I've been so inspired this week to tackle big projects. Great timing, having the kids off to Grandma & Grandpa's for the whole week, but then again... we are hosting their 40th anniversary party at our house on Saturday when they bring the kids back. So I've got to keep perspective and make sure I have the house ready for guests, too! But this project I took on yesterday only took a couple of hours, and vastly improved the place for company as well as our family.
Our front porch area has been a difficult area for me to deal with. Plants just don't seem to grow beyond the first section of earth over the pond. And I was so sick of it being empty and dreary. It looked so unkempt! See what I mean?
OK, so I couldn't find a RECENT photo. I forgot a before picture. This is one that was from last year, but I had just worked on the darn area all day, and everything in it ended up dying. See what I mean? Blah...
Anyway, this is how I have attempted to bring life to our home. Give it some curb appeal, so to speak. And it was easy! I did plant the hostas and hydrangeas in the one area where anything will live. Everything else is a container! I cheated, yes, but I wish I had thought of this sooner. I went to Horrock's Nursery, an amazing plant source here, and they had all of their annuals half off, including planters and hanging baskets. I didn't pay more than $7 for any one of them, and look how huge they are! And gorgeous! I just took the hooks off the hanging baskets and set them right in the space above the pond. There are 4 total, but it looks SO FULL!!!! And I picked up the planters on the porch as well. Super deal, if you ask me. And it finally looks pretty, too. And my lower bed is finally in full bloom with all of my perennials. The tall grass-like plants are actually gladiolas. I planted the bulbs this spring, so no flowers until next year. But that's OK - I like the tropical look it has down here! Ahhhh.... the rewards of great summer weather. Now the house is ready on the outside for the big party!
Can you tell I just love being outside? I wish summer would never end....
I love you not because of who you are , but because of who I am when I am with you.
Posted by: mbt katika | August 05, 2011 at 03:55 AM