sponge mushrooms. They are a brighter shade of green and have such a fun texture. Finally, you’ll need a five gallon bucket half full of water and a few medium Ziplock baggies. For all materials and plants to make this container garden, click on my Amazon store here.

For full tutorial and more pictures click here.

My 5 Favorite Houseplants Jan 01, 2020

I love love love my houseplants!! Houseplants are such an incredible way to “green up” your space any time of the year. There are so many different kinds of houseplants depending on your home, lighting, and temperature. I wanted to share five of my favorite houseplants that can brighten up any room! These can be found at most local garden centers or even on Amazon! I’ve linked my favorite houseplant care materials, the plants themselves, and pots here.

Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

The infamous snake plant is a houseplant classic, with its tall dark leaves and sturdy structure. It is an incredibly hardy plant and is so simple to care for. It really only needs to be watered once a month or when the soil is completely dry. Do your best not to bend the leaves though, or they will snap!

For more information, photos, and links to purchase plants and more - click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/the-best-and-easiest-houseplants/

Organizing Your Holiday Decor: Tips, Tricks, and Products Dec 30, 2019

I decorate lots of home for the holidays and I also tear down and store my client’s decorations for them. I’ve come up with some tried and true storage tips and tricks that will have you excited to make your trip to the attic or basement next year to find all of your decorations organized and in great working condition!

As always, I’ve linked all of these products in my Amazon store, along with handy zip ties, floral wire, and more here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carmenjohnstongardens?listId=2PW6303F17W29

Shrink Wrap/Saran Wrap

Buy shrink wrap online or at your local hardware store on large rolls. This is a great way to wrap stockings, ornaments, and more so they are safe from moths and dust.I use saran wrap for my wreaths and to cover open Tupperware containers or boxes to protect them from the storage elements.

Light Reel Bags

I love these handled bags as I use thousands of lights each year. It’s a great way to ensure that no lights are tangled and that when you go to put up your lights, they are in good working order and are neatly rolled. Pro tip: make sure wrap lights so that your plug is last so that when you go to test your lights, you won’t have to unwrap the entire string of lights to make sure they’re working.

Quick and Easy Holiday Planter Topiary DIY Dec 20, 2019

I love a quick and easy planter that doesn’t take too much time during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. This topiary can be assembled in 5 minutes and adds a festive touch indoors or outdoors. For all the materials for this DIY, click my Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carmenjohnstongardens?listId=15Z3ZYJ4OXKZB

Materials:

ivy or cedar topiary
copper pot or planter
pinecone wreath, garland, or cuttings for a skirt
floral wire
dried orange slices
cinnamon stick bundles
*optional: ornaments, sliced and dried apples, or ribbon for cinnamon stick bundles

The first step is height! To anchor this planter, I’m using an ivy topiary but you could use cedar or anything that’s about 3 to 5 feet tall to anchor both sides of a front door. Read more on my blog post here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/celebrate/quick-and-beautiful-holiday-planter-topiary-diy/

The Symbolic Meaning of the Passion Flower: A Special DIY Holiday Gift Dec 17, 2019

At my old home, I used to have a Passion Flower growing on my chicken coop and it’s blooms were like no other! In the spirit of the holidays I wanted to share with you the beautiful story of the meaning behind the Passion Flower and the powerful symbolism associated with each element of this truly intricate and beautiful flower.

When the Spanish and Portuguese missionaries came to the Americas in the 16th century, they used the Passion Flower as a symbolic way to teach about the story of Jesus Christ.

The 10 petals represent Jesus’ Faithful Apostles
The five “anthers” are symbolic of the five Sacred Wounds Jesus suffered
The circle of filaments in the center of the flower represent the Crown of Thorns.
The three purple stigma represent the 3 nails holding Jesus to the cross.

For more info, pictures, and links to all the materials, click here:

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/the-meaning-of-the-passion-flower-a-truly-special-and-symbolic-gift/

Christmas Centerpiece Dec 17, 2019

I use Amaryllis to anchor this planter. Shake off the dirt and and place 2 Amaryllis in the “back” of the planter. I choose one tall amaryllis that’s in bloom and one that is shorter and about to bloom so that this container garden will always have great color blooms.

Remember my 3 T’s for container gardening, use something THICK, something TRAILING, and something TALL.

For my “thick” I’m using a white cyclamen...

To see more and for all the links to purchase materials and planters, click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/celebrate/christmas-centerpiece-diy/

10 Minute Holiday Table Runner DIY Dec 08, 2019

www.carmenjohnstongardens.com

Cyclamen Tips and Gift DIY Dec 08, 2019

Cyclamen are my favorite indoor blooming plants for the cooler temperatures. With incredible upside-down blooms that last for around 8 weeks, cyclamen make a great holiday gift. Also, they thrive in colder weather so they look great in outdoor container gardens like the one I did on my previous blog post linked here.

A few tips and tricks for keeping your cyclamen happy:

water from the root system, not over head, as they like to drink from below. No need to over-water…a half inch of water at the bottom of the vase is just right
add one Miracle Gro stick, which will last 6 weeks, as a great way to “feed” your cyclamen
full sunlight

For all the materials used in this DIY: Shop my Amazon store here:

For pictures and a link to my YouTube video of this episode, click here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carmenjohnstongardens?listId=WL57A5U4K5MY

https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/5-minute-cyclamen-container-garden-the-ultimate-hostess-or-teacher-present/

10 Minute Holiday Planter DIY Dec 01, 2019

Create a wow moment for front porch visitors this holiday! If you can take just 10 minutes, I’ll show you how to create a festive container garden that lasts well beyond the holidays and can be adapted to your style and local greenhouse finds.

phenomenal lavender (lavender will work just fine)
red cyclamen
silver branches
potting soil
green apples (red apples, pinecones, or ornaments work great too)

For full details and more great gardening tips click here.

Best Plants for Gift Giving Nov 22, 2019

Looking for an easy teacher’s gift? Need a last-minute hostess gift? I’m sharing my 5 favorite plants to give as gifts as well as fun ways to dress them up for a personal and festive touch.

Plants are always a welcome gift, especially if they are easy to care for, and the suggestions below are all “black thumb” friendly:) Instead of bath products and candles, why not give a gift rom the garden!? For links to all of my ribbons, paint, containers and more see my Amazon link and for great pictures/videos of these gifts click here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/garden/the-best-plants-for-gift-giving/

Holiday Evergreen Wreath Tutorial Nov 22, 2019

Recently I shared with you my easiest evergreen wreath, made using a faux wreath and clipped greens. Today, I want to show you how to elevate that wreath to use throughout the holiday season and into Christmas! Again, this is an easy DIY, taking only 10 minutes. You’ll need the wreath made in my previous wreath blog found here, some various shatterproof ornaments, and some paddle wire. For a video and all of the links to purchase supplies click here and thanks for listening.

Easy Live Evergreen Wreath Nov 15, 2019

How to make an easy life Evergreen Wreath for the Holidays? The trick is: It's only "half alive". Listen to how I do this quickly for mailboxes, fireplaces mantles, and wreaths. For all the materials and a step by step video, see here: https://www.carmenjohnstongardens.com/diy/quick-evergreen-wreath-diy/

Thanks for tuning in!

10 Minute Thanksgiving Centerpiece Nov 11, 2019

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and with all the stress the holidays can bring, I want to share a quick 10-minute Thanksgiving Centerpiece that will elevate your dinner table to new heights. The centerpiece as a whole might look complicated but once we break it down, you will have a whole new way to dress up for the holidays! Try using colors that you wouldn’t typically see as “fall” shades, like coral and lime and pair with deep greens and fall reds. Most of the décor can be found at your local grocery story or craft store and you can find a lot of the inspiration on our Amazon list here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/carmenjohnstongardens?listId=1J8U8EDDTCHBX

What you’ll need:

Ornamental cabbages
Caramel watermelon heuchera
Any fall color roses
Pyra canthus branches
Dried putka pod mini pumpkins
Small pinecones
dried decorative limes (linked here: https://www.roxannesdriedflowers.com/whole-slit-limes/ )
“Personality” containers, 5 medium, 5 small, and 5 extra small
Okatsune scissors
Fall tablecloth
Place settings; plates, napkins, silverware, glasses, etc…

Tips for Growing an Indoor Herb Garden Nov 05, 2019

Lots of people ask me about herb gardens and I’m excited to share with you my tips and tricks for growing herbs. I love to use my herbs in the kitchen, in my tea, and in my hair as I’ll reveal in this post!

To begin, I’d like to share my 10 Herb Garden Must-Do’s, in no particular order:

1. Plant each herb individually. A common mistake is to plant all of your herbs in the same pot. Each plant likes their own growing conditions and they don’t do well in the same home.

2. Vary your pots and herb sizes. Variety in shapes and sizes will give your indoor garden that collected feel. I am a self-proclaimed terra cotta pot hoarder! I love to pick up vintage terra cotta pots with that fantastic patina at local antique stores or wherever I can get my hands on them. They make beautiful homes for indoor herbs. Of course don’t bother looking at the terra cotta pot if it doesn’t have the all-important DRAINAGE.

3. Full sun is so important. At least 6 hours of sunlight is what your indoor garden needs so find a sunny spot in your home for your herbs to live.

4. Indoor gardens need some time outdoors. Plants need fresh air every few weeks. If you live in a colder zone, look for a quick “break” in the weather” and give them a few hours outside.

What to Plant in Cooler Temperatures Oct 28, 2019

I am so excited to share with you some of my favorite cool weather plants!

My first pick is called free fall pansy. It may look kind of leggy to you, but I love to use in container gardens because it will spill over the edge and really soften the edges. It also comes in a soft violet, but you know how much I love classic white florals! When you come across this plant, don’t let the leggyness dissuade you, it looks phenomenal in a container garden! I love to start my container garden with big plants and I also use these in annual color flower beds, so they spread and trail out.

Another favorite is gorgeous coral queen kale! It is a flowering kale and it just puts off this intense purple color from the inside. It is another beautiful fall accent that we like to use in décor and container gardens.

Grasses also make for wonderful cool weather plants. Chartreuse grasses like everillo carex are a classic favorite that is great in beds or containers. I also love variegated carex as it provides great texture in our flower beds.

Last but not least, we can’t forget about thyme! Specifically, lemon thyme! This is another great one to use in the cool weather. It flowers in the spring, so the fall is the perfect time to go ahead and get it in the ground. This allows the plant to establish its root system before the ground freezes. It has an amazing fragrance!

I hope you enjoy some of my quick and easy cool weather plants that will make great additions to your garden bed or container. Be sure to plant now before the ground hardens for the season and the frost sets in. Happy gardening!

For more information, tips, tricks, DIYs, recipes, and more from Carmen - click HERE.

My 6 Favorite Perennials to Plant in Fall Oct 28, 2019

It. Is. Time! Time to plant your favorite perennials. Perennials are those plants that come back year after year, rather than annuals that have to be re-planted each year. Fall is the best time to plant so many garden favorites because the cold season allows the plants to grow their roots in peace. Once a good root system has been established, the plants are ready to show off come spring and summer! I met recently with Lanie of Thunderwood Farms and we talked about our six favorite perennials to plant right now!

#1: PHENOMENAL LAVENDER

While regular lavender often dies from over watering or soggy winters, Phenomenal Lavender can survive the wet winters we have down south. If you plant now, you will even see blooms your first spring season! This strain can be hard to obtain but really will flourish come spring. The leaves exhibit silver hues among the light green colors and of course the blooms are that classic lavender shade. Bees love these plants as they are a great pollinator and they can grow 2-4 feet in height. After the spring, cut back the dead blooms to ensure a great show the following year. I have this variety growing in my garden and it is growing so well! I adore it!

Listen to the full episode to hear about my 5 other favorites...

For more information, tips, tricks, DIYs, recipes, and more from Carmen - click HERE.

How to Create a Natural and Beautifully Layered Fall Front Porch Oct 23, 2019

I'm walking you through how-to create a beautiful fall front porch that will last through November. Layering wicker, copper, pumpkins, and LOTS of plants, I'm going to tell you how I create gorgeous fall entryways step by step.

Plant Inspiration

Crepe Myrtle that are at least 6-10 feet tall
Large Copper Pots
Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors both real and faux
Lambs Ear
Rooster Grass
Antherium
Heuchera
Variegated Ivy
Carex
Cabbages
Kales
Ajuga
Bittersweet Vine
Dried Oranges
Dried Limes
Large Wicker Baskets

Use the list above as a guide to some great fall plants that thrive in fall weather and even survive mild frosts and winters! The plants, especially the lambs ear and green kales and cabbages, have silver undertones that really compliment the copper hues. All of these plants can then be planted in your yard later on to enjoy all winter long.

Any young trees with colorful branches work well here, like maple or crepe myrtle. Or you can even cut large branches off an existing tree. Water everything very well before putting it all together so the soil is very moist and continue to water throughout the season. Make sure there is a hole in your container for drainage. This project is a classic stuff and shove, you won’t remove any plants from their plastic containers. I started with the tree, then added lambs ear and cabbages and kale in a triangle arrangement. Then layer your other plants and grasses on top, like carex and antherium. I try to always use gallon size plants- go big or go home!

How to Make 3 Delicious Fall Cocktails: Cherry Mint Julep, Hot Toddy, and my Fall Sangria Oct 23, 2019

Fall is here and so is our readiness for some fall cocktails! Herbs like sage, rosemary, and mint are perfect fall herbs to base your cocktails around. Use the liquor and wine you already have on hand and pair with seasonal fruits! Listen in as I show you how I craft my three fall favorite drinks: Hot Toddy, Cherry Mint Julep, and my Fall Sangria!

CHERRY MINT JULEP

This recipe comes Dishes Delish (link) and we made our own version using what we have on hand! Let’s put the drink together!

Ingredients

Large bunch of mint (I love using spearmint!)
1 oz simple syrup (we made our own using organic cane sugar)
1 oz tart cherry concentrate
Crushed ice
4 oz Wellers Bourbon
Mint Julep Cups

This cocktail could not be any easier! I use a cocktail shaker to muddle the mint by shaking the crushed ice and mint together. Add to the mint julep cups and add a quick pour of simple syrup. Top with a couple ounces of bourbon and cherry concentrate. Stir and garnish with springs of mint. Salud!

FALL SANGRIA

I absolutely love sangria! It is one of my all time favorite drinks and can be customized so many ways! Ours has so many fall ingredients but you can add any seasonal herbs and fruits. Let’s mix it up!

Ingredients

1 bottle Prosecco
A couple ounces grand manier
Pomegranate Orange San Pellegrino
1 bottle ginger beer
1 cup soda water
A couple ounces Blackberry Manischewitz
Fresh orange juice
Sliced Oranges
Blackberries
Cinnamon Sticks
Rosemary Sprigs

Mix the Prosecco, Grand Manier, San Pellegrino, ginger beer, soda water, blackberry Manischewitz, and orange juice in a large pitcher and add several cinnamon sticks. Let it chill for several hours or overnight. Pour the sangria into each glass and top with an orange slice, a couple blackberries, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

THE ULTIMATE FALL HOT TODDY

This is the ultimate fall cocktail! Served hot or cold, this drink tastes exactly like fall in a cup! Using copper mule mugs gives this the perfect fall look.

Ingredients

Wellers Bourbon
Sparkling glogg (a spiced non-alcoholic beverage)
Cinnamon sticks

Mix a couple of cups of sparkling glogg with a shot of bourbon. Heat if desired. Pour into mugs and top with a cinnamon stick. Cheers!

FERNS: All You Need to Know About Caring for and Choosing Ferns for Fall Planting Oct 20, 2019

I love love love ferns in all shapes and sizes and Lanie from Thunderwood Farms was the perfect person to share in my excitement for these beauties. Fall is the very best time to plant ferns because it gives the plants a chance to establish their roots before the leaf growth of spring and summer. Most ferns are evergreen and will stay beautiful throughout the fall. Also, ferns are, for the most part, deer resistant! Yes, if they are hungry enough, they might nibble, but most ferns can stay untouched by your forest neighbors. Our motto for ferns is “the more you love them, the less they love you”. Ferns need little attention, especially during the fall and winter. Once planted in the fall, your fern will want some space as it focuses its attention on creating a stable root system. Once spring and summer roll around, then it’s time to give a little fertilizer and love to give it a jump start into the new season.

For my 6 favorite ferns and how to care for them...listen to the full episode!

Carmen Johnston Gardens Jul 31, 2019

This podcast was created at Nashville Voice Conference for Carmen Johnston Gardens and will feature weekly updates including interviews and how-to gardening tips.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected