One of the most important things to me about spring, summer, and fall, is getting outside as much as possible. Here in the Chicago area, we’re cooped inside all winter and I feel like a caged animal waiting to be released into the wild. I’m not fan of winter and don’t enjoy being outside if…
Last Sunday I spend most of the day gardening, and tomorrow will be more of the same. I planted all my flower boxes and love how they look so far. Normally I plant the same flowers in the boxes because once I find what thrives in a spot, I tend to stick with that plant….
This week I received The Gardener’s Idea Book from Proven Winners and it really got my creative juices flowing for the gardening season. One thing on this year’s bucket list is to re-do the front yard. Here’s some inspiration photos of front yard landscape ideas in case you’re ready for a little curb appeal improvement,…
In a little over a month, crocus and other early spring flowers will start to poke their pretty heads up out of the soil. Daffodils and early spring tulips will follow soon thereafter. But what really excites me is the appearance of Virginia Bluebells around the yard. Spring is always such an exciting time when…
Since I’m doing some early fall planting this weekend, I thought I’d look for some inspiration to get my creative juices flowing. In addition to re-planting my flower boxes with flowering kale and asters, I’m also considering fall vignettes for the front porch and backyard deck. Here’s a few outdoor fall arrangements you might want…
When September rolls around I know that this could be the last month of fully enjoying my koi pond. The fish continue to be active, the waterlilies are still in bloom, and plants around the pond are fully grown (and looking a little messy if I’m being honest). Days by the pond are always moments…
Ready to see some pretty interior living spaces? My Style Showcase friends share great home decor ideas, and I’ve got a post at the end about creating garden paths in your landscape. Enjoy! Worthing Court | 7 Ways To Give Your Home A Late Summer Refresh Fox Hollow Cottage | Little Cottage Living Room Reveal…
My pond is humming with activity and tomatoes are popping out on their vines in the vegetable garden. I’m patiently waiting for the brussels sprouts to do something and hoping the 10-foot tall sunflower stalks produce some flowers soon. Other than that, the ornamental onions and zinnias are faithfully doing their thing. Let’s start…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been attracted to wisteria. Its big, drooping blooms are breathtaking. When it wraps itself around a pergola or door frame, it seems almost magical to me. Whether you have it in your garden already, or are considering adding it to your landscape, here’s a few pros…
Walking through pretty neighborhoods to look at landscaping is how I get most of my ideas and inspiration for garden spaces. On occasion, I stumble across a beautiful garden tour online like this charming cottage garden with a unique fountain. Photo by Mom’s Design Build When designing garden spaces, it’s always helpful when the house…
This weekend I’ll be headed to the nursery to select flowers for the garden. To help inspire me, I found several summer container flower garden ideas that I thought you’d enjoy too. Really, the sky’s the limit when you plant your flower pots. Just be sure to keep in mind that you’ll need to water…
Do you dream of beautiful garden spaces in your yard? I know I do. I tend to be drawn more to old-fashioned gardens like the ones at my grandma’s house. Her rose garden surrounded by arborvitaes. Her cutting flower garden that created beautiful bouquets in the living room all summer long. But unlike my grandmother,…
Summer is my favorite season but the one thing I don’t like about it is – mosquitoes! Rather than use chemicals or sprays to keep them away, I prefer a more natural method, like this list of 10 mosquito repelling plants! Basil. Did you know that basil essential oil is deadly to mosquito larvae? The…
Winter is coming to a close and I figure we can all use a dose of spring bulb gardens to lighten our moods and help anticipate the joy of longer days and warmer breezes, not to mention the beautiful colors of spring! Entryway Gardens Every spring I kick myself for not adding more bulbs near…
When we added a garden pond to our backyard, we set up a hummingbird feeder about the same time. It’s such a joy to relax by the pond and watch these tiny creatures flit around like little garden fairies. To create your own magical hummingbird garden, be sure to include some of these popular flowers….
Maybe you don’t have a fence so you’re wondering why you need a garden gate. You can still use a gate to define an entry into a garden area, or even to the entry of your home. Fence or no fence, garden gates add charm and interest to outdoor spaces. Above, a hedgerow creates a…
