Mike's Backyard Nursery

The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Bibs On!

  • Home
  • Recommended Tools
  • Products
  • Categories
    • Complete Guides
    • Gardening
    • Growing
    • Landscape Design
    • Plant Care
    • Propagation
  • Contact
  • About Mike
Home » Miscellaneous » Photos, Landscaping Ideas from My Butt Ugly Landscape. Worst Landscape Design Ever!

Photos, Landscaping Ideas from My Butt Ugly Landscape. Worst Landscape Design Ever!

Updated : June 9, 2022

45 Comments

A couple of years ago I posted a video and some photos of the landscaping around our house and one guy said something like, “It’s a good thing you know how to grow plants because your landscape design skills are terrible. So when I did an update I titled the post, “My Landscape Design Skills Suck”.

Here we are a year later and I see some things in my landscape that I’d like to share with you, so for all practical purposes I’ll forewarn you that my landscaping is “Butt Ugly”. That way my critics don’t have to work so hard to point that out.

These two Hosta are ‘Island Breeze’. This is a beautiful Hosta that sells like crazy for us. It is patented which means that I can’t propagate them but as a grower I can buy small plugs for just a couple dollars each. When we buy a patented plant like this we pay a small royalty on each plant then we can grow them out and sell them legally. The plant in front of them is ‘Snow Angel Coral Bells’ which is also a hot seller and it’s not patented!
These three photos are Ice Plant, Delosperma. This is a low growing ground cover that spreads quickly, is not invasive and blooms like crazy in the spring. And it’s super winter hardy here in cold, northern Ohio. Zone 5 or 6.
We planted these three Ice Plants as little tiny plugs and a year later they look like this.
These are also really hot sellers at our nursery. We never seem to have enough of them.
This is right in front of our porch. Evergreen azaleas, the plant at the bottom of the photo is Electric Red Dianthus and then a collection of both Blue Mouse Ears Hosta and Mini Skirt Hosta. Two of my favorites because they are so small and compact. The Japanese maple at the far end is Kotohime.
Here’s a better shot of the Kotohime Japanese Maple and a couple more Blue Mouse Ears on this side of it.
In this shot you can see two more Japanese maples, the flower bulbs are ready to be cut down. Pam made the planter off two the left. That’s two clay flower pots, the four more small clay pots for the hands and arms. I think she got the idea on Pintrest.
I need a better photo of this!
Here’s a better photo of Pam’s Clay Pot Planter man! or Lady.
The Azaleas in bloom and the Blue Mouse Ears from a different angle. And to my critics, I added the stone as an after thought because we had a gutter that would over flow in this area and make a mess. Problem solved but had I planned on that I would have laid the plants out differently.
This beautiful Japanese maple near the garage. What variety is it? I have no idea. There are more than 1,000 different varieties of Japanese maples and at one time I was buying everyone I could get my hands on. Over the years some of the tags got lost and there went the identity of these two beautiful trees.
This beautiful Japanese maple is also one of those lost tag beauties.
I added about 50 Hyacinth bulbs in the fall, they looked great this spring.
I put a lot of Tulip bulbs in this bed as well. The little tree is a Limelight Hydrangea that we trained into tree form. In the spring we add annual flowers in and around the bulbs.

That concludes the tour of my Butt Ugly Landscape. Questions, comments, mean things to say? Post them below and I will respond. Until then, by any and all means stay inspired!

Take a gander at these posts...

  • Tree Stump Removal Instructions
  • Check Out My Billy Goat Outback Brush Cutter!
  • 37 Ways to Know You’re Addicted to Gardening
  • Hydrangeas: When do I prune them? Why didn’t they flower?
  • Pittsburgh Steelers Fans

Comments

  1. Darlene A Gormly says

    June 28, 2022 at 7:33 pm

    Not butt ugly at all, lol. I love the colors and actually everything looks very manicured compared to my yard!

    Reply
  2. Atia Nasar says

    June 19, 2022 at 10:55 am

    Hiya Mike. Really love the defined beds and mulched beds. It really makes the design cohesive. If I’m starting new beds, what type of soil should I use — top soil/compost, leaf compost, mushroom compost. I’m planning to lay down cardboard to smother the existing weeds/lawn. Thanks a bunch.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 20, 2022 at 7:29 am

      Atia,

      Good topsoil would be great. As long as it’s good topsoil. See this https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2012/05/the-best-topsoil-for-you/

      Reply
      • Anonymous says

        June 20, 2022 at 5:45 pm

        Thanks Mike — you’re still my hero!

        Reply
  3. Dana says

    June 18, 2022 at 12:37 am

    Mike! Bahh! I’m super excited to come see what you have this weekend! 🤗 I am a flower enthusiast! Slightly new, at least to being quite as obsessed as I am now..I even have the hubby excited to come with me! I’d love to perhaps pick your brain a little on a few things, plant related of course! I love your garden btw! Nothing ugly about it good sir! I also wanted to ask if you happen to carry clematis, or honeysuckle.. anything climbing? Even if it’s not a climber, I love flowers and am excited to go shopping for some tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 18, 2022 at 7:28 am

      Dana,

      The only climber that I had was hydrangea but they might be all gone. Not sure.

      Reply
  4. barbara cournoyer says

    June 14, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    i love to see the magic you do. i wish i would feel better and did’nt have so much on my plate now

    Reply
  5. Laurel says

    June 13, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    It’s not “ugly,’ it’s just not everyone’s preference. Or climate, Or other natural challenges. 😉 I love seeing pictures of landscape plantings that are realistic for most people. Those fabulous photos in fancy magazines cost many tens of thousands in installations, and thousands in maintenance.
    My challenges are deer, javalina, and drought, so I envy your shade plants. You must have deer, though!

    Reply
  6. Scott Davis says

    June 12, 2022 at 10:25 am

    Hey Mike,
    I think “Butt Ugly is just another name for “Eclectic”. I love eclectic especially when my wife says “what is that”, “who planted that” or “Where did that come from”. She does the same thing to me.
    Some times you just need something growing where it is out of place or just shouldn’t be there.
    Keeps life interesting and entertaining.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      June 13, 2022 at 6:21 pm

      Agree with your comment. But looking to ask Mike where I can comment. Im joined and have no option anywhere to comment

      Reply
      • Mike says

        June 14, 2022 at 7:21 am

        Jessica,

        If you are a paid member, http://backyardgrowers.com/join
        , you should have a user name and password to https://backyardgrowers.com/ you can log in there and join the on going daily disscussions as well as the buy/sell area. Contact Duston if you need help with your membership. [email protected] or [email protected]

        Reply
  7. JHM says

    June 12, 2022 at 9:18 am

    Keep politics out of garden. Plants and flowers are apolitical.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 13, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Was I political? I don’t think so.

      Reply
    • Chuck says

      June 14, 2022 at 7:39 am

      Flags and a “Proud of the USA” planter are not political!

      Reply
    • Chuck says

      June 15, 2022 at 5:18 am

      Being patriotic by putting out a few American flags and a “Proud of the USA” planter is clearly not political!! Looks great Mike! We have many flags in our landscape and gardens!

      Reply
      • Mike says

        June 15, 2022 at 7:05 am

        Thanks Chuck!

        Reply
    • Laura says

      June 15, 2022 at 10:31 am

      Sad when showing pride in your country is taken as a political stance.

      Reply
  8. Christine pearlman says

    June 12, 2022 at 7:58 am

    Hi Mike. I have been following you for quite a few years now. Love your inspiration. No, your landscaping is NOT butt ugly. As a matter of fact I just had a sidewalk installed with a curve and a flower bed in front just like in your pic above. I love maple trees also and want to put one there. However, that bed is is there to disguise the area around my septic tank. If I put a dwarf maple there will the roots interfere (grow into) the tank seeking water? I am thinking it is not a good idea. Thoughts??

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:19 am

      Christine,

      Probably not a good idea, I’d find a better spot.

      Reply
  9. Susan cutting says

    June 12, 2022 at 7:55 am

    I’m here in TN. I’ve been following you for years. I LOVE your amazing knowledge of plants and landscaping! Don’t let anyone diminish your talent .
    Your landscaping is wonderful. Your approach is refreshing. The knowledge you share is based on hands on tried and true methods.
    Keep up the great work !!!!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:19 am

      Thank you Susan, appreciate it.

      Reply
  10. Diana Davis says

    June 12, 2022 at 5:26 am

    Whoever said it looks ugly must have a brain problem. I think it looks great! I especially like your little flower pot guy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:22 am

      Yea, Pam did a great job on that little guy.

      Reply
  11. N. MacGregor says

    June 12, 2022 at 1:30 am

    I always tell my critics my garden like my house is a “work in progress” and eventually I will “get” there. In the meantime if you want to be critical – grab a shovel or hammer or whatever suits your fancy and give me a hand and your “invaluable” assistance to improve on what you see and especially dislike. Works everytime – they usually shut up or go away.

    BTW – I think your garden/yard looks fantastic and I especially like the contast in textures between the mulch and the river rocks.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:22 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    June 11, 2022 at 9:10 pm

    Your flowers are great

    Reply
  13. Dave says

    June 11, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    Looks fine to me. How do you keep the weeds at bay?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:24 am

      Dave,

      I apply a pre emergent over the mulch but mostly we just keep it mulched and weeded.

      Reply
  14. Peggy says

    June 11, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    I would love for my landscaping to look as “ugly” as yours does.

    Reply
  15. Paula Owens says

    June 11, 2022 at 12:03 pm

    Your landscape is very beautiful! Now you have given all your readers hope of what we can have. Thank you for your videos and pictures.

    Reply
  16. Joanie says

    June 11, 2022 at 11:44 am

    mike, i see absolutely nothing wrong with your landscape…..i wish mine looked that good! you keep your good advise coming, those of us who arent actually :”perfect” need all the help ee can get

    Reply
  17. Mike K. says

    June 11, 2022 at 11:40 am

    What do you do after the tulips are done blooming? That’s a problem I have with that kind of plant.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:25 am

      Mike,

      We let the tops start to die then we cut them off.

      Reply
  18. Lynda Oliver says

    June 11, 2022 at 10:35 am

    Mike – just beautiful. Just wondering how you keep weeds/little sprouts from growing into your little stones you have on the landscaping. Every day I have to go out and pull them out. The stones are all around my pool. Looks good when no weeds are there.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:25 am

      I use a pre emergent and pull and spray when I need to.

      Reply
      • Lynda says

        June 12, 2022 at 1:09 pm

        I really appreciate your reply. I was about to give up. I had to look up pre-emergent and found it, so I’ll try it. I just bought roundup but the sprouts turn brown and I have to pull anyway, so I guess I won’t use it. It’s a big area, so I’ll try to use the pre-emergent. I used preen years ago and it helped somewhat in the front area of my home. I always look at your website and find so much interesting stuff. Don’t know how you do it all !!

        Thanks again, Lynda

        Reply
        • Mike says

          June 13, 2022 at 7:55 am

          Lynda,

          A pre emergent will be on no use until you get all of weeds out ahead of application.

          Reply
  19. Steve says

    June 11, 2022 at 10:31 am

    Looks great Mike! Where did you get your hyacinth bulbs? I bought some from a flower catalog website and the flowers were tiny.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 12, 2022 at 8:26 am

      Steve,

      Pretty sure I got them here. https://www.dutchbulbs.com/

      Reply
    • Laurel says

      June 13, 2022 at 7:15 pm

      I highly recommend Van Engelen for large plantings. Best quality available for all types of bulbs.

      Reply
  20. Pam says

    June 9, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    Where in northern Ohio are you located? I am in nw Ohio and would love to come to your sales ! Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 10, 2022 at 6:39 am

      Pam,

      Perry, Ohio, north east corner of the state about an hour west of Erie, Pa, 30 minutes east of Cleveland. Our “retired hours” are ten a.m. til two p.m. Mon thru Sat.

      Reply
  21. tracy says

    June 8, 2022 at 9:15 am

    I don’t think it looks ugly. Everything appears to be healthy and growing well!

    Reply
    • Mike says

      June 8, 2022 at 9:51 am

      Thanks Tracy! We like it as well, but to the few just have to criticize I help them out.

      Reply
      • Vijaya says

        June 11, 2022 at 10:06 am

        Beuty is in the eyes of beholder Sir
        Love from UK

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

'Rockin Raspberry' Bee Balm.

‘Rockin Raspberry’ Bee Balm.

Posted On June 26, 2022 By Mike

'Bubblegum Blast' Bee Balm.

‘Bubblegum Blast’ Bee Balm

Posted On June 26, 2022 By Mike

Blue Angel Hosta.

‘Blue Angel’ Hosta.

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

Big Daddy Hosta.

‘Big Daddy’ Hosta

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

'Humpback Whale' hosta.

‘Humpback Whale’ Hosta.

Posted On June 25, 2022 By Mike

Ice Plant, delosperma

Ice Plant, delosperma

Posted On June 9, 2022 By Mike

Electric Red Dianthus

‘Electric Red’ Dianthus

Posted On June 9, 2022 By Mike

Flower bulb care after they bloom.

The Right Way to Treat Your Flower Bulbs after they Bloom.

Posted On June 9, 2022 By Mike

Miniature donkey shenanigans.

Power Equipment, Pain in the Backside!

Posted On June 9, 2022 By Mike

Ice Plant, Delosperma

Photos, Landscaping Ideas from My Butt Ugly Landscape. Worst Landscape Design Ever!

Posted On June 8, 2022 By Mike

Complete Guides

Growing, Rooting and Propagating Dappled Willow in Tree Form from Cuttings.

Growing Seeds, Winter Sowing, in Milk Jugs and Kitty Litter Jugs.

The Correct Way to Pot Rooted Cuttings, Nursery Stock Liners and other Plants.

Training Arborvitae and other Conical Evergreens to Grow with a Single Leader.

How to Propagate, Root Cuttings, of Dwarf Alberta Spruce.

Recent Posts

Flower bulb care after they bloom.

The Right Way to Treat Your Flower Bulbs after they Bloom.

Me and the donkeys made a movie for you about caring for your flower bulbs after they bloom. It seems to be that the standard practice is to roll the tops into a ball, put a rubber band around them and wait for them to turn brown before you cut them … Read Full Article

Miniature donkey shenanigans.

Power Equipment, Pain in the Backside!

Listen up, me and the donkeys, Finnegan and Fergus, made a video for you that just might save you a giant headache when it comes to your power equipment. I made this giant mistake and hopefully this will make sure that it does not happen to you. Not … Read Full Article

Ice Plant, Delosperma

Photos, Landscaping Ideas from My Butt Ugly Landscape. Worst Landscape Design Ever!

A couple of years ago I posted a video and some photos of the landscaping around our house and one guy said something like, "It's a good thing you know how to grow plants because your landscape design skills are terrible. So when I did an update I titled the … Read Full Article

Busting Gardening Myths!

One of Our Members, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, shared this article with the other members. It's a great article about long held gardening beliefs that just flat out are not true. I'd love to display the article here but I just don't have permission to … Read Full Article

How to Move Heavy things the Easy Way.

It's that time of year when I have to put balls on the Japanese maples that we dug earlier this spring. On this page, https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2021/04/how-to-put-a-ball-and-burlap-on-a-bare-root-tree-that-has-been-previously-dug/, I show you how I put … Read Full Article

Copyright © 1999-2022 · McGroarty Enterprises Inc. · Privacy Policy · Earnings Disclaimer · Terms of Service