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…
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…
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…
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…
Most people enjoy live plants in their home, but they don’t have any because they’re afraid they’ll kill them … and then what’s the point? Add a little greenery to your home by decorating with succulents. They’re an easy plant to grow and come in a wide variety of shapes and shades of green. To…
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…
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…
Spring bulbs are popping up everywhere outside and I love seeing them! But I want to see them inside too, so I bought a few grape hyacinths at the flea market with the intent of planting them indoors for awhile. I’ve been picking up more plants lately for the house. Indoor plants help to purify…
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…
Over the years I’ve shared some of my favorite collections with you … white ironstone, aqua bottles, and vintage books. But I don’t think I’ve ever shared how much I love wooden cigar boxes. Yes … smelly old cigar boxes! I prefer the more rustic ones and truth be told, I love the smell of…
One of these days I would love to get a new fence. I like our rustic style fence in the backyard but it’s really more shabby than chic. I found a collection of pretty, country style fences on Houzz for inspiration. Let me know which one you like best! Traditional Exterior by Atlanta Architects &…
Water in the landscape is becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to see why. The sound of running water, whether it’s a small fountain or impressive waterfall, is soothing and relaxing. Not to mention water gardens are so pretty! But if you’re not ready to jump in and get both feet wet with a full-fledged pond,…
Wow. I can’t believe we’re more than halfway through July. I want summer to slow down because I’m a warm weather gal and I feel so alive during the summer months. The earth is bursting with flowers and plants, the birds are singing, the butterflies are winging, and I feel like Mr. Bluebird’s on my…
Yesterday when I came home from work I saw a flash of beautiful pink out in the garden. That’s when I realized my oriental lilies were in bloom. Just a couple of the buds were open. And now today, several of them are blooming their hearts out … and they’re just gorgeous! So pretty! I…
If you’re an avid gardener looking to do something a little different, you might want to consider adding a water garden to your landscape so you can enjoy the many varieties and colors of beautiful water lilies. There’s something so special about these colorful jewels. (All photos courtesy of Aquascape, Inc.) I have to confess…
This summer we’re working more on the outside of our house, which includes painting it … ugh! But I’m also lending a critical eye to our garden spaces. I’ve always wanted a cottage style garden … you know, that riotous floral look with foxgloves stretching high and daisies spilling out of a picket fence. So…
