Filling in Your Garden’s Empty Spaces

Got empty spots in your garden? Discover creative ways to fill them with container plants, long-blooming annuals, and even garden art. Plus, find out the best times to score deals on perennials at garden centers!

11/25/20242 min read

Is your garden missing something? Whether it’s an empty patch of soil or a dull corner, there are plenty of ways to bring new life to those spaces. Here’s how to fill them creatively and cost-effectively:

1. Use Containers for Instant Color

Decorative pots filled with flowering plants can easily brighten up an empty space. Consider these combinations:

  • Sunny Spots: Geraniums, calibrachoa, or lantana for vibrant, heat-tolerant blooms.

  • Shady Areas: Impatiens, begonias, or coleus for lush color in low light.

2. Add Summer-Blooming Annuals

Annuals are perfect for quick, season-long color. Some great options include:

  • Zinnias: Easy to grow and available in almost every color.

  • Petunias: Great for borders or hanging baskets.

  • Marigolds: Hardy, pest-repellent, and bright.

3. Incorporate Garden Art

Non-plant decor can instantly fill empty spaces and add personality to your garden. Ideas include:

  • Birdbaths, garden sculptures, or painted rocks.

  • Repurposed items like an old wheelbarrow or vintage watering can as planters.

  • Wind chimes or trellises for vertical interest.

4. Invest in Perennials (and Save Money)

Fill larger gaps with perennials for long-term beauty. To save money:

  • Shop late-season sales: Most garden centers discount perennials in late summer or early fall.

  • Split and transplant: Divide existing perennials in your garden to fill new spaces.

5. Layer Groundcovers for Depth

Groundcovers like creeping thyme, sedum, or sweet alyssum can create a lush carpet in bare patches. They’re low-maintenance and suppress weeds too!

With a mix of plants, decor, and clever budgeting, you can fill your garden’s empty spaces beautifully. For more tips and inspiration, sign up for our newsletter today!