5 Steps to Outdoor Entertaining with Small Space Gardening

Is your backyard ready for Summer BBQs and outdoor entertaining? Here is an easy way to make sure your patios, decks and backyards are ready to impress guests - no matter how large your space.

It all starts with the garden using herbs and greens as our centerpiece. Of course, it's not just about the aesthetics - it's also seasonal foods and drinks and the perfect playlist that gets the mood going!

Here's your guide on transforming your outdoor space into a haven for summer entertaining and hosting memorable parties. In this blog, we will explore five easy steps to help you create a cozy gathering area using vertical gardens, grow fresh herbs and greens, incorporate them into marinades and drinks, and finally, unwind with a rejuvenating herbal bath. Get ready to impress your guests with a combination of greenery, delicious flavors, and relaxation!

When dealing with limited outdoor space, vertical gardens offer a fantastic solution. By utilizing walls, fences, or tower structures, you can maximize your gardening area and create a visually stunning backdrop for your gatherings. Here are some key point to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Plants: Opt for plants that thrive in containers and vertical spaces, such as herbs, flowers, and compact vegetables. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint are not only easy to grow but also add a delightful aroma to the atmosphere.

• Vertical Structures and Container Plants: Install wall-mounted planters, tiered containers, or hanging baskets to make the most of your available space. Ensure proper sunlight exposure for your plants by positioning them strategically. We walk through how to create your own Vertical Garden in this article. You can also stage your deck or patio with small or large container gardens to brighten up the space. Succulent frame

• Green Wall Features: Consider adding a green wall feature as a focal point. This can be achieved using trellises, lattice screens, or modular planting systems. Incorporating colorful plants and trailing vines will add an enchanting touch. Plants can brighten even the barest space. 

When you bring in a Vertical Garden, you literally transform an outdoor entertaining area into the main attraction in your outdoor lounging area, giving people an opportunity to gather around and enjoy the natural beauty of plants - one that becomes the centerpiece of discussion. It will hide undesirable fences or rotting wood or even provide a bit of privacy from close neighbors.

Planted Places provides easy ways to create living walls (also called vertical gardens) and container gardens in your backyard. You can grow floral and ornamental plants, succulents, and the best yet - food on a vertical garden.

For fast access to fresh greens and herbs - grow your ingredients in your backyard entertaining space! Our flagship product, the Planted Wall Gardening system makes it easy to grow organic leafy greens and herbs in a small space.

Growing vertically can save up to 95% of the total space typically needed to grow food of a similar yield. Plus there is no nutrient depletion of your produce when you harvest it right before you use it. The vertical nature also helps to create a backdrop and a conversation piece with your guests.

Nothing elevates the flavors of your dishes quite like using fresh herbs and greens straight from your garden.  Here's how you can grow your own mini herb and greens garden: 

• Choose a Sunny Spot: Identify an area in your outdoor space that receives ample sunlight, as most herbs and greens thrive in sunny conditions.

• Containers or Vertical Gardens: Decide what you will grow if you have limited ground space -  containers, window boxes, or Living Walls. This allows you to grow a variety of herbs and greens in a compact area.

• Select Your Favorites Edibles to Grow: Popular herbs for outdoor gardens include basil, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. For greens, consider spinach, lettuce, and kale. Experiment with different varieties to suit your culinary preferences.

• Proper Care: Provide adequate water and ensure well-draining soil for your plants. Regularly prune and harvest to promote healthy growth and encourage continuous production.  When you are growing vertically, you can recirculate the water and automate the maintenance steps involved in watering (99% water savings over irrigation systems)

Impress your guests with flavorful dishes by incorporating your freshly harvested herbs into marinades. Follow these tips to create delicious and aromatic herb-infused marinades:

• Herb Selection: Choose herbs that complement the type of meat or vegetables you are marinating. For instance, rosemary works well with lamb, while dill pairs perfectly with salmon.

• Crushing and Blending: Gently crush or chop the herbs to release their natural oils and flavors. You can use a mortar and pestle or simply chop them finely with a sharp knife. Alternatively, blend the herbs with olive oil and other ingredients for a smooth marinade.

• Marinating Time: Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the intensity of flavor desired. The herbs will infuse their essence into the dish, creating a mouthwatering experience.

You can find many of our favorites in our recipe blog. You can't go wrong with a salsa verde to cover your protein or a herb-infused chimichurri marinade.  

Quench your guests' thirst and add a uinque twist to your summer drinks by incorporating fresh herbs. Here's how to create refreshing herbal-infused beverages:

• Complementing Herb Selection: Choose herbs that complement the flavors of your beverages. Mint, basil, and lavender are popular choices that add refreshing notes to drinks.

• Muddle or Infuse: Muddle or lightly crush the herbs to release their flavors into the drinks. Alternatively, create herb-infused simple syrups or make herbal ice cubes to slowly infuse the flavors.

We go in detail and walk through the basics for creating your own herb infused cocktails in a workshop we teach you  how to create your own concoctions and simply syrups using herbs.

The party is over!  Before planning the next one, make sure to treat yourself to an herb-infused bath!  We provide all the details for making an herb-infused bath here.  Growing herbs in your garden can serve so many purposes - even unwinding at the end of a hectic evening.   

Sit back and be proud of that beautiful garden you just built that feeds you as well!  Your guests will be wondering where your green thumb came from!