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Home » Fuel Your Passion

Jen's Backyard Garden Ideas

Published on 5.10.2017 by Jen Hansard

Best selling author Jen Hansard shares backyard garden ideas

Ohhhhh rawkstar! Today is such a good day! I get to show you around one of my most favorite places of all time... my own backyard. We call it "The Hansard Farm" around here, and I think you'll see why soon enough.

I'm sorry if I went overload on the pics, but I wanted to show you EVERYTHING about the garden. I also want to give a special shoutout to Liz Bower for taking pics of us while her and her husband were visiting us a few months ago. When photos turn out this good, it's really hard to just choose a few. 🙂

Garden Ideas into Reality

Growing up in Southern California, life moved at 500mph and we never seemed to be able to catch our breath. When we moved to Florida six years ago, the pace changed! We moved to a small farm town of 7,000 in central Florida. We technically live in a subdivision on the Tampa suburbs, but the dreams of living on a farm started to pop into my mind! I can literally drive 3 minutes down the road and see cow pastures, chicken farms and Arabian horse farms, so country life is all around me.

I crave the slow paced life, where our family gathers in the backyard to garden and play while the animals run around everywhere. Living on ⅓ acre with neighbors on both sides, hasn't stopped us from turning our backyard garden ideas into reality.

Family backyard garden ideas

Meet the Farm Animals

Two years ago, our family adopted 2 chickens, 2 rabbits and a guinea pig. We googled how to make a chicken coup that they could all live in together. Then we made a trip (or two or three) to Lowe's, and started building.

We have learned a lot about "backyard defense" from having a few farm animals, including how short of a life cycle they can have if you don't get it right! Sadly, we faced MANY predators, like foxes, raccoons and neighborhood dogs!

We have had to make a lot of changes to our initial coop. In fact, we are now on our third coup design and our second batch of chickens because the entire farm was attacked and killed one night! Thankfully my husband is really good at thinking outside the box and flexing his creative muscles. The new coop has been indestructible and our farm animals are super safe.

Last year, we added Huck the duck to the farm and she's the mother to all the chickens. She tells then where to go and when to come to bed— its adorable. She's also super cuddling with us and love to swim in her little pool.

Backyard garden with raised beds and poultry coop

Our chickens and Huck the Duck add so much energy to our backyard! They also add some beautiful and delicious eggs to our meals. It is so much fun to go out to the coup daily to see what they have left us. I love what it teaches our kids too about where our foods truly comes from. Look at these eggs:

Jen Hansard collecting eggs from backyard coop
Farm fresh eggs

SIMPLE RAISED GARDEN BEDS

If you follow along with us on Instagram (@simplegreensmoothies), you know how much I care about knowing where your food comes from. I am go grateful we are able to grow our own fruits and vegetables in our own backyard! It has been so rewarding to put in the hard work and be able to enjoy, not only the process, but the results!

A few years ago, Ryan, the kids and our friends Dan and Erin helped us build these raised garden beds. We love doing projects with our friends and are so thankful they almost always say yes to our invitations. Jackson and Clare joined me in planting our very first plants (strawberries and tomatoes)!

Clare with raised garden beds
Using plastic as weed and moisture barrier for home garden
Watering your backyard garden
Tomatoes on the vine

Over the years, we have added more and more veggies to our garden. Now my favorite things to grow are kale and cauliflower— I never thought I could do it. But look at this— I'm getting it down. The key to happy and healthy gardens is the compost. We compost all of our produce waste and feed it to our plants.

Fresh and healthy cauliflower for smoothies
Backyard kitchen gardening with Jen Hansard
Chickens helping to compost

(the chickens love the kale too! 😉 )

DIY RAIN WATER COLLECTOR

In between the chicken coup and the flower bed, we have a rain water collector. This rain barrel is a great way to conserve our water on those hot Florida summer days. The kids love to use the watering can to give the plants a drink!

Backyard garden
Huck the Duck explores backyard garden

In the corner of our backyard garden, we have a beautiful butterfly garden that was my Mothers Day present a few years ago. We spent Mother's Day shopping and planting together—
it was a very special day for us all. The butterflies are always fluttering through the air! It is such a peaceful part of our garden and I just love hanging out in the area just to watch the butterflies play.

Farm and garden ideas for backyards

QUICK TIP: If you want to attract the beautiful butterflies below called monarchs, plant Milkweed. It's the only plant they eat and as soon as we planted it, the came to our yard!

Butterfly friendly plants for your yard

OUR DUCK POND

Ohh, and of course Huck enjoys just hanging out in this corner of the Farm too! She has her own little pool to soak it all in. Every day I'll find her chilling in the pool with the chickens drinking from it.

Backyard farm ideas

DIY COMPOST BIN

On the opposite side of the Farm, we have another really important part of our garden, the compost. We compost all of our food waste! By composting, we have pretty much eliminated the amount of garbage we have and it's really helped our garden grow! Our compost makes the incredibly nutrient rich soil for our plants! Win Win!

Backyard composting, garden swing and shed
Ryan Hansard with DIY compost bin for your yard

Ryan is my compost man. He was way more passionate about enriching our soil with compost at first, but I've def seen the benefits of doing it. It's just cool to know that every banana or orange peel is eventually going to become plant vitamins.

As I mentioned earlier, when I dream of our farm, I dream of a place where our family and friends gather. There is something for everyone in our backyard garden. Between the giant tree swing that friends and family helped us build, the slack line, tether ball, a fire pit, and picnic table, I am so proud to say that our backyard garden is full of laughter, community and fun!

Hansard family enjoys their backyard with green smoothies
Hansard family backyard game time with green smoothies
DIY backyard swing
DIY slack line for your yard
Tetherball in the garden
Florida backyard dining
Jen and Ryan Hansard with DIY backyard swing

The beauty of having a backyard garden is that it is always evolving. There is always something new budding or growing. I still dream of ways that we can add to our Hansard Farm— like a watermelon patch and some blueberry bushes. But in the meantime, I am loving the process and the way it has had me slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.

Cool farm and backyard garden ideas

Have a backyard garden question?

I am so excited that I got to share my backyard garden with you! I hope you've enjoyed it and that it maybe gave you ideas for your own backyard garden. If you have any questions, please ask below. I would love to answer them! Thank you for joining me on the Hansard Farm Tour.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela Zeis

    February 10, 2020 at 10:10 am

    Hi, do you have any other posts or pictures on how you compost ? Looking for tips and tricks ! Thanks !

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 24, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      Hey Angela! Unfortunately, as of right now, we don't.

    • Diana Patterson

      March 09, 2022 at 4:46 pm

      Hi there,

      I love everything about your page, very refreshing and down to earth! Can you tell me what is in the bottom of the veggie garden box that builds it up nice and high?

      Seem expensive to build one if you have to fill the whole box up with soil..

      Thanks

      Diana

    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 11, 2022 at 9:51 am

      I'm so glad you are loving our page! Thanks for asking a great question, here is what we do:
      First, lay down a weed cloth to cover the whole bottom. Then, use cardboard or compostable paper (LOL, those Amazon boxes work great here) Next, add rocks and/or wood chips. Then, add regular old dirt (use the cheap stuff here). Finally, on the top layer I mix in compost and peat moss to nourish the soil for planting.

  2. Mary

    September 22, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Hi everyone,
    I don't have any plans to have this type of garden, it's just not for me, but I love the Simple Green Smoothies site and I LOVED seeing all your picturees Jen and reading the comments from other readers; I COULD FEEL THE ENTHUSIASM, and somehow even felt that I could shareit! Best wishes to everyone!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      September 22, 2017 at 11:05 am

      Thanks for the love, Mary! You need to make gardening work for you! Having a farm has always been Jen's passion, but we know it's not for everyone.

  3. Kristy Brooks

    July 20, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    I love the dish that you are putting your eggs into! Where is it from?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      July 20, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks for the egg love, Kristy. You can find the dish here...

      https://www.houzz.com/products/egg-crate-7x9-prvw-vr~60815128?hz_ref=aHR0cHM6Ly9zaW1wbGVncmVlbnNtb290aGllcy5jb218ODY5ZjAzOTMtNzVlOC00MmUxLWE4YTEtMTc4YTBkNjllZDhjfDE2MDM5OTgxMzYxODU

  4. Silvia

    June 15, 2017 at 10:20 am

    Hello Jen,I start with some basil and tomatoes, I don't have much space, I was wondering how I keep bugs out from eating all the leaves. It seem like they keep coming with more friends.
    Should I start again? Is it bad if the bugs are there?are not good anymore?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      June 26, 2017 at 8:07 am

      Hi Silvia,

      Having trouble with bugs, especially on your tomato plants? I use a mild solution of water + a few drops of dish soap and a spray bottle. It's a more natural way to keep those bugs at bay.

  5. Tamara Chambers

    June 02, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    We just finished two raised beds in our backyard and have 4 chickens. Struggling with figuring out our composting area as our yard is much smaller (0.18 acre) property and don't want to have the smell or rats (eek) near our house. Any suggestions? Thanks for inspiring us all!

    Reply
  6. Mary Anne

    May 13, 2017 at 7:14 am

    So happy for you! We did something similar in our small suburban backyard...a lovely mix of flowers, fruits, veggies, chickens, goats, and a pool turned into fish pond complete with water plants and for awhile ducks. A flood took all that away and we are starting over in another place. Your story and pictures remind me why it's worth the work. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 13, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      Wow! Your yard sounded amazing! So sad about the flood, but fresh starts can create so many possibilities. Excited to see what you create in your new home.... because it is totally worth it.

  7. Rosa

    May 11, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Thank you for sharing. I recently bought farm land that needs to be developed. Hoping to make it my retirement home. Your pictures have encouraged me even more.

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 13, 2017 at 11:17 pm

      How fun is that Rosa?! Congrats on your retirement dream— it's going to amazing. I feel it.

  8. Cutressa M. Williams

    May 11, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    Jen, WOW! I LOVE it! Thank you so, so much for sharing a glimpse of your gorgeous "farm" and your beautiful life! I am truly envious, in a good way, and inspired to create such a "life of love & energy too." Thank you for the inspiration! Please keep the photos coming!!!

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 13, 2017 at 11:17 pm

      Awwww, thanks Cutressa. Keep going after your dreams and I can't wait to see what you create.

  9. Karen

    May 11, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    Can't get much better than that! I love the little one with her great big beautiful smile, and boots on the wrong feet. Too cute! Please keep us updated with more pictures as things grow throughout the summer.

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      Clare is a hoot. She's never cared about shoes being on the right foot... or how wild and crazy her hair is. I think she takes after her mama. 🙂

  10. Janelle

    May 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Thanks for sharing, Jen! My boyfriend and I spent this past weekend at a farm, and absolutely LOVED it! The animals were friendly and we lived the farm-to-table concept as we picked fresh eggs, vegetables and herbs right at the backyard. I'd love to retire at a farm one day, but you make it seem that I don't have to wait that long. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Yeah! Glad you enjoyed it!!! You def don't have to wait that long. Work with what you have— it's amazing what you can create with that alone. And the memories you can make through it as well. xoxox

  11. Ann

    May 11, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    Love your backyard! Can you share how you do your composting?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Oooohh! Maybe I'll do a video of Ryan showing us all how it's done! That would be the most helpful. 🙂

  12. arleen coffin

    May 11, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    Wow, I grew up in the country had a big garden a rhubarb patch but you have it made it is beautiful I lived in Gaspe Quebec, Canada .

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks Arleen, that means a lot to me. <3

  13. Lynn

    May 11, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Thank you for sharing your photos and garden knowledge! I love what you have done. I also live on the west coast of Florida, about an hour south of Tampa. Love the slow, quiet life style. Would love to know what plants and flowers grow well here for you. Since we are in a drought now I am having trouble losing plants because of the heat. Thanks for your input! Lynn

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Hi Lynn. I always try to buy Florida Native Plants so I don't worry about watering often at all. Like 5 times a year.... max! I love the milkweed plant, lantana and pentas— lots of color and little maintenance. You're sorta my neighbor...kinda cool!

  14. Cadie

    May 11, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    How sad that you lost your flock before predator-proofing your chicken coop. I would be absolutely devastated if that happened to my girls. 🙂 We also have backyard chickens, raised beds, even fruit trees (pear, apple, peaches, and cherries)...all on about 1/3 of an acre too! I wouldn't have it any other way. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      Oh, it was horrible Cadie when they were attacked. We cried and did a whole funeral.... and have really fortified the farm with the coop and a fence around the perimeter too. How many hens do you have?

  15. Donna Bazan

    May 11, 2017 at 11:54 am

    You are living my dream life!! We currently live in Southern California and have been contemplating a move to the Tampa suburbs too. We're looking for a horse property where our dogs, rabbits, chickens, parrots and horse can all live comfortably with us, and where there's a great school district for our son, but is also close enough to enjoy all that Tampa has to offer. We're excited to start gardening projects like you have, and look forward to growing our own greens for our smoothies! What towns have you stumbled upon there that sound like a good fit? Thanks so much for sharing your lifestyle with us!!!

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      NO WAY?! Did you know I came from southern California 5 years ago?! Spent the first 27 years of my life there. Sounds like Brooksville might be calling you name... or Dade City? Honestly, reach out if you come this way and I can show you around.

  16. Katie Baker

    May 11, 2017 at 10:31 am

    Wow! Your little farm is gorgeous! And in a plain suburban back yard, just like mine! Pleeeeaassee write a whole book. Photos, diagrams, how-to-do...I would positively gobble that up. I look at what you've built and see how it's so possible, but honestly just freeze at the thought of where to start. Thank you for the tour!

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:49 pm

      You can totally do it Katie!!!!!! I would love to write a book on this... gosh. Maybe I can pitch that as my third book deal? Haha! Thanks for the love and I woudl say first steps are figuring out what you really want (chickens, raised beds, compost, butterfly garden, rain barrel, etc). Then map out your backyard and draw up where those pieces could go. From there, tackle one project at a time. You got this girl!

  17. Keah Archie-King

    May 11, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Did you make the chicken wire barrier yourself? How did you do it?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      My husband did that part. He built a wood framed coop and then we wrapped it in THREE layers of wire. 1: traditional chicken wire. 2. cattle wire to stop the dogs from breaking through. 3. small wire to stop the hawks from getting their claws in there. It's like a MAX security place. 🙂

  18. Vilma Rodriguez

    May 11, 2017 at 10:01 am

    Thank you for sharing your back yard!! Is amazingly beautiful!!! Plus it inspire us to try it on our own

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      Glad you enjoyed the tour Vilma. 🙂 You can totally do this— it's possible!!!!

  19. Lienna

    May 11, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Omg love your garden! So cool! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      Thank you Lienna for checking it out!!!! If you have any questions, just ask! I'd love to help you get to this place too!

  20. Margot

    May 11, 2017 at 9:20 am

    Thank you for sharing your garden photos with everyone! How fun! Love the chickens and duck 🙂

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      May 11, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      Thanks Margot!!!! The duck is the best— she's such a sweetheart.

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I'm Jen Hansard, mom of two, plant-based foodie, adventure junkie + cookbook author.

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