PlantingTree: 3 Must-Have Plants for Your Yard or Patio Space

This post is sponsored by PlantingTree, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

This little patio of mine has been a labor of love. I don’t even think I have before photos that show how far it’s come (oh wait, keep scrolling)… because I was too busy trying not to share the unsightly parts; mainly the cracked concrete that had become home to weeds and falling mulberries. Having an outdoor space is of the utmost importance to me. I need a calming space where I can enjoy fresh air, soak up the sun, and ground myself in my daily gardening. A space that feels like some of our favorite places, but also feels like home.

I can honestly say that my vision for this space was entirely different than the outcome, but I LOVE IT. This patio project is what happens when you do the best with what you have and roll with it! Consider this a reveal of sorts (full reveal soon), but today we’re going to focus on the glorious plants that PlantingTree sent us to cozy up our space! There are so many plants you can add to your yard or patio to create a more enjoyable space for your family. If you’re looking for ideas, I highly recommend these three plants from PlantingTree, a family-owned nursery that ships lush plants right to your door.

Bluecrop Blueberry Bush

Every year I say that I want to take the kids to pick blueberries and we never do. This year, I decided to grow some whether we go picking or not. There’s nothing like being able to pick blueberries off of your own blueberry bush! I chose the Bluecrop Blueberry Bush for our patio since it’s self-pollinating and only requires one plant. I potted our bush in a huge planter with rich, well-draining soil and blueberry fertilizer. In the few weeks that we’ve had the bush, we’ve already gotten delicious berries! I’m not expecting a huge harvest this year since the plant has to get accumulated, but it’s such a beautiful sight to see. I definitely plan to pick up another bush so we can have alloftheberries. I already spotted a pot at Lowe’s to house it.

Benefits of Bluecrop Blueberry Bush

The Bluecrop Blueberry Bush (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’) is a popular variety of highbush blueberry known for its numerous benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of growing Bluecrop Blueberry Bushes:

1. High Yield: Bluecrop blueberry bushes are known for their high productivity, producing an abundant harvest of large, sweet blueberries. This makes them an excellent choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
2. Flavor and Quality: The berries are noted for their excellent flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. They are firm and have a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
3. Disease Resistance: Bluecrop blueberry bushes are resistant to many common blueberry diseases, such as stem blight and root rot. This makes them easier to care for and reduces the need for chemical treatments.
4. Cold Hardiness: These bushes are very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making them suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. This wide range allows them to be grown in many different climates.
5. Extended Harvest Period: Bluecrop blueberries have a long harvest period, typically from mid-July to mid-August. This extended period allows for a prolonged supply of fresh berries.
6. Attractive Foliage: The bushes are not only productive but also ornamental. They have attractive foliage that turns a beautiful red in the fall, adding aesthetic value to the garden.
7. Self-Pollinating: While they can benefit from cross-pollination with other blueberry varieties, Bluecrop blueberry bushes are self-pollinating. This means you don’t need multiple varieties to get a good harvest, though planting more than one variety can increase yield and berry size.
8. Nutritional Value: Blueberries are known for their high nutritional content, being rich in vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Growing your own blueberries allows for fresh access to these health benefits.
9. Adaptability: Bluecrop blueberry bushes are adaptable to various soil types, provided the soil is well-draining and acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.5). This adaptability makes them relatively easy to grow in different garden conditions.

Blue Point Juniper

Having a private outdoor space was very necessary when creating our little oasis. We live in a neighborhood where kids run freely unaware of boundaries, houses are close together, and our home isn’t fenced in. I potted three Blue Point Juniper trees in well-draining galvanized tubs and created a temporary and adjustable barrier that will continue to grow. These shrubs can reach heights of up to 12 feet tall and get can get as wide as 6-8 feet. I’ll repot as needed and then eventually get them into the ground. I think they’re going to look SO cute decorated for the holidays.

Benefits of Blue Point Juniper

The Blue Point Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its distinctive blue-green foliage and conical shape. It offers several benefits, making it a favored choice for landscapers and gardeners. Here are the key benefits of Blue Point Juniper:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Blue Point Juniper is prized for its striking blue-green foliage and dense, conical shape. It maintains its color year-round, adding visual interest and beauty to the landscape in all seasons.
2. Versatility in Landscaping: This juniper is highly versatile and can be used in various landscaping applications. It works well as a specimen plant, in group plantings, as a hedge or privacy screen, and even in topiary and container gardening.
3. Low Maintenance: Blue Point Juniper requires minimal care once established. It is drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering during dry spells. It also requires little to no pruning to maintain its shape, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.
4. Hardiness: This juniper is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, which means it can withstand a wide range of temperatures and climatic conditions. It is resilient to cold winters and hot summers.
5. Pest and Disease Resistance: Blue Point Juniper is generally resistant to many common pests and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical treatments and ensures the plant remains healthy with minimal intervention.
6. Erosion Control: The root system of Blue Point Juniper helps stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and embankments.
7. Privacy and Windbreaks: When planted in rows, Blue Point Junipers create effective privacy screens and windbreaks. Their dense foliage provides year-round coverage, protecting against wind and providing privacy from neighbors.
8. Wildlife Habitat: Junipers, including Blue Point, provide habitat and food for various wildlife. Birds, in particular, are attracted to the berries and may use the dense foliage for nesting.
9. Tolerant of Poor Soils: Blue Point Juniper can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor, sandy, and rocky soils. This makes it a robust option for challenging planting sites where other plants may struggle.
10. Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen, Blue Point Juniper retains its foliage throughout the year, ensuring consistent greenery in the landscape, which is particularly valuable during the winter months when many other plants are dormant.
11. Air Quality Improvement: Like other evergreen shrubs, Blue Point Juniper can help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.

Citronella Mosquito Plant

No outdoor space is complete without a Citronella Mosquito Plant. Our patio’s no stranger to mosquitos, so growing citronella was a must. I feel like growing citronella makes more sense than buying a ton of those candles. It’s also a pretty funky looking plant to admire. I plan to bring it inside once the season is over. I repotted it in a popcorn tin that I painted and drilled drainage holes in. Listen, EVERYTHING is a planter over here, LOL! I’ve been holding on to this tin since Christmas. I just knew it’d come in handy. I placed our citronella next to our lemon balm plant in the shaded area that mosquitos tend to gather. I think it’s working because I haven’t been snacked on in a while and I’m a mosquito magnet.

Benefits of Citronella Mosquito Plant

The Citronella Mosquito Plant (Pelargonium citrosum), often marketed as a natural mosquito repellent, offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. Here are the key benefits of the Citronella Mosquito Plant:

1. Mosquito Repellent Properties: The primary benefit of the Citronella Mosquito Plant is its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant releases a citronella-like scent, which is known to deter mosquitoes and other insects. This makes it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
2. Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of the Citronella Mosquito Plant emit a pleasant, lemony fragrance, especially when crushed or brushed against. This scent can add a refreshing aroma to gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
3. Ornamental Value: The Citronella Mosquito Plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities. It has attractive, deeply lobed leaves and can produce small, lavender-colored flowers, making it an appealing addition to garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
4. Easy to Grow: These plants are relatively easy to grow and care for. They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer sunny to partially shaded locations. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile for different gardening setups.
5. Low Maintenance: The Citronella Mosquito Plant is low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant once established, which makes it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
6. Non-Toxic: The plant is generally non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe option for households with children and animals.
7. Versatile Uses: Apart from its use as a mosquito repellent and ornamental plant, the Citronella Mosquito Plant can be used in herbal arrangements and potpourri due to its fragrant leaves.
8. Natural Pest Control: In addition to repelling mosquitoes, the Citronella Mosquito Plant may help deter other pests such as flies, providing a more comfortable outdoor environment.
9. Environmental Benefits: Using Citronella Mosquito Plants as a natural mosquito repellent reduces the need for chemical insecticides, contributing to a healthier environment and promoting sustainable gardening practices.
10. Attracts Beneficial Insects: While repelling pests, the Citronella Mosquito Plant can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

Maintaining Tidiness Around Trees and Plants

Keeping the area around your trees and plants tidy is critical to their health and aesthetic appeal. Removing fallen leaves, twigs and debris regularly prevents pests and diseases from taking hold in your space. Mulching can help control weed growth while keeping moisture in the soil, something especially helpful during hot, dry conditions. You can use the Leaf Vac mulcher for effective and efficient leaf collection and shredding, making them easier to compost or use as mulch in your garden beds. Plus, an organized garden space promotes better airflow which reduces fungal infections risk. Routine pruning of dead or overgrown branches not only promotes healthier growth, but it can also add an attractive touch to your garden. Through consistent upkeep, your trees and plants can flourish to create an inviting and beautiful setting for you and everyone else to enjoy.

I’m so incredibly pleased with our plants from PlantingTree and highly recommend them for these three plant must-haves and more for your outdoor oasis!

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