A New Entrance to the Backyard

 

We have recently redone both sides of the backyard.  Last week I showed the arbor we put in HERE.  This project is where we added a path, DIY curbing and a new planter.  Now we have the entrance to the backyard that we always wanted!

 

 

 

 

 

Here it is in March. 

After we added the arbor, we tore out about a third of the grass.

 

 

I wanted to keep the grass here so I could get the mower to the backyard.  Well, setting pavers is a lot of work.  Setting pavers in cutouts of grass is a TON of work!!  My back and hips are just now getting back to feeling normal...

We added the forms to make our own curbing.  I called around and the minimum charge for curbing was $275.  Since we only needed 20 feet, we decided it wouldn't be worth almost $15 a foot to have someone come out.  Instead, we bought boards and concrete mix and did it ourselves for $24.  And I think it looks just like the professional curbing!

 

We left the forms on for 24 hours.

 

We then added a couple of new sprinklers to the planter.

 

 

 

And lots of flowers--Rose of Sharon, Peony (already blooming!), Cosmos, Daisies, Lamb's Ear, etc. and of course a birdhouse!

 

 

 

It shouldn't take too long for the grass seed to fill in the empty spaces. 

 

 

Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam



 



I am linking to the following parties:

Elizabeth and Company

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House 

This Way to My Garden

Last weekend I went to one of my favorite Antique Shows--Fleattitude Vintage Market.  It's a bit of a drive, but well worth it in my book.  (I did find out that in November, they'll be moving the show about 30 miles closer to me)  Woohoo!

 

I found some great things!  And, the usual happened--I found and found and found until I ran out of the money I came with, so it was time to go home.

 

My favorite find of all is this garden sign. 

 I originally tried it in another spot, but my son suggested that it really should point to my garden.  I love it here as it's right near the kitchen too, so I get to see it even more!

 

 

Well, I guess we should take a tour of the garden!

 

Here's my view from my kitchen window.  Five years of work and things are just how I want them!

 

We built our pond four years ago. 

 

 



We get several families a year in the big birdhouse.



 

 

 

These wave petunias and salvia love the sun on the front porch.

 





Here's the front yard.  Lavender, Butterfly Bush, Coneflowers and Daylilies.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your visit!  

 

What new things have you found lately?

 

Pam

 

 

 



I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

 

 

You Can Plant Flowers in Any Old Thing



 

 

I love using old containers for flowers.  We recently found this little barrel for $10.  When we cut it in half, we were pleased to find a plastic liner for both sides.  :)  We drilled a couple of holes in the bottom, then put some burlap over the holes, filled with potting soil and planted petunias, cosmos and salvia. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found this old drink dispenser at a sale last week.  It too had a plastic liner.  I filled the bottom with pea gravel, then potting soil.  The wave petunias are already growing fast.  I put a geranium in the center. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's an old galvanized bucket.  I drilled holes in the bottom, put some pea gravel and potting soil and filled it with cosmos. 

 

 

I used an old milk crate for wave petunias on the porch.  OMG, they are filling in fast!

 

 

 

 

Things are blooming like crazy now!  From conventional pots and hanging baskets to any type of container that you love, flowers look great!

 

 

 

 

What's your favorite unconventional container for your flowers?

 

Thank you for your visit! 

Happy Summer!!

 

Pam

 

 

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

 

 

Beautiful Early Flowers



My two favorite months in the garden are May and June.  I absolutely love it when life returns to the yard and before the hot, hot summers take their toll on the flowers.

I planted my pots a little early this year.  The usual  safe date  to plant annuals here is Mother's Day.  I am a rebel (ok, not really) and planted things about 10 days before Mother's Day.  I did have to bring everything in to the garage one night,  but it was worth  it.  Now the pots are filling quickly.

 

These wave petunias are so pretty right out my back door.

 

 

I bought a galvanized watering can a few weeks ago.  It leaked, so didn't really work as a watering can, but it does work as a cute planter. 

 

 

I had another one that is painted light blue. I  think the cosmos look so cute in it too.

 

 

 

 

 

My peonies are ready to explode!  Every day I see more blooms.  They are such pretty flowers.

 

 

One of my clematis is blooming.  I love the pink color of these flowers.

 

 

 

 I love the look of flowers in galvanized buckets.

 

And in milk crates.  These wave petunias will be spilling over the sides in no time!

 

 

What are your favorite flowers?

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam

 

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

 



:

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House