DIY Network

The Walsh/Ruehlman Family: Their Plan, Costs and Products From "Garden Sense" episode DGAR-205

Meet Joe Walsh and Cathy Ruehlman. They have three children, ages 9, 6 and 2. The family moved into their home in the fall. Joe works for Quorum Health Care. Cathy home schools her children.

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The couple wants a durable but low-maintenance, child-and dog-friendly backyard that's also tranquil. They would like to teach their children how to grow vegetables. They also want a place for the children to play outdoors. They think of it as a room of their own, so to speak, yet, she still wants to keep an eye on them from the kitchen window. They would love to create some sort of theme for the kids.

Gardening Challenge

Before

After

Required Project Time
The Not-so Secret Garden project took Walter and the Walsh family one day to complete.

Project Details

• Shrubs such as viburnum, dogwoods and hydrangeas were chosen for their hardiness and their ability to create walls.
  
• We installed planter boxes for the kids and helped them plant vegetables, specifically tomatoes and watermelons, in planters.
  
• Some varieties of shrubs and perennials were planted because they do not grow tall, which will allow Cathy to keep an eye on the children while they're playing in the yard.
  
• We removed the playhouse and positioned it in a different area, then planted small plants. We also surprised the children with an outdoor train set and planted small white spruces, which are a favorite with garden train enthusiasts.

• The most expensive item was the train set at around $300.
  
• The most expensive plants were the hydrangeas at $45 each.
  
• The least expensive plants were the little tomato plants at $1 each.
  
• We saved 30-50% off mulch by buying in bulk instead of bags.

*Plant prices may vary by zone.

Gardening by Zip Code If you're looking to start a gardening projectbut don't know your gardening zone—visit the National Gardening Associations's USDA Hardiness Zone Finder. Enter your Zip Code to identify the proper zone.

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