In just under three hours, we transformed a bare patch of land into a vibrant garden full of life and character. From removing weeds and wood chips to hauling rocks with the tractor, this was a hands-on project powered by teamwork and a little morning magic. In this post, I’ll walk you through our step-by-step process, share how we propagated succulents, and explain why this simple garden means so much to us.
Clearing the Space
We kicked things off by clearing the entire area. That meant getting rid of the old wood chips and pulling up every weed we could find. It was important to start with a clean foundation, and there’s something satisfying about scrubbing a space down to the basics before building it up again.
Building the Border
Once we had the area cleared, we needed to define it. We headed to a spot on the property where we had a pile of rocks, loaded up the tractor bucket, and created a rock barrier around the garden space. It gave us a structure to hold the soil in and added a little rustic charm that fit perfectly with the feel of our land.
Soil and Prep
After the border was set, we filled it with soil. A generous amount of good-quality soil makes all the difference when you're planting, especially succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. I gave it a solid watering to soften it up, making it easier to plant and giving the roots a better chance to settle in quickly.
Succulent Propagation
Here’s where my mom really shined—she propagated her succulents like a pro. She gently removed little babies and suckers from her existing cactus and succulent collection, prepping them for their new home. We also grabbed some aloe vera and a few other beauties from her garden corner. It was a great way to multiply what we already had without spending a dime.
Freestyle Planting
We didn’t overthink the layout—we just started planting. It was a freestyle process, but we kept an eye on balance and made sure things felt even overall. There’s a certain joy in planting by instinct, in trusting that if it’s done with care, it’s going to look good. We ended up with a beautiful mix of textures, shapes, and colors.
A Family Project
What made this extra special was that we did it together. The kids joined in, and we all just got our hands dirty and had fun. It wasn’t just about gardening—it was about creating something meaningful as a family. And honestly, there’s nothing like seeing something grow that you built with the people you love.
Functional Beauty
This garden wasn’t just for looks—it served a purpose too. There was a part under the house that we never liked seeing, and planting in this spot helped visually cover that up. Once the plants grow in fully, that awkward space will be hidden, and the garden will feel like it’s always been part of the land.
Summer Morning Routines
We’ve started doing more projects like this in the early mornings before the heat sets in. It’s a peaceful time of day, and working outside feels good when the sun’s still low. Creating this garden was the perfect blend of productivity, creativity, and calm—all before breakfast.
In less than three hours, we turned an unused corner of our property into something alive, beautiful, and functional. From clearing the land to planting propagated succulents, every step brought us closer as a family. This garden isn’t just about plants—it’s a reminder of what we can build together, one morning at a time.
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