As I write today's post about garden planning ideas, it's 75 degrees outside!  No wonder I'm in the mood to start thinking about what to plant this year. Crocus have been blooming all week and the daffodils are halfway up. I've even noticed my Virginia Bluebells poking their way up through the soil. This is always such an exciting time when the Earth gives birth to all that's beautiful! I'm sharing inspirational photos to help you plan your own … [Read more...]

What comes to mind when someone says "backyard paradise"? Do you have visions of your yard dressed like a vacation resort with all the bells and whistles? Chances are you envision comfy outdoor seating, waves of beautiful flowers, and areas for the family to gather and enjoy the great outdoors. For me, a paradise isn't complete without a splash of water, because when I go on vacation I'll always choose a waterfront location.  So when I think of a … [Read more...]

Our summer has been filled with Little League Baseball which means it's been a challenge to spend time in the garden. I've managed to get out first thing in the morning, before the games begin, and do some weeding and watering. I planted extra flower beds this year with cutting gardens so I can enjoy fresh flowers in the house all summer long. While those flowers are still maturing, I thought I'd show you what's in my June garden. On this … [Read more...]

Last spring hubby planted strawberries in our vegetable garden and I wasn't too happy about it. You see, I've spent years pulling wild strawberries in our flower beds that just won't go away. Their fruit is small and sour and wild strawberries constantly shoot out runners so they're difficult to get rid of entirely. I shouldn't allow my distaste for one variation of a plant to turn me against all varieties, because we're now enjoying the sweet … [Read more...]

Farmhouse Friday comes a little early this month since the first day of the month fell on a Friday. Our farmhouse blogging group chose garden planters as the theme for April and I thought I'd share examples of garden planter ideas I've used around my house, along with a few other ideas for you. Take a look, and then visit my fellow farmhouse bloggers at the end of this post. Most of my garden planters are pretty simple. I've never been a big … [Read more...]

Our May weather typically swings back and forth like a pendulum between warm days and cool days, with a soft rain tossed in here and there. Today was cool, tomorrow promises warmer breezes. Earlier this week I stepped out into my mid-spring garden garden to snap a few photos after a gentle rainfall. Last weekend I managed to get quite a few annuals planted, like this beautiful pink tuberous begonia. Did you know there are over 1000 species of … [Read more...]

Do you have gardening on your mind? Vegetable gardening that is!  More and more people are growing their own vegetables and herbs these days. It's fun, it's healthy, and it's rewarding to eat food that you grow with your own two hands. Whether you're just getting started growing your own veggies or you're an old pro, I've got 12 vegetable gardening tips to help you on this healthy journey. Special thanks to my fellow bloggers for allowing me to … [Read more...]

Last year hubby and I painted the outside of our house and this year I've vowed to pay more attention to the garden spaces. Perennials need to be divided and moved around, weeds need to be kept under better control, our backyard fence needs to be replaced, and I need to redefine garden beds. I probably won't get to all of it this year but maybe a decent dent can be made. As usual, I turned to Houzz for inspiring garden ideas. Portland Landscape … [Read more...]