Thinking about Window boxes...Christmas

You know how I feel about my window boxes. I have been intensely wanting them to look beautiful and plentiful for the holidays. The last couple years I tried big ornaments and Christmas birdhouses etc. Nothing seemed right. Until this year...

This year I got clever, it takes me awhile. Garlands and fresh greenery were so expensive at the nursery. I looked at the prices and was appalled. Then my thoughts drifted to the our own trees and bushes in the back. "DUH!" How did it take me so long...? So I went and started trimming...see the results. Did I get carried away after I finished the boxes?

Here and Now

Hello there...I'm back.

Well- truly I never left, I've been writing posts several times a day (in my head) and they are really good ones. You the kind that make you giggle as you read them. I'm giggling at least.  The challenge is finding time to put down. The break was necessary and good.

Thank you for checking in, here is a little preview of what has been happening and what is ahead.

What have I done with my window boxes for the season?

It looks gorge and cost less than $5.

We had our annual St Nick Party, loads of fun!

Thinking about Window Boxes: Part Three

Now if you would like to see how I got to this point click on Part One and Part Two. These boxes are just above the front yard flower beds where you can see here what I've planted.  The area below is filled with purples, whites and pinks and lots of green.

I decided to go with a mixture of classic choices and a little hardy succulent to try this year.
It didn't cost a fortune either. Bonus!

Drumroll please...

Petunias

Moss Rose (a trailing annual)

Blue Spruce Sedum ( a trailing perennial)

When thinking about it, I figured it would be nice if there was something that could be the foundation plant and that would possibly grow large and beautiful over the years, esp, since the growing season here is so short. It will also produce sweet yellow flowers late in summer to help us into the fall season.
Best thing about the above choices, drought resistance. Resistance is not futile. Couldn't resist.

Thinking about Window Boxes: Part Two

So, I have been trying to make window box plantings last for quite a while.  They always die. They dry out because it is just too hot in the full sun, etc. It's been quite pathetic.  

I have these beautiful window boxes and have had to put (dare I say it)...fake flowers in them.  Yes, I succumbed to fake flowers last year. There are no pictures.  I wish I could erase the memory of it.

Don't think less of me? Are you? Maybe just a little? It's ok.

So as I was getting ready this winter for planning my 10 weeks of blissful gardening.  Yes, I dream of my garden - all winter long.  Hence the garden journal this year. So I made a pinterest board called Through the glass.  Here are some faves, that I was considering for inspiration.

Source

Come over and play in my front garden.

Big plans, big dreams, so little time (short growing season in zone 5), thus a gardener's dilemmas.

I am trying to think out the front garden bed plan a bit more thouroughly.  It has been neglected for some time, really other than weeding, since we moved into this home. I have focused on the rock garden and veggie garden much more.



Let me describe first what I have.  It starts next to the step to the door with an Azalea ( I know right next to the door, I didn't plant it there.  It is pretty but it will get big and it is already more mature than it should be for that spot, I think?)



Below, the Azalea is tons of Lily of the Valley. Yes, it smells beautiful in bloom and it is so pretty. It is also pretty invasive and I started last year by transplanting lots of it to the wooded area in the back.

Just look how much is back in this spot. See the bench I painted in the back? 

How to Paint a Bench Ombre-Style

I picked up this bench last summer at a yard sale. 

End of the day and $20, yippee!

By now you know my affinty for Anthropologie.

I even pinned an inspiration.

I had great plans, I wanted to ombre it!

It sat for a long, long time on our very sad front porch, 

looking sorely out of place.

So many things had to take priority over it.

But finally, huge big grin. 

I had 2 hours, yes, I said it, 2 hours to myself!

I had 3 spray cans and 2 hours.

I washed it, got all the little spider babies out of it.(ick)

Sanded it a bit, I admit, should of sanded it more.

But I couldn't wait to get to the fun part.

I sprayed the white parts first, back top and bottom.

Using primer/spray mix, worked great! Easy-peasy.

Then next color, mid-blue, on the middle sections.

Last the dark blue on front middle.

To get more of the effect I would go over the transition parts with each color,

while lifting the spray can away from the piece, while spraying.

I wanted the darkest section at the very front.

Finished it with spray sealer, after it dried in the sun.

Turned out exactly as I pictured it!

Not often that happens, at least in my world.

I had a little left in the cans and decided to paint this cute pot to go with it.

Also moved some pillows from indoor to outdoor.

The pillows were sprayed with outdoor fabric protector.

Pretty, pretty, happy, happy.

Fall here we come!

How is your front porch starting to "fall" together?

Don't you love how the color deepens and changes with the light.

Smiling wide, baby, Smiling wide.

Share the Day!

Sharing with

 Thededicatedhouse,  Boogieboardcottage,  Coastal Charm, The Chicken- Chick,  Ishouldbemoppingthefloor, InsideBruCrewLife,  Uncommon Designs,   Todayscreativeblog,  Littlehouseliving,  Cozylittlehouse,  CedarHill Ranch,   Beyondthepicketfence,  Free Pretty Things for You,  Southern Lovely,  Ginger Snap Crafts, Katies Nesting Spot,  The Shabby Nest,  Be Different...Act Normal,  Lovely Crafty Home, An Original Belle, Savvy Southern Lovely , The Diy Dreamer, Lolly Jane, FarmHousePorch, CraftyTexasGirls, FrenchCountryCottage, Just Dip it in Chocolate

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Jennifer Rizzo , Shabby Creek Cottage, I Gotta Create

Tis The Season

Whoo Hoo, here we go!

I love this season.

Full of Joy, Full of Love.

Share the Day!

So much for Fall Decor

I've already shared how much I like outdoor fall decor.

We have our pretty fall wreath and every year I hang dried corn.

I've had one set of dried different colored corn for many years.

I love the pretty colors.

It has kept so well and why change something that works well.

We had pumpkins sitting outside and I was deciding on their display. 

In the meanwhile, just appreciating their natural simplicity.

Someone else was appreciating their natural beauty too!

Look how much!

When I say appreciating, I mean really APPRECIATING!

What's left of my beautiful corn, 

two different displays taken right off the hooks on the walls!

I hope it doesn't make them sick,

yet Hijinks seems no worse for wear.

I have never had a squirrel eat through a pumpkin?

They are on a mission around here.

How are things around you?

Outdoor Fall Decor

As you may have guessed, I like front yard decor. 

I also love outdoor fall decor and harvest themes.  

I really appreciate when people put the effort into it.

But simple is sometimes even better.

Check out how some folks around town have been decorating.

Symmetry

So beautiful! 

All the colors, and the combination of her summer ivy, 

with the addition of the fall elements.

Sweet idea. 

Just one thing strikes me.  

I believe what it is, 

is that the girl doll doesn't look as happy? 

What do you think?

This is one of my fave's. Flat pumpkins leaning against a rock.

Genius!

Last, but certainly not least!

Our good friend decided to grow her own, on their front lawn garden.

Simple and elegant at the same time.

Don't you love how the vine climbs down the hill.

I wish I had taken a picture from the front, the spirals and flow are truly beautiful.

Just makes me smile!

Share the Day!

Unusual front yards

Ever driven by someone's yard, and turned your head or slowed down to take another look.

Sometimes do you ever wonder... What were they thinking? Why?

The following pictures were sent by a friend who had the same question.

I think the answer is, to make us smile.

 So, thank you to all those with creativity and adding a moment to share in our days.

If anyone sees any other unusual front yards, send them along.

Share the day!