Back in my 20s, single and soaking up the Hawaiian sun, I transformed my condo into the ultimate Bachelorette pad. Picture everything dipped in shades of pink and adorned with a touch of sparkle – it was basically a real-life Barbie Dream House. Fast forward to my current life as a wife and mom, my taste in home decor has evolved into a curated blend of timeless elegance that caters to my family's style. Yet, a little whisper of that pink paradise still tugs at my heart. So, I decided to bring the Barbie vibes outdoors and create a dreamy garden for my two little girls and me. Here's the scoop on how I turned our garden into a whimsical wonderland.
This dedicated garden space runs along the side of our house, creating a magical nook that perfectly complements our backyard layout. Planning was key, and I used the Farmers Almanac tool to choose the right plants and map out their placement. Once I had a vision, I drafted it on paper, and the magic began.
The Pretty in Pink Base: Raised Beds and Blush Bliss
Elevated and ground-level raised garden beds became my canvas, painted in the prettiest blush pink (Benjamin Moore 1095, to be exact). It matches the same color in my daughters' room – a color that speaks volumes without overpowering. A protective clear coat ensures longevity, standing up to the changing seasons.
Practical Meets Pink: Gardening Tools and Accessories
Because practicality shouldn't skip the glam, I added pink essentials for the gardening grind – a hose, watering can, tools, and a bucket. A potting bench, paired with my daughters' mini version, creates a collaborative space for our green endeavors.
Roses, Roses, and a Touch of Magic
What's a Barbie garden without an abundance of roses? Planted in 20" plastic containers for easy rearrangement, they offer flexibility without disturbing the existing landscaping. A trellis adorned with climbing roses serves as a whimsical entrance, promising a journey into our own secret garden. More roses are on the horizon to fill any landscaping gaps in our yard.
Tea Parties and Butterfly Benches: Where Whimsy Meets Rest
A butterfly bench, the epitome of garden enchantment, graces our oasis. It's the perfect spot for my daughters and me to gather for tea parties, a current toddler obsession. The right outfit is crucial, featuring whimsical gardening gloves, a trusty straw hat, (with a matching kid's hat of course), classic gardening shoes, tool belt, and overalls – completing the look for our outdoor adventures. Don't forget the spf, I love this spray one for me and the kids, this tinted one for my face, and a face spritz to touchup throughout the day!
A Garden for Generations: Nurturing Memories and Plants
Beyond aesthetics, I wanted this garden to be a haven for my family. From fairy gardens and twinkle lights to bird and butterfly houses waiting to be painted, every addition tells a story. Concrete stones capture my kids' tiny footprints, and the goal is for this space to grow not only with veggies to nourish us but also with sentimental treasures from my little ones. It's a haven where we can bask in the outdoors, craft memories, and watch our garden – and family – thrive through the years.