My Go-To Flowers & Plants for a Beautiful Summer Yard

When it comes to outdoor landscaping, I’m always drawn to plants that bring color, texture, and a little bit of personality to a space. Every year I like to mix things up, try something new, and see what thrives best in our Midwest environment—especially with that constant wind we all deal with.

Hydrangeas: A Summer Favorite

If I had to pick a favorite place to start, it would be hydrangeas. I absolutely love them because they bloom all summer long and make such a statement in any yard.

Limelight Hydrangeas

If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, I always recommend the Limelight hydrangea. They’re hardy, reliable, and give you those beautiful blooms without a ton of effort—just keep in mind they can get pretty large, so give them room to grow.

Big Leaf Hydrangeas

My personal favorite! They don’t get quite as big, but they do require a little more attention. One key tip: avoid planting them in the afternoon sun. They do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. The extra care is worth it, especially since you can cut the blooms and bring them inside.

I’ve used them for my kids’ birthday parties as table decor, and they add the prettiest pop of color.

Great Choices for Beginners

Petunias

If you’re just getting started with flowers, I always suggest petunias. They’re incredibly easy to care for and add so much color and texture to any pot or garden bed.

Superbells

Another favorite for containers! They’re vibrant, low-maintenance, and have a beautiful trailing effect—perfect for pots like a wave.

“As the end of the day, being outside in my flowers, soaking up the sunshine, is where I find so much happiness. It’s more than just landscaping—it’s creating a space that feels peaceful, personal, and full of life.” So, if you see me this time of year with a little dirt under my nails, know it’s all in good, clean fun.

Tropical Vibes & Layered Beauty

I also love incorporating tropical plants into my landscaping. There’s just something about them that makes everything feel like a vacation right in your own backyard. I like to layer plants with different heights and colors to create depth and interest—it really brings a space to life.

From Garden to Kitchen

I enjoy gardening when I have the time, especially growing ingredients I can use later. One of my favorite things to make is homemade tomato sauce. I use it in so many recipes, and making it myself means I know exactly what’s in it—no added sugar, just simple, fresh ingredients.

Living in the Midwest

Living in the Midwest comes with its own challenges (hello, wind!), so not everything thrives the same every year. That’s part of the fun—experimenting and learning what works best.

Let’s Create Your Garden Oasis!

If you have questions about your landscaping or need a little guidance on where to start, send me a DM and I would love to draw up a plan to create the most beautiful garden oasis for you!

-Bri