Gardening is something I have always, always love to do. From being outside in the sun, to the smell of fresh flowers, herbs, or vegetables — there is so much to love about gardening.

For several years, Ben and I lived in a small condo, and we were able to have a very small garden on our patio. Since building our house last summer, though, I’ve been really looking forward to gardening on a larger scale! Prior to moving, I bought this book — which has extremely helpful and fun to read.

When we built our house last year, one of my absolute favorite parts was working with landscapers to determine which shrubs and trees would work well around our house and in our yard.

Here’s what’s in our garden this summer:

• 1 apple tree,
• 2 pear trees,
• Lots of hydrangeas,
• A lilac bush, and
• Grasses!

Although the apple tree and pear trees won’t produce fruit for another year or two, just knowing they’re in our yard is enough to make me feel excited for our choices! Plus, they blossom so beautifully in spring! (I think there is something so special about having fruits — and vegetables — from your own backyard, which is why one organization I am so passionate about is The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.)

Beyond those shrubs and trees, we also have:

• Lettuce and kale growing in our Aerogarden.
• Star Jasmine
• Lots of annual flowers on our patio. (We went a little overboard!)

I’m excited to see how our garden grows this summer – and to keep learning about gardening along the way!

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